Royal Aberdeen Golf Club – Golf Course Blog

Tag: training

  • Staff Training – Safe Use Of Pesticides Pa1

    On 20/03/2026 Apprentice Greenkeeper Adam Giles successfully passed the the PA1, safe use of pesticides spraying certificate. This certificate and training is useful on a golf course because it’s the foundational qualification required to legally and safely handle pesticide application equipment in the UK.

    This course prepared Adam to take the PA6 practical assessment which, combined with a PA1 unit, qualifies him in the legislative qualification Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Pesticides.

    The PA1 Foundation Module covers the principles behind using pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and related turf-management chemicals.

    On a golf course, that matters for several reasons:

    • Legal compliance
      UK regulations require anyone using professional pesticide products to be properly trained. PA1 is the first step before practical spraying modules like PA2 or PA6.
    • Turf quality and playability
      Golf greens, tees, and fairways need consistent turf health. Proper chemical application helps control:
      • weeds
      • fungal diseases
      • moss
      • insect pests
    • Environmental protection
      Golf courses often sit near ponds, streams, woodland, or protected habitats. PA1 teaches:
      • safe chemical storage
      • spill prevention
      • protecting watercourses
      • reducing spray drift
    • Health and safety
      You learn correct handling of chemicals, PPE use, calibration awareness, and emergency procedures, reducing risk to staff and golfers.
    • Career progression in greenkeeping
      Many golf clubs expect greenkeepers to hold spraying qualifications, and having PA1 can:
      • improve employability
      • increase responsibility
      • support promotion into senior greenkeeping or course-management roles
    • Gateway qualification
      PA1 alone is theory-based. To actually apply pesticides, you usually combine it with practical modules such as:
      • PA2 for tractor sprayers
      • PA6 for knapsack or pedestrian sprayers

    For golf course work, PA1 + PA6 is a very common combination because many treatments are applied around greens, bunkers, paths, and many other areas using hand-held equipment.

  • 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 – Emergency First Aid at Work

    On the 11th March 2025 Course Manager Richard Johnstone, Deputy Course Manager Steve Frost, First Assistant Greenkeeper Euan Polson, Senior Greenkeeper Owen Mackay and Golf Course Mechanic Gary Tonge attended a 1-day emergency first aid at work course held at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club by Wallace Cameron Training.

    Having a first aid qualification will not only benefit Royal Aberdeen but will also add to the teams continued personal development. With 10 employees operating heavy machinery on a daily basis, chemicals or hazardous materials it presents a greater chance of injury and is deemed a high risk environment, so it is essential we have staff fully trained to administer first aid is needed.

    First aid training is an essential part of any workplace that should not be overlooked. Not only does it ensure that any emergencies will be handled with care, but it is a legal requirement that can be costly if neglected and it is important to instill confidence in employees that they are well looked after.

    This covers most of the topics covered on the 1 -day course and the skills and knowledge gained will allow the team to be able to deal with:

    Action at an emergency
    Poisoning
    Burns and scalds
    Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.)
    Use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
    Wounds and Bleeding
    Anaphylactic shock
    Neck and Back injuries
    Soft tissue injuries
    Unconscious casualties
    Treatment of Shock
    Recognise Major illness including Heart Attack, Stroke, Diabetes, epilepsy, asthma etc.
    Head injuries
    HSE Legislation and requirements record keeping etc