Sarah Stirk to lead line-up for BIGGA Celebration

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Sarah Stirk to lead line-up for BIGGA Celebration: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is thrilled to announce that renowned TV presenter and journalist Sarah Stirk will host the BIGGA Celebration, held on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in January.

Best known for her work with Sky Sports, where she has been a leading voice in golf coverage since 2012, Sarah will guide the evening’s festivities. The BIGGA Celebration highlights the incredible achievements of BIGGA members over the previous year, including the unveiling of the prestigious BIGGA Awards winners.

Sarah Stirk to lead line-up for BIGGA Celebration

Sarah Stirk to lead line-up for BIGGA Celebration

With a career spanning roles at Sky Sports, the BBC, Setanta and Sky News, Sarah has covered DP World Tour and PGA Tour events and interviewed some of the biggest names in golf. A 7-handicap golfer herself, Sarah also champions women in leadership roles within golf, having launched the Women’s Leadership Summit supported by The R&A.

Sarah said: “I’m delighted to be presenting the BIGGA Celebration at BTME in January. It’s an honour to celebrate the incredible work of BIGGA members and I look forward to a fantastic evening in Harrogate.”

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Sarah’s experience and passion for the game make her the perfect host for this landmark event. We’re excited to welcome her to BTME and encourage all attendees to join us for an unforgettable evening in Harrogate’s historic Royal Hall.”

BTME is one of the golf industry’s most influential events and runs for three days at the Harrogate Convention Centre, offering unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. Both BTME and the BIGGA Celebration are free to attend, with registration available at www.btme.org.uk

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T H WHITE Machinery Imports expands its reach

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T H WHITE Machinery Imports expands its reach: T H WHITE Machinery Imports is pleased to announce a new dealership partnership with the GGM Group, expanding its groundcare product range and support services across the North of England. This collaboration will bring Ferris mowers closer to customers in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Staffordshire and the Wirral.

Through this partnership, we will leverage GGM Group’s local expertise to provide customers with greater access to Ferris’s high-performance mowers, known for their efficiency and durability in commercial and demanding environments. The collaboration of a leading manufacture and leading dealership is the perfect fit, enabling GGM to offer a complimentary range to their existing product line up, backed up with the first-class after sales support for which GGM is already renowned.

T H WHITE Machinery Imports expands its reach

T H WHITE Machinery Imports expands its reach

“We are excited to join forces with GGM Group as we expand our services across North West England,” says Bill Johnston, Director of T H WHITE Machinery Imports. “This collaboration not only enhances our ability to meet the needs of our clients but also creates a partnership with GGM Group to work together to provide comprehensive solutions for the sector.”

GGM Group is committed to delivering high-quality groundcare machinery and comprehensive after-sales support.

“Partnering with the Ferris brand is a fantastic step for us and the range complements our existing offering brilliantly, making this an ideal collaboration,” says Andy Melville Commercial Director of GGM Group.

“We’re proud of our reputation throughout the industry for exceptional customer service, after sales back up and support and our team look forward to enhancing our range with premium Ferris products and delivering exceptional service to our customers across the North West & Yorkshire territory. Together, we’ll ensure they have the best tools for every job, backed by reliable support.

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New GMA independent directors

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New GMA independent directors: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is excited to announce the appointment of six new independent members to its Board of Directors.

Deborah Cox, David Withers, John Coleman, Martyn Ward, Paul Hagon and Claire Waldron bring a wealth of expertise from across the turf, facilities and consultancy sectors. The appointments reaffirm the GMA’s mission of strengthening support for the grounds management industry and elevating standards.

New GMA independent directors

New GMA independent directors

Geoff Webb, GMA Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to welcome an exceptional group of professionals to the GMA Board of Directors. Each new member brings a unique set of skills and extensive industry knowledge which will help the GMA to support and advance the grounds management industry.

“Their expertise will be instrumental as we continue to elevate standards across the industry such as our educational programmes and strengthen our support for members. I’m confident that their contributions will help us to not only tackle industry challenges but also to seize new opportunities for growth and development.”

Deborah Cox, Managing Director at Lagan Valley Scientific, leads on advising turf managers and agronomists globally. With 20 years of molecular biology experience, including a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast, she has worked on plant stress genetics and plant disease/pest diagnostics. Deborah will support the GMA’s education initiatives with her academic and industry expertise.

David Withers, Managing Director at ISEKI UK & Ireland, has been a turf industry leader since the 1980s and served 24 years at Jacobsen, including as President in North America. Since 2016 he has successfully led ISEKI UK’s sales & marketing for their innovative turf and electric vehicles. An industry thought leader, David brings valuable insight on future developments to the GMA Board.

John Coleman, Managing Director at Advanced Turf Technology Ltd, also founded the company, growing it into a multi-million-pound business whose designs are used by top global sports organisations. A named inventor on multiple patents, John’s expertise in product innovation and strategic growth will be instrumental in shaping the GMA’s future direction.

Martyn Ward, Partner at Ward and Hagon Management Consulting LLP, has 40 years of experience in sales, marketing and executive roles at companies like Foster’s Brewing Group, Alliance UniChem/Boots and SSL International where he was Regional Managing Director. Now co-leading Ward and Hagon, he helps small businesses grow. A strategic and collaborative leader, Martyn brings expertise in business growth and stakeholder relations to the GMA Board.

Paul Hagon, Partner at Ward and Hagon Management Consulting LLP, has nearly 40 years of experience in the grocery sector, with senior roles at Nestlé and Palmer & Harvey. He co-leads Ward and Hagon advising on strategies that drive growth and serves on the Board of Warpaint London. Paul looks forward to supporting GMA’s long-term success.

Claire Waldron, Senior Facilities Planning Manager at the Football Foundation, has extensive experience in sports and leisure consultancy, having held roles at Knight Kavanagh & Page and spent over four years at The Football Association. Currently Senior Facilities Planning Manager at the Football Foundation, she also serves as a non-executive director at Northumberland County FA, supporting grassroots football.

The GMA would also like to express its gratitude to Carol Doran, Adrian Kay and Dr. Peter Grant who will be stepping down from the Board. Their contributions have been invaluable, and the association thanks them for their service to the Board and the industry.

“We are incredibly grateful to Carol, Adrian and Peter for the invaluable contributions they have made to the GMA and the wider grounds management industry,” said Geoff.

“Their expertise and insights have played a vital role in shaping the direction of our association and driving our mission. On behalf of the GMA community, we extend our thanks and wish them every success.”

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Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician

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Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician: The Bernhard Academy is excited to announce its sponsorship of an equipment technician for the upcoming 125th US Open, held at the prestigious Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, USA. The Bernhard Academy is working in partnership with the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (T.E.T.O) to bring a new opportunity to the group. T.E.T.O has been created to improve recognition, opportunity, communication and education across our industry whilst creating valuable support networks.

The Bernhard Academy is presenting this unique opportunity, inviting experienced equipment technicians from the UK and Europe to apply for a single, coveted spot on the volunteer support team at Oakmont Country Club next June, where they will gain firsthand experience working on golf’s biggest stage at the 125th US Open.

Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician

Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for an enthusiastic equipment technician”, commented Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy. “To prepare the golf course that will host the game’s best players provides an excellent chance to apply their technical skills, as well as getting a front-row seat to the US Open.”

The successful applicant will possess a minimum of three years’ experience as an equipment technician in a sports turf setting. Bernhard’s knowledge and excellence will be shared with the lucky volunteer, when they attend a training workshop at a Bernhard Academy venue, to ensure that they are fully prepared ahead of their trip to Oakmont. Applicants must be part of T.E.T.O to be eligible. Shortlisted candidates will be selected for online interviews, in the week commencing 9th December.

This sponsorship underscores the Bernhard Academy’s commitment to professional development and excellence in turf equipment management, offering technicians a chance to elevate their skills and gain international recognition. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to take part in this extraordinary experience at one of golf’s most celebrated venues.

For further information on how to apply, please visit https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/tournamentvolunteer

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Joe Simpson wins BIGGA photography competition

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Joe Simpson wins BIGGA photography competition: An ethereal image of life at Ipswich Golf Club has seen talented amateur photographer and greenkeeper Joe Simpson announced as the winner of the annual BIGGA Photographic Competition for the third time.

Joe’s image was chosen by the judging panel as the overall winner with the results of social media voting also taken into account. The stunning shot shows greenkeeper Pete Dunnett mowing the 5th fairway of the Purdis Heath Course as the autumn sun breaks through the morning fog.

Joe Simpson wins BIGGA photography competition

Joe Simpson wins BIGGA photography competition

Joe, who took up photography 10 years ago and also won the competition in 2020 and 2022, said: “I honestly can’t believe that I’ve won the competition three times. The standard of the photo entries grow year-on-year, so it’s become incredibly competitive, which makes winning for a third time even more special.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt when it comes to photography is that you don’t always need the perfect weather conditions to get your best shot. For this reason, I take photos throughout all four seasons at various times of the day, so I have a diverse selection to choose from for the competition.”

Sponsored by Syngenta, BIGGA’s annual photographic competition is a celebration of the wonderful golfing landscape and the role greenkeepers play in shaping it for golfers and the wider public to enjoy. Twelve images have been selected for the annual BIGGA calendar and winners also chosen in the categories of Greenkeeping, Landscape and Wildlife.

  • Landscape: Kevin Irving, greenkeeper, Carlisle Golf Club
  • Greenkeeping: David Ball, greenkeeper, Thetford Golf Club
  • Wildlife: Craig Sinclair, greenkeeper, Camberley Heath Golf Club

You can view all 12 images selected to form the BIGGA Calendar 2025 on the BIGGA website.

As overall competition winner, Joe has won a DJI Mini 2 SE Drone and a framed print of his image, to be presented at the BIGGA Celebration on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January 2025.

Each of the category winners receives a £150 Love2Shop voucher.

Karl Hansell, BIGGA Head of Communications and Content, said: “As the days darken and the year draws to a close, our annual photographic competition is a stunning reminder of the beautiful environment that greenkeepers are privileged to work in every day. Joe Simpson is an exceptional photographer and his winning image sparks the imagination with its rays of sunlight coming down from the heavens onto a greenkeeper who is hard at work, preparing the course for another morning’s play.

“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who voted on social media. Thanks also to our valued sponsors at Syngenta.”

Sarah Hughes, Syngenta Business Manager, said: “The BIGGA Photographic Competition entries have once again captured the incredible hard work that greenkeeping teams put into producing immaculate playing conditions, as well as the amazing biodiversity and wildlife that thrives around well-managed golf course environments.

“It’s rewarding to see the amazing pictures published in the calendar, along with associated seasonal tips and agronomy advice. Congratulations to all who entered and the category winners.”

BIGGA’s Annual Photographic Competition will return next year and the competition is already open for entries. Head to the BIGGA website to find out more and get involved.

Registration for BTME 2025 including the Continue to Learn education programme is open. The event takes place from 19 to 23 January 2025 and you can find out more by heading to the BTME website, www.btme.org.uk

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