Continue to Learn at BTME 2027

Continue to Learn will return to Harrogate in January with world-class presenters and learning opportunities for greenkeepers at every stage of their careers.

Taking place from Sunday 24 to Thursday 28 January, the programme will bring together classes, conferences and seminars covering subjects including agronomy, water management, leadership, wellbeing, mechanics and sustainability.

The two-day conference will be staged across two locations in 2027. Monday’s programme will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa, before moving to the Queen’s Suite at Harrogate Convention Centre on Tuesday. Tuesday will also introduce a different format, with the programme focusing on how artificial intelligence, robotics and other technologies are influencing modern golf course management. Sessions will explore the practical use of drones, the introduction of new technology, real-world robotic mower integration and how greenkeepers can use AI to support decision-making and improve their operations.

 

The classes programme will run from Sunday to Wednesday, with full and half-day sessions providing interactive learning across technical, agronomic and management subjects. World-class presenters include Chris Tritabaugh, superintendent at Ryder Cup venue Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota, Dr Micah Woods of PACE Turf and renowned ecologist Bob Taylor. They will be joined by industry specialists and BIGGA members sharing practical knowledge drawn from their own careers and golf facilities.

Free seminars will also take place during BTME from Tuesday to Thursday, while The R&A Clubhouse returns, with two days of sessions adjacent to The R&A’s stand in Hall 3.

The programme also includes the BIGGA and GCMA General Manager and Course Manager Symposium, bringing together leaders from across the golf industry, and the New Greenkeepers Conference for those just beginning their careers in the industry.

Whether attendees are new to greenkeeping, preparing to take their next career step or looking to refine their approach after many years in the profession, Continue to Learn provides an opportunity to develop their knowledge and return to their golf course with practical ideas.

 

BTME itself takes place from Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 January at Harrogate Convention Centre, offering further opportunities to discover the latest products, meet industry experts and connect with greenkeepers from across the world.

For information about tickets and the discounts available to BIGGA members, view the brochure online.

Members are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

The R&A Clubhouse

The R&A Clubhouse will return to Continue to Learn with free educational sessions taking place on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 January. Located adjacent to The R&A’s stand in Hall 3, the programme will bring together R&A professionals and industry leaders to discuss some of the most important issues in golf course management. Tuesday’s sessions will focus on delivering excellent agronomy sustainably, with subjects including water resilience, competition preparation, clipping yield and global turfgrass research. Wednesday will provide international insights into golf course management, covering water security, extreme climates, irrigation, construction projects and agronomy at championships around the world.

Meet the presenters at Continue to Learn

Leading figures from across the industry will share their knowledge, research and practical experience in Harrogate.

Continue to Learn’s line-up features internationally recognised experts, professional educators and experienced greenkeepers delivering classes, conference sessions and free seminars. Across five days, attendees can shape their learning around the subjects most relevant to their role, facility and career ambitions.

Here, we introduce some of the presenters appearing at Continue to Learn 2027.

Chris Tritabaugh, Hazeltine National Golf Club

Chris is superintendent at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2016 and will stage it again in 2029. He will share lessons from delivering championship conditions, leading teams through major events and approaching work and everyday life with greater clarity and purpose.

Dr Micah Woods, PACE Turf

Micah will examine the science behind creating consistent playing conditions, including growth rate, clipping volume, nutrient inputs and organic matter. He will also take a closer look at the chemical and physical properties of sand and their implications for turf management.

Bob Taylor, Bob Taylor Ecology

Renowned ecologist Bob will lead a class on heather and heathland management. He will explore the characteristics of different heathland habitats and explain how golf courses can conserve these important environments while retaining their playing value.

Valentine Godin, Maya Global

Valentine will demystify artificial intelligence and data-led agronomy through a practical introductory class before exploring how AI can support decision-making throughout the agronomic cycle. The sessions will consider current applications as well as the technology’s future potential.

Brent Downs, Otter Creek Golf Course and Harrison Lake Country Club

Brent will demonstrate some of the less obvious ways AI can support a greenkeeping operation, from planning and workflow automation to imagery and survey creation. Alongside Justin Sims, he will also deliver sessions examining leadership styles and how to build a positive team culture.

James Bledge, Royal Liverpool Golf Club

James will discuss how course managers can communicate confidently with members, boards and staff. His session will consider the use of channels including WhatsApp, Instagram, video updates, presentations, course walks and member evenings to explain agronomic decisions and manage expectations.

Dr Tom Young and Steve Hardy

Tom, of The Environment Partnership, and Kenilworth Golf Club Course Manager Steve will explain how the club is exploring the collection and storage of drainage water to improve its long-term water security. Their session will cover monitoring, ecological opportunities and the integration of water management into the club’s wider course masterplan.

Dr John Dempsey, Independent Turfgrass Research

John will draw upon scientific research to examine surfactants and their impact on rootzone moisture, turf health and playing quality. He will also deliver classes exploring turfgrass stress responses and the potential use of nanofertilisers to improve plant health and resilience.