I'm a local boy here in Gullane and used to caddie on the course as a schoolboy.

I ended up getting a summer job helping the Head Green keeper.

Once the summer was over, a guy retired and I was asked if I wanted to stay on permanently.

How would someone get into the job now?

There are a number of mainly agricultural colleges, such as Elmwood in Fife, that offer courses in green keeping and course management.

I was only 28 when I took charge at Muirfield.

Traditionally it would have been the longest serving green keeper, probably in their fifties, who would be in charge - especially on a championship course!

Thankfully things have changed.

Another problem for Colin?

Can you make a lot of money in this career?

Clubs are always on the look out for qualified staff.

One of the younger guys here recently left to work out in Tobago in the Caribbean! As you gain experience the money improves.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Getting the course ready for a big tournament.

The fact that the Open was broadcast to millions of people around the world gave us a real incentive to get the course in perfect condition.

Anything that you dislike?

The weather!

At Muirfield the standard of players is always high so we can't turn round to the club secretary and say: "The fairways have not been cut because it is raining."

It's a challenge to battle against something we cannot do anything about.