Member Article

93-year-old helps “put” 9-hole golf green in the gardens of Harrogate care home

A green fingered resident at a care home in Harrogate has helped gardeners at the home develop a 9-hole putting green within its grounds.

93-year-old, Alistair Scott moved into Harcourt Gardens in 2021 following at heart attack which meant he required ongoing care, but within a residential setting.

Upon moving into the home, Alistair spent most of his time outdoors and became friendly with the onsite gardener. Having been introduced to gardening by his father at age 8, Alistair was keen to lend a helping hand and spotted a gap in the grounds for a putting green.

Alistair said, “My first job was cleaning the tools that my father would use - then he taught me the difference between a plant and a weed – only then was I trusted to do weeding.” His dad then graduated him to “tatty” planting.

Spotted by the home’s CEO one day when he visited the home, Graeme Lee said, “I was so impressed with Alistair’s knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening that I instantly appointed him ‘Head Gardener’ of Harcourt Gardens.”

Graeme added, “Alistair then made a very smart suggestion to develop a 9-hole putting green as there are many residents at the home who were keen golfers throughout their lives.”

He continued, “It made sense to create a safe space where residents and their friends and family could enjoy a round of golf together.”

Care home manager at Harcourt Garden’s, Debbie Daniels said, “It’s been so lovely to see how engaged Alistair has been with the project. I’ve worked in care for many years, and this is the first time I’ve seen, or even heard of a putting green being developed at a care home – it’s quite unique.

“From the minute Alistair was appointed Head Gardener he has taken the role very seriously directing the gardeners as to what should go where.

“it’s a great addition to the home and the residents are really enjoying it – they can be quite competitive too!”

Getting a hole in one on the day of the official opening of the putting green, Alistair added, “I didn’t play golf until later in life during my retirement – in my day it was classed as “a rich man’s sport”, but I’m really enjoying it now.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Samara Ullmann .