THE world’s best golfers start the Open Championhip at St Andrews today.

And they will all be reaping the benefits of the work carried out on the prestigious Scottish course by a man who lives nearly 500 miles away in Rayleigh.

Ian Nichols has been based at the famous venue for the past 11 days and the former FitzWimarc School pupil has played a unique part in preparations.

“I’ve carried out a number of tasks including cutting the greens, cutting the fairways, tees and approaches,” said the 45-year-old sports surface manager.

“I’ve been making final checks and tidying up the riveted bunkers. Rolling the greens and firming and smoothing the surfaces has also been an important job however there are also lots of little jobs which are attention to detail really.”

Nichols has worked in the industry since 2010, a year after he lost his job working in the City.

The keen golf fan was first alerted to its merits by a feature on Sky Sports and studied depth soil chemistry and plant biology to gain a BSc (Hons) in Turfgrass Science .

This coming autumn he will also embark on a masters degree programme in sustainable golf course management.

And he cannot wait to see his efforts put to good use in the Open.

“You can physically see your work and it’s really rewarding when you see people enjoying what you have prepared and passing on compliments about enjoying their round of golf,” said Nichols.

“Nothing beats working outside in the fresh air and sunshine but it can be cold and wet as well.

“Also when a golfer is having a bad round they want to blame something or someone for that and often it’s the greenkeeper, so you take the rough with the smooth as you do with any job.

“But this week is very rewarding, especially with the whole world watching.”

However it will also be a very tiring four days for Nichols, who is also the deputy course manager at Orsett Golf Club.

“For the Open the greenkeeping team report at 3.45am for a team briefing and then get out there for 4am,” said Nichols.

“Everything gets cut, sometimes twice in the case of the greens which also will be rolled, while bunkers are reshaped and raked and new holes cut.

“Some greenkeepers have to stay on in case of bad weather which means more work is required to get the course playable again.

“Most will get some rest or watch the golf before the evening shift begins again at 7pm where the greens get cut again and the whole course will be divoted before finishing around 10pm.

“It’s long days during tournament week but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”