"A significant number of women are unaware of this career option," said Anna Nilsson, a renowned greenkeeper.
As the deputy head groundskeeper of the famous Brabazon golf course at The Belfry Hotel and Resort in the West Midlands, she says that she is the only woman in the UK overseeing a top-level competitive golf course.
She oversees a team of 45 individuals and as part of her job, she has been able to travel globally.
A 40-year-old woman received recognition in November with an award at the 2024 Women in Golf Awards.
The club is a four-time host of the Ryder Cup and hosts events including the DP World Tour, charity events and corporate competitions.
Ms Nilsson aims to motivate and inspire more women to consider greenkeeping as a career option.
There aren't many women in this industry, and you don't see them in top leadership positions at major organizations or events," she said, "regrettably, few women are in command of the highest-profile venues.
If we consider a global perspective, there's actually been only one female aside from me who has managed a big professional golf course, that being Laura Arias, who served as superintendent at the Marcus Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy during the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Statistics from the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association indicate that less than one percent of its membership consists of women, a figure the organization would like to see improved.
This is primarily criticism for being behind the times by being too white, male, elderly, and expensive.
Ms. Nilsson, supported by the Sutton Coldfield golf club, is very serious about encouraging young women to consider a career in greenkeeping.
I'm totally into glamour and all that goes with it, and I believe that a lot of women view you as a bit rough around the edges, but not at all - I've taken care of my fingernails.
It's hilarious because I mean, I don't fit the typical image of a greenkeeper, I'm constantly being told that.
To spark young minds, the club invites kids to visit the course and grounds and hosts workshops, while Ms Nilsson also does talks at schools about her work.
She mentioned that jobs are out there and it's not just limited to golf - noting that there are also career opportunities in football and tennis.
Ms. Nilsson mentioned that she sort of fell into the position of greenkeeper, but has been committed to it ever since.
The women who are now following her on social media are surprised and amazed by the tasks involved in her job, and they think it's really cool.
"You don't need to be a golfer to work as a greenkeeper," she emphasized.
People think you have to be good at golf, but honestly, I stink at it.
Her job requires her to handle logistics and planning, as well as aspects related to microbiology and chemical management, and pest control. However, she stated that she learned on the job without the necessity of having a university degree.
She said her love of sustainability and nature was also valued in her job.
Golf courses are wonderful for the outdoors. We actually have a family of muntjacs making their home near the 13th hole.
As you drive out to watch the sun rise, you catch a glimpse of muntjacs running across and we also have barn owls around. It's truly lovely.
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