Ice Hockey Expert Works his Magic on the Greens at Mere

Matt Folka, a golf enthusiast with an added passion for ice hockey, has become Mere Golf & Country Club's newest green keeper.

Canadian-born Matt will use his 12 years experience in green keeping to help maintain the excellent standards of turf for which Mere Golf & Country Club is renowned.

He will report to Mere's course manager, Paul Hyde and course superintendent, Stuart Boyce. Previously, Matt spent seven years as a fire fighter with Maple Ridge fire department before taking up a green keeping position at the prestigious Swan-e-set Bay Golf Club in Vancouver.

He then moved to England 1996 and worked at Huyton and Prescott Golf Course in Merseyside until he was appointed by Mere Golf & Country Club in Cheshire.

Continuing his career development, Matt is currently studying for a NVQ Level II qualification in amenities sports turf. Commenting on his appointment, Matt said, "Mere Golf & Country Club has an excellent reputation among professional and amateur golfers alike - and it was this that that attracted me to the position. I work with a great crowd of people and am thoroughly enjoying my time here."

In Canada, Matt was a professional International Ice Hockey referee and has continued his passion for the sport in this country where he is a professional referee for the Ice Hockey Superleague. Matt lives with his partner in Wavertree, Liverpool.