Tag Archive for: 2026

Committee for Golf Club Salaries – Statement for 2026

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Committee for Golf Club Salaries – Statement for 2026: Following yesterday’s announcement on our social media channels, the CGCS is pleased to share the full details of its latest recommendations on remuneration for key roles in golf.

Whilst our sport continues to thrive it is clear that challenges remain in finding and retaining the right people to maintain this momentum. There are also pressures on employers to meet increased overheads in the same way that employees are facing a continued squeeze on household finances. The CGCS takes both of these factors into account when arriving at a recommendation.

Committee for Golf Club Salaries – Statement for 2026

Committee for Golf Club Salaries – Statement for 2026

Inflationary measures since the last recommendations were published have been almost the inverse of the previous twelve months. Whilst not quite reaching the highs of September 2023, inflation has risen steadily with some signs that we may have reached a plateau. At the same time Regular Pay inflation is currently at its lowest for 24 months.

The Committee believes that the issue of highly qualified and experienced staff being caught up in terms of salary by those enjoying the rise in the NLW still remains a significant problem.

With these factors in mind the Committee is recommending an overall wage increase of 4.8% from January 1st, 2026. Employers will continue to take an approach to remuneration decisions that reflects their own business environment and we hope that this recommendation is given commensurate consideration at this point.

Further to this our deliberations have considered the value of factors in addition to pay awards. A growing number of employers are looking at how they can reward and motivate employees through a package of measures that include private health insurance, a defined proportion of budget ringfenced for professional development and also demonstrating a commitment to a robust governance structure. These factors all contribute to giving employees the sense that the business in which they work is genuinely committed to staff well-being.

With this in mind the CGCS is also recommending employers consider adding a further 2% to the overall package of key staff from January 1st, 2026. We believe that this reflects the growing practice amongst employers of considering staff remuneration in this way and will have a positive impact on staff retention.

Should any employer wish to seek advice on these or any other issues relating to staff development please feel free to contact the GCMA or BIGGA who are well-placed to provide advice and support.

Head to the CGCS website for more information and to explore the salary calculators, guidelines and principles of good pay.

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Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

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Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026: Organisers of The MENA TURF SHOW are delighted to announce that registration is officially open for the 2026 event, scheduled for Friday 17 April 2026, at the prestigious Park Hyatt Dubai.

Celebrating its impact on turf, landscaping, and green space management across the Middle East and North Africa, The MENA TURF SHOW brings together industry leaders, specialists, and decision-makers for a powerful day of innovation, education, and collaboration.

Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

“We are thrilled to open registration for this year’s MENA TURF SHOW,” said Nick Brown of Campey Turf Care Systems. “The UAE region has lacked a dedicated event where professionals can meet, connect, and exchange knowledge—until now. With a perfect spring date and the iconic Park Hyatt Dubai venue, we’re focused on driving conversations around sustainability, turf science, smart irrigation, and best practices specific to our regional climate.”

2026 MENA TURF SHOW Highlights:

• Expert-led sessions bringing education that can transform how we care for sports surfaces and
landscapes in this unique environment
• Networking with top suppliers, contractors, groundskeepers, and golf/sports turf managers
• Exclusive insights on regional challenges

Secure your place now for an event not to be missed!

Venue: Hall: Creek A, Park Hyatt Dubai, UAE
Date: 17 April 2026

Register or learn more: www.themeanturfshow.com

Stay up to date—follow us on social media with #MENATurfShow2026 for insights, speaker announcements, and exhibitor reveals.

Connect. Discover. Grow. See you at The MENA TURF SHOW in Dubai on 17 April 2026.

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Polaris Off Road Elevates 2026 RANGER Lineup

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Polaris Off Road Elevates 2026 RANGER Lineup: Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, has announced a range of user-inspired upgrades to its utility side-by-side lineup for 2026, including new features added to its purpose-built RANGER Nordic Pro product offering with the introduction of a factory-installed, 360-degree cab system now available as standard within the RANGER 570, 1000 and XP 1000 Nordic Pro platforms, redefining UTV comfort and convenience by keeping the elements out, and enabling riders to remain protected and productive.

Built to take on extreme climates and ever-changing weather conditions, RANGER Nordic Pro completes the vehicles with premium features tailored for the cold, the wet and the unpredictable. For the first time, RANGER Nordic Pro models now come equipped with a factory-installed, enclosed cab system that adds complete protection from the elements with a roof, tip-out windshield, rear panel and full doors complete with manual-crank windows, weatherproofing every ride and protecting riders from water, dust, sun and dirt. Not only that, but Nordic Pro models are also fitted with an in-cab heater and defrost system for year-round climate control, as well as a Polaris Engineered heavy-duty winch, ideal for plowing snow or pulling logs. New for 2026, all Nordic Pro editions now come in a signature Blue Dusk colourway.

Polaris Off Road Elevates 2026 RANGER Lineup

Polaris Off Road Elevates 2026 RANGER Lineup

“The latest announcements to the RANGER lineup are a direct result of our unwavering dedication to enhance every aspect of ride quality, putting the rider at the centre of product development,” said Rodrigo Lourenco, Vice President Off Road Vehicles Sales, EMEA. “The latest Nordic Pro enhancements are a great example of this; it’s a model specification that truly goes above and beyond our standard offering for those who need it most. We continue to listen and respond to the demands of our customers across Europe and beyond, resulting in product updates that truly matter to them, and offering solutions that help to achieve a better way of working.“

Building on the bestselling side-by-side platform in the industry, confidence-inspiring performance upgrades and new graphic and colour options can be seen across the entire RANGER lineup for 2026, resulting in the most comfortable, versatile, capable, and stylish lineup of RANGER vehicles on the market.

2026 RANGER XP 1000

Setting the bar for owner-inspired upgrades and class-leading capabilities, the top-of-the-range RANGER XP 1000 lineup is built for the most demanding users with a host of new upgrades for 2026, including new 29-inch Pro Armor X Terrain 8-ply tyres with a variable tread pattern to minimise in-cab noise on the RANGER XP 1000 Premium and Nordic Pro models. The ABS model variant also features the new Pro Armor variable-tread 27-inch tyres along with upgraded Gen 2 transmission for 50% easier shifting. The new XP 1000 Nordic Pro sees the all-new factory-installed cab system, along with a new Polaris Blue winch tether, replacing the previous orange tether that is cohesive with the all-new Nordic Pro Blue Dusk colourway.

Models, homologations and colour availability for the RANGER XP 1000 lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 RANGER XP 1000 in Blue Slate Metallic Smoke [MD / Tractor T1a / T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER XP 1000 ABS in Blue Slate Metallic Smoke [Tractor T1b/ABS]
  • 2026 RANGER XP 1000 Hunter Edition in Polaris Pursuit Camo [Tractor T1a / T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER XP 1000 Nordic Pro SE in Blue Dusk [MD / Tractor T1a / T1b] – NEW COLOUR

2026 RANGER 1000

The new-and-improved 2026 RANGER 1000 models continue to enhance performance, with the new high-output electronic power steering seen across the standard RANGER 1000 and Nordic Pro models, offering enhanced responsiveness and slow-speed manoeuvrability. New colours are available across the 1000 lineup, including CREW models, now available in Mirage Beige. The Nordic Pro variant follows suit of the latest upgrades with all-new Blue Dusk colourway, cab system fitted as standard, and new blue winch tether.

Models, homologations and colour availability for the RANGER 1000 lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 RANGER 1000 in Mirage Beige [MD / L7e / Tractor T1a / T1b] – NEW COLOUR
  • 2026 RANGER 1000 Nordic Pro SE in Blue Dusk [Tractor T1a / T1b] – NEW COLOUR

2026 RANGER DIESEL

To round out the full-size lineup, Polaris updates its bestselling RANGER Diesel range with new ride-enhancing upgrades, including Gen 2 transmission for 50% easier shifting, new high-output electronic power steering that offers enhanced manoeuvrability, especially at slow speeds, and improved responsiveness. Both the standard Diesel and Diesel Deluxe models now feature 27-inch Pro Armor X Terrain 8-ply tyres with a variable tread pattern to reduce in-cab noise. Similar to its petrol counterparts, the RANGER Diesel sees the all-new Blue Dusk painted bodywork available on its Deluxe model for 2026.

Models, homologations and colour availability for the RANGER Diesel lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 RANGER Diesel in Sagebrush Green [MD / Tractor T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER Diesel Deluxe in Blue Dusk [Tractor T1b] – NEW COLOUR

2026 RANGER SP 570

Polaris’ bestselling small-but-mighty RANGER SP 570 sees product updates for 2026, including all-new side view mirrors for improved vehicle integration and even more protection with a full-body skid plate as standard across the range. The Nordic Pro model, customers will now benefit from the full cab kit fitted as standard, along with the Blue Dusk colourway and blue winch tether seen on its full-size Nordic Pro equivalents.

Models, homologations and colour availability for the mid-size RANGER lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 RANGER SP 570 in Sage Green [MD / L7e / Tractor T1a / T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER SP 570 Hunter Edition in Polaris Pursuit Camo [Tractor T1a / T1b]
  • 2026 RANGER SP 570 Nordic Pro SE in Blue Dusk [L7e / Tractor T1a / T1b] – NEW COLOUR

2026 YOUTH LINEUP

Also announced as part of Polaris’ 2026 model updates are two new colour options available for the Outlaw 110 EFI Youth model – fan-favourite Indy Red or striking Lime Squeeze. Polaris Youth ATVs suitable for riders aged 10+, including the Outlaw 110 EFI and Sportsman 110 EFI, come standard with important safety features including an adjustable speed limiter, safety whip flag and tether, and daytime running lights.

Models and colour availability for the Polaris Youth lineup across EMEA are as follows:

  • 2026 Outlaw 110 EFI in Indy Red or Lime Squeeze – NEW COLOURS
  • 2026 Sportsman 110 EFI in Velocity Blue
  • 2026 Phoenix 200 in Storm Grey

The 2026 RANGER and Youth lineup will be available in dealers across Europe in summer 2025.

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BIGGA announces ICL Continue to Learn Scholars 2026

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BIGGA announces ICL Continue to Learn Scholars 2026: Each year, Premium Partner ICL invites five BIGGA members to attend the education programme at BTME, with the latest cohort representing golf clubs across the UK – from the west of England to the east of Scotland. 

The two organisations recognise that the valuable career-development opportunities provided by the multi-day event are not available to every greenkeeper, with the cost of education, travel and accommodation proving an obstacle. The scholarship seeks to provide a level playing field for ambitious members who would otherwise miss out.

BIGGA announces ICL Continue to Learn Scholars 2026

BIGGA announces ICL Continue to Learn Scholars 2026

“We’re pleased to continue supporting greenkeepers with the Continue to Learn Scholarship,” said Ed Carter, Business Manager UK for ICL Turf & Landscape. “Access to education is key to raising standards across the industry, and we want to help more BIGGA members develop their skills and progress in their careers.”

Adam Mitchell, of Tehidy Park Golf Club, was delighted to be selected and is eager to make the most of the opportunity.

” I am looking to use the courses available to improve my management techniques of both turf and of staff, which in turn should allow me to perform my role as Course Manager with more efficiency.  I look forward to learning from some well respected industry figures and making new friendships and connections with like-minded people”.

The scholarship provides the five candidates with three nights in a hotel and a comprehensive education package worth approximately £500.

To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development scheme.

Whether through in-person learning, reading this magazine, or by accessing resources on the association’s website, BIGGA members can enjoy thousands of learning opportunities, all aimed at improving their professional abilities.

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Ireland To Host 2026 Ryder Cup

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Ireland To Host 2026 Ryder Cup: The Ryder Cup will return to Ireland in 2026 when Adare Manor, in County Limerick, hosts the biennial contest between Europe and the United States for the first time.

Ryder Cup Europe – which comprises the Managing Partner the European Tour, the Founding Partner the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland, and the PGAs of Europe – today announced the five-star resort will follow in the footsteps of Whistling Straits in Wisconsin (2020), Marco Simone in Italy (2022) and Bethpage Black in New York (2024) as the venue for golf’s greatest team contest.

It means The Ryder Cup will be staged in Ireland for the second time, 20 years after The K Club hosted the 2006 contest when Team Europe – under the captaincy of Ian Woosnam and featuring three Irishmen who would go on to captain Europe over the next decade; Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley – memorably defeated the United States by a record margin of 18½ – 9½.

Guy Kinnings, European Ryder Cup Director, said: “We are delighted to announce The 2026 Ryder Cup will be staged in Ireland at Adare Manor which is a world class venue, both in terms of the golf course and the wider resort facilities.

“Today’s announcement would not have been possible without the support of An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Irish Government who are in receipt of our grateful and heartfelt thanks. Months of careful negotiation behind the scenes have seen us arrive at this point and we could not be happier to be able to take golf’s greatest team contest back to Ireland.

“Equally in receipt of our appreciation are Adare Manor owners JP and Noreen McManus and their entire team at the magnificent County Limerick venue. JP has shown unwavering support for golf and the European Tour over many years and we are delighted that Adare Manor will be the venue to showcase the next chapter in Ireland’s Ryder Cup story in seven years’ time.

“Aside from having provided three Captains over the past four editions, in addition to world-class talent such as Rory McIlroy, Irish players such as the late Christy O’Connor Jnr, Philip Walton, Eamonn Darcy, Graeme McDowell and Paul McGinley are intrinsically linked with providing Europe’s winning moments over the years.

“Added to that the fact that Irish golf fans are rightly recognised as some of the most knowledgeable and passionate in the world, as was shown during Shane Lowry’s emotional Open Championship triumph at Royal Portrush on Sunday, there was no question in our minds that the time was right.”

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “This is a tremendously proud day for everyone at the European Tour and everyone associated with the island of Ireland and Irish golf. When we started the discussions with both the Irish Government and Adare Manor on this entire project they promised to deliver, and they have both done that today.

“Over the past few weeks we have seen truly wonderful golfing occasions at both Lahinch and Royal Portrush and I know such memorable scenes will be repeated in seven years’ time at Adare Manor. Ireland has golf in its DNA and especially in relation to The Ryder Cup.”

Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D. welcomed the announcement stating: “I am delighted that Ireland will be the host of The Ryder Cup in 2026. It is great news for Ireland, and for County Limerick and the west of Ireland in particular.

“This news comes at the end of an historic week for golf on the island of Ireland, following the hugely successful hosting of the Open Championship by Royal Portrush Golf Club, and the historic victory by one of Ireland’s most popular sporting heroes, Shane Lowry.

“Shane’s victory is one of many great achievements by Irish golfers, not just in Major Championships but also in The Ryder Cup. Over the years, Irish captains and Irish players have played a huge role in the success of the European team.

“I am sure that when The Ryder Cup comes to Adare, we will see many more great sporting memories created, and great sporting friendships forged. It will be a fantastic occasion for everyone on the island of Ireland, and for the many visitors from both sides of the Atlantic who can look forward to another great Irish welcome.”

Commenting on the announcement, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D. stated: “The passion of Irish people for golf across the island is well known and that was reinforced by the fantastic crowds at last Sunday’s Open Championship in Portrush and the joy at Shane’s great victory. Hosting The Ryder Cup here will be a great occasion for Irish golf and Irish tourism. The Ryder Cup in 2026 will be a must go event for golf fans when we expect thousands of overseas visitors to come to Ireland.”

The news was further welcomed by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, T.D. who stated: “It’s been a fantastic week for golf in Ireland following Shane Lowry’s heroic win in Portrush. The announcement of The Ryder Cup for Ireland in 2026 is further great news and is a wonderful honour for all of us in Ireland, North and South. It’s a special honour for the people of Munster, a province steeped in sporting culture, where this marvellous global event will be embraced by the people to make 2026 the greatest ever tournament in the history of The Ryder Cup.”

JP McManus, owner of Adare Manor, said: “I am delighted that the prestigious Ryder Cup will return to Ireland. We were very happy that Adare Manor was chosen as the venue for this world renowned tournament in 2026 and we look forward to welcoming our worldwide visitors.

“It is a wonderful tribute to the many great Irish golf ambassadors and success stories Ireland has had in golf over the years and a nice follow on from Shane’s momentous Open win on Sunday in Portrush. The nation was behind Shane, it was a great achievement and very well deserved.

“I am confident that the people of Ireland will get behind The Ryder Cup and take the opportunity to showcase Ireland on the world stage and ensure that The 2026 Ryder Cup will be an outstanding success.

“I hope the many tourist, golfing and business organisations will work together to identify all the opportunities for the benefit of The Ryder Cup, the Irish economy and across the south west community.”

Since Ireland last hosted The Ryder Cup in 2006, the biennial contest has extended its reach as one of the world’s leading sporting events.

Last year’s Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in France attracted more than 270,000 fans on course across the week – the largest attendance for a Ryder Cup held in Europe – with record social media engagement of more than 22 billion impressions globally.

The Ryder Cup also boosted economic activity in France by €235.7million – a significant increase compared to the £106 million of economic activity generated in Scotland in 2014 when Gleneagles hosted the contest.

Adare Manor, which was extensively renovated two years ago, hosted the Irish Open in 2007, a tournament won by Padraig Harrington two months before he went on to clinch the first of his two successive Open Championship titles at Carnoustie. The Irish Open was staged again at Adare Manor the following year in 2008 when Englishman Richard Finch triumphed.

The venue has also hosted the JP McManus Pro-Am in 2005 and 2010 and is scheduled to do so again next July, with confirmed participants already including Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose and Tiger Woods.

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