Tag Archive for: Bernhard

BIGGA and Bernhard Academy select America delegation

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BIGGA and Bernhard Academy select America delegation: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner Bernhard Academy have selected 10 association members to engage in one of the sports turf industry’s most prestigious learning opportunities.

A BIGGA Premium Partner, every two years Bernhard Academy invites 10 BIGGA members to attend the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show, this year taking place in Orlando, Florida.  A spot on the delegation marks out a candidate as among the most dedicated and talented ambassadors for the golf greenkeeping sector. In the intervening years a Delegation from the USA visits BIGGA’s exhibition and conference, BTME.

BIGGA and Bernhard Academy select America delegation

BIGGA and Bernhard Academy select America delegation

With experiences designed to elevate the careers of those in attendance, the delegation is a week-long educational trip that features site visits as well as seminars, networking events and educational demonstrations. The successful delegates will also be invited to convene at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January, where they will meet former participants in the programme, many of whom have gone on to great success in their careers.

The BIGGA members selected for the 2026 BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard Academy are:

  • Andrew Gibbs, Deputy Head Greenkeeper, Sunningdale Golf Club
  • Michael Sage, Head Greenkeeper, Knowle Golf Club
  • John Stewart, Course Manager, Minchinhampton Golf Club
  • Dan Kendle, Head Greenkeeper, Newquay Golf Club
  • Ruth Etches, First Assistant, Trentham Golf Club
  • Jack Wellings, Deputy Course Manager, JCB Golf and Country Club
  • Ian Kirwan, Course Manager, Bramhall Golf Club
  • Michael Gibbons, Greenkeeper, The Wilmslow Golf Club
  • Ryan Gall, Greenkeeper, Loch Lomond Golf Club
  • Stuart Fergusson, Deputy Course Manager, Trump Turnberry

Head to the BIGGA website to find out more about each of the delegates.

Michael Sage is Head Greenkeeper at Knowle Golf Club. Reacting to being selected, he said: “I’m really grateful to have been chosen for the BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry leaders, see how things are done on an international stage, and bring back new ideas that can help us at Knowle to keep improving. My goal is to gain fresh perspectives, especially around sustainability and course presentation, and share anything useful with my team”.

Ryan Gall, a greenkeeper at Loch Lomond Golf Club, expressed his pride at being chosen to join the BIGGA Delegation, representing UK greenkeeping on the global stage. He added: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected to be part of the Delegation. To be chosen is a massive career achievement for me and I feel incredibly proud to be part of such a prestigious group. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the event first-hand, meeting greenkeepers and industry leaders from around the world, and seeing the very latest innovations in turf management. I’ve no doubt it will be a hugely valuable learning experience and I’m excited to bring back new knowledge and ideas. Huge thanks to BIGGA and Bernhard for making this possible”.

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show runs from 2 – 5 February 2026. As part of their duties, the delegates will attend the BIGGA stand during the conference, speaking to visitors about the association and UK greenkeeping.

For more information about the exclusive career development opportunities available to BIGGA members, head to the BIGGA website.

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Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles

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Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles: The Bernhard Academy has announced it will be delivering two immersive turfcare training courses at Gleneagles Golf Club in Scotland this autumn, providing valuable hands-on learning for turf equipment professionals at all levels.

The first course, Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1, will run from 11 to 13 November 2025. Over the course of three days, participants will receive in-depth instruction on machinery servicing and fault-finding, ideal for anyone managing turfcare equipment or seeking to enhance their technical confidence.

Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles

Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles

Following this, the Basic Machinery Workshop will take place on 17 November 2025. This one-day session focuses on practical daily checks, essential adjustments, and fundamental repair techniques. Both sessions aim to give greenkeeping teams and turfcare technicians the confidence and competence to manage their equipment more effectively.

Each course includes access to an online Abrasive Wheel safety awareness module, approved by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM). This training aligns with HSG 17 guidance and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Attendees will also receive lunch and refreshments, a Bernhard Academy certificate of completion, and BIGGA members will benefit from course discounts and CPD credit eligibility.

Looking beyond Scotland, the Bernhard Academy continues to champion technical development across the industry. On 23 September 2025, the Turf Equipment Technicians Conference will take place at Bernhard and Company’s manufacturing headquarters in Haverhill. Endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), the event brings together turf professionals from across the UK to collaborate, share expertise and celebrate the vital role equipment technicians play in turfcare excellence.

Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, commented: “These sessions at Gleneagles are part of our ongoing mission to empower technicians with the tools, knowledge and confidence to elevate their work. Whether you’re starting out or refining your craft, our aim is to offer relevant, practical education that helps people and their clubs thrive.”

The full autumn programme from the Bernhard Academy reflects a nationwide focus on skills development in turf equipment management, with further training scheduled in Haverhill and at Moortown Golf Club:

  • 23 September: Turf Equipment Technicians Conference (Haverhill)
  • 24 September: Cutting Unit Set-up and Sharpening Techniques (Haverhill)
  • 7 October: Basic Machinery Maintenance (Moortown GC)
  • 8 October: Cutting Unit Set-up and Sharpening Techniques (Moortown GC)
  • 21-23 October: Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1 (Moortown GC)
  • 11-13 November: Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1 (Gleneagles GC)
  • 17 November: Basic Machinery Maintenance (Gleneagles GC)

For more information on all Bernhard Academy courses, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses/

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Bernhard Academy’s Professional Development Opportunities

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Bernhard Academy’s Professional Development Opportunities: Bernhard Academy is pleased to announce its series of professional development courses for Autumn 2025.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of turf equipment technicians, greenkeeping professionals, and grounds maintenance experts, the Autumn 2025 programme offers a diverse range of conferences and hands-on technical training opportunities.

Bernhard Academy's Professional Development Opportunities

Bernhard Academy’s Professional Development Opportunities

These courses aim to equip attendees with the critical skills needed to excel in the modern turfcare industry, with the course line-up consisting of:

  • 23 September 2025: Turf Equipment Technicians Conference
  • 24 September 2025: Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
  • 7 October 2025: Basic Machinery Maintenance
  • 8 October 2025: Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
  • 21-23 October 2025: Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1

These courses will be held at Bernhard Academy’s state-of-the-art venues, including the Bernhard and Company manufacturing facility in Haverhill, Suffolk, and Moortown Golf Club in Leeds.

Led by instructor Barry Drennan, each course is designed to provide hands-on, practical knowledge that attendees can immediately apply in their day-to-day roles. This comprehensive training will enhance participants’ technical expertise and increase their value to their teams and organisations.

In addition to the valuable learning experience, delegates will have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, building connections that extend across the broader turfcare industry.

As a proud BIGGA Premium Partner, Bernhard Academy offers exclusive discounts to BIGGA members. Participants will also earn BIGGA CPD credits upon the successful completion of any event.

For more information and to register for the courses, please visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses/.

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

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Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift

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Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift: Bernhard and Company, a global leader in turf management solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the all-new 3000LV Equipment Lift, an essential new addition to its line-up of workshop machinery.

Designed to complement Bernhard’s renowned reel and bedknife grinding systems, the 3000LV is engineered to assist equipment managers, greenkeepers, and mechanics with the safe and efficient lifting and loading of cutting units.

Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift

Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift

This trusted dual-lift solution features a full-width rear tray that removes the need for ongoing adjustments once set up, streamlining daily workshop operations. With adjustable front wheel forks, the lift allows precise setup of cutting units, directly contributing to an improved quality of cut. Built for adaptability, the 3000LV Equipment Lift is compatible with a wide variety of turf maintenance equipment, including mowers without overhead beam obstructions, ensuring greater operational flexibility.

Commenting on the launch, Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company, said: “The equipment lift 3000LV is a natural fit for our product family. It’s a practical, workshop-ready solution that adds real value to turf maintenance operations by improving safety, increasing efficiency, and ensuring precision when setting up cutting units. We’ve listened to the needs of our customers, and this lift is a direct response to making their daily work more manageable and their turf performance more consistent.”

By combining robust design with practical innovation, Bernhard and Company continues its commitment to helping turf professionals achieve peak equipment performance. The 3000LV Equipment Lift is now available through Bernhard and Company’s international distributor network.

For more information on the equipment lift 3000LV, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/equipment-lift/

To learn more about Bernhard and Company and the turf technologies on offer, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/turf-tech/

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Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

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Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference: The Bernhard Academy is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Turf Equipment Technicians Conference. The dedicated one-day event is designed to support and celebrate the vital role of turf equipment technicians, equipment managers, and professionals in greenkeeping and grounds maintenance.

Taking place on Tuesday, 23 September, at the Bernhard Academy located within Bernhard and Company’s manufacturing headquarters in Haverhill, this industry-focused conference is officially endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO) and aims to deliver specialist education and training tailored to the unique needs of turf equipment professionals.

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

Conference Programme Highlights

  • The importance of being sharp – A presentation by Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, highlighting the importance of education in supporting the dedication of turf professionals.
  • Cutting Unit Adjustment – Led by Stuart Hall, Customer Services Manager for Bernhard and Company, and former Equipment Manager, offering hands-on tips and techniques.
  • Electrics Fault-Finding Masterclass – Hosted by Barry Drennan, Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management at Bernhard Academy.
  • Effective Communication Techniques – An interactive session led by Phil Helmn, Programme Leader for Agronomy, Leadership, and Management.
  • Manufacturing Facility Tour – An inside look at the process behind Bernhard’s market-leading grinders.
  • 2025 US Open Insights – A special session with James Breeze, recipient of the Bernhard Academy Technical Support Volunteer Initiative, discussing his experiences at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, hosted by Phil Helmn.

Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy emphasised the importance of education in industry growth: “At the Bernhard Academy, we’re committed to investing in professional development and working collaboratively to advance the turf industry. This conference not only provides vital training but also presents invaluable networking and shared learning opportunities.”

The TETO leadership team added: “We’re thrilled to see Bernhard Academy acknowledge the critical contribution of equipment technicians. This event underscores the value that skilled and educated team members bring to turf care. By endorsing this conference and encouraging our network of technicians to attend, we hope to establish this event as a regular fixture in the industry calendar.”

Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company commented: “This conference presents a key milestone in our mission to build sustainable learning pathways. Skilled technicians are essential to delivering the elite-level surfaces expected in today’s sports world. It’s vital we continue attracting and training new talent to ensure the industry’s long-term success.”

All attendees will receive:

  • Voucher to complete an online Abrasive Wheel Certificate (IIRSM-certified, aligning with HSG 17 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974)
  • Certificate of Attendance
  • BIGGA CPD Credits

BIGGA members are eligible for £50 discount. To claim your code, email hello@bernhardacademy.co.uk with your name and membership number.

For more information, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses/turf-equipment-technicians-conference

To find out more about the wide range of agronomy, technical, mechanical, and leadership programmes on offer at the Bernhard Academy, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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

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