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  • Angelique Crosnier

Matt Axton as Programme Leader for Technical Training and Advisory
Matt Axton as Programme Leader for Technical Training and Advisory 880 1184 Angelique Crosnier

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader for Technical Training and Advisory

Bernhard Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Axton as Programme Leader: Technical Training and Advisory, effective 8 June 2026.

Axton joins Bernhard Academy with extensive international experience in turf machinery and golf course engineering, further strengthening its commitment to delivering practical, industry-relevant education for turf professionals.

He brings a strong technical background, supported by NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Greenkeeping and Horticultural Engineering, and an NVQ Level 3 in Horticultural Engineering. His expertise was recognised with the prestigious City & Guilds Medal of Excellence, presented by HRH Prince Philip at St James’s Palace.

Throughout his career, Axton has held senior mechanical and management roles at leading venues including The Belfry, Copt Heath Golf Club and The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club. Internationally, he spent eight years as Equipment Manager at The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain and later served as After Sales Manager for Hydroturf in Qatar, working closely with Toro and Club Car equipment and dealer networks.

His hands-on experience across dealerships and greenkeeping roles has given him a well-rounded understanding of the technical and operational challenges faced by turf professionals. He has also played a key role in developing the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), a highly engaged global community that supports knowledge sharing across the industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy, said: “Matt’s depth of technical knowledge and real-world experience make him an outstanding addition to the team. His passion for developing others aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver relevant, high-quality education for the industry.”

In his new role, Axton will lead the delivery and development of Bernhard Academy’s technical training programmes, supporting professionals at all career stages while helping to develop the next generation of turf equipment technicians. He will also provide advisory support aligned with industry best practice and contribute to installations and event activity.

Axton added: “I’m delighted to be joining Bernhard Academy and to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has shaped my career. I strongly believe technical training should be practical and grounded in real-world experience, and I look forward to supporting professionals at every stage of their development.”

  • Erin Rix

Bernhard Academy Delivers Sold Out Turf Care Mechanics Course at Moortown Golf Club
Bernhard Academy Delivers Sold Out Turf Care Mechanics Course at Moortown Golf Club 2560 1920 Erin Rix

Bernhard Academy Delivers Sold‑Out Turf Care Mechanics Course at Moortown Golf Club

Bernhard Academy has successfully delivered a sold‑out Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 course at its northern training hub, Moortown Golf Club, Leeds, marking another strong outcome for its technical training programme.

The intensive course brought together eight delegates from across the UK, all looking to strengthen their practical understanding of turf care machinery and develop the mechanical skills required within modern golf and sports turf operations.

Led by Programme Leader Barry Drennan, the programme combined expert instruction with practical learning. Drawing on his extensive industry experience, Barry guided delegates through the core principles of turf care mechanics, focusing on machinery maintenance, fault diagnosis, and safe, best‑practice working procedures. The course is designed to provide a solid foundation for those at an early stage of their mechanical training or seeking to formalise existing knowledge.

Moortown Golf Club once again proved an ideal setting for the course, reinforcing its role as a key Bernhard Academy northern training hub. With first‑class facilities and a professional working environment, the venue supports effective hands‑on learning and technical education within the golf and sports turf sector.

With all places filled, the success of the Level 1 course highlights the ongoing demand for high‑quality, practical turf care mechanics training, particularly as clubs and facilities continue to place increased importance on equipment reliability, safety, and in‑house maintenance expertise.

Bernhard Academy would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Moortown Golf Club team, whose continued support and cooperation are essential in delivering high‑quality training opportunities for the industry.

Interested in our upcoming courses? Complete the expression of interest form.

  • Sami Strutt

Bringing Iceland’s Greenkeepers Together for a Landmark Training Initiative
Bringing Iceland’s Greenkeepers Together for a Landmark Training Initiative 1600 1200 Sami Strutt

Landmark training initiative in Iceland

At the Bernhard Academy, we recently brought together 13 Icelandic greenkeepers and turf technicians in Reykjavik for a dedicated training initiative, continuing our investment in professional development within the country’s turf care sector.

The three-day programme was hosted at GKG Golf Club and led by the club’s greenkeeping team, including Course Manager Guðmundur Árni Gunnarsson and Head Greenkeeper Kate Stillwell. They identified a gap in access to specialist technical education across Iceland and played a key role in making this initiative possible.

By bringing together representatives from multiple facilities, we ensured that the knowledge gained would extend well beyond a single venue, helping to strengthen standards across Iceland’s wider turf care community.

The initiative was delivered by our Programme Leader for Equipment and Technical Management, Barry Drennan, and focused on bridging the gap between day-to-day course maintenance and advanced engineering expertise. Over three days, delegates took part in a combination of technical learning and hands-on application, working directly with machinery suited to Iceland’s unique operating conditions and logistical challenges.

We covered key aspects of modern turf management, from precision spraying and machinery diagnostics to advanced cutting unit set-up and long-term fleet maintenance strategies. The aim was to equip attendees with practical skills to improve both performance and efficiency back at their home clubs.

Kate Stillwell highlighted the importance of creating access to this type of training, building on the progress already made by TETO over the years: “This training has been a great opportunity for Icelandic greenkeepers and mechanics. Our goal was to bring everyone together to provide access and hands-on guidance that is usually hard to come by. The feedback from the 13 delegates has been very positive. It’s clear that by coordinating this as a group with SIGI (The Icelandic Greenkeeping Association) and supplier, Toro Iceland, this was a worthwhile investment in our greenkeepers and turf technicians. This training was about them.”

For us at the Bernhard Academy, this programme reflects our wider mission to make high-quality technical education accessible to turf professionals around the world.

As Barry Drennan said: “It was a privilege to deliver this programme in Reykjavik. The initiative Kate showed in coordinating greenkeepers from all over Iceland is what made this so successful. Access to specialised training can be limited there, so being able to bring this education directly to a motivated group of professionals is exactly what the Bernhard Academy is designed to do.”

This initiative also highlights the growing importance of collaboration in raising industry standards, with Iceland’s turf care professionals demonstrating how a collaborative approach to training can deliver benefits on a national scale.

We remain committed to supporting industry leaders like GKG Golf Club, helping to drive progress through accessible, expert-led education worldwide.

  • Sami Strutt

Local leadership training delivers big impact
Local leadership training delivers big impact 1920 2560 Sami Strutt

GCMA partnership brings high quality management training directly to local club teams

Knaresborough Golf Club has successfully hosted a bespoke leadership and management programme delivered on-site by the Bernhard Academy through the GCMA network.

Club Manager Alex McGuiness had been seeking high‑quality training without the cost and inconvenience of long-distance travel. By teaming up with regional GCMA contacts, he coordinated a four‑day course for 12 participants, bringing together greenkeeping and clubhouse staff for shared development.

“The Bernhard Academy provided the perfect solution,” said Alex. “A comprehensive programme delivered locally, covering everything our supervisors and managers needed.”

The tailored course included modules on resilience, delegation, effective communication, change leadership, and understanding stakeholders. Feedback from attendees was exceptional, with many praising the engaging delivery and practical tools they could apply immediately.

The Bernhard Academy, a long-standing GCMA partner, continues to support clubs nationwide with flexible, accessible training including the three‑day Certificate in Golf Course Management offered through the GCMA Advanced Management Programme.

Case Study KGC Jan 2026

  • Sami Strutt

We’re Launching Our Spring 2026 Online Management Programme – Accessible Worldwide
We’re Launching Our Spring 2026 Online Management Programme – Accessible Worldwide 2560 1710 Sami Strutt

We’re Launching Our Spring 2026 Online Management Programme – Accessible Worldwide

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Spring 2026 online leadership and management programme, designed to give industry professionals around the world the opportunity to develop essential skills – wherever they’re based.

Following the incredible response to our education seminars and packed trade show sessions earlier this year at BTME and the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, we’ve continued to build on our commitment to delivering accessible, high-impact learning for the sector.

This new online series reflects exactly what we’ve been hearing from the industry: professionals want practical, relevant development that fits around their roles and responsibilities, without compromising on quality.

Two Pathways. Flexible Learning. Global Access.

Our Spring 2026 programme features two structured development pathways:

Aspiring Manager

Designed for future leaders preparing to take the next step in their careers, this pathway focuses on:

Developing self-awareness
Strengthening communication skills
Understanding stakeholders
Building personal leadership capability
It’s ideal for those ready to transition into management and looking to build the confidence and foundations to do so successfully.

Confident Manager

Created for those stepping into – or already operating within – supervisory roles, this pathway covers essential management skills, including:

Budgeting fundamentals
Risk assessment
Project management
Handling difficult conversations
Managing stress
Delivering impactful presentations
This pathway is designed to strengthen leadership impact and provide practical tools that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Learn Your Way

While we’ve created two clear pathways, flexibility remains central to our approach.

Participants can:

Follow a full pathway, or
Attend individual courses, or
Mix and match sessions to align with personal development goals
All sessions are delivered online and accessible globally, making it easier than ever to access professional development without travel barriers.

Courses begin on 9 March 2026 and run through to 18 May 2026.

Responding to Industry Demand

As our Education Director, Sami Strutt, recently reflected:

“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.”

We’re proud to be supporting career progression at every stage, and to be making that support more accessible than ever before.

Specialist Technical Training Dates Confirmed

Alongside our leadership programme, we’ve also confirmed dates for upcoming 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 industry engagement remaining strong, demand is expected to be high and early booking is encouraged.

Join Us This Spring

We’re looking forward to welcoming professionals from across the globe to our Spring 2026 programme and continuing to raise standards through accessible, practical education.

  • 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 very 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.

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