Alan Tait: The Player, The Pro and The Science

Welcome to this special update from Grass Science Seeds. While our day-to-day focus is often deep in the data of soil structure and sward density, we know that the ultimate goal of our "Science for the Surface" philosophy is the experience of the person standing on the tee.

To bring you a different perspective, we are talking to someone who has spent his life navigating the world's most elite playing surfaces. And we are very proud to call him a brand ambassador!

Alan Tait, who has been a Grass Science Seeds Brand Ambassador for the last three years is a PGA "Specialist" Scottish Golf Professional with a wealth of experience across the European Tour, BBC commentary and elite hospitality management.

Alan first encountered GSS during a Pro-Am at Pannal Golf Club and was immediately intrigued by the "Science for the Surface" philosophy. As he travels across the country, Alan is always keen to introduce GSS to Golf Club Managers and Greenkeepers, helping them understand how to take the gamble out of turf management by using sampling and science to leave only Mother Nature to chance.

Alan is currently available to visit golf clubs across Scotland representing GSS. Whether you are looking to discuss the technical benefits of our seed collections or want to understand the science behind our sward architecture, Alan is happy to share his unique perspective as both a professional player and a specialist in the industry.

At Grass Science Seeds, we believe in taking the gamble out of turf management. Alan understands that world-class presentation is the result of world-class science. In this exclusive Q&A, he shares his experiences from playing with Tiger Woods to the technical "feel" of a perfectly prepared course.

Q&A with Our Brand Ambassador, Alan Tait!

You’ve played on the world’s finest fairways - what made you choose to partner with Grass Science Seeds, and how does their data-led approach benefit the modern golfer? 

Alan: I played with Stephen in a Pro-Am a few years ago at Pannal GC and through chatting, we both agreed a partnership would be a good mix given my network and contacts in golf, especially in Scotland. GSS’s communication and outreach in the golf industry is invaluable and I knew I could add to that.
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From a player's point of view, can you actually "feel" the difference when a course has invested in its technical soil structure and sward architecture? 

Alan: 100% yes. You can feel the difference in the strike of the ball and the divot - or lack of it!
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With your extensive background in golf management, what do you see as the biggest challenge currently facing Scottish golf course maintenance? 

Alan: The obvious challenge is the cost of living which applies to the golf industry as well. Machines, fertilisers and consumables have all increased dramatically in cost over the last few years and this has a real impact on golf clubs, especially smaller ones who are struggling for members.
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You recently launched the Scottish Women’s Amateur Tour; how vital is professional-standard surface quality in providing a platform for the next generation of talent? 

Alan: Hugely important. Whether it be juniors, women or senior golfers, they all have to feel valued and embrace the game of golf. If not, their interest in the game can very quickly be lost.
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You’ve played alongside Tiger Woods - what is the one thing he does on the course that would most surprise the average club golfer? 

Alan: It was a long time ago when I played with Tiger - 1995 to be exact, at Carnoustie in a practice round at The Scottish Open. He was only 20 or 21 then but even at that young age he showed unbelievable maturity. The way he studied each shot, the wind, the terrain, how the ball lay, the distance, was incredible. His attention to each shot was off the charts, and this was just in practice!
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Aside from your home turf in Ayrshire, what is the most "perfectly prepared" course you have ever played on? 

Alan: I’m a huge fan of Dumbarnie Links near St Andrews. The course only opened 5 or 6 years ago, but it feels like it’s been there much longer. The presentation of the course is world-class. The fairways are as good as some greens I putt on!
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As an ambassador for Battle Against Dementia, how can the golf community play a bigger role in supporting such vital causes? 

Alan: I definitely think venues can be a little more supportive to charity golf days. I appreciate golf clubs are a business and they need to drive revenue, however, giving up their course for one or two days a year to help chosen charities would really help. Some venues treat charity golf days like a corporate day, which are two completely different things. Charities need all the help they can get, and venues need to make entry fees and packages affordable where the golfer can afford to support.
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When you are commentating for the BBC, what are the first visual cues that tell you a greenkeeper has got the course balance just right? 

Alan: For me, it’s always presentation, definition and attention to detail. You know when a greenkeeping team “cares”. One of my pet hates is shoddy course furniture - tee markers or benches that are squint or have bird droppings on them. The team will see that daily when they are out and about. Straighten the signage up and wipe them down. Just show you care and it takes two minutes!

A Word of Thanks

We would like to extend a massive thank you to Alan for his time and for sharing these fascinating insights into the professional game.

You can find out more about Alan here: AlanTaitGolf.co.uk

Ready to apply the same level of technical detail to your course that the pros expect? Explore our range of specialist seed mixtures and sampling services: Grass Science Seeds.