The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced the 10 finalists for this year’s Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards – including Alwoodley’s Jake Rose and Morpeth’s Ben Young.
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 – recognise and reward 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 on September 8-10, 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’s headquarters in the US.
“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,” said Gillian Haverson, marketing and communications manager at Reesink UK.
“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 Student Greenkeeper category will also enjoy a one-week placement and the US visit, along with a trip to Continue to Learn at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition.
Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists
Ruth Etches, first assistant greenkeeper at Trentham Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
Nick McEley, deputy head course manager at Milngavie Golf Club and student at Gosta Training
Jake Rose, assistant greenkeeper at Alwoodley Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
Toby Smith, deputy course manager at Redlibbets Golf Club and student at Hadlow College
Ben Young, head greenkeeper at Morpeth Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists
Finn Cluett, apprentice greenkeeper at Aspley Guise Golf Club and student at Oaklands College
Lottie Fosten, assistant greenkeeper at Wentworth Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
Archie Raynham, apprentice greenkeeper at Essendon Country Club and student at Oaklands
Tyler Rogers, apprentice greenkeeper at Taymouth Golf Club Ltd and student at Askham Bryan College
Sam Wells, apprentice greenkeeper at Isle Purbeck Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
