The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026 with new R&A Clubhouse programme

Located alongside The R&A’s stand in Hall 4, The R&A Clubhouse will providw an environment for structured talks, informal conversations and shared learning opportunities.

R&A Team at The Open 2025. From left: Daniel Lightfoot, Richard Windows, Adam Newton, Conor Finlay, John Kemp
R&A Team at The Open 2025. From left: Daniel Lightfoot, Richard Windows, Adam Newton, Conor Finlay, John Kemp

The R&A’s Sustainable Golf experts will once again be present at BTME in Harrogate next week, with the introduction of The R&A Clubhouse, a dedicated space designed to support learning, discussion and professional development throughout the show.

Located alongside The R&A’s stand in Hall 4, The R&A Clubhouse will complement the existing exhibition presence by providing an environment for structured talks, informal conversations and shared learning opportunities.

Led by R&A professionals and industry specialists, The Clubhouse programme will run across the three days of the trade exhibition, offering practical insight, experience-led discussion and discussions on the key challenges facing modern golf course management.

As in previous years, The R&A will be represented by a broad team drawn from across the organisation, including Sustainable Agronomy, Championship Agronomy, Golf Course 2030 Research and Education programmes.

Specialists attending from Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and Asia-Pacific will be available throughout the week to engage with industry professionals, share experience and contribute to conversations around sustainable, performance-led course management across different environments and regions.

Team talk

The R&A team will be based in Hall 4, providing a central point for visitors to find out more about the independent agronomy support available to golf venues and to speak directly with R&A agronomists and specialists working at both a strategic and practical level.

The R&A Clubhouse programme begins on Tuesday 20 January with a focus on Excellence in Agronomy – Performance Delivered Sustainably, exploring how course teams can balance performance expectations with long-term sustainability. On Wednesday 21 January, the theme turns to International Insights into Sustainability and Greenkeeping, drawing on global perspectives and shared experiences from across the industry. The programme concludes on Thursday 22 January with Championing Leadership of Golf Courses, supporting collaboration and understanding between course managers, club leaders and decision-makers.

Richard Windows, Assistant Director – Sustainable Agronomy Services at The R&A, said: “BTME provides an invaluable opportunity to bring the industry together and encourage open discussion around the issues that matter most to golf courses. The R&A Clubhouse has been designed to facilitate meaningful learning, with contributions from our own specialists and wider industry experts, allowing attendees to gain insight that is both relevant and practical.”

Daniel Lightfoot, Director – Sustainable Golf at The R&A, added: “Having colleagues from across Sustainable Agronomy, Championship Agronomy, Golf Course 2030 Research and our education programmes together in Harrogate allows us to support a wide range of conversations. By combining R&A expertise with industry-led discussion in the Clubhouse, we hope to provide a forum that encourages shared understanding and informed decision-making.”

BTME 2026 takes place at Harrogate Convention Centre, with the trade exhibition running from 20–22 January 2026.

For more information on The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, or to arrange a meeting with the team at BTME, please contact sustainableagronomy@randa.org

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