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  • Sami Strutt

Championing Leadership and Development at the 2025 Women in Golf Awards
Championing Leadership and Development at the 2025 Women in Golf Awards 2048 1536 Sami Strutt

Championing Leadership and Development at the 2025 Women in Golf Awards

At the Bernhard Academy, we’re passionate about helping people grow – not just as turf professionals, but as confident, capable leaders. That’s why we were delighted to play a key role at this year’s Women in Golf Awards, held on 27 November at Foxhills Golf Club in Surrey.

The event brought together an inspiring mix of individuals from across the industry, and we were proud to contribute two interactive workshops designed to spark insight, reflection, and professional growth.

Creating space for learning and leadership

More than 20 delegates joined us for the sessions, which formed part of our ongoing mission to elevate skills across golf and sports turf, both technical and personal. While much of our work focuses on sharpening expertise in turf management, we know that communication, teamwork, and people-first leadership are just as essential in today’s industry.

Our programme leader, Phil Helmn MG, led the workshops, guiding attendees through the importance of recognising personality types and how this understanding can transform communication and collaboration. We also explored behavioural drivers – the subtle forces that shape how we react under pressure – and how becoming aware of them can improve decision-making, resilience, and performance.

A diverse group with a shared goal

One of the most energising parts of the day was the breadth of experience in the room. We welcomed greenkeepers, club managers, events staff, trustees, board members, and more, who all brought their own perspectives on leadership and team dynamics. Despite the range of roles, the conversations repeatedly circled back to the same theme: a shared desire to create more connected, confident, and effective workplaces.

The feedback was wonderfully encouraging. Many delegates spoke about how accessible and immediately usable the content felt. Dolores Brown, Head of Tournaments at Golfbreaks, summed it up perfectly when she told us: “It’s so engaging, has a relaxed feel but also combines a lot of learning – without feeling draining or boring!

It’s these kind of responses that remind us why we do what we do.

Why these moments matter

As our Education Director, Sami Strutt, reflected on the event, opportunities like this help reinforce the value of investing in people at every stage of their career.

“Our mission has always been to help raise standards through learning, whether that’s technical development or supporting people to grow as leaders. Working with respected organisations across our industry allows us to help build a stronger, more confident, and more connected workforce for the future,” she said.

The Women in Golf Awards is a powerful platform for championing achievement, inspiring cultural change, and advancing education across the sport. We’re proud that our involvement this year further underscores our role as a leading provider of progressive learning experiences, not just for turf teams, but for professionals across the wider golf community.

  • Sami Strutt

Bernhard Academy Delivers Bespoke Leadership Workshops at Trump International Golf Links
Bernhard Academy Delivers Bespoke Leadership Workshops at Trump International Golf Links 1379 1034 Sami Strutt

Bernhard Academy Delivers Bespoke Leadership Workshops at Trump International Golf Links

Bernhard Academy, leading centre for turf-care and club leadership education, delivered a bespoke two-day leadership programme at Trump International Golf Club on 4–5 November 2025. The programme focused on strengthening both management and practical leadership skills for members of  the club’s Greenkeeping team.

Nine delegates from the Greenkeeping team were selected to attend the six interactive sessions led by Phil Helmn, Bernhard Academy’s Programme Leader. The workshops focused on strategies for improving communication, cultivating leadership habits that support consistent top performance, techniques for navigating difficult conversations, and stakeholder management to support operational decision-making. The training was designed to enhance the team’s dynamics and establish a solid foundation for both team success and individual development.

The practical sessions were immediately applicable to day-to-day operations. With the Academy’s hands-on approach, the training included group work and individual reflective sessions, allowing participants to trial new techniques in realistic scenarios and receive focused coaching.

Phil Helmn was impressed by the culture at the golf course, saying: “It was great to see the team so open to learning and ready to grow after the session. Their enthusiasm for new ideas and willingness to challenge themselves really stood out, showing a strong commitment to continuous improvement and development.”

Eddie Irvine, Head Greenkeeper, who took part in the training commented “The energy and enthusiasm brought to the training sessions was fantastic. Our team really benefited from the training and more importantly, enjoyed the experience. We’re looking forward to our next training sessions already!”

Stevie Wilson, Links Superintendent at Trump International was really pleased with the impact of the training and the support that Bernhard Academy provided, commenting “The Bernhard Academy understood our requirements and built a bespoke course for our team. I was verny impressed by the depth and breadth of the training sessions and will be bringing them back in to continue with the development of the team. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to other clubs and teams looking for quality training.”

Bernhard Academy delivers industry-leading technical and management training for turf professionals and golf club teams. The Academy works with golf courses to design bespoke programmes that combine practical skills with leadership development, helping teams deliver excellent experiences for members and visitors.

For further information about Bernhard Academy, its course calendar, or bespoke on-site training, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk.

  • Roopkatha Chatterjee

In Memory of Our Pioneering Founder, Stephen Bernhard
In Memory of Our Pioneering Founder, Stephen Bernhard 2560 1707 Roopkatha Chatterjee

In Memory of Our Pioneering Founder, Stephen Bernhard

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founder, Stephen Bernhard. He passed away peacefully at the age of 79.

Stephen was much more than a founder – he was the heart and soul of Bernhard and Company. His vision, energy, and values continue to shape every aspect of the business today. From the way we innovate to the way we work with our partners and customers, Stephen’s influence is ever-present.

With an unwavering passion for excellence, Stephen built Bernhard and Company from the ground up into a world leader in turf technology. His curiosity and drive to improve standards across the turf industry have helped professionals worldwide deliver better turf and elevate their careers and businesses.

Education was at the centre of Stephen’s philosophy. The Bernhard Academy stands as a lasting testament to his belief in sharing knowledge and opening doors for others. His commitment to helping people develop – both personally and professionally – touched so many lives and remains one of his most powerful legacies.

Stephen’s remarkable career included more than 25 years of involvement with the BIGGA Delegation, a collaboration he took great pride in delivering to more than 200 greenkeepers alongside BIGGA. In 2008, Stephen received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade – an achievement that he was immensely proud of. Most recently, at this year’s BTME, Stephen also received BIGGA’s Outstanding Contribution Award, in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to supporting and improving the industry that he so much loved.

Beyond the accolades, he will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and deep respect for the people who make this industry what it is.

As Managing Director, Steven Nixon reflects: “Stephen’s impact on our company and our industry is immeasurable. His leadership, creativity, and compassion built the foundations upon which Bernhard and Company proudly stands today. We will honour his memory by continuing to champion the innovation, education, and excellence he so passionately believed in.”

Stephen’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy endures, in our people, our purpose, and in every blade of grass his work helped to perfect.

  • Roopkatha Chatterjee

BIGGA Delegation 2026
BIGGA Delegation 2026 1066 849 Roopkatha Chatterjee

Bernhard Academy, in partnership with BIGGA, has selected 10 greenkeepers for a career-defining trip to America.

Bernhard Academy, a Premium Partner of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), has chosen 10 BIGGA members to participate in one of the most prestigious learning opportunities in the sports turf industry.

 

As a BIGGA Premium Partner, Bernhard Academy organises this biennial delegation, inviting 10 members to attend the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show. This year, the event is being held in Orlando, Florida. Securing a place on the delegation highlights a candidate as one of the most dedicated and talented ambassadors for the golf greenkeeping sector.

 

The week-long educational trip is packed with experiences designed to advance the careers of those taking part. It features site visits, seminars, networking events, and educational demonstrations. The successful delegates will also be invited to the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January to meet former participants of the programme, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success.

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 Kirwin, Course Manager, Bramhall Golf Club
  • Michael Gibbons, Course Manager, Disley Golf Club
  • Ryan Gall, Greenkeeper, Loch Lomond Golf Club
  • Stuart Fergusson, Deputy Course Manager, Trump Turnberry

Steven Nixon says: the delegation is a staple of our educational programmes and we are very proud to be giving this opportunity to BIGGA members. Sami Strutt added: the opportunities and exposure our delegates gain from these trips can be genuinely career changing. For many, it’s been a turning point. The friendships built and the moments shared often lead to lifelong connections. We are always inspired by the delegation and our connection with the BIGGA members, knowing that we are providing not only professional development but an impactful life experience.

 

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.

  • Sami Strutt

From Fairways to Boardrooms – Why Bernhard Academy’s Training Goes Far Beyond Golf
From Fairways to Boardrooms – Why Bernhard Academy’s Training Goes Far Beyond Golf 2560 1920 Sami Strutt

From Fairways to Boardrooms – Why Bernhard Academy’s Training Goes Far Beyond Golf

Practical skills are covered in extensive detail during Bernhard Academy workshops, from cutting-edge strategies for managing top-quality surfaces, cutting unit setup and sharpening techniques, and fundamentals of turfcare mechanics.

However, it may surprise some to learn that some of Bernhard Academy’s training programmes also lean into self-awareness, team dynamics, communication strategies and resilience under pressure. These workshops resonate with anyone who leads people or works within a team. Whether you run a golf course, a clothing company, or a catering business, the principles are the same: understand your team, empower them, and manage with emotional intelligence.

While delivering workshops at Oakmont during the US Open, Academy lead Phil Helmn noticed that members of the catering team began sitting in on sessions. “This isn’t just for greenkeepers,” one of them remarked. “We could use this in our business.” That simple comment sparked a broader realisation, that the Academy’s work has wide applicability.

At its core, the Bernhard Academy is about people: how they lead, how they adapt, and how they thrive. That’s why its suite of management courses is now catching the attention of professionals well beyond the world of greenkeeping.

The Academy’s collaboration with the Golf Club Managers Association (GCMA) on their advanced management programme has already earned 98% satisfaction from delegates, which is a record score. Interest from industries as varied as hospitality and retail suggests that alongside a deep expertise in the technical elements of turf management, a new chapter is opening for Bernhard Academy.

  • Sami Strutt

Oakmont – Inside the Bernhard Academy’s American Home
Oakmont – Inside the Bernhard Academy’s American Home 2560 1707 Sami Strutt

Oakmont – Inside the Bernhard Academy’s American Home

Nestled among the hills of Pennsylvania, Oakmont isn’t just a legendary golf venue, it’s also the Bernhard Academy’s only US base, and the site of some of its most inspiring work.

Returning to Oakmont for the 2025 US Open felt like coming home for the Academy. Having already delivered training there 18 months earlier, Phil Helmn was stunned by the transformation. “They’d rebuilt the driving range, redesigned the practise facilities, even reshaped bunkers. It was phenomenal,” he recalls.

But it wasn’t just the physical changes that left an impression. It was the culture. The leadership team, under Mike McCormack, operates with discipline, precision, and purpose. The Academy team had a front-row seat to watch excellence unfold, not just in turf care, but in team culture.

That’s what made the experience at Oakmont so special. It wasn’t just about hosting the US Open. It was about being part of a workplace where excellence is the baseline. For the Bernhard Academy, observing and supporting this ethos aligned perfectly with their mission: to help individuals and teams raise their game.

In many ways, Oakmont exemplifies what the Academy teaches, leadership with integrity, teamwork built on trust, and performance under pressure.

  • Sami Strutt

Beyond the Greens – Bernhard Academy’s Impact at the 2025 US Open
Beyond the Greens – Bernhard Academy’s Impact at the 2025 US Open 1920 2560 Sami Strutt

Beyond the Greens – Bernhard Academy’s Impact at the 2025 US Open

When the world turned its attention to Oakmont for the 2025 US Open, the spotlight wasn’t only on the players. Behind the scenes, the Bernhard Academy played a quiet yet transformational role in shaping the experience for more than 250 volunteers who made the tournament tick.

Recognising the importance of professional development, Oakmont’s Superintendent Mike McCormack invited the Academy to deliver bespoke soft skills training to the volunteer team during their downtime. The focus was on soft skills, rather than technical skills like mowing patterns or bunker edges, but resilience, leadership potential, and self-awareness.

Workshops spanned from personality profiling to techniques designed to build resilience, helping individuals understand both themselves and their teams. Sessions took place informally in the downtime between early morning and evening shifts, where they’d drop in for engaging training that helped them become better leaders, better communicators, and more adaptable professionals.

The younger volunteers were hungry for experience and eager to network. They viewed the US Open as a springboard for career progression and self-development. The seasoned professionals, meanwhile, relished the opportunity to reconnect with peers, rediscover their purpose, and share best practices.

In short, the Bernhard Academy became a cornerstone of the tournament’s success, not by cutting grass, but by cultivating people.

  • Sami Strutt

Bernhard Academy Equipment Technician Volunteer at the US Open 2025
Bernhard Academy Equipment Technician Volunteer at the US Open 2025 2491 2560 Sami Strutt

From Huddersfield to Oakmont: James’ Journey to the 125th U.S. Open

The story so far…

A native of Huddersfield Golf Club in West Yorkshire, UK, James Breeze has spent over 20 years in the golf course maintenance industry. Starting his career, as a greenkeeper, he transitioned to a full-time equipment technician role in 2016. Applying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was a bold step, and James confessed “ It was certainly out of my comfort zone but an opportunity I felt I simply couldn’t afford to miss”. From submitting a video application to navigating an online interview and an in-person workshop visit, James impressed the selection panel with the passion and determination they were looking for. So, on the on the final day of May 2025, James, winner of the Bernhard Academy’s volunteer equipment technician competition, flew the 3,596 miles out to Pittsburgh, USA, to join the team preparing for the 125th U.S. Open at the legendary Oakmont Country Club.

Upon touchdown, James was welcomed by Tommy Richey from Bernhard and Company and together, joined the advance-week support team, working closely with the host club’s equipment and mechanic staff. Their mission: to grind all the mowing units, ensuring the highest quality of cut was produced using Oakmont’s own industry-leading Bernhard grinders.

During a rare break in his busy schedule, the Bernhard Academy’s Sami Strutt and Phil Helmn sat down with James to hear about his experience so far.

How was your experience travelling to the US, and how has it been so far?

“My journey was really smooth, everything went to plan, and thankfully, there were no hiccups! I’ve never been to the US before, so every experience has been completely new. The setup at Oakmont is not quite what I expected, though I’m not even sure what I was expecting! It’s completely different from the UK. The workshop facility here is enormous, highly organised, and has everything you could possibly imagine. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and I’ve felt part of the team from the moment I stepped through the door.”

You arrived during advance week. What have you been working on?

“Alongside Tommy, we’ve been grinding all the cutting units, or ‘reels’ as they’re known in the U.S. Between us, we’ve processed over 100 units. When we arrived, we joined Chris and Ian from Oakmont’s equipment management team. Since then, more volunteer technicians have arrived, and we’re now an eight-strong team. It’s brilliant working with so many like-minded professionals and observing how they approach their work. I’ll take away a huge amount from this experience.

The days are long with 4am briefing and late finishes. Sleep is at a premium and you take it when you can get it! It’s just amazing to see it and be part of it.”

What are your thoughts on the recognition technicians receive in the US?

“The respect for equipment technicians here is immense. Their expertise is genuinely recognised and valued, it’s clear that without them, the course maintenance operation wouldn’t function. Technicians are central to the team, and I’d love to see more of that appreciation in the UK. Groups like TETO, the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation, are doing amazing work to raise awareness of our profession and its value within clubs and the wider industry.

TETO has built something in the UK that never existed before. I met someone this week whom I’d previously connected with through the Twitter, Trent Manning, who runs Reel Turf Techs, the U.S. equivalent of TETO. It’s an honour to work alongside him and have meaningful discussions about how we can inspire and support others. The dedication of people who give up their time to grow and nurture our profession is one of the keys to long-term success.

In the UK, Chris Minton, James Wilkinson, and Matt Axton have created a community of over 300 like-minded individuals through TETO, all united by the ambition to support each other and elevate the role of equipment technicians.”

Has this experience had an impact on you personally?

“This is, without doubt, the highlight of my career so far. The U.S. Open is one of the biggest golf tournaments in the World, and it’s a huge privilege to play a part in it. It’s boosted my confidence in ways I never expected. I’m here to soak up knowledge, make connections, and open my mind to what the future might hold for me. This experience has definitely planted some seeds for what comes next.”

The volunteer equipment technician opportunity is proudly sponsored by the Bernhard Academy and endorsed by TETO – the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation.

  • james bernhard

Bernhard Academy Announces Exciting New Partnership with the GCMA
Bernhard Academy Announces Exciting New Partnership with the GCMA 1024 768 james bernhard

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
  • james bernhard

Bernhard Academy unveils new Autumn workshops
Bernhard Academy unveils new Autumn workshops 2560 1707 james bernhard

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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