Jake Rose of Alwoodley Golf Club and Archie Raynham of Essendon Country Club have been named winners of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2026.
Rose, First Assistant at Alwoodley and a student at Myerscough College, claimed the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year title, while Oaklands College student Raynham was crowned Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year.
Organised by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink Turfcare and Toro, the awards are designed to recognise emerging talent and support the professional development of the next generation of greenkeepers.
The 37th staging of the awards brought together nine finalists at Rockliffe, near Darlington, who had progressed through online interviews earlier in the year.
Candidates completed a series of practical and theoretical challenges, including seed and grass identification, presentations and interviews, with judges assessing their technical understanding, communication skills and commitment to a career in greenkeeping.
For Rose, victory represented unfinished business after he finished runner-up in the Young Student category three years ago.
“It’s a massive honour,” he said. “Coming runner-up in 2023 probably spurred me on that little bit more to want to do it again. It’s a massive award and the prizes are phenomenal, so it’s a pretty mint feeling all round.”
Rose said feedback from his previous appearance had proved valuable when returning to the competition.
“I asked for feedback last time, so I knew where my strengths and weaknesses were. This time I went in with a clean slate, didn’t focus on anyone else and just tried to do the best I could.”
Main award judge Rob Hogarth, Dealer Development – North at Reesink Turfcare, said Rose had impressed throughout the judging process.
“Jake was confident, crisp and knowledgeable,” said Hogarth. “He knew his subject matter and put the interview panel at ease. His answers were strong, consistent and well thought out. We feel sure he will go on to become someone who shapes the future of greenkeeping.”
Raynham was equally delighted after turning a childhood interest in golf and lawn care into an award-winning start to his professional career.
“Since I was about 12, greenkeeping is all I’ve wanted to do,” he said. “I loved golf and had a big interest in lawn care, so I put the two together. I’ve always wanted to work outside, and to be rewarded for something I’ve set my heart on is such a great feeling.”
Raynham also encouraged other young greenkeepers to put themselves forward for future awards. “You meet amazing people, get an opportunity to show what you know and can really demonstrate your passion,” he added. “I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
Young Student award judge Darren Anderson, Dealer Development – South at Reesink Turfcare, highlighted Raynham’s breadth of knowledge and professionalism.
“His professionalism and keenness shone through, and as a candidate, he presented himself exceptionally well,” said Anderson. “We felt excited about the future of the industry, with Archie demonstrating the knowledge, passion and potential to make a real impact.”
Toby Smith, Deputy Course Manager at Redlibbets and a Hadlow College student, finished runner-up in the main award, while Isle of Purbeck apprentice Sam Wells of Myerscough College was runner-up in the Young Student category.
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “Congratulations to Jake and Archie on this thoroughly deserved achievement. Every finalist performed with great distinction and demonstrated the talent emerging across our profession.
“These awards are always a highlight of the year, and we are extremely grateful to Reesink Turfcare and Toro for their continued support. The quality and enthusiasm on display at Rockliffe offered enormous encouragement for the future of greenkeeping.”