The R&A’s Bonallack on Jim Arthur

Sir Michael Bonallack, perhaps the finest amateur golfer since the second world war.

“In my foreword to ‘Practical Greenkeeping’ I referred to Jim Arthur as being “invariably controversial, but infuriatingly nearly always right…”

As we mark what would have been his 100th birthday, this remains true.  Many greenkeepers follow Jim’s principles for managing the golf course, whilst others take a different path.

We continue to learn from Jim, notably the recent need to impart only essential maintenance regimes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jim’s approach could well stand us in good stead as we face a future requiring adaptation and change.

Perhaps a change back to traditional greenkeeping will be necessary to ensure that the game thrives over the decades to come.”

Sir Michael Bonallack, Secretary, Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews 1983-1999