ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced the five members selected for the 2027 ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship.
Provided by BIGGA Premium Partner ICL Turf & Landscape, the scholarship helps members access the education programme at BTME in Harrogate. Each scholar receives three nights’ hotel accommodation and a comprehensive education package worth approximately £500.
The latest cohort includes greenkeepers at different stages of their careers, from Olly Laidlaw, who joined Royal Wimbledon Golf Club this year, to head greenkeepers Hayley Beard and Ryan Jackson.
Olly completed a degree in business management before deciding to pursue his interest in turf management and is thrilled to have the opportunity to benefit from the Continue to Learn programme and all that BTME has to offer.
“I was absolutely delighted to hear I’d been selected for the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship,” he said. “It came as a brilliant surprise, especially so early in my greenkeeping career. I’m currently about six months into my role at Royal Wimbledon, so to receive this kind of support and recognition already means a huge amount.
“I’m really looking forward to BTME and the Continue to Learn programme itself. Being able to build my own combination of classes and conference sessions means I can focus on the areas that will strengthen my knowledge.
“I’m also looking forward to the evening hosted by ICL and meeting the other scholars; being fairly new to the industry, I think there’s huge value in hearing how more experienced greenkeepers have approached their own development.”
Hayley, head greenkeeper at Mawgan Porth Golf Club, is keen to bring what she learns back to her course.
“Being given this opportunity means a lot to me, as I’m passionate about greenkeeping and always looking for ways to develop my knowledge and skills,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to attending BTME and Continue to Learn, meeting other greenkeepers and industry professionals, and learning from some of the best people within the industry.
“I’m particularly excited about bringing new ideas and knowledge back to my own course and putting what I learn into practice.”
Aimee Davey, Marketing Communications Manager at ICL, said: “We were delighted by both the number of applications received and the exceptionally high standard of candidates. The enthusiasm shown highlights the wealth of talent within our industry, and we are excited to support the successful applicants through the ICL Scholarship Programme. By providing access to industry-leading education and professional development opportunities, we look forward to helping them build their knowledge, confidence and long-term careers within the sector.”
Deb Burnett, BIGGA’s Head of Professional Development, said: “The applications show how much our members want to keep learning, whether they are new to greenkeeping or already leading a team. Continue to Learn gives them the chance to explore subjects relevant to their work and share ideas with people from across the industry.
“We’re delighted to work with ICL to support these five members at BTME, and we look forward to hearing what they take back to their clubs.”
The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2027
Hayley Beard, head greenkeeper, Mawgan Porth Golf Club
David Beatson, greenkeeper, Hogs Haven Golf Club
Ryan Jackson, head greenkeeper, Crow Nest Park Golf Club
Olly Laidlaw, assistant greenkeeper, Royal Wimbledon Golf Club
Nick McEley, deputy head greenkeeper, Milngavie Golf Club
