Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

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Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader: The Bernhard Academy, a global leader in turf care education, has announced the appointment of Barry Drennan as Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management workshops.

Coinciding with Drennan’s appointment, the Bernhard Academy has unveiled its new, innovative ‘Bernhard Academy Pathways’ for 2025. These structured learning tracks are designed to empower turf professionals by enhancing their skills across technical, agronomic, and managerial disciplines.

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Barry Drennan joins the Bernhard Academy with more than 35 years of global experience in turf management, having started his career as a greenkeeper in 1987 and qualified as a golf course mechanic in 1991. He has since worked with leading brands such as Toro and Bernhard and Company, operated businesses specialising in golf equipment sales, hire, training, and service, and supported major tournaments including the Ryder Cup and Walker Cup.

Under Drennan’s leadership, the Bernhard Academy is introducing a range of new technical workshops for 2025 to form the core of its Technical and Equipment Management Pathway:

  • Basic Machinery Maintenance for Turf Professionals (NEW)
  • Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Part 1 & Part 2 (NEW)
  • Grinder Refresher and Abrasive Wheels Training (NEW)
  • Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques

The Bernhard Academy Pathways for 2025 offer comprehensive development opportunities, by combining numerous different workshops to create dedicated pathways for four different end goals:

  1. Leadership and Management Pathway
    1. Aspiring Manager
    2. Confident Manager
    3. Successful Manager Part 1 & 2
    4. Inspirational Leader
  2. Technical and Equipment Management Pathway
    1. Abrasive Wheel Safety Certificate
    2. Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
    3. Basic Machinery Maintenance
    4. Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Level 1 & 2
  3. Agronomy Pathway
    1. Basic Agronomy
  4. Bespoke Programmes
    1. Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers
    2. Customised training solutions tailored to client needs

Commenting on his new role, Barry Drennan said: “I’m delighted to join the Bernhard Academy at such an exciting time. I look forward to contributing my experience to provide valuable training in technical and equipment management skills to the industry.”

Sami Strutt, Education Director added: “We are delighted at the appointment of Barry Drennan. His knowledge, experience and skills have been fundamental in the development of the Technical and Equipment Management Pathway, which forms one of the three pillars of the Bernhard Academy. Barry’s enthusiasm and boundless energy will create an enjoyable and productive learning experience. The new pathways and workshops we are introducing will provide amazing opportunities for turf professionals to advance their careers and to shape the next generation of industry leaders.”

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk, where you can view more information about workshops and educational pathways.

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Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

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Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations: A fleet of nine Kubota RTV’s have been described as ‘pivotal’ to the maintenance operations at Berkshire’s Bearwood Lakes Golf Club. Supplied in 2023 by local dealer Lister Wilder, the fleet are delivering the versatility and scope to cover all course tasks – from the transportation of people, equipment and materials, to being utilised as a ball picker on the driving range!

Regularly ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses, the venue has undergone major redevelopment over the last eight years under the guidance of course manager Andrew Whittaker. Testament to the improvements made, Bearwood Lakes has been the host to a number of high-profile events over the past few years including the Justin Rose Ladies series, Senior Open Qualifiers and the Regional Open Qualifiers.

Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

“We demonstrated various makes and models when we were looking to upgrade our utility vehicles, and the liking for the Kubota RTV’s was pretty unanimous among the team” Andrew explains. “For the rigours of the golf course both during summer and winter time, along with the additional demands of winter projects which we mostly undertake in-house, the RTV’s give us the versatility and power needed, as well as outstanding off-road capabilities.”

The fleet of nine is comprised of four RTV-X1110’s and five RTV-520’s, in a mixture of ROPS and cabbed specification. “The ability to have a closed cab is something the team really liked and will be popular when the weather turns! The 4-wheel drive and hydraulic tip are other notable features which helps us to maximise operator safety and productivity.”

Together with user-friendly operation, comfort and efficiency, Andrew also notes the back up from the local Kubota dealer, to ensure maintenance operations are kept on track. “We are fortunate to have an excellent workshop manager in Bruce, who cares for all our equipment and maintains this to high standards each day. But we also have Lister Wilder within a 15-minute drive of the club and had the fantastic support of David Gray guiding us through the installation of our Kubota fleet, who made the process seamless for the team.”

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Regional Technical Manager – UK Central

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Join Turfix as a Regional Technical Manager – UK Central

Regional Technical Manager - UK Central

Regional Technical Manager – UK Central

Turfix, part of the King’s Award-winning Pitchmark Group, is looking for an ambitious and driven individual to join their dynamic team.

Are you an ambitious and driven individual looking to make your mark in the dynamic world of sports turf? Turfix, a family run business, is seeking a passionate Regional Technical Manager to join our innovative and growing team.

The role focuses on line marking, specifically undertaking product demonstrations to customers, servicing of line marking equipment, providing customer training and support, and undertaking line marking works using automated robotic technology.

The role requires flexibility and adaptability, as there will be lots of travel involved, including overnight stays. The successful applicant will be a great team player and communicator, willing and able to plan own workloads and diary.

If the thought of joining a leading brand – and one of the fastest growing companies in the sports turf industry – appeals to you,
please send your CV and a covering letter to careers@thepitchmarkgroup.com.

What You’ll Do:

  • Lead Product Demonstrations: Showcase our cutting-edge line marking products to customers, highlighting their value and effectiveness.
  • Service Equipment: Ensure our line marking equipment is in top-notch condition, providing exceptional service and maintenance.
  • Customer Training and Support: Empower our clients with comprehensive training and ongoing support to maximise their success.
  • Utilise Robotic Technology: Perform precise line marking works using our state-of-the-art automated robotic technology

What We’re Looking For:

  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Embrace frequent travel and overnight stays as you support our widespread customer base.
  • Team Player: Thrive in a collaborative environment, bringing excellent communication skills and a proactive attitude.
  • Self-Starter: Plan and manage your own workload and schedule with confidence and efficiency.

Why Join Us?

  • Be Part of a Leading Brand: Turfix is a renowned name in the sports turf industry, recognised for innovation and excellence.
  • Growth Opportunities: Join one of the fastest-growing companies in our field, offering significant opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • Dynamic Work Environment: Experience the excitement of working with a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a difference.
  • Fantastic Benefits: Competitive Salary, enjoy a generous holiday allowance, birthday leave, company-provided laptop, phone, vehicle, profit share, comprehensive EAP, long service perks and much more.

If you’re ready to elevate your career with a company that values your skills and passion, we want to hear from you! Send your CV and a compelling cover letter to careers@thepitchmarkgroup.com.

For a friendly chat about the role, contact Steve Bailey, our Technical Manager, on 07954 143840.

Join us at Turfix, and let’s create the future of sports turf together!