Myerscough learner crowned national Student Greenkeeper of the Year

Bradley Taylor has been named winner of the 2025 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year, a national contest hosted by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, BIGGA, and is sponsored by turfcare machinery and irrigation manufacturer Toro alongside official UK distributor, Reesink Turfcare.

28-year-old Brad is First Assistant Greenkeeper at Beau Desert Golf Club in the West Midlands, and is currently undertaking a Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship with Myerscough College.

Each year, a selection of the best student greenkeepers, selected from regional interviews hosted across the country, head to the two-day finals of the event, where they complete a variety of tasks designed to test their industry knowledge and their commitment to the profession.

Now in its 36th year, the awards have helped unearth some of the brightest talents within the turf management industry and laid the foundations for decades of professional success.

Held at Rudding Park in Harrogate this week, the finalists competed in a series of challenges designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping profession.

Reflecting on his award, Brad said: "The best piece of advice I've ever been given is, 'Do a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life'. No day is the same out on the course, I love the variety that comes with the job and working in nature.

‘’This industry is fantastic and the opportunities available are endless. I've been lucky to work on some of the best courses on the DP World Tour circuit and travel the world while doing it. I wish I'd have started younger, but I wouldn't change a thing."

BIGGA Learning and Development Manager Deb Burnett said: “Whether joining the industry fresh from full-time education or opting to switch after a career elsewhere, our finalists are all excellent and they demonstrate the extraordinary talent that is present in today’s golf greenkeeping industry.

‘’The degree of knowledge they possess is testament to the quality of training they receive, both at work and with their training providers.’’

A spokesperson for Beau Desert Golf Club said: ‘’The Club and the Board of Management are absolutely delighted and immensely proud of our First Assistant Greenkeeper on winning this much-coveted award.

‘’A truly fantastic achievement, Brad, and a proud moment for the Club, thoroughly well deserved!’’