Greenkeeper at historic Ryder Cup venue unfairly dismissed over digger incident
A former greenkeeper at Walton Heath GC in Surrey has won a case for unfair dismissal after being sacked over a digger incident.
Former Walton Heath GC greenkeeper Michael Haynes has won his case for unfair dismissal after he was sacked from the famous Ryder Cup and European Tour venue when his digger fell into a hole., according to the BBC.
Mr Haynes had been a greenkeeper at the 1981 Ryder Cup venue for almost 40 years prior to his sacking in 2021.
He was let go from his duties as Walton Heath GC greenkeeper after the digger he was operating fell cab-side down into a hole while he was not wearing a seatbelt.
Mr Haynes did not formally report the incident as "no harm was done".
Those above at the famous Surrey course deemed the incident was "significant" and sacked him for gross misconduct.
But last month it was determined at an employment tribunal that other options should have been considered before Mr Haynes was dismissed from his position as head greenkeeper.
The tribunal heard how Mr Haynes had been trained on how to operate the club's digger since around 2005 and that his license was updated every five years, albeit his current renewal was overdue.
A training instructor reportedly told Walton Heath GC manager Michael Mann that Mr Haynes was very fortunate to "not have been seriously hurt."
Mr Haynes had reportedly told Mr Mann about the accident at the time, but Mr Mann denies such a conversation.
Bosses at Walton Heath GC therefore deemed the incident as a "serious breach" of health and safety rules because the accident had not been reported.
Per the BBC, Mr Haynes was dismissed without notice and his two attempts at appealing the decision had been rejected.
Last month's employment tribunal, however, found that while Mr Haynes should have completed an accident log, bosses at the private golf club had "exaggerated and maximised" the seriousness of the incident.
The tribunal ruled that Mr Haynes' compensation would be reduced by 50% for failing to log the accident.
The total amount was not disclosed.
A greenskeeper who had worked at Walton Heath Golf Club for almost 40 years has won a case for "unreasonable" dismissal after he was sacked when his digger fell into a hole.
— BBC Surrey (@BBCSurrey) January 6, 2025
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Walton Heath GC hosted its sole Ryder Cup in 1981 when Dave Marr's United States defeated John Jacobs' Europe 18.5-9.5.
The venue has hosted a number of other big tournaments, including the European Open between 1978 and 1991, as well as the 2018 British Masters won by Eddie Pepperell and the 2023 AIG Women's Open won by Lilia Vu.
Walton Heath GC was founded in 1903.
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