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Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

June 19, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced the 10 hopefuls in with a shot at claiming the top prizes at the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2026. The nominees, split between the Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year categories, […]

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

June 18, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme Abbeycroft has entered a strategic 5-year partnership with Replay Maintenance to deliver a structured, data-led maintenance programme across its network of artificial sports pitches. The collaboration began with a recent resurfacing at Brandon, funded by West Suffolk Council as part of a wider upgrade of the facilities and then a rolling programme across […]

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

June 19, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

June 18, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

June 19, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced the 10 hopefuls in with a shot at claiming the top prizes at the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2026.

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

The nominees, split between the Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year categories, represent golf clubs and colleges from across the country.

Launched in 1989, the awards, sponsored by Toro and Reesink Turfcare, have long recognised and rewarded some of the most promising talents in the industry, with many finalists going on to enjoy stellar careers.

The 2026 awards will take place at Rockliffe Hall in County Durham from 8-10 September, when the finalists will compete in a series of challenges designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping profession.

BIGGA’s Head of Professional Development Deb Burnett said: “These awards continue to showcase the breadth of talent coming through the greenkeeping industry, and this year’s finalists are another outstanding group.

“Whether they are at the beginning of their careers or have already taken on significant responsibility within their teams, they have shown the commitment, knowledge and ambition that will help drive the profession forward.”

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year winner’s prize includes enrolment in an internationally recognised 10-week turf management remote study course at The Winter Turf School (University of Massachusetts), a one-week placement at a prestigious golf course in the UK or overseas, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Toro HQ in the United States.

“This year’s Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards attracted an impressive number of entries, and the quality of submissions was high, making the judging process more competitive than ever. As a result, those who have secured a place in the finals have achieved something truly noteworthy and should be congratulated for standing out among such a strong field of candidates.

“We are excited to bring the finalists together at Rockliffe Hall this September, a prestigious venue and valued Toro customer, for what promises to be a memorable and inspiring final.”

Gillian Haverson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Reesink UK, award sponsor.

The victor in the Young category will also enjoy a one-week placement and the US visit, along with a trip to Continue to Learn at BTME.

The runners-up in each category will also receive generous prizes, as will the people who endorse the winners.

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists

Ruth Etches, first assistant greenkeeper at Trentham Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
Nick McEley, deputy head course manager at Milngavie Golf Club and student at Gosta Training
Jake Rose, assistant greenkeeper at Alwoodley Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
Toby Smith, deputy course manager at Redlibbets Golf Club and student at Hadlow College
Ben Young, head greenkeeper at Morpeth Golf Club and student at Myerscough College

Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists

Finn Cluett, apprentice greenkeeper at Aspley Guise Golf Club and student at Oaklands College
Lottie Fosten, assistant greenkeeper at Wentworth Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
Archie Raynham, apprentice greenkeeper at Essendon Country Club and student at Oaklands
Tyler Rogers, apprentice greenkeeper at Taymouth Golf Club Ltd and student at Askham Bryan College

Sam Wells, apprentice greenkeeper at Isle Purbeck Golf Club and student at Myerscough College

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Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

June 18, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Abbeycroft has entered a strategic 5-year partnership with Replay Maintenance to deliver a structured, data-led maintenance programme across its network of artificial sports pitches.

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

The collaboration began with a recent resurfacing at Brandon, funded by West Suffolk Council as part of a wider upgrade of the facilities and then a rolling programme across Abbeycroft facilities in Bury, Haverhill, Newmarket, Hadleigh and Sudbury, standardising quality and raising performance across their portfolio.

Abbeycroft selected Replay for its specialist expertise in artificial surface care, robust methodology and proven track record delivering measurable outcomes at scale. The partnership moves beyond a traditional supplier model, aligning both organisations around clear outcomes: safer play, consistent performance, lifecycle value and transparent reporting that stands up to scrutiny. Replay’s experience and accountability were decisive, giving Abbeycroft confidence that maintenance will be proactive, data-driven, and focused on long-term asset health.

For customers and communities, the benefits are immediate and tangible. Structured interventions improve traction, ball roll and surface integrity, enhancing the experience for players, clubs and schools while building confidence in every booking and fixture. By reducing reactive call-outs and safeguarding warranties, the programme extends pitch lifespans and protects public investment.

Data sits at the heart of the partnership. Site-level reporting provides a shared view of conditions, usage patterns, and emerging trends, supporting smarter decision-making, accountable governance, and timely lifecycle planning. Coupled with the Brandon resurface and the rolling programme now in place, this evidence-led approach lifts standards and ensures consistent quality wherever users play within Abbeycroft’s facilities.

Sustainability is a core consideration. By targeting the right interventions at the right time, the maintenance model reduces waste, optimises resources and plans responsibly for refurbishment, aligning operational efficiency with environmental goals. Over the coming years, Abbeycroft and Replay will track improvements in performance metrics, reductions in unplanned downtime, extended asset lifespans and rising customer satisfaction. Success means predictable lifecycle planning, strong ROI and continued reinvestment to keep facilities inclusive, affordable and trusted by local communities.

Warren Smyth, CEO at Abbeycroft, said: Abbeycroft exists to help people live healthier, happier lives, and that starts with safe, reliable places to be active. Partnering with Replay is a strategic choice grounded in industry best practice — structured maintenance, clear standards and actionable data. Most importantly, it means clubs, schools and communities can access affordable, high‑quality facilities they trust.”

“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Abbeycroft Leisure to deliver this structured, data-led maintenance programme across their portfolio, commented Replay Maintenance Managing Director Nick Harris. “Our methodology has always been about moving beyond a simple supplier relationship to form an aligned, transparent collaboration focused on long-term asset health. By leveraging real-time reporting and specialist care, we are ensuring that local clubs, schools, and communities have access to safe, high-performing, and reliable pitches. Proactive maintenance is fundamental to maximising the economic return on investment and extending the lifespans of these vital community facilities.”

To find out more about the partnership, you can hear from Warren Smyth and Nick Harris here.

For more information, visit www.replaymaintenance.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.

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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)

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

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