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Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

April 22, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker At Longcliffe Golf Club in Leicestershire, Course Manager Mike Bunney has transformed the way he manages turf since introducing Turf Tracker into his programme. For a traditional heathland course set on the edge of Charnwood Forest, where precision is everything, the platform has quickly become an […]

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

April 21, 2026/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader Bernhard Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Axton as Programme Leader: Technical Training and Advisory, effective 8 June 2026. Axton joins Bernhard Academy with extensive international experience in turf machinery and golf course engineering, further strengthening its commitment to delivering practical, industry-relevant education for […]

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

April 22, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

April 21, 2026/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

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Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

April 22, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

At Longcliffe Golf Club in Leicestershire, Course Manager Mike Bunney has transformed the way he manages turf since introducing Turf Tracker into his programme.

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

For a traditional heathland course set on the edge of Charnwood Forest, where precision is everything, the platform has quickly become an essential part of day-to-day decision making.

Turf Tracker is a digital agronomy and management tool that uses hyper-local weather data to help turf professionals make informed decisions. From spray and disease forecasting to clip volume tracking and machinery checks, it brings everything into one simple, paper-free system.

“I tried it and I’ve really taken to it, it’s been an absolute game changer for me,” says Mike, who has been at Longcliffe for around 20 years and in charge for the last eight.

Currently leading a team of seven, Mike is also overseeing major course improvements, including a new irrigation system and a large-scale tree project aimed at restoring Longcliffe’s heathland character.

Mike first introduced Turf Tracker through its digital pre-start checks, helping to improve organisation and accountability across the team.

“That was a big part of it, getting the team engaged in checking the machinery and servicing. It’s so easy to use,” he explains. “I can see who’s done their checks in the morning as it tells you all individually.”

The move away from paper records has also been a big win.

“We’ve no longer got files in filing cabinets in the workshop. Now it’s all online, which is so much more efficient.”

Using Turf Tracker’s N Tracker feature has allowed Mike to take the guesswork out of fertiliser applications.

“Instead of just guessing every year and spraying whenever I think I need to, I now keep a full log. I’m on top of when I spray and how much I spray,” he says. “It’s saved us quite a lot of money.”

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker 2

Those savings are now being reinvested elsewhere on the course.

“What I’ve saved on fertilisers, I can put into seed, wetting agents and other important things.”

More recently, Mike has started using the clip volume feature to better understand turf growth and fine-tune maintenance.

“The difference last year was huge,” he says. “Instead of feeding without knowing if it was needed, I can now really manage my clip volume.”

By measuring clippings on selected greens, the team can make more accurate decisions, leading to noticeable improvements in performance.

“It’s made a big difference to our green speeds, which has always been a bit of a sore subject here. The improvement last year was massive.”

With weather-based forecasting and disease prediction tools, Turf Tracker is helping Mike plan with greater confidence.

“You can really forecast what’s going to happen with growth. The Microdochium forecast is also a really good feature as it helps you stay ahead.”

For Mike, the benefits are clear, and he is already encouraging others to take a look.

“I would definitely recommend Turf Tracker. I already am to other course managers as it’s transformed things for us.”

For more information, visit www.turftracker.net

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

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Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

April 21, 2026/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Bernhard Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Axton as Programme Leader: Technical Training and Advisory, effective 8 June 2026.

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Axton joins Bernhard Academy with extensive international experience in turf machinery and golf course engineering, further strengthening its commitment to delivering practical, industry-relevant education for turf professionals.

He brings a strong technical background, supported by NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Greenkeeping and Horticultural Engineering, and an NVQ Level 3 in Horticultural Engineering. His expertise was recognised with the prestigious City & Guilds Medal of Excellence, presented by HRH Prince Philip at St James’s Palace.

Throughout his career, Axton has held senior mechanical and management roles at leading venues including The Belfry, Copt Heath Golf Club and The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club. Internationally, he spent eight years as Equipment Manager at The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain and later served as After Sales Manager for Hydroturf in Qatar, working closely with Toro and Club Car equipment and dealer networks.

His hands-on experience across dealerships and greenkeeping roles has given him a well-rounded understanding of the technical and operational challenges faced by turf professionals. He has also played a key role in developing the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), a highly engaged global community that supports knowledge sharing across the industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy, said: “Matt’s depth of technical knowledge and real-world experience make him an outstanding addition to the team. His passion for developing others aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver relevant, high-quality education for the industry.”

In his new role, Axton will lead the delivery and development of Bernhard Academy’s technical training programmes, supporting professionals at all career stages while helping to develop the next generation of turf equipment technicians. He will also provide advisory support aligned with industry best practice and contribute to installations and event activity.

Axton added: “I’m delighted to be joining Bernhard Academy and to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has shaped my career. I strongly believe technical training should be practical and grounded in real-world experience, and I look forward to supporting professionals at every stage of their development.”

For more information on Bernhard Academy and its training programmes, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/

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

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Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

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Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

Longcliffe Golf Club Reaping the Rewards with Turf Tracker

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

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