Tag Archive for: Programme

Bernhard Academy’s Spring online management programme

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Bernhard Academy’s Spring online management programme: Bernhard Academy has announced the launch of its Spring 2026 online leadership and management programme, giving industry professionals around the world the opportunity to develop essential skills from anywhere.

Following the strong success of its education seminars and packed trade show sessions earlier this year at BTME and the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, the Academy’s latest programme continues its commitment to delivering accessible, high-impact learning to the sector.

Bernhard Academy's Spring online management programme

Bernhard Academy’s Spring online management programme

The Spring 2026 series features two development pathways – Aspiring Manager and Confident Manager – while also offering the flexibility to attend individual courses or mix and match topics to suit personal development goals.

The Aspiring Manager pathway is designed for future leaders preparing to take the next step in their careers, focusing on self-awareness, communication, stakeholder understanding and personal leadership development.

The Confident Manager pathway supports those stepping into or operating within supervisory roles, covering key areas such as budgeting, risk assessment, project management, handling difficult conversations, managing stress and delivering impactful presentations.

Courses begin on 9 March 2026, with sessions running through to 18 May 2026, all delivered online and accessible globally.

Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy, said: “The response to our education sessions at this year’s trade shows demonstrated just how strong the appetite is for high-quality, accessible learning across our industry.

“Our Spring 2026 online programme has been designed to give professionals, wherever they are in the world, the confidence and practical skills to progress in their careers. Whether they’re aspiring to step into management or looking to strengthen their impact as established leaders” she added.

In addition, the Bernhard Academy has confirmed dates for its specialist Technical and Equipment Management training:

  • 9 April 2026: Cutting Unit Set Up and Sharpening Techniques @ Loch Lomond Golf Club
  • 13-15 April 2026: Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 @ Moortown Golf Club

With demand expected to remain high following recent industry engagement, early booking is encouraged. For more information or to register, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/

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BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch

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BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced that its new Professional Leadership Programme will be ready for delivery from September 2026, marking a significant step forward in the association’s commitment to developing confident, capable leaders across the golf and turf management sector.

Mapped at Level 4, the Professional Leadership Programme has been specifically designed to bridge the gap between Level 3 supervisory and technical, and Level 5 management and agronomic qualifications . It provides a vital progression route for those who have moved beyond technical competence and are beginning to take on leadership, supervisory and management responsibilities, but who may not yet be ready for, or yet suited to, a full Level 5 apprenticeship or equivalent.

BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch

BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch

Developed in collaboration with St Andrews Management Centre and Epic Ltd, the programme is tailored to the realities of golf course and club operations. Rather than traditional classroom-based learning, it focuses on applied leadership, real-world management scenarios, reflective practice and practical activities that are directly relevant to participants’ day-to-day roles.

The programme is recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), ensuring it meets nationally recognised standards for leadership and management excellence. On successful completion, graduates will achieve Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status, providing formal professional recognition and a strong platform for future progression to higher-level study or apprenticeships.

The Professional Leadership Programme is pitched at current and aspiring supervisors, team leaders, deputy head greenkeepers, first assistants and those transitioning into management roles, as well as experienced practitioners who have developed leadership responsibility organically but are seeking structured development and professional recognition.

Commenting on the announcement, Rob Phillips, BIGGA’s Learning & Development Manager (Technical), said:
“The Professional Leadership Programme represents a significant step forward in how we support the development of leaders within greenkeeping and golf club operations. By working closely with St Andrews Management Centre and Epic Ltd, and securing recognition from the Chartered Management Institute, we have created a programme that is practical, credible, and genuinely relevant to the realities of our industry. This is about equipping people with the confidence, skills, and professional recognition they need to lead teams, manage change, and shape the future of golf.”

Rick Bond, Director of St Andrews Management Centre said:

“The St Andrews Management Centre is delighted to be working with BIGGA and Epic Ltd in delivering the Professional Leadership Programme which is recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).  The skills and knowledge that the programme modules bring to the greenkeeping sector, will be immensely valuable to the individuals, and will allow the post nominal of Foundation Charter Manager (fCMgr) to be awarded on completion of the programme. This is a key milestone on the journey to full Chartered Manager (CMgr) status.”

Peter Deakin, Associate Head of Partnerships at The Chartered Management Institute, added:

“The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is proud to support BIGGA’s Professional Leadership Programme, appreciating it as a vital step in the continued professionalisation of the golf greenkeeping sector. By benchmarking the programme to CMI’s professional standards framework in conjunction with the St Andrews Management Centre, BIGGA demonstrates its commitment to management, essential leadership and strategic skills for greenkeepers and the importance of treating leadership as a core professional standard within greenkeeping. Programme delegates will receive access to resources, tools and services and become part of the 240,000-pan sector community of managers and leaders and we hope many will have ambition to become a Chartered Manager in the future.”

The launch of the Professional Leadership Programme reinforces BIGGA’s wider ambition to provide clear, high-quality education and development pathways for its members, supporting both individual career progression and the long-term sustainability of golf clubs and facilities across the UK and internationally.

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Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

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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

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

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Bionema advances Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme

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Bionema advances Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme: Bionema Group has announced major progress in its Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme, following early breakthroughs that point to a new generation of biological fertilisers capable of supporting multiple plant functions from a single integrated microbial system.

Today, most biological fertilisers are typically based on single strains with narrow, single-benefit claims such as nitrogen fixation or stress support. BiofilmTech® is being developed to move beyond this approach. Bionema’s early work indicates that its multi-microbe platform — combining several beneficial organisms — could offer broader, more reliable benefits for growers. Although specific mechanisms remain confidential pending patent filings, early results suggest stronger nutrient availability, improved crop resilience, and consistent root activity across different soils and climates.

Bionema advances Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme

Bionema advances Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme

A key area of interest is BiofilmTech®’s potential to support crops even under cooler conditions, where many commercial biologicals struggle to perform. This capability, together with the multi-benefit profile under development, positions BiofilmTech® as a promising next-generation alternative to conventional fertiliser programmes.

The timing is significant. With tighter fertiliser regulation, rising production costs, and increasing pressure to reduce emissions, global demand for more dependable biological nutrient solutions continues to grow. Agricultural companies are actively seeking technologies that can deliver broader functionality and more consistent field performance, without relying solely on single-mechanism microbial products.

Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group, said:
“BiofilmTech® is being designed to do far more than today’s single-strain products. Our early findings suggest a new type of biological fertiliser that supports plant health in several ways at once. We believe this could open a meaningful new opportunity for the industry, and we welcome early discussions with global partners as we move into the next stage of development.”

Supported by an Innovate UK grant, Bionema is now advancing BiofilmTech® toward more extensive field testing, scalable formulation pathways, and preparation for commercial evaluation. The company is opening strategic conversations with international fertiliser and crop-input companies interested in co-development, licensing, and regional deployment opportunities ahead of anticipated market readiness in the coming years.

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BIGGA members chosen for R&A Championship Agronomy Programme

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BIGGA members chosen for R&A Championship Agronomy Programme: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and The R&A have selected 10 ambitious and talented greenkeepers to provide support during five of the biggest championships in 2026.

Following an extensive application process, the BIGGA members chosen as the second cohort for The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme will join the home greenkeeping teams for the hosting of next year’s Championships, including The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale and the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

BIGGA members chosen for R&A Championship Agronomy Programme

BIGGA members chosen for R&A Championship Agronomy Programme

The greenkeepers, who hail from across the UK and beyond, will gain experience in elite championship preparation, working alongside the host teams and The R&A’s Championship Agronomy Team.

The volunteers will be on site at:

  • The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale
  • The AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes
  • The Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire
  • The Women’s Amateur Championship at Muirfield
  • The Walker Cup at Lahinch

Each member is selected to participate at one of the championships, where they will be fully embedded in championship preparations. The entire group will also assemble at BTME in January, attend an education session at Royal Liverpool Golf Club and will be invited to attend The Open, where they will learn about course preparation and the staging of a major championship.

The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme is the latest opportunity for BIGGA members, building on a range of initiatives designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and professional development of greenkeepers.

Adam Newton, Sustainable Championship Agronomy Lead at The R&A, said: “Following on from the great success of the inaugural programme in 2025, we are delighted to welcome another fantastic cohort of delegates for 2026.

“They will gain a truly unique educational experience and a fascinating insight into championship agronomy and greenkeeping at the highest level and at some of the most historic and prestigious championships in the world.”

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “This year’s inaugural programme clearly demonstrated the incredible value of this initiative, both for those who took part and for the wider profession.

“I’d like to congratulate the 2026 cohort on being selected to continue that legacy. Their involvement represents an outstanding professional development opportunity and a chance to gain unique, first-hand experience at the very highest level of championship preparation.

“BIGGA’s partnership with The R&A reflects our shared commitment to education, collaboration and excellence in golf course management, and to ensuring that greenkeepers remain central to the future of the game.”

BIGGA members selected for 2026

  • Scott Allen, greenkeeper, The Mid Ocean Club — The 154th Open, Royal Birkdale
  • Brent Downs CGCS MG, director of agronomy, Otter Creek — The Amateur Championship, Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire
  • Jonathan Fisher, head greenkeeper, Ruddington Grange — The AIG Women’s Open, Royal Lytham & St Annes
  • Paul Fowkes, course manager, Kilworth Springs — The Walker Cup, Lahinch
  • Scott Fraser, greenkeeper, Trump International — The 154th Open Royal Birkdale
  • Harry Glover, greenkeeper, Lee Park — The Amateur Championship, Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire
  • Tom Jennings, course manager, Calcot Park — The Women’s Amateur Championship, Muirfield
  • Kate Stillwell, course manager, Golf Club of Kópavogur and Garðabær — The AIG Women’s Open, Royal Lytham & St Annes
  • Jethro Wilson, head greenkeeper, Bradford Moor — The Women’s Amateur Championship, Muirfield
  • Dominic Wright, greenkeeper, Fulford — The 154th Open, Royal Birkdale

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