Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards

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Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the winners of the BIGGA Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievement, innovation and commitment across the greenkeeping profession.

Harrogate’s Royal Hall hosted the BIGGA Celebration sponsored by Bernhard Academy on the opening night of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), with Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk announcing the winners.

Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards

Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards

The prize for Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard & Company was awarded to Burnham & Berrow, while the Greenkeeping Project of the Year award with Price Turfcare went to Royal Aberdeen on a memorable evening celebrating excellence across the profession.

Burnham & Berrow’s award recognised the team’s exceptional response to an unprecedented challenge ahead of Final Open Qualifying. With just eight weeks to act, the team delivered innovative solutions after deliberate chemical vandalism damaged multiple greens.

Working closely with The R&A agronomy team and industry partners, a tightly managed recovery programme culminated in full turf replacement, with independent testing confirming championship standards were achieved in time for the event.

“What a job the team did – not only my team, but the whole club,” said retired Course Manager Richard Whyman. “Twenty of the 27 greens were damaged and it was hard to see the grass dying in front of you.

“With it being my last tournament, it was difficult for me, but I pulled myself together and The R&A were incredibly supportive.”

Royal Aberdeen was recognised for a long-term project to safeguard the future of the historic Balgownie Links. Ongoing coastal erosion prompted a complex reconstruction programme, including new greens, tees and protective infrastructure.

Delivered largely in-house by a small team, the project demanded meticulous planning and adaptability amid challenging weather and tidal pressures, with judges praising the balance between preserving heritage and delivering practical, forward-thinking solutions.

“We know erosion is a big issue – not just for us, but right down the UK coastline – so we’re trying to implement measures to slow that erosion, with contingency plans in place,” said Course Manager Richard Johnstone.

“As for my team, they’re the real heroes in this – I just lead them. They’ve taken on a huge challenge, and I’m very grateful to the club for supporting us.”

The evening also saw BIGGA present its Outstanding Contribution award with Kress to John Millen in recognition of a career that has left a lasting impact on the association and the wider greenkeeping profession.

A highly respected figure within the industry, Millen has devoted decades to supporting education, professional development and the advancement of greenkeeping standards, earning widespread admiration from colleagues across the UK and beyond.

“I really can’t believe this,” said the 85-year-old, who is still working in education but has swapped playing golf for croquet. “Only a week ago I didn’t even know whether I’d be coming tonight – I’ve been here virtually every year. I just want to say thank you to everybody.

“Through greenkeeping, through our associations and through the game itself, for me it’s always been about people who are passionate about golf courses and about working for one another.”

The event also celebrated the incredible finale of an inspiring personal challenge, as Jack Percival bounded onto stage after completing his epic 300-mile run from Epsom. The senior greenkeeper at Royal Automobile Club undertook the run to raise awareness around mental health and funds for Percy’s Homeless Hub and the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund.

The BIGGA Awards were established to recognise the exceptionally high standards, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by greenkeepers throughout the year. From major championship preparation to ambitious renovation projects and contributions that strengthen the profession, the awards highlight the vital role greenkeepers play in the success and sustainability of the game.

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Finalists announced for 2026 BIGGA Awards

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Finalists announced for 2026 BIGGA Awards: The finalists for the 2026 BIGGA Awards have been confirmed, with the winners set to be crowned at the BIGGA Celebration in Harrogate on Tuesday 20 January.

The event, taking place in the Royal Hall from 4:30pm and sponsored by Bernhard Academy, is among the key moments of BTME week and offers members and their guests a chance to come together to acknowledge the achievements of colleagues from across the association? turf industry. It is free to attend, with no need to register – just come along and join us for a complimentary drink’s reception before and after the ceremony.

Finalists announced for 2026 BIGGA Awards

Finalists announced for 2026 BIGGA Awards

The BIGGA Awards were established to recognise the exceptionally high standards, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by greenkeepers throughout the year. Hosted once again by Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk, the ceremony shines a light on those who deliver outstanding work on their courses, from major championship preparation to ambitious renovation projects and contributions that strengthen the wider profession.

A total of three BIGGA Awards will be presented on the night: Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard & Company, Greenkeeping Project of the Year with Price Turfcare, and the Outstanding Contribution of the Year with Kress. The latter, which recognises exceptional service to charity, the profession or wider society, has no shortlist and the recipient will be revealed on the night. In addition, the Celebration will feature the announcement of the Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year, the induction of new BIGGA Life Members, and recognition of the latest Master Greenkeeper.

The event will also celebrate the incredible finale of an inspiring personal challenge, as Jack Percival completes his epic 300-mile run from Epsom, concluding in Harrogate. The senior greenkeeper at Royal Automobile Club is undertaking the run to raise awareness around mental health and funds for Percy’s Homeless Hub and the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund.

With a mix of celebration, inspiration and well-earned recognition, the BIGGA Celebration is one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year for members and supporters of the greenkeeping community. All attendees are invited to join in marking the successes of the past year and applauding those who continue to push the profession forward.

Awards Finalists

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard & Company

  • Burnham & Berrow
  • Nairn

Greenkeeping Project of the Year with Price Turfcare

  • Royal Aberdeen
  • Royal Birkdale
  • Bearsden

We look forward to welcoming you to the BIGGA Celebration, at the Royal Hall, 5.30pm on Tuesday 20 January 2026.

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The Outdoor Room claim top honour at BALI awards

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The Outdoor Room claim top honour at BALI awards: The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) announced the Grand, Special and Principal winners of the National Landscape Awards 2025, in a spectacular event held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Friday 5 December.

Just over 1,000 BALI members and their guests saw Surrey-based The Outdoor Room capture the prestigious Grand Award for their standout project Hawthorn House, a scheme celebrated for its ambition, technical mastery, and exceptional craftsmanship.

The Outdoor Room claim top honour at BALI awards

The Outdoor Room claim top honour at BALI awards

The winning project impressed the judging panel with its elegant and expansive design, delivered despite stringent access restrictions, challenging weather conditions and frequent expansion of the project scope. Coordinating with multiple third-party contractors, The Outdoor Room produced a landscape described by judges as “full of visual beauty that belies the complex nature of the work that went into it.”

Presented by Headline Sponsor Origin Enterprises, via their Living Landscapes Division, the Grand Award recognises the company’s ability to balance high-level problem-solving with meticulous execution. The project team resolved significant drainage issues, delivered intricate hard-landscaping features, and installed a refined planting scheme, all while maintaining seamless workmanship throughout. The team brought to life a landscape the judges deemed exemplary in every respect.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive the Grand Award at the BALI National Landscape Awards,” said Mark Britton, Managing Director of The Outdoor Room. “These awards represent the highest level of recognition in our industry. To be acknowledged by such experienced and knowledgeable judges is an honour, and achievements like this inspire and motivate our whole team, especially our younger members.”

BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills praised the achievement, noting the exceptional standard of entries: “The standard this year was one of the best we’ve ever seen, so this is a hugely deserved win for Mark and his team. Every year I continue to be amazed by the creativity, innovation and expertise demonstrated by our members. The Awards remain the pinnacle of landscaping excellence because of their dedication and skill.”

It was double delight for The Outdoor Room, as Senior Foreman and Director James Sponder bagged a Special Award for individual professional achievement.

Alongside the announcement of the Grand Award winner and Principal winners, Water Gems (Alba) received a Special Award for their project “Maggie’s Forth Valley”, while John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance was presented with the Environmental Awareness Award for “Biodiversity Boost”.

Next year, the 2026 Awards will mark a milestone 50th Anniversary celebration, with Origin Enterprises confirmed to reprise their role as headline sponsor.

For the full list of winners, event photographs, and future entry information, visit baliawards.co.uk

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GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award

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GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award: GroundsFest has been recognised for its exceptional contribution to the groundscare and landscaping industry, having won the Industry Impact Award at the EN Indy Awards.

The Industry Impact Award celebrates an exhibition or trade show that has demonstrably changed, influenced, or significantly contributed to the growth and advancement of the industry it serves – and in just three years, GroundsFest has done exactly that.

GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award

GroundsFest Wins Prestigious Industry Impact Award

Since its launch, GroundsFest has grown into the UK’s largest industry event, uniting professionals and volunteers from every corner of the groundscare and landscaping sectors. From live machinery demonstrations and hands-on experiences to its unique combination of business, education, and entertainment, the event has created something truly special for the industry.

The judges praised GroundsFest for its genuine connection to its audience and the positive change it continues to deliver. Feedback included:

“The event really has its ‘roots’ in its target audience and is making a significant impact on the industry.”

“Support for their audience extends beyond the focus of business needs. The GroundsFest Academy is a great initiative, which shows a forward-thinking strategy of impacting the next generation.”

“This event clearly demonstrates support for its community. Measurable impact delivered and fantastic feedback received.”

Judges were particularly impressed by the fact that profits from the show are reinvested back into the industry.

That commitment is brought to life through the GroundsFest Academy, an educational initiative designed to give back to the industry by providing free training and development opportunities for professionals and volunteers alike. The Academy offers hands-on workshops, expert-led seminars, and interactive demonstrations.

“It’s great to see we’re making a difference,” said Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest. “When we launched the show, we wanted to create something that genuinely supported the industry – not just for today, but for the future. GroundsFest, and the Academy, are about helping to put the industry on the map, providing opportunities for learning, and inspiring the next generation of professionals to come through.”

This latest recognition cements GroundsFest’s reputation as an event that not only celebrates the industry but actively helps it grow. With a firm focus on community, education, and long-term progress, GroundsFest continues to make a lasting impact.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Redexim’s double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards

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Redexim’s double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards: Redexim is celebrating a double success after being named winners in two categories at the first ever GroundsFest and HortWeek Innovation Awards, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 9–10 September.

The new awards programme celebrates excellence and innovation across landscaping, amenity management, turf care and related industries. With more than 100 entries received, competition was fierce, and winners were chosen by an expert judging panel led by HortWeek technical editor Sally Drury, alongside Howard Drury, Marcus Forster and Martin Towsey.

Redexim's double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards

Redexim’s double victory at GroundsFest Innovation Awards

Redexim scooped two accolades in the Turf Maintenance Equipment category:

New Product – The Redexim Scarivator

Stood the Test of Time – The Redexim Verti-Drain

The Scarivator – Innovation for Hybrid Surfaces

The Scarivator has been developed to meet the growing demand for hybrid field renovation. Featuring adjustable tines for precise depth control, it ensures minimal damage to synthetic fibres while delivering effective soil loosening. Its horizontal beams with angled spring tines reduce the risk of fibre wrapping around a rotor and provide exceptional performance when breaking up compacted soil on hybrid, synthetic, and natural surfaces.

The Scarivator is also ideal for creating the perfect seedbed for new rootzone application and works seamlessly alongside Redexim’s Turf-Stripper during the renovation process.

The Verti-Drain – A Proven Classic

Winning in the Stood the Test of Time category, the world-renowned Verti-Drain has become an essential tool for turf professionals across the globe. Known for its deep tine aeration technology, Verti-Drain machines penetrate the soil with a unique lifting action, breaking up compaction and creating vital space in the soil profile for air, water, and roots.

Available in a wide range of models and working widths, the Verti-Drain offers a solution for every aeration challenge – from heavily compacted sports pitches to delicate turf in confined areas. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its reliability, performance, and ongoing contribution to healthier, more resilient turf.

Speaking after receiving the awards, Paul Langford, Director of Commercial Operations at Redexim UK, said:

“To be a double award winner of the first ever GroundsFest Innovation Awards is amazing. What makes it even more special is that the judging panel is made up of highly respected industry professionals – our peers – who understand the challenges we face and the work that goes into developing solutions. To have both a new innovation like the Scarivator and a proven icon like the Verti-Drain recognised side by side really highlights the breadth of Redexim’s commitment to turf care. It’s fantastic recognition for the whole team.”

Redexim’s double success at the GroundsFest Innovation Awards underlines the company’s reputation as a leader in turf maintenance technology – combining fresh innovation with proven, long-lasting solutions that continue to shape the industry.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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