SUFFOLK, United Kingdom – The Bernhard Academy has officially announced the appointment of Matt Axton as its new Programme Leader: Technical Training and Advisory. Axton is scheduled to begin his tenure on 8 June 2026, bringing a wealth of international expertise to the institution’s educational leadership team.
Axton’s arrival marks a significant step in the Academy’s mission to provide practical, industry-leading education for turf professionals. With a career spanning decades and continents, his background bridges the gap between high-level mechanical engineering and on-the-ground turf management.
Axton’s technical foundations are rooted in rigorous certification, holding NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Greenkeeping and Horticultural Engineering, alongside an NVQ Level 3 in Horticultural Engineering. His dedication to the craft was notably recognized with the City & Guilds Medal of Excellence, an honor presented to him by HRH Prince Philip at St James’s Palace.
His professional resume includes senior roles at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues, such as:
Expanding his reach globally, Axton spent eight years as the Equipment Manager at The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain. He subsequently served as After Sales Manager for Hydroturf in Qatar, where he managed complex dealer networks and worked extensively with industry-standard equipment from Toro and Club Car.
Beyond his technical roles, Axton has been a driving force for professional networking within the sector. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), a global community dedicated to fostering knowledge sharing and peer support among technicians worldwide.
"Matt’s depth of technical knowledge and real-world experience make him an outstanding addition to the team," said Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy. "His passion for developing others aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver relevant, high-quality education for the industry."
In his new capacity, Axton will oversee the delivery and evolution of the Academy’s technical training curricula. His responsibilities will include:
Reflecting on his new appointment, Axton stated:
"I’m delighted to be joining Bernhard Academy and to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has shaped my career. I strongly believe technical excellence is the backbone of successful turf management."
About Bernhard Academy: Based in Suffolk, the Bernhard Academy is a premier provider of turf professional education, focusing on technical proficiency, workshop excellence, and the advancement of the global turf industry.
