26/10/2026
No mechanic in the workshop? For many golf clubs, keeping machinery running falls to the greenkeeping team. But what happens when they haven't had mechanical training?
A breakdown during the growing season can mean lost time, unexpected costs and disrupted maintenance schedules. For clubs without a dedicated mechanic, even a minor issue can quickly become a major headache.
The solution isn't always another mechanic. Sometimes, it's giving your existing team the skills and confidence to tackle basic maintenance themselves.
Bernhard Academy's Basic Machinery Maintenance course is designed specifically for greenkeepers with little or no mechanical experience.
Through practical, hands-on training, delegates develop an understanding of machinery maintenance, routine servicing and basic fault identification.
It's about knowing what to look for, understanding how machinery works and recognising when something needs attention, before a small problem becomes an expensive repair.
Matt Axton, Technical Programme Leader at Bernhard Academy, explains:
"Not every club has a dedicated mechanic, yet greenkeepers are often expected to maintain equipment without formal training. We want to change that. Our course gives delegates the confidence to understand their machinery, carry out basic maintenance and recognise problems early. You don't need mechanical experience to get started, just a willingness to learn."
Investing in basic machinery skills can make a real difference to everyday golf course operations.
Reduce downtime: Spot potential problems before they stop work.
Control costs: Handle suitable routine maintenance tasks in-house.
Protect equipment: Better servicing helps extend machinery life.
Keep operations moving: Spend less time waiting for external support.
Develop your team: Build confidence, practical skills and greater independence.
For smaller clubs, where every team member plays multiple roles, these skills can be particularly valuable.
Invest in your people. Protect your machinery.
Golf clubs invest thousands in machinery, but are the people using it equipped to maintain it?
A little knowledge can go a long way towards preventing costly breakdowns, improving efficiency and keeping equipment performing at its best.
Because the most valuable tool in your workshop might just be the knowledge of your greenkeeping team.
Whether you're a greenkeeper wanting to build your confidence or a course manager looking to develop your team, our Basic Machinery Maintenance course is a practical place to start.
No previous mechanical experience required.
Explore our upcoming courses and give your team the skills to keep your machinery, and your course, moving.
Explore Basic Machinery Maintenance courses at https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses
