The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Jacobsen have announced the delegates of the FTMI 2025 Future Turf Managers Initiative – a training programme which helps talented greenkeepers progress towards head greenkeeper and course manager roles.
FTMI is a programme of online and in-person education and mentoring. The 2025/2026 schedule begins with face-to-face training at Jacobsen HQ in Ipswich in September, followed by further sessions online during October, November and December. The course concludes with two and a half days of learning at BTME in Harrogate in January 2026.
The initiative is designed to give the participants an insight into management skills they will need as they progress in their careers. Topics covered include presentation skills, communication, time management, interview skills, CV writing, stress awareness, budgeting, and leadership.
The FTMI Class of 2025 includes Alex Hudson (assistant greenkeeper, Sharpley) as well as Callum Atkinson (first assistant greenkeeper, The Wilmslow), Tod Bannerman (senior greenkeeper, Taymouth Castle), Patrick Brown (senior greenkeeper and spray technician, Fulwell), George Edwards (deputy head greenkeeper, Walton Heath), Alistair Hogg (senior greenkeeper, A&M Fife), Chris Keeler (deputy course manager, Prestbury), Ronan Latham (senior greenkeeper, JCB Golf & Country Club), Toby Long (first assistant greenkeeper, Broadstone), Carl Moore (deputy head greenkeeper, Kings Norton), William Moore (assistant course manager, Kilworth Springs), Euan Polson (first assistant greenkeeper, Royal Aberdeen), Phillip Shields (first assistant greenkeeper, The Blackwood), Greg Smith (first assistant greenkeeper, The Berkshire), and John Thornton (irrigation technician, Copt Heath).
Delegates are assigned to mentor groups throughout the programme. The mentors for this year, who are all previous FTMI graduates and course managers, are Leigh Powell (Windlesham), James Parker (Machrihanish Dunes) and Ben Williams (Royal Cinque Ports).
“It’s always a thrill to learn of the successful delegates for the Future Turf Managers Initiative as the developmental opportunities they receive and the chance to become an FTMI graduate can turbo-charge careers,” said BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton. “I look forward to seeing how the class of 2025 develop and to meeting them all at Jacobsen HQ in September.”
Nicole Burn, brand marketing director at Jacobsen, said: “We’re proud to support the Future Turf Managers Initiative in partnership with BIGGA. Investing in the development of future leaders in turf management is essential to the growth and sustainability of our industry, and we’re honoured to play a role in that journey.”
