St Andrews, Scotland: Dr Simon Watson, an industry expert within turf agronomy and specifically sports turf management, has joined The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service.

Watson brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the turf, amenity and agriculture industry to the service.

With a strong interest and passion for sports turf agronomy, Watson, in his role as Senior Agronomist, adds to the already impressive line-up of agronomists at The R&A.

Prior to joining, he travelled the world gaining invaluable experience across different climates, turf conditions and locations, all of which has shaped his expansive knowledge of the industry today.

“My background has allowed me to learn and develop my understanding of the industry across many sectors, and through my time at STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute) and Syngenta, I have had an extensive amount of practical experience that I’m excited to utilise with the team,” said Watson.

“The opportunity to join The R&A was something I simply couldn’t miss. Its involvement and commitment to not only fostering the growth of golf, but also the importance it places on sustainability and how golf can be good for the environment, is an ethos that I’m proud to now be a part of,” he added.

Based predominantly in the southeast of England, Watson is already working with a host of clubs in the area, alongside other venues across the country and into mainland Europe.

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service has grown since its inception in 2022, with a comprehensive and well-recognised team plotted around the country. The consultancy service gives clubs access to a wealth of agronomic experience, positioning The R&A firmly in the centre of sustainable development within the game.

To find out more about the Sustainable Agronomy Service, visit www.randa.org/en/sustainability/agronomy.