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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. […]

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

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

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME: EcoBunker has agreed a partnership with LOKSAND Global that gives the erosion control specialists and leaders in synthetic bunker edge technology exclusive rights to the distribution of LOKSAND in the U.K. Details on the partnership and new products will be available to view at BTME in Harrogate from 20th […]

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

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

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

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

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

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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EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

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

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME: EcoBunker has agreed a partnership with LOKSAND Global that gives the erosion control specialists and leaders in synthetic bunker edge technology exclusive rights to the distribution of LOKSAND in the U.K. Details on the partnership and new products will be available to view at BTME in Harrogate from 20^th January.

LOKSAND is a soil amendment featuring interlocking, crimped fibres that bind and stabilise soil and sand profiles. Deployment of the LOKSAND soil amendment allows greenkeepers, contractors and architects to tackle the problem of poor turf quality in heavily trafficked areas, including strengthening cart-path entry and exit points, walkways and green exits — without resorting to repair or hardscape options.

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

“We can honestly build nearly anything with LOKSAND,” said Danny Potter, owner of global distributor Centaur Holdings. “We’re still establishing the limits of what it can do. We’ve used it to stabilize the steep noses that dive into bunkers, rolled-over edges, slopes where golfers enter and exit bunkers or green complexes, and obviously, grass walkways. It binds and keeps everything in place without compromising percolation in any way. What’s more, LOKSAND can be mixed using whatever soils and sands you have on site, so there’s no need for any expensive import of particular sand mixes. If you have a project where the soil needs stability, strength, durability and drainage, then LOKSAND is the perfect solution.”

The first LOKSAND installation in the U.K., is set to begin at Woodhall Spa this week. It is being used in conjunction with EcoBunker hidden edges and EcoTec bunker liners, showing off the perfect combination of technology now available through EcoBunker. This follows the success of the recent Hann Reserve installation in the Philippines that saw LOKSAND used to re-inforce deep bunker shaping underpinned by EcoBunker edges at the interface with the sand.

“LOKSAND is a brilliant innovation. It allows greenkeepers, architects and contractors to lock in design features in areas that are traditionally vulnerable to wear,” said Richard Allen, CEO of EcoBunker and inventor of synthetic bunker technology.” Add in the superb drainage attributes, the consistency of surface that can be achieved and the lifespan of the product, you can see why we jumped at the opportunity. Our first installation is going in at Woodhall Spa alongside two of our core technologies and we can’t wait to show off how the joint innovation bring long lasting benefits to the course.”

Danny Potter will be present on the EcoBunker stand – 246, Hall 2 – at BTME from 20^th January, where he and Richard Allen will introduce the benefits of LOKSAND technology to the European turfcare industry. Alongside LOKSAND, EcoBunker will present their brand new pre-cut tile technology, offering visitors the opportunity to see for themselves how pre-cut can halve the time of synthetic bunker builds.

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

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Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

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