November 2025 The natural approach
College partners with hotel collection to support future greenkeepers Myerscough has joined forces with The QHotels Collection to provide unique apprenticeship opportunities for the Collection’s in-house teams. Through this collaboration, The QHotels Collection of 18 hotels and resorts is positioning itself as a recruiter of choice for future greenkeepers. The partnership supports individuals from the very start of their journey, through apprenticeships and qualifications at Myerscough College, all the way to advanced qualifications. ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals within the industry. “At Myerscough College, we are proud to collaborate with The QHotels Collection in a partnership that exemplifies our shared commitment to excellence in greenkeeping education and career development, said Paul McGrail, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships, Skills and Employer Engagement. “This initiative not only provides our learners with a clear and aspirational pathway
from apprentice to Golf Course Manager, but also reinforces the value of lifelong learning and internal progression. “By combining structured academic qualifications with real-world opportunities across a prestigious portfolio of golf resorts, we are helping to shape the future of the sports turf industry and ensuring our graduates are equipped to thrive in it.”
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Keith Pickard, Golf, Health Club & Spa Director at The QHotels Collection, said: “Greenkeeping is the foundation of great golf, and we are proud to be investing in the future of this profession through our partnership with Myerscough College. “What makes this initiative so unique is that it’s not just about recruitment, it’s about nurturing talent from the very beginning and supporting individuals throughout their entire career journey. “From apprentices to Master Greenkeepers, and from team members right through to leadership roles, we are
committed to offering meaningful opportunities for development both for new entrants and for our existing teams across the Collection.”
This approach has already delivered results, with the recent promotion of Ross Brannan to Director of Golf, following his appointment
BIGGA announces President for 2026 A Master Greenkeeper with more than four decades of experience across the world has accepted the nomination to become President of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) in 2026.
John Wells, 66, has immediately stepped into the role of BIGGA President Elect, supporting current President Ronnie Myles for the remainder of his term. He will be formally appointed BIGGA President at the association’s Annual General Meeting, taking place online in January.
As BIGGA President, John will act as an ambassador for the association, representing BIGGA at events across the UK and overseas. He will also join the Board of Management, using his extensive experience to help guide the association in its mission to support and develop greenkeepers and turf professionals. John was so surprised to be offered the presidency that he was initially in disbelief. He said: “I was quite taken aback when I received the call from Ronnie Myles to ask if I’d consider the position. At first, I thought it might be a wind-up from some mates! But once I realised it
was genuine, I was over the moon. I’ve been on Cloud Nine ever since.
Brocket Hall, where he oversaw major course developments.
“It’s a tremendous honour and I am delighted to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has given so much to me. I’m a firm believer in education and that is something I am keen to champion during my spell as President,” he said.
He achieved Master Greenkeeper status in 1995 and left Brocket Hall in 2010, with John’s 18 years there having also seen him posted to
as Head of Greenkeeping at Glasgow Westerwood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort.
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Cyprus, Russia, France and beyond to oversee projects. His final port of call was South Herts Golf Club, where he retired in 2023. BIGGA Enquiry 30
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John’s greenkeeping journey started at Welwyn Garden City, where his early promise was recognised as he ascended to the role of Head Greenkeeper at just 20 years of age. He spent 16 years there before moving to
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