Women of Bernardus: Greenkeeping
Anne Berner
Anne Berner, originally from Denmark, is an important part of the greenkeeping team at Bernardus Golf. With an international background and a strong passion for the craft, she contributes daily to the exceptional course conditions Bernardus is known for. In a year where global attention is building towards the Solheim Cup, her work, together with the team, plays a crucial role in delivering a world-class playing experience.
You have an international background. How did your career in greenkeeping begin?
My career began in 2008 in my home country of Denmark at the Lübker Golf Resort. The course was still under construction at the time, which offered a unique opportunity to build the process from the ground up rather than just maintaining an existing course. This experience was hugely impactful because I saw up close how every decision, from landscaping to the smallest maintenance details, influences the final result. It created a deep sense of commitment and a keen eye for detail, an approach that still forms the basis of how I handle my work today.
“By contributing to the development of a golf course from the ground up, you develop a very different bond with the work.”
You have worked at various international tournaments during your career. What was that experience like for you?
Travelling plays a major role in my career because it gives me the opportunity to work on many different courses and tournaments all over the world. I have worked at various European Tour events, the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, and the US Open, and have also traveled to places like Portugal and San Diego. Every court is different, from the climate and grass types to the way tournaments are prepared, so you keep learning wherever you go.
What made you decide to join Bernardus?
For me, it was the combination of ambition and atmosphere. Bernardus is a place where the standards are very high in every way possible and where there is a clear vision of what the course should represent. At the same time, the team environment is supportive and collaborative, which makes it a great place to work. From the moment I arrived, I felt that this was a place where I could both contribute and continue to develop myself.
“You can immediately see what you’ve contributed to the course.”
How would you describe your role within the greenkeeping team?
As a greenkeeper, our main responsibility is to make sure the course is presented in the best possible condition every single day. That involves much more than simply maintaining the grass. We work on everything that influences the playing experience, from mowing greens and fairways to course setup, bunker maintenance, irrigation and monitoring the overall health and quality of the turf. Every detail matters because even small differences can affect how the course plays and how players experience it.
A large part of the job is also anticipating conditions and constantly adjusting to weather, growth and the demands of the schedule. Especially at a venue like Bernardus Golf, where expectations are extremely high, precision and consistency are essential in everything we do. We want the course not only to look visually strong, but also to play consistently every single day.
What does a typical working day look like for you, and what do you enjoy most about working in greenkeeping?
There isn’t really a typical day in greenkeeping, which is something I really enjoy about the job. We usually start early in the morning to prepare the course before the first players arrive, and depending on the schedule we focus on different areas throughout the day. Weather conditions play a huge role, so you constantly need to adapt and stay flexible to maintain the overall quality of the course.
What I enjoy most is being able to immediately see the result of the work we do as a team. At the end of the day, you can look across the course and know that you contributed to that. There is also something special about working outdoors together towards the same goal and creating an experience that players genuinely notice and appreciate.
Bernardus is preparing for the Solheim Cup. What does that mean for your work?
Preparing for an event like the Solheim Cup raises the level even further. Everything has to be at the highest possible standard, with an even stronger focus on detail, consistency and presentation. It’s not just about maintaining the course, but about delivering it at an international championship level. That brings a different kind of pressure which I actually enjoy, but also a lot of motivation, because it’s a unique opportunity to showcase the course to a global audience.
How important is teamwork, and how is it to work in a predominantly male environment?
Teamwork is essential, because maintaining a course like Bernardus can only be done together. Everyone has their own role, but everything needs to come together seamlessly, especially when working towards a major event. Good communication and trust are key in achieving that level of consistency.
You notice at first that it’s a predominantly male environment, but it has never felt like a barrier to me. What matters most is how you contribute and how you perform as part of the team. There is a strong sense of respect and collaboration here, which creates a positive and supportive environment.
“In the end, it’s about the work you do and how you contribute to the team.”
What would you say to young women who are considering a career in greenkeeping?
I would say: just go for it. It’s a very rewarding profession where you can work outdoors, travel and continuously learn. While it may still be seen as a male-dominated industry, that is changing, and there are more opportunities than people think. If you love nature and are willing to work hard, it could certainly be something for you.
It’s important to follow what you enjoy and not be discouraged by expectations. If you like working outside and want to be part of creating something tangible, this is a great career to pursue, with plenty of opportunities to grow and develop over time.