The Bernhard Academy Delegation
The Delegation sponsored by Bernhard Academy is one of the most respected and revered educational opportunities for anyone in the greenkeeping industry.
Propel your career forward by applying for this week-long transformative experience designed for ambitious professionals eager to expand their expertise and connections.
This incredible opportunity offers immersive site visits to leading trade shows, in-depth explorations of world-class golf courses, engaging seminars, vibrant networking events, and enlightening educational demonstrations.
Celebrated for fostering lasting business and social relationships, this delegation is renowned within the industry. It’s more than just an event, it’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in an environment that inspires success. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this truly extraordinary experience!
The BIGGA Delegation
ROUTE TO SUCCESS USA 2026
For over 20 years, BIGGA and Bernhard and Company have selected 10 members to fly out to the United States and dive into the amazing education and networking opportunities at the GCSAA’s Conference and Trade Show.
Being part of the BIGGA Delegation is a mark of honour in the greenkeeping world, and we warmly extend an invitation for you to join in the experience.
You don’t need to be at a top-tier venue to be selected. All you need is a passion for learning, enthusiasm for sharing your knowledge, and a deep commitment to the turf industry.
In return, you’ll explore premier U.S. facilities, immerse yourself in world-class education, connect with industry leaders, and discover more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
Applications for the next BIGGA Delegation will open in 1 June 2025.
The GCSAA Delegation
LINKS TO SUCCESS UK 2027
For the second time, we will be selecting 10 GCSAA members to be part of the GCSAA Delegation from the US to the UK.
This exclusive delegation provides an enriching educational experience, career development and meaningful connections.
Picture yourself joining the delegation, be open to learning and forging new friendships, networking with turf professionals and expanding your horizons in the industry.
Successful candidates will not only embark on a journey to the UK, they will attend the BTME trade show, visit legendary Links golf courses and will take part in other insightful Bernhard Academy activities, having a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
It’s not just a trip, it’s a unique opportunity to grow, learn and create memories.
Applications for the next GCSAA Delegation open in 2026.
Why should you apply for the delegation?
Delegation process
Application:
Prospective candidates have to complete an expression of interest form to apply. They will be asked to submit a video (maximum of 5 minutes) and a copy of their CV. The video submission will include questions related to their experience in the turf industry, their career aspirations and showcase why they are an ideal fit for this exceptional opportunity.
Interview:
Following the review of the completed application (1. Expression of interest; 2. Video submission; 3. CV) the selection panel will identify up to 20 top candidates who will be invited to a face-to-face interview. The interview will centre around their professional background, future goals, and potential contributions to the delegation.
Selection Line-Up:
Following the interview phase, we will announce the 10 successful delegates who will embark on this journey. The announcement will be made public via our website and social media platforms.
Education Exposure:
Once selected, delegates will be immersed in knowledge and skill enhancement. They will have the opportunity to attend insightful seminars, visit golf courses and participate in hands-on activities hosted by the Bernhard Academy. Each activity is designed to foster career growth and gain expertise in the turf industry.
Networking:
Delegates will have the chance to connect and collaborate with turf professionals from across the globe. Whether it is through sharing experiences, exchanging innovative ideas or discussing turf management practices. This delegation is the perfect platform to expand their professional network within the turf community.
Delegates over the years
2025
2024
2023
2022
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2025
Harrogate 2025
Emily Casey
Brent Downs, CGCS, MG
Matt Earhart
Ryan Franklin
Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG
Cole Miedema
Tyler Miget
Clay Payne
Carol Turner
Podcasts
Part One: The LowDowns Part 1 – GCSAA Delegation
Part Two: The LowDowns Part 2 – GCSAA Delegation
Delegate Articles and Reflections
Cole Miedema reflects on the experience
Matthew Earhart Article – Turfgrass Matters Mid-Atlantic Chapter
Ryan Franklin Bernhard Delegation Trip
Brent Downs – My Kingdom – A reflection on the trip of a lifetime
2024
SAN DIEGO 2024
Robert Acheson
Harry Cannon
Stephen Davey
James Hampson
Eddie Irvine
Fraser Jardine
Richard Ponsford
Luke Sheldon
Richard Stephens
2023
ORLANDO 2023
Alex Brougham
James Bruder
Michael Budd
Scott Corrigan
David Edmondson
Andrew Kerr MG
Steven Thomas
Brian Toall
Jeremy Ward
Bradley White
2022
SAN DIEGO 2022
Joe Curtis
Matthew Dobbs
Allan Duncan
Craig Haldane
Colin Hopper
Matthew Houseman
Chris Low
Darren McLaughlan
Scott McTaggart
Andrew Wilson
2020
ORLANDO 2020
Jake Boardman
Callum Goodhind
Andrew Merry
Jonny Peacock
Andrew Riley
David Roberts
Peter Robinson
Lucy Sellick
Chris Sharp
Jack Sims
2019
SAN DIEGO 2019
Scott Aitchison
Craig Boath
Keith Burgon
Stefan Carter
Lyle Davidson
Graham Down
Craig Earnshaw
Peter McVicar
Tom Pattison
Yannick Weber
2018
SAN ANTONIO 2018
Stuart Adams
Craig Berry
James Bonfield
Thomas Jacques
Richard Johnstone
Jamie Martin
Tim Sethi
Tom Smith
David Warner
Andrew Whyman
2017
ORLANDO 2017
Ben Kebby
Matthew Nutter
Jack Hetherington
Jon Methven
Sam Bethell
Scott Roberts
Lewis Birch
Paul Brown
Jamie Blake
Jason Brooks
2016
SAN DIEGO 2016
Graeme Beatt
Simon Torr
Simon Hart
Jamie Wade
Simon Olver
John McLoughlin
Shaun Anderson
James Bledge
Darren Burton
Steve Lloyd
2015
SAN ANTONIO 2015
Richard McGlynn
Sam Evans
Sean Brocklehurst
Kevin Armstrong
Miles Todd
Simon Connah
Steven Hulme
Graeme Roberts
Lee Sayers
Leigh Powell
2014
ORLANDO 2014
Paul Mills
Geoff Fenn
Andrew Laing
David Collins
Steven Hemsley
Paul Armour
Gavin Neill
Tom Brearley
John Entwistle
Jaey Goodchild
2013
SAN DIEGO 2013
Asa English
Bruce Hicks
Robert Clare
Timothy Johnson
James Parker
Richard Jenkinson
Lee Brady
Derrick Johnstone
Dan Norsworthy
Paul Handy
2012
LAS VEGAS 2012
Stuart Hall
Stuart Yarwood
Peter Newton
David Gray
Neil Ballingall
Alan Pierce
Dan McGrath
Jaime Acton
George Pitts
Graeme Gallimore
2011
ORLANDO 2011
Andrew Boyce
Jim Brown
Stephen Chappell
Richard Cutler
Chris Haspell
John Keenaghan
Nicholas Miles
Graham Pickin
Derek Robson
Robert Sandilands
2008
ORLANDO 2008
Michael Bush MG
Kerry Jones
Russell Lewis
Daniel Lightfoot MG
Simon Marsh
Nicholas Nottingham
George Pendrich
Kerr Rowan
Ian Smith
Alan Walker
2007
ANAHEIM 2007
Barry Crawford
Andrew de Wet
John Gubb
Mark Henderson
Glenn Kirby
Roger Neale
Stephen Privett
Paul O’Kane
Ian Somerville
Robert Welford
2006
ATLANTA 2006
Justin Austin
Graham Blum
Fred Deamen
Marc Haring
Alastair Higgs
John Houston
Ian Kinley
Matthew Plested
Keith Ratcliff MG
Greg Skinner
2005
ORLANDO 2005
Darren Anderson MG
Steven Beverley
Terry Crawford
Michael Gash
Graeme MacDonald
Chris Maynard
Robert Needham
Tim Rockey
Christopher Sealey
Denis Tweddell
2004
SAN DIEGO 2004
Sidney Arrowsmith MG
Warren Bevan
William Bowden
Brian Boyle
Philip Cooper
Peter Cross
Terry Farkins
Les Howkins MG
Paul Jenkins
Steven Tierney MG
2003
ATLANTA 2003
Kerran Daly
Mark Ellis
Kevin Hodges
Jeremy Hughes
Colin Mackay
Alex McCombie
Gordon McKie
Antony Mears
Duncan Smith
Anthony Woolley
2002
ORLANDO 2002
Ronnie Bunting
Philip Gates
Peter Lacey
Patrick McAteer
Jeffrey Mills
James Paton
Ivor Scoones
Tony Smith
Ian Willett
David Winterton
2001
VANCOUVER 2001
Antony Bindley
Ray Clark
Anthony Davies
Raymond Day
Archie Dunn
Andrew Forrest
Peter Lacey
James Richardson
Tom Smith
Richard Whyman
Testimonials
“Chatting to the rest of the guys daily was brilliant as they were all in more senior positions than me, so I got some knowledge about management and how they look after their course is something I’ll take forward with me.”
“The opportunities given, the tours we’ve been to have opened my eyes. This trip boosted my confidence to keep driving forward, the seminars were phenomenal!”
“It’s the best trip I have ever been on and to learn as much as we have in such a short time has been awesome! We visited important golf courses and attended great seminars, I will take everything I learnt back to my golf club”
“It has been a fantastic opportunity to go on the delegation. The highlights were the educational seminars and the networking opportunities”
“I learnt that no matter what position or role you hold within your club and whatever budget or the size of the course we worked on, we all had the same passion, love and goals. These were to be and do the best we can and to create fantastic golf courses”.
“We learnt a lot from the seminars that we went to. But, it was also great to learn from the other delegates. This trip re-envigorate and motivated us to get back and make use of everything we gathered in this week”