The Belfry Promotes Anna Nilsson To Deputy Head Greenkeeper Of Iconic Brabazon Course

Anna’s promotion marks the first time a woman has managed such an iconic, championship course

Anna Nilsson
(Image credit: The Belfry)

The Belfry Hotel & Resort has announced that Anna Nilsson has been promoted to Deputy Head Greenkeeper of the legendary Brabazon course. Anna’s promotion marks the first time a woman has managed such an iconic, championship course. The Brabazon has hosted The Ryder Cup four times – more than any other venue in the world – and a number of DP World Tour events.

Previously Senior Greenkeeper, Anna’s responsibilities in her new role include turf management, people management, and maintaining the course to ensure the Brabazon offers a tournament standard for all players on a daily basis. Anna’s main responsibility will be preparing the course ahead of the Betfred British Masters 2022 which will take place on the Brabazon on 5th until 8th May 2022, hosted by former Masters champion, Danny Willett.

“It is an honour to have been promoted to Deputy Head Greenkeeper of The Belfry’s flagship course," said Anna Nilsson. I am proud to have been given this opportunity and to be able to work alongside such a fantastic, knowledgeable, and inspiring team every day. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for them. 

"I’ve worked on a number of courses and nowhere compares to The Belfry, we ensure that our guests can experience a Ryder Cup quality course daily as the Brabazon is always up to tournament standard. I am very excited to continue share my passion and knowledge and I hope that my story will continue to inspire more women to join this incredible industry.”

Anna joined The Belfry team in 2019 after moving from Sweden to take on the role. She studied at the Swedish University of Agricultural Studies and has worked across several golf courses in Sweden, which included maintaining the courses in snowy conditions as well as fixing moose and wild boar damage on the course.

Commenting on Anna’s promotion, Angus Macleod, Director of Golf Courses and Estates at The Belfry Hotel & Resort said: “Anna is a credit to our team, and we are delighted to promote her to Deputy Head Greenkeeper of the iconic Brabazon. Anna is extremely dedicated and continues to show great passion in everything she does, we look forward to the incredible expertise that she will bring to the role. I hope that Anna’s success will continue to unite the industry and raise interest in golf amongst women, which I hope leads to more women choosing to pursue a career in greenkeeping.”

Elliott Heath
News Editor

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!

Elliott is currently playing:

Driver: Titleist TSR4

3 wood: Titleist TSi2

Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1

Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5

Ball: Srixon Z Star XV