Taking performance to the next level

Bernhard’s has once again displayed it is more than just a grinding company, by creating a new post of Director of Education for the recently launched Bernhard Academy.

And, what is more, they have attracted the perfect person to fill the role – Craig Haldane – who has moved to Bernhard’s from his job as Golf Courses Manager at Gleneagles.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for me and something that I’m immensely proud to be leading. It is a massive change in my career but people who know me will appreciate that it is a side of the industry that I’ve been really passionate about for the last 10 years,” said Craig, pictured above.

Craig brings 26 years of experience in the golf and turf industries to his new role.

After spending many years in the Middle East, working in both Bahrain and Dubai at venues such as the Emirates Golf Club, he became Golf Courses Manager at Gleneagles in 2018, during which time he oversaw the playing of the Solheim Cup and more recently the Senior Open Championship.

Having started his new role in January, Craig is working on building leadership certification programmes with particular focus on the golf course mechanic role.

“There is currently no certification for golf course mechanics. They tend to join the industry from the motor trade and learn the skills as they go along. We want to be able to offer them the opportunity to say that the are a certified golf course mechanic,” he said.

Craig was keen to stress that the Academy would be there to partner with other education bodies and add value.

“There so many good colleges out there that do a fantastic job. Education has gone up to another level in the last 10 years and we want to be a part of that journey.”

Bernhard’s have long enjoyed a reputation for “putting back into the industry” and there are 100s of greenkeepers from all levels who have been a part of the annual Delegation to the Golf Industry Show in the United States.

Among those to have been part of the Delegation was Craig himself.

“I can honestly say, speaking as a former delegate, that the opportunity to be a part of the Bernhard’s Delegation along with like-minded individuals was outstanding. You formed lifelong friendships and, while you were there, visited some golf courses with great facilities; experienced great education; attended the Show and had the chance to meet the Bernhard’s team.”

Speaking on Craig’s appointment, Bernhard and Company Managing Director, Steven Nixon, said that they were thrilled to unveil Craig as Director of Education for the Bernhard Academy.

“Craig has had an outstanding career as Golf Courses Manager at Gleneagles and at some of the best venues in the Middle East. He’s undoubtedly one of the most well-respected and knowledgeable members of the industry and brings with him a passion and drive to help others.”

The Bernhard Academy is located at the company’s factory in Haverhill, with further satellite training facilities at Moortown Golf Club and Royal Norwich. Craig and his team will be refining existing training modules in addition to creating entirely new programmes designed to help greenkeepers and turf professionals take their performance to the next level. n www.bernhard.co.uk