The winners of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2026 have been crowned following two days of competition at Rockliffe in County Durham.
Organised by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink Turfcare and Toro, the awards recognise the brightest emerging talent in the greenkeeping industry.
Alwoodley First Assistant and Myerscough College student Jake Rose won Student Greenkeeper of the Year, having been a runner-up in the Young category three years ago, with Essendon Country Club Greenkeeper Archie Raynham of Oaklands College claiming the Young award.
The pair emerged victorious from a talented pool of finalists after demonstrating their knowledge, practical ability and commitment to developing a successful career in greenkeeping.
The 37th staging of the awards brought together nine finalists who had progressed through online interviews earlier in the year.
During the national finals at Rockliffe, near Darlington, the candidates completed a series of practical and theoretical challenges, including seed and grass identification, presentations and interviews.
Their performances gave the judging panel an insight into their technical understanding, communication skills and enthusiasm for the profession.
Toby Smith, Deputy Course Manager at Redlibbets and Hadlow College student, was the runner-up in the main category, while Isle of Purbeck Apprentice and Sam Wells of Myerscough College claimed that spot in the Young category.
The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return in 2027.
Details of the awards, including the nomination process and prizes available, can be found on the BIGGA and Reesink Turfcare websites.
A full list of previous Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award winners is available here.
