Continue to Learn Conference 2026 - Day 1

Daniel Lightfoot and Glenn Kirby will share their experiences transitioning from greenkeeping to their current positions within the R&A and STRI. They will explore the various challenges they have encountered and highlight the key factors they believe are crucial for advancing a career in turfgrass management. In their current roles, they will also discuss their perspectives on the future of the industry, the upcoming challenges, and the necessary steps clubs and turfgrass managers must take to adapt and overcome the turfgrass challenges of the next 50 years.

Presented by:

Glenn Kirby

Research Director STRI

Glenn Kirby, the new Research Director at the STRI Group, is a driving force behind the pursuit of high-performance, sustainable turf management. With over 30 years of hands-on greenkeeping and technical experience, including management roles at The London Golf Club and Hockley Golf Club, as well as assisting in major tournaments like the PGA Championship, Glenn brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his new role. Having previously served as Technical Services Manager for Syngenta across Europe, he is a passionate advocate for developing sustainable solutions to tackle the mounting pressures on the turf industry. His work at STRI is dedicated to pioneering research that advances sustainable practices, and in doing so, champions the role of digital innovation as a core tool.

Daniel Lightfoot

Director - R&A - Sustainable Golf The R&A

Daniel Lightfoot is the Director of Sustainable Golf at The R&A, where he leads a world-class team dedicated to embedding high performance and sustainable turf management across the global golf landscape. With a career that spans greenkeeping, course management, education, and commercial leadership, Daniel brings a unique blend of hands-on expertise and strategic vision to his role. He is a passionate advocate for golf’s potential to champion environmental stewardship, greenkeeper education, Turfgrass research and world class agronomy. Under his leadership, Sustainable Golf is guided by vision that support long-term resilience and positive impact across the sport and he continues to inspire change by aligning global partnerships, driving innovation, and ensuring golf thrives for generations to come.

Fertiliser recommendations have changed a great deal over golf history and considerably in the past 30 years. This session will touch upon fertiliser history and what appears to be the best methods to fertilise your turfgrass.

• Learn about a brief history of fertilisers
• How to determine and develop the best methods for your turfgrass needs

Presented by:

Dr Thomas Nikolai PhD

Senior Academic Specialist Michigan State University

Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D. discovered frequent rolling on the putting surfaces decreases dollar spot and other turfgrass pests and he initiated mowing/rolling frequency research that maintains consistent green speeds, reduces turfgrass stress, and leads to economic saving. Thom also discovered mulching deciduous leaves into turfgrass canopies results in fewer broad leaf weeds and he initiated alternative spike research which paved the way for the demise of the metal spike which increased customer satisfaction and resulted in economic savings for most every golf course on the planet. He is author of the book The Superintendents Guide to Putting Green Speed and is world renowned as the Dr. of Green Speed due to the numerous studies he has performed that investigate putting green cultural and mechanical practices. In 2010, he initiated a study to investigate the social, economic, and environmental impact of turfgrass on an urban society by mowing and fertilizing around abandoned homes, lots, and parks in Flint, MI. Courses Thom has taught at MSU include Turfgrass and the Environment, Pesticide and Fertilizer Technology, World of Soils, Turfgrass Irrigation, Turfgrass Management and Turf and Landscape Analytical Practices. In 2003 and 2017, Dr. Nikolai was voted “The Outstanding Faculty Member” by his students and he has penned the column called Up to Speed for GCM Magazine and was awarded the 2019 TOCA Merit Award for "Series of Columns". Thom is also well known as being the creator and host of the GCSAA Turfgrass Talk Show. Thom has given presentations in 30 countries, 8 Canadian Provinces, and 36 States.

Course managers and greenkeepers often face the challenge of conveying agronomic and technical concepts to ever‑changing committees that may lack specialised knowledge. This session aims to equip greenkeepers with effective sales and communication techniques to successfully advocate for the golf course and their greenkeeping team. By recognising their role within a sales environment, greenkeepers can enhance their ability to present ideas persuasively, secure investment for projects and capital expenditures and foster positive relationships with club committee members.

• Understanding committee dynamics
• Developing persuasive proposals
• Building collaborative relationships
• Understand strategies for cultivating strong partnerships with committee members

Presented by:

Paul Lowe

Northern Area Manager The Aquatrols Company

Paul started work as a greenkeeper in 1989 and went on to be Course Manager at Rhuddlan Golf Club and Bromborough Golf Club before moving into the Sales industry. Currently working as Northern Area Manager for The Aquatrols Company Paul provides technical support to golf and sports clubs throughout the North of England. Paul is a trained Integrity Salers Advisor and has a keen interest in the pyschology of selling.

A growing number of turfgrass managers have a weather station but accessing and using the data is new to them. This session is designed to discuss the link between the use of climatic data courtesy of a Davis weather station and applying that data to turfgrass management.

• Explore the type of data available from a Davis weather station and sensor array
• Learn how to access this data on browser and smart phone platforms
• Discuss evapotranspiration, the factors affecting it, look at comparison data from previous years and discuss the implications for water usage
• Learn about leaf wetness, leaf wetness data and its role in disease modelling

Presented by:

Mark Hunt

Weather Analytics Prodata Weather Systems

Mark Hunt has worked for over 35 years in the amenity market within the areas of product development and agronomic support. His main area of interest is dovetailing the effect of our changing climate on agronomic processes such as disease development, grass growth and plant nutrition.

This session will explore an introduction to the benefits of woodland management on a golf course or sportsgrounds. James Hutchinson is a lifelong, self confessed dendrophile (a tree hugger!) and has worked at courses throughout the UK, advising on tree management and conservation.

• Identify contentious woodlands
• Create a suitable and realistic approach to management
• Understand mitigation
• How to approach councils/ committees/ general managers
• Delegate work schedule

Presented by:

James Hutchinson

Freelance Ecologist and Parks Coordinator BIGGA/ENVECO

Learn how to harness soil sensors, weather stations, and connected tools to build a real‑time, actionable turf management strategy.

Precision turf management begins with data. This session explores the key technologies available today ‑ from soil moisture sensors (both in‑situ and portable), to weather stations, to connected water meters ‑ and discusses how they can be combined to create a live, actionable picture of turf health and site performance. We will cover practical strategies for interpreting this data, the importance of calibration and site‑specific adjustments, and how turning raw measurements into clear operational decisions can significantly enhance course conditioning and sustainability.

• Understand the key turf monitoring technologies (soil sensors, weather stations, connected water meters) and their role in precision turf management
• Interpret and combine real‑time data from multiple sources to assess turf health and site performance
• Apply data‑driven strategies ‑ with proper calibration and site‑specific adjustments ‑ to improve course conditioning, resource efficiency, and sustainability

Presented by:

Valentine Godin

Founder & CEO Maya Global

 

Valentine Godin is the founder and CEO of Maya, an AI-powered platform for precision turf and land management trusted by leading golf courses and sports venues worldwide. With proven experience in engineering leadership and AI implementation, Valentine specialises in translating complex agronomic and environmental data into practical, actionable strategies that greenkeepers can immediately apply. Her work focuses on making AI and data analytics accessible for turf professionals, helping them leverage connected technology to enhance turf quality, optimise resources, and support sustainable management practices while preserving the craftsmanship that defines exceptional course management.

Understanding the flora and fauna which call our golf courses home is key to maintaining a biodiverse site, after all, how can we manage the habitats between holes appropriately if we don’t know what they already support? Working together with local natural history groups, conservation charities, and even members and staff, can help to reveal our golf courses in a new perspective. From fungi to ferns, golf courses can support a myriad of interesting species, so let’s find out more about them and use that knowledge to make our golf courses even better for biodiversity.

• Nature on course – benefits of biodiversity in golf
• How to engage with local natural history groups
• How to engage members and staff
• Utilising iNaturalist
• What to do with species records

Presented by:

Sophie Olejnik

Freelance ecological consultant Oleo Ecology

Sophie Olejnik is an ecological consultant specialising in golf course management for nature conservation. She has worked in the industry for over 10 years honing her skills in habitat management for protected and other notable species across golf courses around the UK to ensure that golf courses continue to support nature. Working closely with Bob Taylor, Sophie has provided consultancy advice to the R&A across all Open Championship and the AIG Women’s Open venues and has most recently been undertaking a range of surveys to quantify the biodiversity value of 27 golf courses as part of a five year project to show how golf is good for nature.

Middle management is incredibly rewarding and challenging in equal measure. The task of leading a team, while having to manage ‘up’ involiving juggling administrative and strategic responsibilities, while still being hands‑on can be a difficult balancing act and often a lonely place. This session will provide a practical check list for success for current or future course managers / head greenkeepers. Focusing on real world tips that can be implemented immediately, this session will cover topics including developing high performing teams and individuals; creating effective strategies and structures; communicating up, down and sideways; balancing your workloads; and improving your own mental health and career development.

• Creating a strong team culture, structures and environment for success
• Strong people development and performance management
• Effectively balancing workloads between admin duties and practical elements
• Effective communication, whether to team members; CEOs or fellow managers
• How to maintain personal well-being and career progression
• Learn how to identify earthworm species

Presented by:

Gareth Jones

News Lead Editor DAZN

Gareth is an award winning content producer, broadcaster, and management coach, having worked in the sports media industry for 25 years. Working in a hands-on industry, Gareth has risen through the ranks from work experience student to managing editor of BBC radio stations and large corporate entities. In that time he has experienced all the successes, pitfalls, and do's and don't of management as he transitioned from 'one of the team' to being the leader. As a coach, Gareth seeks to guide fellow managers along the often tricky tight rope of middle management, offering a supportive ear and practical guidance in what can often be a lonely, but incredibly rewarding position.

Do you have a problem with earthworms casting on the surface of your greens? What species are they? Only six of the UK’s 27 species of earthworms cast on the surface. So, which ones are the bad guys? Do you have the non‑native invasive species that is spreading across UK golf clubs? In this practical session you will learn how to identify the six surface‑casting species and the invasive species. Dr David Jones will show you live specimens and point out the characteristics that will enable you to identify them for yourself. He will then discuss what types of products and cultural methods are currently available to control earthworm casting. David will also highlight how golf course soils benefit from maintaining healthy populations of earthworms.

• Learn how to identify native earthworm species found on golf greens
• Discover which species cast on the surface
• Spot whether you have an invasive non‑native species on your greens
• Understand benefits of earthworms to the health of your greens
• Find out what methods are available to control earthworm casting

Presented by:

Dr David Jones

Research scientist & Scientific associate and external lecturer Stand Up And Speak Limited

Dr David Jones is a research biologist working on the ecological role of earthworms in soils. He is a Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum in London, and is an external lecturer at Imperial College London teaching soil ecology. David has published more than 50 articles in scientific journals and books.

The mindset and psychological attributes of a sniper; discipline, focus, resilience under pressure, continuous improvement, and how these can translate directly to maintaining a golf course and managing a team.

• Understand the pillars of a high‑performance mindset
• Implement disciplinary routines for enhanced efficiency and quality
• Develop strategies for maintaining focus and composure under pressure
• Strengthen team synergy and communication for collective success
• Cultivate resilience and adaptability in dynamic environments

Presented by:

Ross Wilson

Human Performance Consultant Constantiam

Ross has built a career in high-performance teams. He served for 27 years as a Royal Marines Commando, specialising as a sniper. Starting as a Marine, he rose through the ranks to become a Regimental Sergeant Major at 45 Commando and the Commando Training Centre. After transitioning to civilian life, he began working alongside Wildlife Police and Rangers in Zambia, applying his expertise in resilience, decision making, and teamwork to support their efforts in protecting wild places. In the business world, Ross works with global organisations across various sectors and their development programs. To help leaders at all levels cultivate adaptable, high-performance cultures and develop the ability to thrive under pressure. His approach blends elite performance principles with practical leadership insights, shaped by real world experience. Beyond his work, Ross pushes his limits in nature, testing his skills against the elements in the scottish mountains and endurance running.

As water becomes an increasingly valuable and finite resource, the sports turf industry will face mounting pressure from emerging legislation aimed at regulating water usage. The call for sustainability, and the challenges that presents are becoming big issues and turf managers should begin planning now for a future where water conservation is not just an option but a necessity. This session will explore how soil surfactants can play a fundamental role in maximising the efficacy of every drop of applied water. By improving water infiltration, distribution, and retention in the rootzone, surfactants offer a proven strategy to enhance irrigation efficiency without compromising turf quality or playability. Attendees will gain practical insights into how surfactants can be integrated into sustainable turf management programmes, empowering them to play smarter, water less, and prepare for a more resource‑conscious future.

• Understanding water conservation challenges in turf management
• Recognise the increasing importance of water conservation in sports turf management
• Optimising irrigation efficiency with soil surfactants
• Learn how soil surfactants enhance water infiltration, distribution, and retention, leading to improved irrigation efficiency without compromising turf quality
• Implementing sustainable turf management practices

Presented by:

Emma Beggs

Portfolio Manager Aquatrols

As Portfolio Manager for Aquatrols UK & Europe, Emma Beggs is responsible for managing the research and development of the existing and future portfolio.  Emma graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Soils and The Environment from Reading University and worked for many years  as a cool season turfgrass agronomist at STRI Group. Emma was an integral part of the team who wrote an integrated turfgrass management handbook for the R&A GC2030 research program; to consider the impacts of climate change, resource constraints and regulation on course condition and playability. Emma plays golf regularly and is a member of Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

Dr Matthew Fleetwood PhD

R&D and Technical Service Manager The Aquatrols Company

As R&D and Golf Technical Services Manager for The Aquatrols Company, Dr Matthew Fleetwood is responsible for managing the research and development of our portfolio of adjuvants, soil surfactants and other supplemental maintenance products, as well as providing technical support to our customers and sales team. Dr Fleetwood handles The Aquatrols Company's product innovation pipeline, research trials and new product development, working to bring our innovative solutions to our customers. Dr Fleetwood completed his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri, with emphasis areas in Crop Management and Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biology. Additionally, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Plant, Insect and Microbial at the University of Missouri with his dissertation focus centralized around assessing soil surfactants and characterizing their performance on USGA greens and native soils. Dr Fleetwood’s passion for innovation and results drives him to provide the best solutions for our customers, aiding to create great outdoor playing surfaces for all ages.

The session will explore the climate data produced by the met office and other sources and what we can deduct from their findings and real‑world experience. This will expand into discussions of the implications for turf grass health and stress impacts on the plant, as a result of more extreme weather events arising from climate change, exploring how these impact playing performance on cool season grasses. Traditional greenkeeping practices will be appraised in relation to climate challenges. Methods to reduce the impact on turf will be discussed with focus on fairways and greens areas. Development of strategic approaches from both a short (reactive) to longer term (proactive) management will be covered, along with who can help when developing more resilient management plans. Coping with the challenges of working in a more extreme environment, where meeting the requirements for optimal golf playing surfaces has become far more challenging already and will continue to become more so in the future.

• Recognition that climate change is not some future event but is now upon us and will continue until human activity changes
• Recognition that the resources we deploy must be used differently focusing either on prevention or recovery of surfaces
• Understanding of the challenges facing sports turf managers/greenkeepers in meeting player expectation in more difficult environments
• Raise club manager/secretary awareness of the challenges faced
• How to build a more resilient management plan

Presented by:

Noel MacKenzie B.Sc.(Hons), MBPR, RIPTA, MRSB, MCIHORT, C.Biol

Director, Sports Turf Consulting Sports Turf Consulting Ltd

Noel has worked in the sports turf and amenity industry since 1993 holding both Head Groundsman/Greenkeeper roles and working for the leading consultancies in sports turf management. He has undertaken in excess of 4000 advisory visits and presented at numerous seminars for BIGGA at both national and regional events as well as the IOG, AELT&CC, etc, and industry liaison events for suppliers and manufacturers. Noel has also taught to Masters degree level in this topic and other management related sciences.

Noel has experience overseeing complicated projects and their management including the £6M Olympic Park/Hackney Marsh conversion and reinstatement, numerous drainage system installations and site developments.