Tag Archive for: Awards

BIGGA reveals greenkeeping awards finalists

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BIGGA reveals greenkeeping awards finalists: An innovative project to restore the historic links that hosted the first Open Championship, a club that hosted its first ever professional golf event and a team that battled Scottish snowfall to construct a new hole have been revealed as the finalists of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) Awards 2023.

Each year BIGGA invites nominations from across the golfing industry to recognise the achievements of its members, who play a vital role in the ongoing success of the sport.

BIGGA reveals greenkeeping awards finalists

BIGGA reveals greenkeeping awards finalists

The BIGGA Awards are divided into three categories, with the winners revealed at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration with Origin Amenity Solutions, taking place on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in January 2023.

BTME is the largest annual gathering of greenkeeping professionals outside America and is held at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire alongside the Continue to Learn education programme. Together the events are considered among the most influential in the golfing calendar given the professional development opportunities presented to golf greenkeepers, helping them produce fantastic playing surfaces at every level of the sport.

With incredible prizes up for grabs, the BIGGA Awards recognise that high standards of quality and dedication are vital to the success of any golf course or championship. They reward the innovation of BIGGA members who are at the cutting edge of the profession and any BIGGA member within the UK, regardless of their golf facility’s size, age or reputation, can enter. The awards provide golf clubs with an opportunity to showcase their greenkeeping team’s talents and celebrate their achievements.

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Bernhard and Company

This award isn’t just restricted to those clubs who host majors or DP World Tour events. A team may have done incredible work to get the course fit for professional or amateur events, including national or important local championships.

The finalists in this category for 2023 are:

  • Abridge Golf Club in Essex for hosting the club’s first EuroPro Tour event, the PDC Championship, from 29 June to 1 July 2022
  • Minchinhampton Golf Club in Gloucestershire for hosting South West Week and Open Championship – Regional Qualifying in June 2022
  • St Annes Old Links for the hosting of Open Championship – Final Qualifying and The R&A’s Amateur Championship in June 2022

Greenkeeping Project of the Year sponsored by Sports Turf Data Solutions

This award recognises those greenkeeping teams who have undertaken a specific project, completed within the past year. However, projects can be long term and include course construction, renovation or rebuild – the possibilities are endless.

The finalists in this category for 2023 are:

  • Astbury Golf Club, led by Head Greenkeeper Andy Brougham, for their bunker renovation project
  • Prestwick Golf Club, led by Golf Course Superintendent David Edmondson, for the recreation of the original 12-hole Open layout used for the first Open Championship
  • Strathaven Golf Club, led by Head Greenkeeper Stephen Hunter, for the redesign and reshaping of two holes to fit in with safety concerns

Outstanding Contribution of the Year sponsored by Baroness

This award is presented to a BIGGA member or members who has made an outstanding contribution above and beyond their normal working life. This can be for charity, for the betterment of the greenkeeping profession or association or generally for society. The winner of this award will be revealed at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration at BTME 2023.

More information about each of the finalists can be found on the BTME website.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “Around Christmas each year I get the tremendous pleasure of revealing which of our incredible members have been selected as finalists of the BIGGA Awards, with the winners to be announced at our fantastic BIGGA Welcome Celebration at BTME. I never fail to be impressed by what our members are able to achieve, despite the sometimes immense challenges put in front of them. Whether it be a project to improve their facility or preparing for and delivering an important championship at their venue, their skill, talent and commitment knows no bounds.

“Congratulations to our finalists and thanks as always to our wonderful sponsors for supporting BIGGA members every step of the way.” 

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Finalists of GEA awards announced

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Finalists of GEA awards announced: Since STRI Group launched the Golf Environment Awards (GEAs) in 1995, the aim has been to recognise, reward and promote outstanding individuals and golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings.

With the ever-increasing spotlight on environmental matters, it is fundamentally important for golf courses worldwide to assess what they can do to achieve environmental sustainability, protecting and encouraging habitats and biodiversity, while continuing to maximise the enjoyment of golf.

Finalists of GEA awards announced

Finalists of GEA awards announced

Following a recent judging day, the finalists and winners for the GEAs were decided. The judging panel were given a list of anonymous applications and an accompanying list of positive environmental practices from the clubs, which were then given a numerical score across a range of categories. The judges were representatives from STRI Ltd, The R&A, Aquatrols, BIGGA, Syngenta, Tillers Turf, and Textron.

The categories, criteria and finalists are as follows:

Operation Pollinator Award

Golf clubs who consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management for pollinators.

  • Huntercombe
  • Goring and Streatley
  • Corhampton
  • Bamburgh Castle

Ecological Project of the Year

Golf clubs who have implemented a successful ecological project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment, and are making sound progress in fulfilling the goals of the project.

  • Cirencester
  • Clitheroe
  • Pannal
  • Andrews

Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year

Outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to the success of environmental and ecological management making a positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.

  • Garmouth and Kingston
  • Newquay
  • Sleaford
  • Warren (Devon)

Sustainable Project of the Year

Golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a more sustainable environment.

  • Hever Castle
  • Pannal
  • Royal Mid-Surrey
  • Andrews

International Environmental Golf Course

Golf clubs outside of the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.

  • AFRIYEA (Uganda)
  • Al Mouj (Oman)
  • Finca Cortesin (Spain)
  • Sentosa (Singapore)

UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year

Golf clubs in the UK that are leading the way in sustainability across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.

  • Anne’s Old Links
  • Nairn Dunbar
  • Gog Magog
  • Elmwood

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Harrogate on 25 January 2023. All winners are rewarded with a grant to help fund further ecological and environmental projects at their clubs and entry to the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture Course.

Entry to the awards is completely free with the aim of encouraging every eco-conscious golf club to have their efforts rewarded, and also to educate the industry on simple practices that can have a hugely positive impact.

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GMA announce judges for industry awards

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GMA announce judges for industry awards: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is delighted to announce the names of this year’s panel of judges who will be recognising talent from across the grounds care industry by selecting the winners of the 2022 GMA Industry Awards.

The thirteen judges represent a variety of sectors operating in the grounds care industry, and together, will collectively select a winner for each of the nineteen award categories.

GMA announce judges for industry awards

GMA announce judges for industry awards

Listed alphabetically, the judging panel includes:

  1. Adrian Kay, Head Groundsman at York Racecourse
  2. Anthony Facey, Area Sales Manager at Tuckwell Group
  3. Cheryl Hill, Groundswoman at Leicester Tigers Rugby Club
  4. David Roberts, Director at Training Unlimited
  5. Derek Walder, Operations Manager at Saltex
  6. Jackie Evans, Head of Grounds at Wellington College
  7. John Wright, Head of Grounds at Southampton Football Club
  8. Lee Marshallsay, Grounds Manager at Eton College
  9. Lee Metcalfe, Senior Grounds Manager at Manchester City Football Club
  10. Nasa Hussain, Head Groundsman and Facilities Manager at Bradford Park Avenue
  11. Neil Stubley, Head of Courts and Horticulture at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
  12. Stuart Kerrison, Head Groundsman at Essex County Cricket Club

Grounds Management Association CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“The GMA Industry Awards dinner has always recognised all parts of our varied sector by celebrating those who work hard to keep green spaces accessible and make sport possible.

“We are grateful to all of our judges for giving their time to help us recognise the achievements of individuals and teams who are making a real difference in communities, clubs and educational settings across the regions. The GMA Awards are uniquely determined by fellow grounds staff and people who have wide and diverse experience, making the GMA Industry Awards a truly authentic and peer-to-peer-led event.

I would also like to thank our sponsors, Origin Amenity Solutions, Kubota UK, Redexim, Infinicut, AMS Robotics and SGL, whose support is what makes events like this possible.

“We’re really looking forward to the GMA Awards making its post-pandemic return after two challenging years and we’re delighted to see the nomination entries continuing to flow in. The evening will provide a great opportunity to socialise and celebrate colleagues and peers and I would encourage all in sports turf and grounds care to save the date.”

Full details of the award categories and how to nominate is listed on the GMA website. Nominations must be submitted before 17.00 on Friday 29 July 2022.

The GMA Industry Awards dinner is taking place at The Vox, NEC Birmingham, on the evening of Wednesday 2 November, the evening of the first day of SALTEX.

Tickets to attend the awards will be released on Friday 1 July. To find out more about the purchase of tickets, please email vnewton@thegma.org.uk. To discuss sponsorship packages, please email scunningham@thegma.org.uk.

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GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards

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GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards: The GMA is inviting nominations to recognise the contribution of volunteers and professionals working across the grounds care industry. Winners will be announced at the association’s annual awards dinner at the Birmingham Vox Conference Centre on 2 November.

Marking a return following the outbreak of the pandemic, this year’s awards ceremony will provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and recognise the outstanding performance of individuals and teams across the grounds care sector.

GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards

GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards

Nomination categories have been expanded this year to include:

  1. Origin Amenity Solutions Young Grounds Person of the Year
  2. Newcomer of the Year
  3. Kubota UK & Redexim Volunteer Sports Grounds Team/Individual of the Year
  4. Community Sports Grounds Team/Individual of the Year
  5. Bowls / Croquet Grounds Team/Individual of the Year
  6. Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year
  7. Best Environmental and Sustainability Impact
  8. Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year
  9. Infinicut Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year
  10. Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year
  11. Professional Rugby Football League Grounds Team of the Year
  12. Professional Rugby Football Union Grounds Team of the Year
  13. AMS Robotics Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (A)
  14. SGL Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (B)
  15. University/College Grounds Team of the Year
  16. Independent School Grounds Team of the Year
  17. International Impact Award

Nominations must be submitted via an online form before 17.00 on Friday 29 July 2022.

Grounds Management Association CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“The association’s Industry Awards has long been a prestigious stage to recognise the achievements of those working in the grounds care sector at all levels. This year’s ceremony feels particularly special after an incredibly challenging few years. The event gives us the opportunity to come together, reflect on what has been achieved, and celebrate those who work tirelessly to make sport possible.”

To discuss sponsorship and other brand partnership opportunities, email Grounds Management Association Director of Commercial and Events, Sarah Cunningham at scunningham@thegma.org.uk.

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Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022

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Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022: Agrigem is pleased to announce that it has been nominated and shortlisted for the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2022 in the category of High Growth Business of the Year.

After many years of continuous but sustainable growth, Agrigem is pleased that the FSB has recognised and finalised the company. The final is due to be held on 6th April 2022. Agrigem’s Managing Director, Kieran Would said “It’s a pleasure to see everyone’s at Agrigem hard working being recognised”.

Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022

Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022

The FSB has been helping small businesses and the self‐employed achieve their ambitions for over 45 years. As a non‐profit organisation and the UK’s leading business campaigner, they’re making real change happen for their members and the wider small business community. FSB members benefit from market‐leading services and support to help them run their business, including local networking events, legal advice, insurance protection and more.

The Federation of Small Businesses celebrates the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self‐employed across the UK. As the largest event of its kind in the small business  calendar, the high‐profile FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards are free to enter and open to all.

Winners from each category securing a spot at the prestigious UK final and a chance to be crowned the UK Small Business of the Year. Entrants will be judged by a panel of leading business experts with a wealth of experience in their industry.

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