The hopefuls who have been shortlisted for the top prizes at the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2026 have been announced. 

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, have long recognised and rewarded 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 from 8-10 September, when the finalists will compete in a series of challenges designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping profession. 

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 HQ in the United States. 

“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. 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,” said Gillian Haverson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Reesink UK, award sponsor. 

The victor in the Young category will also enjoy a one-week placement and the US visit, along with a trip to Continue to Learn at BTME. 

The runners-up in each category will also receive generous prizes, as will the people who endorse the winners. 

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 Foster, 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 

The Head of Professional Development at the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), 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.”