Partnership with Bernhard Academy will send GCSAA members to the 2027 BTME conference

Lawrence, Kan. (Aug. 4, 2026) – Ten members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have been selected for the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2027, and they will attend the 2027 BTME conference in Harrogate, England, Jan. 26-28.

For more than two decades, Bernhard has selected 10 members of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in the U.S. to experience the show, and through this program, North American superintendents have the opportunity for a similar experience in the UK. 

“At Bernhard Academy, we believe that some of the most impactful learning happens when professionals step outside their everyday environment and experience new perspectives,” said Sami Strutt, education director at Bernhard Academy. “We are delighted to welcome the GCSAA delegation to the UK and provide opportunities to exchange ideas, build networks and learn from some of the most respected venues and professionals in the game. We look forward to creating a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impact both personally and professionally.”

While in the UK, the GCSAA delegation will also visit traditional links golf courses, get an inside look of an Open Championship golf course and discover the heritage of the first Ryder Cup venue.

The members of the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2027 class are:

• Miles Carlson, CGCS, in Fayetteville, Ark.
• Ashley Davidovich, superintendent at Windermere Golf & Country Club in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
• Kyle DeNuys, CGCS, regional director of agronomy at Troon Golf in Millsboro, Del.
• Mitchell Eickhoff, superintendent at Otter Creek Golf Course in Columbus, Ind.
• Kendall Endres, senior assistant superintendent at Rodeo Dunes in Roggen, Colo.
• Phillip Fischer, senior grounds manager at Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, Ind.
• Cory Griess, superintendent at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kan.
• Trevor Kiunke, assistant superintendent at Inglewood Golf Club in Kenmore, Wash.
• Mike McGrath, equipment manager at Westmount Golf & Country Club in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
• Roxanne Palmer, assistant superintendent at Taboo Golf Club in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada.

“Links to Success is a fantastic opportunity for our members to help ensure the game’s future by building international relationships,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Thank you to Bernhard for giving our members this chance to meet and learn from their peers in the UK.”