Royal Aberdeen Golf Club – Golf Course Blog

Tag: CPD

  • Staff Training – Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

    On Tuesday, 23 September 2025 Golf Course Mechanic Gary Tonge attended the first-ever Turf Equipment Technicians Conference. The dedicated one-day event was designed to support and celebrate the vital role of turf equipment technicians, equipment managers and mechanics within the greenkeeping and grounds maintenance industry. The conference was held at the Bernhard Academy located within Bernhard and Company’s manufacturing headquarters in Haverhill, this industry-focused conference was officially endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO) and delivered specialist education and training tailored to the unique needs of turf equipment professionals.

    Conference Overview

    The importance of being sharp.

    Discover how precision in turf maintenance impacts playability, sustainability, and performance.

    Presented by Steven Nixon, Managing Director, Bernhard and Company.

    Cutting unit adjustments.

    Tips and techniques for successfully adjusting cutting units.

    Presented by Stuart Hall, Customer Service Manager, Bernhard and Company.

    Effective communication techniques.

    Successful techniques for communicating with other members of your team through understanding the power of DISC and VARK. Walk away with practical tools to boost collaboration, cut through confusion, and drive performance.

    Presented by Phil Helmn MG, Programme Leader: Agronomy / Leadership and Management, Bernhard Academy.

    Electrics fault finding masterclass.

    Perform minor electrical repairs, test components with multimeters and specialist tools, undertake fault finding exercises, and learn to read basic wiring schematics.

    Presented by Barry Drennan, Programme Leader: Technical and Equipment Management, Bernhard Academy.

    Bernhard and Company Factory Tour.

    Tour the Bernhard Company international manufacturing facility to get a behind the scenes look at how the world leading Bernhard grinders are built, including a visit with the research and development team.

    Hosted by Angelique Crosnier, Commercial Director, Bernhard and Company.

    My US Open Experience.

    James Breeze discussed his personal journey as the recipient of the Volunteer Technician initiative, at the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club. Insights, challenges, and unforgettable moments!

    Hosted by Phil Helmn MG, Programme Leader: Agronomy / Leadership and Management, Bernhard Academy.

    The Bernhard Academy are committed to investing in professional development and working collaboratively to advance the turf industry. This conference not only provided Gary with vital training but also presented him with invaluable networking and shared learning opportunities.

  • Staff Training – BIGGA CPD Milestone Certificate

    On 17/07/2025 Course Manager Richard Johnstone was awarded with a 17th BIGGA CPD Milestone certificate in recognition of his continued education and training in 2025.

    The BIGGA CPD scheme is made up of members who are looking to improve their professional knowledge and competence within the industry while developing skills and personal qualities necessary for the execution of technical duties throughout their working life

    “No professional should stand still – we are learning – all the time”

  • Employee Recognition – 42 Years Service

    On behalf of Royal Aberdeen golf club we would like to congratulate Deputy Course Manager Steve Frost who as of 14/03/25 has accumulated 42 years of loyal and dedicated service as part of the Greenkeeping Team.

    Steve started at Royal Aberdeen as an apprentice Greenkeeper on the 14th March 1983 and while attending Elmwood college over the next 4 years he obtained his SVQ Level 2 in Sportsturf management and spraying certificates PA1, and PA6. He has completed many other qualifications over the years including SVQ Leve3 in Sportsturf, Manual handling, PA2 Tractor mounted spraying certificate, emergency first aid, abrasive wheels, management training and continues to engage in the BIGGA CPD Programme. Steve has also been involved in the course preparation for almost all of the clubs major tournaments such as The Scottish Open, The Senior Open Championship, The Walker Cup, The Amateur Championship, The Boys Amateur Championship, The Scottish Amateur Championship and many other high profile events since he started with the club.

    This milestone represents a true and lasting commitment to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club and we are proud of this accomplishment.

    We thank Steve for being a valued member of our team and his continued contributions are vital our success.

    Please feel free to congratulate Steve on this achievement the next time you see him out working on the course.

  • Staff Training – BIGGA CPD Milestone Certificate

    On 27/09/2024Course Manager Richard Johnstone was awarded with a 16th BIGGA CPD Milestone certificate in recognition of his continued education and training in 2024/2025.

    The BIGGA CPD scheme is made up of members who are looking to improve their professional knowledge and competence within the industry while developing skills and personal qualities necessary for the execution of technical duties throughout their working life

    “No professional should stand still – we are learning – all the time”