BIGGA Conference - South East

Phil joined the Bernhard Academy in April 2024. With more than 35 years of experience in the turf management industry, he has worked for some of the biggest names in the business. Managing teams and golf courses including course construction, multiple golf courses and sites with turf grass surfaces including airfields and racecourses.

Phil is a Master Greenkeeper, one of only a few worldwide. He diversified his skills becoming an experienced trainer and author, supporting the leadership and management development of others within the industry. He is a regular speaker at BIGGA’s annual Continue to Learn education programme and the GCSAA’s Conference in the USA. He has been involved with many industry initiatives. His book, ‘The Power of People’ is recognised as a valuable guide to leading the modern-day team.

John Kemp has worked in the golf industry for 18 years and holds a BA in Golf Management, a Professional Diploma for the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, CMDip from Club Managers Association of Europe and is an R&A Greenkeeping Scholar.

As Project Manager - Golf Course 2030 at The R&A he is responsible for leading the industry to develop practical solutions to the key sustainability priorities for golf courses globally.

Dr Marie Athorn joined the RSPB in January 2020 to undertake the role of Business Conservation Advisor to The R&A as part of the partnership between the RSPB and The R&A. Conservation and ecology have always been her passion and Marie has shaped her career in these fields. Marie has played golf her whole life and felt this role was a great opportunity to combine those two things and use her job to increase awareness and support for biodiversity conservation on golf courses.

Mark Hunt has worked for over 35 years in the amenity market within the areas of product development and agronomic support. His main area of interest is dovetailing the effect of our changing climate on agronomic processes such as disease development, grass growth and plant nutrition.

Michael began his career as a greenkeeper in North Wales, London and Surrey before taking the post as Course Manager at Dulwich & Sydenham Hill Golf Club. After two years he was asked by the club to take on the role as General Manager.

He has since been the General Manager at West Surrey Golf Club and Parkstone Golf Club. In 2019 he was approached to become Managing Secretary at Royal Birkdale Golf club, an Open Championship venue, taking him back to his native Northwest.

Michael has always retained his links with BIGGA and served as an FTMI mentor for two years.