STUDENT GREENKEEPERS OF THE YEAR NAMED

PICTURED ABOVE: Bradley Taylor and Matthew Strutt Donnelly

BIGGA, Reesink Turfcare and Toro have revealed the winners of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2025 at an event at Rudding Park in North Yorkshire.

Two talented greenkeepers were rewarded at the 36th staging of the awards, cementing their place among an illustrious list of past winners.

Bradley Taylor, student at Myerscough College, and Matthew Strutt Donnelly, who attends Berkshire College of Agriculture, emerged victorious after impressing judges across a series of assessments designed to test their knowledge, skill and passion for greenkeeping.

Bradley, first assistant at Beau Desert Golf Club, in Staffordshire, was awarded the main Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year prize, while Matthew, an apprentice at Stoneham Golf Club, in Hampshire, secured the Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year award.

Following regional judging earlier in the year, eight finalists were selected to compete in the finals at Rudding Park, near Harrogate.

Over two days, they undertook a range of practical and theoretical tests, from seed and grass identification to presentations and interviews, giving them a platform to showcase their expertise and enthusiasm for the industry.

Jamie Beattie, assistant greenkeeper at Royal Liverpool, was the runner-up for the main award, with fellow Myerscough College student and Parkstone apprentice Oli Badger claiming that spot in the Young category.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return in 2026.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said, "Congratulations to Bradley Taylor and Matthew Strutt Donnelly, two very worthy winners among an exceptionally strong list of finalists.

"Seeing the calibre of the finalists fills me with optimism for the future of our industry."