Bernhard Academy expands leadership team

The Bernhard Academy announced the expansion of its leadership team, with the appointment of Phil Helmn as full-time program leader for agronomy, leadership, and management.

Helmn’s new position will see him take control of delivery of all Bernhard Academy courses and workshops relating to agronomy, leadership, and management subjects. He will work closely with Bernhard Academy education director Sami Strutt, other program leaders, and internal and external teams to ensure a coordinated and positive experience at the Bernhard Academy.

Helmn has more than 35 years of experience in the turf and agronomy industry. He has led agronomy teams at multiple courses, managed full golf course construction projects and supported the Bernhard Academy previously as a speaker and workshop guest. Helmn is a GCSAA Class E member and Master Greenkeeper.

“I’m delighted to be joining the Bernhard Academy and helping Sami to expand its operations,” Helmn said. “Since its inception, the Bernhard Academy has been making real progress and providing greenkeepers and turf professionals in the UK with superb tools to enhance their careers.

“Throughout the last year, the cutting unit setup workshops and management programs that the Academy has delivered have been very successful. So, I’m excited to work with Sami and the wider team to continue developing and evolving the full program of classes and workshops over the next few months.”

Strutt added: “Phil is a fantastic addition to the Bernhard Academy team. He is a Master Greenkeeper and highly regarded internationally within the turf industry, so his expertise will be a tremendous asset to the Bernhard Academy as we continue to evolve its offering.

“Since I started my role in the spring, it’s been great to see the commitment from everyone involved in the Bernhard Academy to enhance the careers of greenkeepers and sports turf professionals. We’re trying to provide something really positive for the turf industry, and Phil is sure to be a crucial part of that as we move forward.”

Strutt joined the Bernhard Academy as education director earlier this year having previously performed numerous roles in a 30-year tenure at BIGGA, most recently as the organization’s COO.

During Helmn’s first few months, he will be in charge of identifying and developing a range of workshops relating to agronomy, leadership and management subjects for the upcoming autumn/winter season.

In addition to the appointment of Helmn, the Bernhard Academy is also recruiting for a second senior management position as program leader for technical and equipment management.