The Bernhard Academy, a global leader in turf care education, has announced the appointment of Barry Drennan as Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management workshops.

Coinciding with Drennan’s appointment, the Bernhard Academy has unveiled its new, innovative ‘Bernhard Academy Pathways’ for 2025. These structured learning tracks are designed to empower turf professionals by enhancing their skills across technical, agronomic, and managerial disciplines.

Barry Drennan joins the Bernhard Academy with more than 35 years of global experience in turf management, having started his career as a greenkeeper in 1987 and qualified as a golf course mechanic in 1991. He has since worked with leading brands such as Toro and Bernhard and Company, operated businesses specialising in golf equipment sales, hire, training, and service, and supported major tournaments including the Ryder Cup and Walker Cup.

Under Drennan’s leadership, the Bernhard Academy is introducing a range of new technical workshops for 2025 to form the core of its Technical and Equipment Management Pathway:

• Basic Machinery Maintenance for Turf Professionals (NEW)
• Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Part 1 & Part 2 (NEW)
• Grinder Refresher and Abrasive Wheels Training (NEW)
• Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques

The Bernhard Academy Pathways for 2025 offer comprehensive development opportunities, by combining numerous different workshops to create dedicated pathways for four different end goals:

1. Leadership and Management Pathway
   1. Aspiring Manager
   2. Confident Manager
   3. Successful Manager Part 1 & 2
   4. Inspirational Leader
2. Technical and Equipment Management Pathway
   1. Abrasive Wheel Safety Certificate
   2. Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
   3. Basic Machinery Maintenance
   4. Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Level 1 & 2
3. Agronomy Pathway
   1. Basic Agronomy
4. Bespoke Programmes
   1. Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers
   2. Customised training solutions tailored to client needs

Commenting on his new role, Barry Drennan said: “I’m delighted to join the Bernhard Academy at such an exciting time. I look forward to contributing my experience to provide valuable training in technical and equipment management skills to the industry.”

Sami Strutt, Education Director added: “We are delighted at the appointment of Barry Drennan. His knowledge, experience and skills have been fundamental in the development of the Technical and Equipment Management Pathway, which forms one of the three pillars of the Bernhard Academy. Barry’s enthusiasm and boundless energy will create an enjoyable and productive learning experience. The new pathways and workshops we are introducing will provide amazing opportunities for turf professionals to advance their careers and to shape the next generation of industry leaders.”

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk, where you can view more information about workshops and educational pathways.