Two Oaklands College apprentices have been recognised among the UK's top emerging greenkeepers after achieving success at the prestigious Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2026.
Archie Raynham, an Apprentice Greenkeeper and student at Oaklands College, was crowned Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year, while fellow Oaklands College student Finn Cluett achieved runner-up honours. The awards, organised by BIGGA and sponsored by Toro and Reesink Turfcare, celebrate outstanding young talent from across the UK greenkeeping industry.
The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards are regarded as one of the UK's leading accolades for aspiring greenkeepers, providing students with the opportunity to compete against the best emerging talent in the industry. Finalists are selected from a highly competitive national field and assessed on their technical knowledge, practical skills and passion for the profession.
The national finals took place at Rockliffe Hall, where finalists competed in a series of challenges designed to test their knowledge, skills and commitment to the profession.
As winner of the award, Archie Raynham will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the USA to visit Toro's headquarters, research and development facilities and manufacturing operations. The prize package also includes a one-week work experience placement at a UK or overseas golf course, a trip to Continue to Learn at BTME, and a Toro training course voucher.
Chloe Hawkins, Managing Director of Oaklands Training & Development, said:
"We are incredibly proud of Archie and Finn for this outstanding achievement. To have both the winner and runner-up of a national award studying with Oaklands College is a fantastic reflection of their hard work, commitment and passion for the industry. It is also a testament to the dedication and expertise of the apprenticeship team who have supported them throughout their journey. Greenkeeping plays a vital role within the golf sector, and it is fantastic to see our apprentices receiving national recognition while building successful careers in the profession."
The achievement highlights the strength of Oaklands College's greenkeeping apprenticeship programme and the talent being developed within the next generation of golf course professionals.