'CAREER DEFINING' DELEGATION ANNOUNCED

BIGGA and the Bernhard Academy have selected 10 association members to engage in what they describe as one of the sports turf industry’s most prestigious learning opportunities.

Every two years Bernhard Academy invites 10 BIGGA members to attend the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show, this year taking place in Orlando, Florida. BIGGA says a spot on the delegation marks out a candidate as among the most dedicated and talented ambassadors for the golf greenkeeping sector. In the intervening years a Delegation from the USA visits BIGGA’s exhibition and conference, BTME.

With experiences designed to elevate the careers of those in attendance, the delegation is a week-long educational trip that features site visits as well as seminars, networking events and educational demonstrations. The successful delegates will also be invited to convene at BTME in January, where they will meet former participants in the programme, many of whom have gone on to great success in their careers.

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 Kirwan, Course Manager, Bramhall Golf Club
• Michael Gibbons, Greenkeeper, The Wilmslow Golf Club
• Ryan Gall, Greenkeeper, Loch Lomond Golf Club
• Stuart Fergusson, Deputy Course Manager, Trump Turnberry

Michael Sage is head greenkeeper at Knowle Golf Club. Reacting to being selected, he said: “I'm really grateful to have been chosen for the BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry leaders, see how things are done on an international stage, and bring back new ideas that can help us at Knowle to keep improving. My goal is to gain fresh perspectives, especially around sustainability and course presentation, and share anything useful with my team”.

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.