Five Myerscough student greenkeepers named on national award shortlist

The annual event celebrates the best student greenkeepers in the country, and they now go through to the final in September. All of the Myerscough finalists are studying while working at golf clubs across the country.

They are:

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists:

Ruth Etches, first assistant greenkeeper at Trentham Golf Club

Jake Rose, assistant greenkeeper at Alwoodley Golf Club

Ben Young, head greenkeeper at Morpeth Golf Club

Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists

Lottie Fosten, assistant greenkeeper at Wentworth Golf Club

Sam Wells, apprentice greenkeeper at Isle Purbeck Golf Club 

The Myerscough learners will look to follow in the footsteps of Brad Taylor, First Assistant Greenkeeper at Beau Desert Golf Club in the West Midlands, and Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprentice, who took the title in 2025.

Related story:

Myerscough learner crowned national Student Greenkeeper of the Year

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced the 10 hopefuls in with a shot at claiming the top prizes at the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2026, with Myerscough learners making up half of the shortlists.

The nominees, split between the Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year categories, represent golf clubs and colleges from across the country.

Launched in 1989, the awards, sponsored by Toro and Reesink Turfcare, have long recognised and rewarded some of the most promising talents in the industry, with many finalists going on to enjoy stellar careers.

The 2026 awards will take place at Rockliffe Hall in County Durham from 8-10 September, when the finalists will compete in a series of challenges designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping profession.

BIGGA's Head of Professional Development Deb Burnett said: "These awards continue to showcase the breadth of talent coming through the greenkeeping industry, and this year's finalists are another outstanding group.

"Whether they are at the beginning of their careers or have already taken on significant responsibility within their teams, they have shown the commitment, knowledge and ambition that will help drive the profession forward."

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year winner's prize includes enrolment in an internationally recognised 10-week turf management remote study course at The Winter Turf School (University of Massachusetts), a one-week placement at a prestigious golf course in the UK or overseas, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Toro HQ in the United States.

Gillian Haverson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Reesink UK, award sponsor, said: "This year's Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards attracted an impressive number of entries, and the quality of submissions was high, making the judging process more competitive than ever.

‘’As a result, those who have secured a place in the finals have achieved something truly noteworthy and should be congratulated for standing out among such a strong field of candidates. 

“We are excited to bring the finalists together at Rockliffe Hall this September, a prestigious venue and valued Toro customer, for what promises to be a memorable and inspiring final."

The victor in the Young category will also enjoy a one-week placement and the US visit, along with a trip to Continue to Learn at BTME.

The runners-up in each category will also receive generous prizes, as will the people who endorse the winners.