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Bernhard Academy Spotlight: Sami Strutt’s Journey and the Future of Turf Management Education
Bernhard Academy Spotlight: Sami Strutt’s Journey and the Future of Turf Management Education 1108 778 Florence Idi

Sami Strutt Featured on The Lowdowns Podcast

The Bernhard Academy is proud to highlight an insightful discussion featuring Sami Strutt, a distinguished leader in UK turf management and education. In this episode, Sami shares her inspiring career journey, industry insights, and the Academy’s vision for the future of professional development in turf management.

Sami Strutt: A Journey of Dedication and Growth

Sami’s career trajectory showcases an extraordinary commitment to the turf management industry. From her early days as an office junior to her leadership role at the Bernhard Academy, her journey reflects the dedication and expertise required to excel in this evolving sector. After a remarkable tenure at BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association), Sami transitioned to the Bernhard Academy, bringing a wealth of experience to enhance education and skills training in turfcare.

BTME: The Premier UK Turf Management Trade Show

The British Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in Harrogate stands as the UK’s leading trade show for turf professionals. In the discussion, Sami delves into its significance and how it compares to global events such as the GCSAA National Show, highlighting its role in advancing industry standards and networking opportunities.

The Bernhard Academy: A Vision for Excellence

Since its establishment in 2019, the Bernhard Academy has been at the forefront of professional development in turf management. The Academy offers structured learning pathways in leadership, technical equipment management, and agronomy, ensuring that professionals gain the skills necessary for long-term success in the industry.

Growth, Leadership, and the Future of Turf Management

The Bernhard Delegation has evolved significantly, gaining prestige as a platform for industry leaders. Originally conceived as an initiative to support professional development, the Delegation has grown in stature and is now a key component of the GCSAA’s ‘Links to Success’ programme. In addition to technical expertise, the Bernhard Academy recognises the increasing importance of leadership training and mental health awareness in turf management. Sami shares insights on how the Academy is addressing these vital aspects, ensuring that professionals are equipped with both technical and personal resilience skills. She also reflects on her unexpected entry into the turf industry, her passion for education, and memorable moments throughout her career. From surprising connections with Air Force One to her travels with her husband, Lee, her experiences offer a unique perspective on the industry’s global reach and opportunities. Looking ahead, the Bernhard Academy remains committed to providing world-class education and impactful learning experiences. Future initiatives include international partnerships, such as collaborations with Oakmont, and active participation in major trade shows worldwide. Through its continued commitment to excellence, the Bernhard Academy is shaping the future of turf management education, ensuring that professionals worldwide have the skills and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic industry.

Key Takeaways

  • Passion and Purpose: Sami’s journey exemplifies how aligning personal passion with professional ambition can lead to a lasting industry impact.
  • A Connected Industry: The turf management sector fosters a global community built on shared knowledge and respect.
  • Evolving Education: Leadership, mental health, and technical expertise are now as crucial as agronomy skills for the next generation of professionals.

 

Click the button below to listen to the full episode and gain deeper insights into Sami’s journey, the Bernhard Academy’s vision, and the future of turf management education.

Click here to listen now!
  • Florence Idi

Colt Mckenzie McNair and Bernhard Academy to collaborate on education and insight day
Colt Mckenzie McNair and Bernhard Academy to collaborate on education and insight day 1304 779 Florence Idi

Women In Golf Awards

Monday, 17 February 2025 – The Women in Golf Awards is partnering with global golf recruitment specialists Colt McKenzie McNair (CMM) and professional development experts Bernhard Academy to host a unique insight and education day for the 2024 Awards finalists.

Beyond offering an invaluable experience for the 24 finalists, this collaboration aims to drive growth in female representation within the golf industry by identifying barriers that deter women from considering careers in the sport.

“Our industry is incredibly reliant on instinct rather than insight and data, particularly when it comes to women playing and working in golf,” explains Nicole Wheatley, founder of the Women in Golf Awards. “If we want to see positive change, we need to attract, employ, and retain more women across the board. We are very lucky to have sponsors who are genuinely passionate about learning how we can do that, so I am excited to work with them, CMM, Bernhard Academy, and the finalists to better understand this market.”

The education day, held at PING HQ, is part of a broader initiative by the Women in Golf Awards to strengthen professional networks for women in the industry. Additional efforts include meet-ups at key industry events, a regular newsletter, and the promotion of partner-led initiatives to provide ongoing support.

 

“Working in golf can be quite isolating for women, so having the opportunity to connect with others and share our lived experiences is extremely valuable,” comments Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy. “The education we have planned for the day will help participants better understand their own strengths and enhance their professional relationships. We know from previous sessions that people feel empowered with new skills they can apply immediately, making this an incredibly valuable experience.”

The day will conclude with an open discussion led by the finalists, where they will share personal experiences and challenges to generate insights that could encourage more women to pursue careers in golf.

“While many organisations in the industry are eager to hire more women, there remains a gap in understanding how to effectively achieve this goal and inspire women to pursue opportunities within their teams,” comments Adam Keable, Director at CMM. “This discussion will provide valuable insights, helping us better understand the support women need and the challenges they may face when considering job opportunities. This is a significant opportunity for the industry, so hopefully, we can take a step closer to realising this.”

For more info, click here:

Womenandgolf.com
Golfbusinessnews.com
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Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader and unveils educational pathways
Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader and unveils educational pathways 614 606 Florence Idi

New programme leader and unveiling educational pathways

The Bernhard Academy, internationally recognised for excellence in turf care education, has welcomed Barry Drennan as the new Programme Leader for its Technical and Equipment Management workshops.

In alignment with this strategic appointment, the Academy has introduced its forward-thinking ‘Bernhard Academy Pathways’ for 2025. These carefully designed learning programmes aim to equip turf professionals with advanced expertise across technical, agronomic, and leadership domains, fostering growth and innovation within the industry.

Barry Drennan brings over 35 years of international expertise in turf management to his role at the Bernhard Academy. Beginning his career as a greenkeeper in 1987 and qualifying as a golf course mechanic in 1991, Drennan has worked with industry-leading brands, including Toro and Bernhard and Company. He has also operated businesses specialising in golf equipment sales, hire, training, and service, while contributing to prestigious tournaments such as the Ryder Cup and Walker Cup.

Under Drennan’s guidance, the Bernhard Academy is set to launch a series of innovative technical workshops in 2025 as part of its Technical and Equipment Management Pathway. These include:

  • 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

These workshops aim to enhance the technical skills of turf professionals and support the continued development of the industry.

The pathways

The Bernhard Academy Pathways for 2025 provide a structured and comprehensive approach to professional development, offering tailored learning tracks designed to achieve four distinct objectives. Each pathway integrates a variety of specialised workshops to support career advancement and skill enhancement:

  • Leadership and Management Pathway
    – Aspiring Manager
    – Confident Manager
    – Successful Manager (Parts 1 & 2)
    – Inspirational Leader
  • Technical and Equipment Management Pathway
    – Abrasive Wheel Safety Certificate
    – Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
    – Basic Machinery Maintenance
    – Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics (Levels 1 & 2)
  • Agronomy Pathway
    – Basic Agronomy
  • Bespoke Programmes
    – Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers
    – Customised training solutions tailored to specific client needs

These pathways are designed to empower turf professionals and industry leaders with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their respective fields.

Adding a comment about 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.” She continued: “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.”

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Sami Strutt Featured on The GBQ Podcast with Sky Sports Golf Presenter Sarah Stirk
Sami Strutt Featured on The GBQ Podcast with Sky Sports Golf Presenter Sarah Stirk 1304 779 Florence Idi

Sami Strutt Featured on The GBQ Podcast

We’re excited to share that Sami Strutt, a key figure at Bernhard Academy, recently joined Sky Sports Golf presenter Sarah Stirk on her monthly The GBQ Podcast. This renowned podcast offers in-depth interviews and tackles critical topics impacting the golf industry.

During the episode, Sami provides valuable insights into her career journey, shares what motivates her, and discusses her vision for the Bernhard Academy. It’s an inspiring conversation that highlights her dedication and passion for advancing the golf industry. We encourage you to tune in and gain a deeper understanding of Sami’s work and the exciting direction of the Bernhard Academy.

Sami Strutt Joins The GBQ Podcast with Sky Sports Golf Presenter Sarah Stirk

Few individuals are as experienced in the golf turf industry as Sami Strutt. After an impressive 30-year tenure at BIGGA, where she most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, Sami has now joined the Bernhard Academy as Education Director.

In her new role, she is developing innovative education programmes aimed at engaging the broader golf industry. Sami discusses her vision, career journey, and the evolution of the golf turf profession in the latest episode of The GBQ Podcast.

Hosted by Sky Sports Golf presenter Sarah Stirk, this monthly podcast features in-depth interviews and thoughtful discussions on the key challenges and opportunities shaping the golf industry. Sami also shares insights into the changing perceptions of greenkeepers within golf clubs and highlights the importance of supporting their mental well-being.

With her extensive background, including developing BIGGA’s Master Greenkeeper and Continue to Learn programmes, Sami is now driving forward training initiatives to help greenkeepers, equipment managers, and turf professionals excel.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of the industry’s most respected figures.

Click here to listen now!
  • Florence Idi

Bernhard Academy Announces Exciting New Partnership with the GCMA
Bernhard Academy Announces Exciting New Partnership with the GCMA 1024 768 Florence Idi

Bernhard Academy Partners with the GCMA as the Newest Member of Their Expanding Network.

The Bernhard Academy exists to help support and grow the turf industry through quality education that includes a portfolio of options across the board.

The Bernhard Academy is proud to announce its new partnership with the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA), reflecting our continued commitment to enhancing professional development within the golf industry.

“The Bernhard Academy is delighted to become a Business Partner of the GCMA,” said Education Director Sami Strutt. “This partnership showcases the commitment of the Bernhard Academy to support the GCMA in providing professional development opportunities for those who manage golf clubs.

“It’s particularly important to us at the Academy to highlight and support the vital strategic relationship between Course Managers, responsible for the most important asset of the business—the golf course—and the Club Manager, responsible for the management of the business.”

As the training provider for the GCMA’s new Advanced Management Programme certificate, Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers, the Bernhard Academy is well placed to deliver its expertise and experience in these valuable three-day programmes.

“Our ongoing partnership will firmly embed the Bernhard Academy into the golf club business, providing important training resources for the entire golf club team.”

GCMA Partnerships Manager Darren Wood added: “We are delighted to welcome Sami and the team at the Bernhard Academy into our network of business partners.

“The Bernhard Academy and the GCMA share a common objective in supporting golf industry professionals with their own personal and professional development. They will also be supporting our recently launched Advanced Management Programme with the Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers certificate.”

As part of our extensive offering, the Bernhard Academy is excited to announce a series of educational workshops running throughout the autumn.

These workshops have been developed in response to feedback from an industry-wide survey conducted earlier this year and will cover key topics of interest to professionals in the sports turf management sector.

The Autumn programme includes the following workshops:
–              Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
–              Principles of Benchmarking Sports Turf Surfaces
–              Compliance for Turf Managers
–              Financial Management: Bulletproof Budgeting

The workshops will take place at the Bernhard Academy in Haverhill, along with other Academy hubs and selected venues across the UK. Attendees at the Haverhill workshops will also enjoy an exclusive tour of the Bernhard and Company production facility, providing a unique opportunity to witness the renowned Bernhard Express Dual and Anglemaster grinding machines in production.

Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming workshops: “We’re delighted to unveil this latest programme, which reflects the needs of the industry as highlighted in our recent survey.

“The workshops are designed to equip turf professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their roles, whether on the course, with their teams, or in the office.”

The Bernhard Academy has evolved from primarily offering cutting unit setup workshops to now providing a broader range of courses that address the diverse needs of turf professionals.

With topics such as compliance for turf managers and financial management included, we can now offer more well-rounded workshops that benefit attendees in all aspects of their day-to-day responsibilities.

This expanded curriculum ensures that turf professionals and equipment managers not only hone their technical skills but also gain valuable insights into managing budgets and ensuring regulatory compliance, further enhancing their professional development.

COURSES
  • Florence Idi

Bernhard Academy unveils new Autumn workshops
Bernhard Academy unveils new Autumn workshops 2560 1707 Florence Idi

The Bernhard Academy is pleased to announce its Autumn programme of educational workshops, designed to provide essential skills and knowledge to turf professionals and those managing maintenance equipment.

These workshops, created based on feedback from an industry-wide survey conducted earlier this year, will cover key topics of interest to professionals in the sports turf management sector.

The Autumn programme includes the following workshops:
–              Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
–              Principles of Benchmarking Sports Turf Surfaces
–              Compliance for Turf Managers
–              Financial Management: Bulletproof Budgeting

The workshops will be held at the Bernhard Academy in Haverhill, in addition to other Academy hubs and selected venues around the UK. Attendees of the Haverhill workshops will also be treated to a tour of the Bernhard and Company production facility, offering an exclusive opportunity to see the renowned Bernhard Express Dual and Anglemaster grinding machines being manufactured.

Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming workshops: “We’re delighted to unveil this latest programme, which reflects the needs of the industry as highlighted in our recent survey. The workshops are designed to equip turf professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their roles, whether on the course, with their teams, or in the office.” The Bernhard Academy has evolved from primarily offering cutting unit setup workshops to now providing a broader range of courses that address the diverse needs of turf professionals. With the inclusion of topics such as compliance for turf managers and financial management, the Academy is now able to offer more well-rounded workshops that benefit attendees in all aspects of their day-to-day responsibilities. This expanded curriculum ensures that turf professionals and equipment managers not only hone their technical skills but also gain valuable learnings into better managing budgets and ensuring regulatory compliance, further enhancing their professional development.
The cost for each workshop is £165 + VAT, and places are limited. For further details and to book your place:

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