ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027
The latest recipients of the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship have been named, with five BIGGA members set to attend the education programme at BTME 2027.
Provided by Premium Partner ICL Turf & Landscape, the scholarship gives members access to Continue to Learn in Harrogate. Each scholar receives three nights’ hotel accommodation and an education package worth approximately £500. Travel, meals and other personal expenses remain the responsibility of the scholars.
The scholarship helps the successful applicants choose classes and conference sessions that suit their roles and ambitions, while giving them time to meet others working across the industry. Its roll of honour dates back to 2017 and includes members in a wide range of greenkeeping roles.
This year’s scholars come from a range of backgrounds, including industry newcomer Olly Laidlaw, who entered greenkeeping this year after completing a business management degree. Ryan Jackson and Hayley Beard are head greenkeepers, while David Beatson has been involved in the construction and grow-in of a new course at Hogs Haven Golf Club. Nick McEley is a deputy head greenkeeper with ambitions to lead a team.
The scholars are looking forward to making practical use of their time in Harrogate. Olly wants to build his knowledge early in his career, while Ryan hopes to apply the latest research to managing his course and staff. David is working towards becoming a spray technician, and Nick is keen to hear how those leading the sessions have put theory into practice. Hayley hopes to bring new ideas back to her course.
Deb Burnett, BIGGA’s Head of Professional Development, said: “The applications show how much our members want to keep learning, whether they are new to greenkeeping or already leading a team. Continue to Learn gives them the chance to explore subjects relevant to their work and share ideas with people from across the industry. We’re delighted to work with ICL to support these five members at BTME, and we look forward to hearing what they take back to their clubs.”
Hayley Beard
"Being given this opportunity means a lot to me, as I'm passionate about greenkeeping and always looking for ways to develop my knowledge and skills. I'm really looking forward to attending BTME and Continue to Learn, meeting other greenkeepers and industry professionals and learning from some of the best people within the industry. I'm particularly excited about bringing new ideas and knowledge back to my own course and putting what I learn into practice."
David Beatson
"I'm really pleased to have been selected as an ICL Scholar. I was genuinely surprised when I found out, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I'm looking forward to learning from others in the industry, catching up with friends and seeing the latest ideas and innovations at BTME. Being involved in the construction and grow-in at Hogs Haven has been a great opportunity for me. I'm hoping to keep developing my skills and work towards becoming the spray technician. Hopefully the classes can help me achieve this goal."
Ryan Jackson
"I am proud to be selected as an ICL Scholar. I look forward to hearing the latest research first hand, along with meeting new people within the industry. By taking part in Continue to Learn I will be able to build further knowledge and skills from industry professionals and apply that to the day-to-day management of both the course and staff."
Olly Laidlaw
"I was absolutely delighted to hear I'd been selected for the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship. It came as a brilliant surprise, especially so early in my greenkeeping career. I'm really looking forward to BTME and the Continue to Learn programme itself. Being able to build my own combination of classes and conference sessions means I can focus on the areas that will strengthen my knowledge. It's a fantastic opportunity to accelerate my learning and I'm determined to make the most of every session."
Nick McEley
"I'm really grateful because without this support Continue to Learn is something that would be out of my reach just now. It's a big boost for my career. I'm most looking forward to hearing first-hand accounts from those leading the classes of their experiences of real-life applications of the theory they're teaching, to develop further what I may or may not have read in a book or experienced at my own course."
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