Episode #28 Kate Stillwell on Finding a Passion for Greenkeeping and Moving from the UK to Iceland

In this episode, we chat to Kate Stillwell, head greenkeeper at GKG Golf Course in Iceland.Kate shares how growing up in a family deeply involved in professional golf shaped her path into greenkeeping. With her father working as Head Agronomist on the European Tour for more than 40 years, she spent much of her childhood travelling to world-class golf courses and developing a passion for the industry from a young age.She also talks about her early career experiences working on tournaments across the world, including Morocco, China, India, Switzerland, and Sweden, and how those roles taught her to adapt to different teams, climates, and course conditions.Kate reflects on one of the biggest challenges of her career: managing the grow-in of 18 Pure Distinction greens at The Inspiration Golf Club near London. She explains the pressure of running irrigation cycles, seeding greens at pace, and dealing with unexpected issues such as wildlife damage and drought during the project.She explains her move to Iceland, including the unique challenges that Icelandic weather brings to turf management and why she believes more people should experience working abroad.Kate's contact details:Email: [email protected] to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected]