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BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

January 15, 2026/in Industry News, News, Press Release/by Admin

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce that it has been formally approved as a Lantra Customised Provider, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s ongoing commitment to raising standards, professionalism, and access to high-quality education across the golf greenkeeping industry. This approval recognises […]

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

January 15, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme: Following its recent announcement introducing Soil Scout’s real-time underground monitoring technology to the Northern American market, Bernhard and Company is supporting the launch of Soil Scout’s new Grandmaster Programme – a global ambassador initiative designed to recognise and connect the professionals shaping the future of turf management. […]

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

January 15, 2026/in Industry News, News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

January 15, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

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BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

January 15, 2026/in Industry News, News, Press Release/by Admin

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce that it has been formally approved as a Lantra Customised Provider, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s ongoing commitment to raising standards, professionalism, and access to high-quality education across the golf greenkeeping industry.

This approval recognises BIGGA’s capability to design, deliver and quality-assure industry-relevant learning that meets nationally recognised standards.

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

As a Lantra Customised Provider, BIGGA is now approved to develop and deliver bespoke, accredited training and awards that are tailored specifically to the needs of the golf and sports turf sector. This status ensures that BIGGA programmes are externally validated, quality assured and aligned with employer and industry expectations, providing learners and employers with confidence that training outcomes are meaningful, credible, and transferable.

The approval also sees the BIGGA Kickstart Programme formally recognised as the association’s first accredited and approved award under the Lantra Customised Awards framework.

This entry-level programme has been designed as an accessible and supportive introduction to the fundamentals of golf course maintenance. It provides essential knowledge and practical understanding for those interested in pursuing a career in greenkeeping, as well as those already working in the industry who wish to validate their skills and knowledge before potentially progressing to formal Level 2 qualifications.

Rob Phillips, Learning & Development Manager (Technical) at BIGGA, said:

“Becoming an approved Lantra Customised Provider is a significant milestone for BIGGA and represents the latest step in our continued and highly valued partnership with Lantra. This approval gives us the ability to formally accredit BIGGA-designed programmes that are shaped by the realities of modern golf course management and the needs of both learners and employers. The accreditation of the BIGGA Kickstart Programme is particularly important, as it provides a recognised and credible entry point into the profession, while laying the foundations for clear progression through to apprenticeships and our recommended formal education pathway.”

David Fisher, Head of Industry Partnerships for Landscape and Rural, from Lantra added: “As part of our wider partnership working, we are really pleased to confirm BIGGA has been approved as a Lantra Customised Provider.

“The accreditation of the BIGGA Kickstart Programme is an exciting step forward, as it provides a recognised and credible entry point into the profession, providing a Lantra approved certificate for progression through to apprenticeships and further Lantra/ BIGGA approved training and qualifications.

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Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

January 15, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme: Following its recent announcement introducing Soil Scout’s real-time underground monitoring technology to the Northern American market, Bernhard and Company is supporting the launch of Soil Scout’s new Grandmaster Programme – a global ambassador initiative designed to recognise and connect the professionals shaping the future of turf management.

The Grandmasters Programme has been created to celebrate the individuals who keep the world’s finest playing surfaces alive. The front-runners whose expertise, innovation and leadership continue to move the industry forward beneath the surface.

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

Rather than a traditional ambassador scheme, the programme is built around human expertise, mentorship, and shared learning, bringing together leading turf professionals from different regions into a global community. Grandmasters will plan an active role in sharing real-world insight and experience, helping to advance understanding of soil conditions, root zone health and sustainable turf practices across the industry.

Participants in the programme will commit to long-term collaboration, allowing Soil Scout to work closely with them to track data, gather insight, and amplify authentic customer voices through global channels. In return, Grandmasters will gain early access to new technology, exclusive events, and opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals worldwide.

The first four confirmed Grandmasters include:

Brent Downs MG, CGCS – The Otter Creek Golf Club and Harrison Lake Country Club
Andrew Northeim – Columbus Crew
Rodney McKeown – Sentosa Golf Club
Janne Lehto MG, CGCS – Golf Hirsala Golf

Further ambassadors are expected to be confirmed in the coming months, including representatives from leading US venues, as the programme continues to expand.

“Following our introduction of Soil Scout to the North American market, it’s exciting to see the brand launch a programme that puts people, not just technology, at the centre of progress,” said Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company. “The Grandmasters Programme recognises the professionals who are shaping best practice in turf management and creates a platform for them to learn from one another on a global scale.”

Jalmari Talola, CEO of Soil Scout, said: “This programme is about recognising the people who move our industry forward. These are professionals whose knowledge, curiosity, and leadership influence not only the surfaces they manage, but the wider turf community around them. By connecting them and supporting their work with real-time underground data, we’re creating a platform for shared learning and long-term progress.”

The launch of the Grandmasters Programme reflects a shared belief between Bernhard and Company and Soil Scout that meaningful progress in turf management comes from combining data-driven insight with real-world experience, collaboration, and mentorship.

Turf professionals in Europe and North America will also have the opportunity to learn more about Soil Scout and its technology at both BTME 2026 in Harrogate, England and the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Florida – at which Bernhard and Company will be showcasing Soil Scout.

To find out more about Bernhard and Company’s market-leading grinding machinery and solutions, visit: www.bernhard.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

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