Following its recent announcement introducing Soil Scout’s real-time underground monitoring technology to the Northern American market, Bernhard and Company is supporting the launch of Soil Scout’s new Grandmaster Programme – a global ambassador initiative designed to recognise and connect the professionals shaping the future of turf management.
The Grandmasters Programme has been created to celebrate the individuals who keep the world’s finest playing surfaces alive. The front-runners whose expertise, innovation and leadership continue to move the industry forward beneath the surface.
Rather than a traditional ambassador scheme, the programme is built around human expertise, mentorship, and shared learning, bringing together leading turf professionals from different regions into a global community. Grandmasters will plan an active role in sharing real-world insight and experience, helping to advance understanding of soil conditions, root zone health and sustainable turf practices across the industry.
Participants in the programme will commit to long-term collaboration, allowing Soil Scout to work closely with them to track data, gather insight, and amplify authentic customer voices through global channels. In return, Grandmasters will gain early access to new technology, exclusive events, and opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals worldwide.
The first four confirmed Grandmasters are:
- Brent Downs – Director of Agronomy at Otter Creek Golf Course and Harrison Lake Country Club, Indiana, USA
- Andrew Northeim, Head Groundskeeper, Columbus Crew FC, Ohio Health Performance Center, USA
- Rodney McKeown – Golf Course Superintendent, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
- Janne Lehto – Course Manager, Hirsala Golf, Finland
Further ambassadors are expected to be confirmed in the coming months, including representatives from leading US venues, as the programme continues to expand.
“Following our introduction of Soil Scout to the North American market, it’s exciting to see the brand launch a programme that puts people, not just technology, at the centre of progress,” said Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company. “The Grandmasters Programme recognises the professionals who are shaping best practice in turf management and creates a platform for them to learn from one another on a global scale.”
Jalmari Talola, CEO of Soil Scout, said: “This programme is about recognising the people who move our industry forward. These are professionals whose knowledge, curiosity, and leadership influence not only the surfaces they manage, but the wider turf community around them. By connecting them and supporting their work with real-time underground data, we’re creating a platform for shared learning and long-term progress.”
The launch of the Grandmasters Programme reflects a shared belief between Bernhard and Company and Soil Scout that meaningful progress in turf management comes from combining data-driven insight with real-world experience, collaboration, and mentorship.
Turf professionals in Europe and North America will also have the opportunity to learn more about Soil Scout and its technology at both BTME 2026 in Harrogate, England and the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Florida – at which Bernhard and Company will be showcasing Soil Scout.