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.”