The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), in collaboration with Jacobsen, has announced the selection of delegates for the Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI) 2025.
This training program is specifically designed to assist promising greenkeeper candidates in their advancement toward positions such as head greenkeeper and course manager.
FTMI is a hybrid program that combines online education with in-person mentoring.
The schedule for the 2025/2026 academic year commences with face-to-face training at Jacobsen Headquarters in Ipswich this September.
Additional online sessions will be held throughout October, November, and December following this initial training.
The program will culminate in two and a half days of instruction at BTME in Harrogate in January 2026.
The initiative aims to equip participants with essential management skills necessary for their professional advancement.
The curriculum encompasses a range of topics, including
- presentation skills,
- effective communication,
- time management,
- interview strategies,
- curriculum vitae writing,
- stress management,
- budgeting principles, and
- leadership development.
The FTMI Class of 2025 includes the following greenkeepers:
- Callum Atkinson – first assistant greenkeeper, The Wilmslow Golf Club
- Tod Bannerman – senior greenkeeper, Taymouth Castle Golf Club
- Patrick Brown – senior greenkeeper and spray technician, Fulwell Golf Club
- George Edwards – deputy head greenkeeper, Walton Heath Golf Club
- Alistair Hogg – senior greenkeeper, A&M Fife Golf Club
- Alex Hudson – assistant greenkeeper, Sharpley Golf Club
- Chris Keeler – deputy course manager, Prestbury Golf Club
- Ronan Latham – senior greenkeeper, JCB Golf & Country Club
- Toby Long – first assistant greenkeeper, Broadstone Golf Club
- Carl Moore – deputy head greenkeeper, Kings Norton Golf Club
- William Moore – assistant course manager, Kilworth Springs Golf Club
- Euan Polson – first assistant greenkeeper, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
- Phillip Shields – first assistant greenkeeper, The Blackwood Golf Club
- Greg Smith – first assistant greenkeeper, The Berkshire Golf Club
- John Thornton – irrigation technician, Copt Heath Golf Club
Delegates will be assigned to mentor groups throughout the programme.
This year’s mentors consist of previous graduates of the FTMI, along with course managers
- Leigh Powell (Windlesham),
- James Parker (Machrihanish Dunes), and
- Ben Williams (Royal Cinque Ports).