TAFE Queensland sports turf graduates recognised among Australia’s best apprentices

Nathan Baker and Tobey Phillips have both turned their passion for sport and the outdoors into award-winning careers, taking out top honours in their respective fields and showcasing the strength of TAFE Queensland’s sports turf training.

Nathan was named ASTMA Graduate of the Year – Golf, while Tobey claimed the ASTMA Graduate of the Year – Sportsfields & Grounds award, with both graduates recognised for their technical skills, dedication and career progression in the industry.

Nathan’s journey from apprentice to award-winning golf turf graduate

For Nathan Baker, studying sports turf management opened the door to a career that has already taken him from northern New South Wales to some of the most respected golf courses in Australia and overseas.

Nathan completed his apprenticeship at Byron Bay Golf Club, studying his Certificate III in Sports Turf Management (AHC31324) through TAFE Queensland’s Grovely campus. Since graduating in late 2024, his career has continued to gain momentum.

He returned to Melbourne to undertake a placement at Kingston Heath Golf Club during the 2024 Australian Open before travelling to Sweden in 2025 for a six-month placement at Crownwood Club, an exclusive private golf course under construction.

There, he helped with the establishment and grow-in of the new course, gaining valuable international experience and building on the practical skills developed during his apprenticeship.

Now back at Kingston Heath, Nathan is part of the team preparing the course for the 2026 Capital.com Australian Open.

Nathan said he was grateful for the opportunities and support that helped shape his journey.

“I’m super grateful to have done my time under Shaun Cross at Byron Bay Golf Club,” he said.

Tobey’s sports turf career takes off

Tobey Phillips’ path into the industry started on the sports fields of Brisbane, where he began his apprenticeship with the Brisbane Metropolitan Touch Association under grounds manager Robert Watkins.

After two years developing his skills there, Tobey completed his Certificate III in Sports Turf Management (AHC31324) through TAFE Queensland and went on to join the Brisbane Racing Club as a Turf Surfaces Attendant at Doomben Racecourse, where he is thriving in his current role.

Winning the ASTMA Graduate of the Year – Sportsfields & Grounds award is a major milestone in a career that is already on a strong upward trajectory and highlights Tobey’s commitment to the trade.

Tobey said TAFE Queensland teacher Eddie Bennett had played an important role in supporting his development as an apprentice.

“Eddie Bennett from TAFE Queensland has been a massive supporter of apprentices in Queensland and has been really important to my career so far,” he said.

Building careers from the ground up

The ASTMA Graduate of the Year Awards recognise apprentices who have demonstrated outstanding skill, knowledge and commitment to a career in sports turf management.

For Nathan and Tobey, the national recognition reflects not only their talent and hard work, but also the hands-on training, industry support and real-world experience that helped launch their careers.

From golf courses and racecourses to sports fields and stadiums, sports turf management plays a vital role in keeping Australia’s sporting venues performing at their best.

TAFE Queensland’s sports turf training gives students the practical skills and industry knowledge to step confidently into that environment and build careers across a wide range of turf and grounds roles.

Nathan and Tobey’s success is a powerful reminder of what can grow from that opportunity - from an apprenticeship in Queensland to national recognition as two of Australia’s best emerging turf professionals.