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Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

January 14, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

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 […]

Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

January 14, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

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 […]

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

January 14, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

January 14, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

January 14, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

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

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:

Leadership and Management Pathway
1. Aspiring Manager
2. Confident Manager
3. Successful Manager Part 1 & 2
4. Inspirational Leader
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
Agronomy Pathway
1. Basic Agronomy
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.

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

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Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

January 14, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

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

“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.”

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.

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)

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

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.

Fleet of Kubota RTV’s prove pivotal to operations

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