THERE is a youngster from Perth on course at the women’s golf US Open this week who you haven’t heard of.
While Royal Fremantle Golf Club’s Minjee Lee is a favourite for the tournament, Aaron Dobson spent 110 hours on course last week preparing for one of the biggest events in women’s sport.
But the 23-year-old from Carramar won’t be playing this week because he is completing an internship at Shoal Creek Country Club in Alabama – host of the tournament that runs from May 31 to June 3.
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READ NOWAfter completing his Certificate III in Sports Turf Management last year, Mr Dobson applied for a highly competitive program run by the Ohio State University Global Turf Program.
The program places young Australian greenkeepers at top golf courses in the US.
“It’s great because I’m being trained for the next stage of my career already,” Mr Dobson said.
“I’m an intern but they’re treating me like an assistant greenkeeper already.
“I’m placing the holes for the biggest event in women’s golf; it’s the premier job amongst greenkeepers.
“That’s a bit of pressure but it’s pretty awesome.
“I get to be the last person on the course before the players come through.”
Mr Dobson has been a member at Lakelands Country Club in Gnangara since he was in primary school and worked at his home club for the past few years.
He left Perth at the end of March and will be working at the US Open venue until November, where he will continue to develop his skills and learn his trade.
He then hopes to use his qualifications and experience to travel the world.
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