Ten members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have been selected as Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025 and will attend the 2025 BTME conference in Harrogate, England, in January.
For over 20 years, Bernhard has been selecting 10 British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) members to experience the show by attending the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in the U.S. Through this program, North American Superintendents will have the opportunity to have a similar experience in the UK.
“We are incredibly proud to present this initiative to GCSAA members,” said Sami Strutt, education director at Bernhard & Co. “We look forward to welcoming the 10 selected individuals to the UK to visit BTME, the largest turf trade show outside the US, and to participate in our Continue to Learn education program in Harrogate. We can’t wait for them to explore British turf practices and discover iconic golf courses.”
During their stay in the UK, the GCSAA delegation will have the opportunity to experience a traditional links course, tour the British Open venue, learn the history of the original Ryder Cup venue, attend the BTME annual conference and engage in global networking opportunities.
Members of the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom Class of 2025 include:
Brent Downs, CGCS, MG, director of agronomy at Otter Creek Golf Course in Seymour, Ind. Tyler Midgett, facilities manager at Harmony Golf Club in Colorado. Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, AGS, Hillcrest Country Club (Boise, ID), Overlake Golf & Country Club (Medina, WA), Cole Miedema, Assistant Supervisor, Matthew Overton, Buffalo Golf Club (Buffalo, WY), Emily Casey, Seven Canyons (Flagstaff, AZ), Matt Earhart, Chartwell Golf & Country Club (Severna Park, MD), Clay Payne, Buffalo Dunes Golf Course (Garden City, KS), Ryan Franklin, Brickyard Crossing Golf Course (Indianapolis, IN), Carol Turner, Bigwin Island Golf Club (Huntsville, ON, Canada).
“The ‘Links to Success’ program will undoubtedly strengthen international relationships within our industry,” said GCSAA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Sunderman. “This opportunity will not only benefit the GCSAA members involved, but it will enhance the future of the game of golf.”
For more information, visit www.gcsaa.org/foundation/education/links-to-success.
For more information about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk
