Bernhard Academy

04/08/2026

Effective Planning: Key to Successful Ex*****on

Don't just start working. Start planning.

Before diving into tasks, ask yourself:

✔️ What needs to be achieved?
✔️ What could get in the way?
✔️ Who needs to be involved?

Great ex*****on begins with clear planning.

This tip is inspired by article Success Starts With a Plan, which explores why planning remains one of the most important skills for any successful manager.

https://www.pitchcare.com/blogs/news/success-starts-with-a-plan

Pitchcare

30/07/2026

Throwback to some of our recent courses at the Bernhard Academy! 🙌

Great people. Great learning. Real impact.

Our courses are designed to be informative, practical and just as importantly fun, creating an environment where delegates can learn, share experiences and build lasting connections.

22/07/2026

An insightful article by Helene Berkowitz highlights that while a job title alone doesn't make someone a great leader, it plays an important role in communicating responsibility, shaping professional identity and creating the first impression on colleagues, employers and the wider industry.

While titles alone do not define capability, they can shape how individuals view their own development and how the wider industry recognises their contribution. As our sector continues to address skills shortages, retention challenges and succession planning, creating clear career pathways has never been more important.

At Bernhard Academy, we are passionate about supporting professionals at every stage of their journey through leadership, management and technical education. Developing skills, building confidence and creating opportunities for progression helps strengthen not only individual careers, but the future of our industry as a whole.

What role do you think job titles play in attracting and retaining talent within golf and turf management?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/do-job-titles-still-matter-helene-berkowitz-lcehf/

A manager title used to mean that you managed people. You brought several personality types together with different strengths and weaknesses and made them into a cohesive team.

14/07/2026

Skills aren’t static. Neither is your career.

The most successful professionals? They keep learning.

In 2025, a major industry survey found that "lack of qualified/skilled labour" is the top current concern in golf course maintenance and remains a top future concern.

The answer isn't simply recruiting more people, it's developing and retaining the talent we already have. Bernhard Academy exists to help turf professionals build the skills needed to succeed today and lead tomorrow.

https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record/63/issue-02/what-are-the-biggest-challenges-facing-the-golf-course-maintenan.html

08/07/2026

Why do we do what we do?

Because education drives progress.

When Bernhard Academy first opened its doors, the vision was never simply to create a training space — it was to create a global centre of excellence for learning, collaboration and industry development.

As Stephen Bernhard shared at the opening of the academy:

“We want it to be a centre of excellence which allows specialist individuals to present their experience, views and knowledge to an audience.”

https://www.pitchcare.com/blogs/news/bernhard-company-launches-new-training-academy

Today, that vision continues through every course, every delegate, every conversation and every connection made across the industry.

From the UK to the US, Europe and Asia, the academy was built to bring people together through shared learning and professional development.

Because when knowledge is shared, the entire industry moves forward.

30/06/2026

Inspired by Phil Helmn's article "Dealing with Disruptive Behaviour: The Difference Between Can't and Won't", these five questions can help managers identify the root cause of performance issues before taking action.

One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is treating every performance issue the same way.

Before taking action, ask yourself:

Do they understand what's expected?

Do they have the skills?

Do they have the resources?

Have they received feedback?

Are they willing to change?

Managing people is rarely black and white. Learning how to deliver effective feedback, have difficult conversations and build accountability are some of the practical leadership skills we explore through various Bernhard Academy leadership programmes.

https://www.pitchcare.com/blogs/news/dealing-with-disruptive-behaviour-the-difference-between-can-t-and-won-t

23/06/2026

Myth: Members only care about the course.

Reality? The overall experience matters just as much.

✔️ Friendly service
✔️ Great food & beverage
✔️ Well-run events
✔️ Clear communication
✔️ Positive staff culture
✔️ A team that works together

A great member experience doesn’t come from one department alone — it’s created by everyone.

Think about tournament days:
The course team prepares the conditions.
Operations coordinate the day.
The golf shop manages players.
Food & beverage keeps everyone looked after.

When departments work together, members feel the difference. 🌱

16/06/2026

What does it take to prepare for one of the biggest events in golf?

As Royal Birkdale Golf Club prepares to host The Open Championship 2026, the focus isn't just on course conditions, it's on the people behind the scenes making it all happen.

Through leadership and management training with the Bernhard Academy, senior managers across the club have been investing in the skills needed to lead with confidence, communicate effectively, and deliver under pressure.

Because world-class venues are powered by world-class people.

Read the full story here https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/investing-in-people-the-team-behind-royal-birkdales-open-preparation-2/

10/06/2026

Following from our poll recently undertaken where overwhelmingly you all agreed that communication is key.

This United States Golf Association - USGA podcast from 2022 reiterates the point, that communication is one of the most important skills a turf manager can develop.

From leading your team and managing expectations to presenting ideas with confidence, effective communication helps turn knowledge into action.

At Bernhard Academy, we help professionals develop the leadership and communication skills needed to thrive both on and off the course.

https://usgags.podbean.com/e/effective-communication-strategies-for-superintendents-with-ross-miller

08/06/2026

We’re incredibly excited to officially welcome Matt Axton to the Bernhard Academy team as the Programme Leader: Technical Training and Advisory! 👏

Matt brings a wealth of industry experience, passion and knowledge, and we can’t wait for delegates and industry professionals to benefit from his expertise as part of their Academy journey.

As we continue to grow and evolve, bringing in people who truly care about developing others is hugely important to us and Matt is exactly that.

Please join us in giving Matt a warm welcome to the Bernhard Academy team!