Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards

Two talented greenkeepers were rewarded at the 36th Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards, cementing their place among an illustrious list of past winners.

Bradley Taylor and Matthew Strutt Donnelly emerged victorious after impressing judges across a series of assessments designed to test their knowledge, skill and passion for greenkeeping. Bradley, first assistant at Beau Desert Golf Club, in Staffordshire, was awarded the main Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year prize, while Matthew, an apprentice at Stoneham Golf Club, in Hampshire, secured the Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year award.

Following regional judging earlier in the year, eight finalists were selected to compete in the finals at Rudding Park, near Harrogate. Over two days, they undertook a range of practical and theoretical tests, from seed and grass identification to presentations and interviews, giving them a platform to showcase their expertise and enthusiasm for the industry.

Jamie Beattie, assistant greenkeeper at Royal Liverpool, was the runner-up for the main award, with fellow Myerscough College student and Parkstone apprentice Oli Badger claiming that spot in the Young category.

The nomination period for the 2026 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will open on 1 March 2026.

 

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year: Bradley Taylor

 

Myerscough College student Bradley Taylor has never been shy about putting himself forward for an opportunity. Alongside his work at Beau Desert, Bradley has immersed himself in a wide range of initiatives, including The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme. Here, he reflects on winning one of the industry's most sought-after honours, the support he has received along the way and what advice he would offer to fellow greenkeepers looking to emulate his achievement.

How did it feel when you found out you had won?
Extremely surprised – totally astounded, in fact. Each of the candidates who got to the final were all worthy winners in themselves. They're great people, they know their trade and I honestly thought it was never going to be me. When the announcement came, I was absolutely thrilled.

Who was the first person you celebrated with?
I was straight on the phone to my girlfriend. I shed a little tear when I spoke to her; it was just a moment of realisation setting in. I'd been carrying that trophy around, it's so heavy, and I was still all tensed up. Speaking to her was like, 'I've done this now, the hard work has paid off'. I was also lucky to have a few people I know up here to share it with too.

What was the overall experience of the final like?
Tuesday was about settling in. We had lunch, did some axe throwing and archery, which helped us relax. Then we had a look around the course with Rob Clare and Dan Millar, the course manager and deputy. That was really good, seeing the project they're working on and asking questions made me feel more at home out on the course.

Later we got started on our projects before enjoying a barbecue. We had lots of conversations with the BIGGA team, fellow candidates and people from the industry, talking about life, greenkeeping, putting the world to rights. Just being with like-minded, passionate people has been great.

Then Wednesday was business time: knowledge tests, seed and grass identifications, interviews, presentations. That was the moment when you saw the exam papers on the desk and thought, 'Right, this is real. You've got to turn up and do your best'. I'm absolutely delighted to have come out on top, but honestly, everybody who reached the final is a winner in their own right.

Who would you like to thank for supporting you on this journey?
My girlfriend, without a doubt, I couldn't do anything without her. The last three weeks she's probably thought she's been a single woman because I've been glued to the course or the computer preparing! My family too, for their constant support.

At work, my boss Luke Sheldon and the board of management at Beau Desert have been fantastic. They support me when I apply for opportunities, and I try to give back by pushing the course forward. I've also had great mentors, like my college tutor Adam Shoesmith at Myerscough, who's taught me a huge amount.

Have you had time to think about how this award might shape your future?
When the realisation of this achievement hits, I can think more about it, but I see real longevity at Beau Desert. It's a course I can grow into and develop alongside, with a fantastic team and supportive club. For me, it'll be about keeping on pushing, working hard, being willing to learn and just going from there.

Bradley's advice to SGOTY hopefuls

Nothing's ever out of reach. If you put yourself forward, believe in yourself, trust your knowledge and instincts, then go for it. There are so many great people in the industry, and BIGGA provides so many opportunities. If you want to learn something, there will always be someone willing to share their experience. Work hard, enjoy what you do, be passionate, determined and surround yourself with good people – that's how you'll go far.

“A wealth of talent” – Jon Cole, divisional business manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge

“This year's finalists all brought something different to the competition, making being a judge a tough job. The range of perspectives, qualities and strengths on display were of a very high standard. Bradley though had the edge. He demonstrated a wealth of talent, delivered a fantastic presentation and showed us an in-depth knowledge of the field in his interview. It was interesting and gratifying to see how dedicated he is and his passion for the industry. Well done, Bradley!”

Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year: Matthew Strutt Donnelly

 

The Strutt name is well established in the turf industry, but now Matthew Strutt Donnelly is carving out his own path. An apprentice greenkeeper at Stoneham Golf Club and a student at Berkshire College of Agriculture (Windsor Forest), Matthew is already making an impression and is keen to seize the opportunities available through BIGGA and its partners.

Here, he reflects on his award-winning experience and where the journey might take him.

What was your reaction to winning the award?
I was really shocked. After all the tests and everything we’d gone through on the day, I wasn’t feeling too confident about myself. But clearly, I did better than I thought. I’m ecstatic.

How was the experience of being at the finals and mixing with others in the industry?
Everywhere you go nowadays you meet people who want to push you on. They’re in the same boat, they want to improve themselves and it’s almost contagious. Because they’re so motivated, it makes you more motivated and I think it brings the whole industry up together. I’ve got that at home too, with the lads at work, and it gave me the confidence to apply for this.

Who was the first person you shared the news with?
My girlfriend. She’s been my rock through this and such a great support. It felt right that she was the first to know.

When did you first think about entering the competition?
The first time I went to BTME, I went to the Young Greenkeepers’ Conference and there was a segment about Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year with previous winners talking about it. I remember thinking, ‘I could do something like that, I want to put myself forward’. So I did, and here we are.

Who has supported you along the way?
So many people, my girlfriend in particular. She even wrote little flash cards for me so I could revise after work. My dad’s been great with advice. At work, everyone has been so supportive. My boss, Matt Plested, has given me the opportunity to go for things like this, which not everyone gets. Some clubs don’t allow the time, but I’ve had that encouragement to spread my wings.

What is it about greenkeeping that appeals to you so much?
Before I joined the industry, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. Then the job at Stoneham came up, and I’ve loved it ever since. Being outside every day and the sense of community with the lads at work, the banter, it’s great. Pretty much all aspects of it have worked in my favour and made me fall in love with the job.

Matt on why SGOTY matters

It’s so nice to have the opportunities to go for things like this because in a lot of other industries they’re not as common. BIGGA really push you and guide you, almost like a helpline. If you want to do something, they’ll say, ‘You could go for this, or this’. Having that support is brilliant and I’m very grateful to BIGGA, Toro and Reesink Turfcare for making these awards possible.

“A fantastic ambassador” – David Timms, national accounts manager for Reesink Turfcare and Young award judge

“Matthew is a deserving winner. He shone on the course walk, with his personal project and in the exam and grass identification, but what gave him the edge was his confidence. He’s hungry for it and that made all the judges really excited for his future and what he might achieve. He’s a fantastic ambassador for young greenkeepers and his club, and we’re excited to watch him progress in the industry.”

 

“An inspirational occasion” - Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO

“Congratulations to Bradley Taylor and Matthew Strutt Donnelly, two very worthy winners among an exceptionally strong list of finalists. The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards have again proven to be an inspirational occasion, and I would like to thank our friends at Reesink Turfcare and Toro for a memorable event. Seeing the calibre of the finalists fills me with optimism for the future of our industry.”