The Edwin Budding award goes to Tom Hurst of Bernhard and Company
Presenting the award to Tom, Alan Prickett, Managing Director of award sponsors, Ransomes Jacobsen commented, "The Edwin Budding Award was created to recognise technical professionals in the turf equipment sector whose actions have gone above and beyond the norm to help shape the golf industry.
Edwin Budding was one of those individuals who helped define golf, not as a player, but as an engineer. He designed the first cylinder mower, which has shaped golf as we know it today.
Therefore it is apposite that this year's winner is Tom Hurst; you only have to glance at some of the nominations he received to see that he is highly respected across our global industry.
In his illustrious career spanning over 50 years, he has become a legend for the manner in which he goes about his business; he has taken customer service to another level with his selflessness, enthusiasm and incredible technical knowledge. He richly deserves this award."
IGCEMA's Stephen Tucker said, "It is an award that is voted for by people in the industry and so it really does represent the exceptional in our business who go the extra mile, and whose work continues to impress and leave its mark."
"I've sold a lot of grinders in my time, so I was very pleased to be back in the business selling machines that I know so well to people I have worked with all my life. It doesn't actually feel much like work you know, so to win this award is, for me, the icing on an already very special cake.
I want to thank everyone so much for voting for me. I am humbled that I was even considered."
Stephen Bernhard, Executive Chairman, said, "Everyone in the industry both sides of the pond know Tom Hurst. He has been in this business all his working life and as well as being an expert in the field of grinding, he is a charming, generous and kind man, so I am not in the least bit surprised to learn that he has won the
award.
No one does customer service better than Tom. He likes people, that is the key, and then he wants to give
100% all the time, and that is exactly what he does, he goes the extra mile.
This unique award could not have gone to a better or more deserving man. We are very proud of him. "
David Delsandro, Superintendent of Nassau Country Club, who gave his vote to Tom said, "Tom simply 'gets
it'. It is difficult to explain but you rarely find an individual in any industry who has unprecedented technical
knowledge and expertise coupled with an incredible work ethic and the understanding of real‐world
applications.
Tom has them all and will undoubtedly continue to elevate the level of our profession. He
leaves a lasting legacy on everyone he has worked with throughout his career. I feel honoured to be one of
those people. In my opinion it will be difficult to find another candidate more deserving of this award. "
John Zimmers of Oakmont Country Club added, "Tom's willingness to help and show up any time to assist
with equipment set‐up, field adjustments and do whatever is needed to make any mower perform at
perfection is impressive. No job is too big or too small for Tom. Simply put, Tom is a constant professional."
www.bernhard.co.uk