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Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire. Two student greenkeepers who had travelled the furthest proved victorious, with […]

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success: Ten members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have been selected for the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025, and they will attend the 2025 BTME conference in Harrogate, England, in January. For more than two decades, Bernhard has selected […]

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

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Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.

Two student greenkeepers who had travelled the furthest proved victorious, with Jack Vowell of Farrington Park in Somerset and Daniel Parker of Knighton Heath in Dorset claiming the top prizes.

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Following regional judging earlier in the year, 10 finalists were selected to contest the prestigious awards at Oulton Hall, where there was further examination of their abilities with a series of tests that gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping industry.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Jack Vowell, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Farrington Park, by Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge. Jack is a former recruitment consultant who switched to greenkeeping five years ago and is a student at Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Jack said: “It was such a strong field that when the runner-up’s name was read out I thought, ‘I’ve got no chance, he’s fantastic compared to me’ and so I was in complete shock when my name was announced as the winner. I just couldn’t believe it was me! ”

Jon Cole added: “The five main finalists were very impressive and they have done themselves and their clubs proud. They show that the industry is in extremely safe hands going forward. It was a closely run competition and everyone acquitted themselves well. Jack, however, showed a balance of professionalism and technical knowledge, which he knew how to deliver.”

Runner-up in the main category was Jack Wellings, Senior Greenkeeper at the JCB Golf and Country Club and a student at Myerscough College.

The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Daniel Parker, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Knighton Heath, by David Timms, National Accounts Manager for Reesink Turfcare and young award judge. Daniel is a student at Sparsholt College.

Daniel said: “So many emotions were going around my head, I couldn’t believe it, but it’s brilliant. I phoned my dad as soon as I found out and he was with some family at home and they were all celebrating with me. I then spoke to my course manager and he and the rest of the team were completely thrilled. This award is as much for them as it is for me because we’re all part of a team.”

David Timms added: “The young finalists shone on the course walk, demonstrating a fantastic level of knowledge with enthusiasm and confidence. All the awards judges felt proud, pleased and privileged to be able to see the calibre of the next generation of greenkeeping in front of us. Daniel is destined for a long career in the industry and is a worthy winner of the Young award.”

Runner-up in the young category was Alex Fox, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa and a matchday groundsperson at Lincoln City FC and Wembley Stadium. Alex is a student at Bishop Burton College.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Congratulations to Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker, two very worthy winners, and huge thanks to our friends at Reesink Turfcare and Toro for another truly inspirational Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finals here at Oulton Hall. It’s been a fantastic event with 10 wonderful finalists all trying their best. BIGGA exists to try and improve the world for greenkeepers and looking at what we’ve had in front of us today and over the last few months through the process, I think greenkeeping has a bright future ahead.”

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return in 2025. More information including how to nominate a student greenkeeper and the extraordinary prizes on offer is available on the BIGGA website and the Reesink Turfcare website Students Awards | Reesink Turfcare.

You can also watch the moment the winners were revealed and view exclusive interviews with Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker on the BIGGA website.

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Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success: Ten members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have been selected for the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025, and they will attend the 2025 BTME conference in Harrogate, England, in January.

For more than two decades, Bernhard has selected 10 members of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in the U.S. to experience the show, and through this programme, North American superintendents will now have the opportunity for a similar experience in the UK.

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

“We are very proud to introduce this initiative to GCSAA members.” Sami Strutt says, “we look forward to welcoming the selected ten to the UK to visit BTME, the largest turf exhibition outside the US and to take part in the Continue to Learn education programme in Harrogate. We’re excited to get them to explore British turf practices and discover iconic golf courses.“

While in the UK, the GCSAA delegation will experience traditional Links golf courses, get an inside look of an Open Championship golf course, discover the heritage of the first Ryder Cup venue, attend the BTME annual conference, have global networking opportunities and more.

The members of the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025 class are:

Brent Downs, CGCS, MG, director of agronomy at Otter Creek Golf Course in Seymour, (Ind.)
Tyler Miget, equipment manager at Harmony Golf Club (Colo.)
Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, AGS superintendent at Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, (Idaho)
Cole Miedema, assistant superintendent at Overlake Golf & Country Club in Medina, (Wash.)
Matthew Overton, superintendent at Buffalo (Wyo.) Golf
Emily Casey, assistant superintendent at Seven Canyons in Flagstaff, (Ariz.)
Matt Earhart, superintendent at Chartwell Golf & Country Club in Severna Park, (Md.)
Clay Payne, superintendent at Buffalo Dunes Golf Course in Garden City, (Kan.)
Ryan Franklin, superintendent at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, (Ind.)
Carol Turner, superintendent at Bigwin Island Golf Club in Huntsville, (Ontario)

“The Links to Success programme will no doubt strengthen international relationships within the industry,” Kevin Sunderman, CGCS, GCSAA chief operating officer, said. “This opportunity will benefit not only the GCSAA members involved but will enhance the future of the game of golf.”

To learn more, visit www.gcsaa.org/foundation/education/links-to-success

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.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.

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)

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

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