Tom Hurst (77) of Bernhard and Company was announced as the winner of the 2013 International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA) Edwin Budding Award, sponsored by Ransomes-Jacobsen and presented at Harrogate.

When he retired, after 37 years with a turf distributor, Tom knew a lot of people. He also knew Bernhard Grinders inside out. “I sold a lot of grinders in my time.” he says. After two years of retirement, a bit of travel, boating and hobbies, Tom got itchy feet, so when Stephen Bernhard invited him to join the sales team Tom jumped at the chance.

Tom does things his way – and his way works. “Age does have its privileges” Tom says “I think the young guys have a harder time because I think my customers respect my age.  

Summing up Tom, David Delsandro Superintendent of Nassau Country Club says "Tom simply "gets it”. This is difficult to explain, but you rarely find an individual in any industry that has unprecedented technical knowledge and expertise coupled with an incredible work ethic and the understanding of real-world applications”