Tag Archive for: BIGGA

BIGGA relaunches Your Course

/in , /by

BIGGA relaunches Your Course: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has relaunched Your Course – the magazine that invites golfers to gain a deeper appreciation of what preparing and maintaining a golf course really involves.

Your Course is a twice-yearly print offering produced by BIGGA, the UK’s membership association for golf greenkeepers, in collaboration with 18 Players, the golf publishing specialists who also produce BIGGA’s monthly journal, Greenkeeper International.

BIGGA relaunches Your Course

BIGGA relaunches Your Course

With copies landing in golf clubs in spring and late summer each year, Your Course explores the most relevant topics relating to golf course management. In forthcoming issues, the maintenance of bunkers, greens and water hazards will be tackled alongside cutting-edge features on climate change, autonomous mowers, technology and legislative challenges.

This will create an ever-growing resource that informs golfers about what it takes to maintain a modern golf course and the challenges faced by the greenkeepers at their own facility.

Golfing venues of all shapes and sizes across the UK will be featured, with a clear message that every golf course is different but that well-supported greenkeepers have both the training and knowledge to present outstanding playing surfaces.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Campaigning on our members’ behalf is one of BIGGA’s key mission statements and we found Your Course to be an extremely effective tool when it was introduced back in 2018. I am delighted that with the support of our publishing partners at 18 Players, we are now able to reintroduce Your Course to golf facilities across the UK. I hope the print product and growing online database again become a valuable resource for anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes at a modern golf course.”

Dan Murphy, Director at 18Players, said: “We are proud to work with BIGGA and we relish the opportunity to work on Your Course again and help to share greenkeeping expertise in a way that resonates with golfers.”

The lead feature in the relaunch edition is a fascinating conversation with the Ryder Cup player turned television personality Ken Brown, who worked as a greenkeeper early in his career, and offers some fascinating and forthright insight from his lifetime in the game.

Alongside the print magazine, BIGGA is building a database of articles and other resources that are intended to be read by golfers and shared by those interested in the industry, as a means of raising awareness for the activities of greenkeepers. This content can be viewed under the Resources tab of the BIGGA website, www.bigga.org.uk. 18 Players will also share the content directly with a consumer audience via their flagship website www.nationalclubgolfer.com under the Club banner.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BIGGA teams up with The R&A

/in , /by

BIGGA teams up with The R&A: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) Continue to Learn education programme, which takes place each January, has received the support of The R&A as part of its commitment to a sustainable future for golf and golf courses.

Held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Continue to Learn runs alongside the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), itself the leading trade show for golf course professionals in Europe. Continue to Learn provides more than 140 hours of learning opportunities for golf greenkeepers and groundspeople, making it among the most influential events in the golfing calendar.

BIGGA teams up with The R&A

BIGGA teams up with The R&A

The R&A is a long-time supporter of BIGGA and its members and in recent years has demonstrated its commitment to BTME and Continue to Learn by hosting presentations that offer guidance based on expert research and experience of staging major events. R&A representatives have been a mainstay on the Continue to Learn programme for many years, providing world-leading agronomic advice and hosting panel discussions in the context of historic championships held throughout the year. The Golf Course 2030 programme was launched at Continue to Learn in 2018 and research participants have returned each year to discuss their findings and proposals.

For the first time, in 2025 The R&A will be recognised as formally supporting the Continue to Learn Conference programme, which comprises of a major two-day learning event and a separate New Greenkeeper Conference. Additionally, R&A representatives will participate in various Classes and contribute towards cost-free learning opportunities such as the Seminars and the BTME Breakfast Session.

Next year (2025) will also mark the 20th anniversary of The R&A’s Greenkeeping Scholarship and events are anticipated to take place at BTME and Continue to Learn to mark the occasion. To date, over 500 greenkeepers from 30 countries have benefitted from this influential scholarship opportunity.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “As a governing body for golf, representing over 61 million golfers in 145 countries, we’re proud The R&A has recognised the pivotal role greenkeepers play in the success of the sport through this commitment to supporting the Continue to Learn Conference programme and wider education opportunities provided by our annual gathering, BTME.

“Creating our annual programme of learning experiences and hosting it within the context of a massive trade show takes significant effort and we’re proud that for many years The R&A has recognised just how valuable BTME and Continue to Learn have become to the entire golfing industry. We thank everyone at The R&A for investing in our members and the wider turf management industry in this way as it will only enhance the BTME experience for everyone involved and help ensure the game is still thriving in 50 years’ time.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Former Leyland Golf Club course manager joins BIGGA team

/in , /by

Former Leyland Golf Club course manager joins BIGGA team: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has appointed Scott Reeves as Head of Membership, overseeing the development of the association’s membership activities.

Scott, 53, was formerly the course manager at Leyland Golf Club, where he spent 17 years. He began his greenkeeping career at Wycombe Heights Golf Club, Buckinghamshire, followed by spells at Stock Brook Country Club in Essex and Chobham Golf Club in Surrey, before relocating to Lancashire in 2003. He spent three years at Preston Golf Club before a one-year stint with Saxon Industries in a sales role. He then returned to course management at Leyland Golf Club in 2007.

Former Leyland Golf Club course manager joins BIGGA team

Former Leyland Golf Club course manager joins BIGGA team

Scott has volunteered at every level of BIGGA, culminating in his appointment as chairperson of the association in 2019. The COVID pandemic hit during Scott’s term and he worked closely alongside BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton, the BIGGA staff and National Board as the association navigated the turbulence of that period, ensuring BIGGA was well-placed to offer support and guidance wherever required.

Following his term as chairperson, Scott retained an involvement with BIGGA and still lectures on the Golf Club Management Diploma, jointly run by the GCMA, PGA and BIGGA. He was also a part of the Committee for Golf Club Salaries for many years.

Following a recent restructure, the Head of Membership position has been created by BIGGA. Scott will be responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of the association’s membership strategy, as well as taking on a senior leadership role within the organisation. He will work closely with all BIGGA departments to ensure the association is fulfilling its responsibility to members, while seeking to evolve BIGGA’s activities and offering.

Scott said: “What attracted me to this job is it is such a huge opportunity. One of the things I really valued in my time as a greenkeeper volunteer with BIGGA was the chance to make the world a better place for greenkeepers, as we always say. With a little time away, focusing on my own job as a greenkeeper, it’s helped me see just what a valuable resource BIGGA is.

“What I’d say to BIGGA members is that another one of us has joined the association. I’m someone who understands you and understands your challenges as I’ve faced many of them myself. We’re here to help you, to serve you and to make sure that you can access everything BIGGA has to offer, to build a better career for yourself and a stronger industry for everyone.”

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “We worked hard to identify the correct candidate for this position and we put all the applicants through rigorous testing as the Head of Membership will play a key role in shaping the future of the association for years to come.

“We had some outstanding applications but Scott’s passion for greenkeeping and belief in the value BIGGA brings to the industry shone through. He has been involved with committee work at all levels, including chairing the association from 2019 to 2022, a period which included the COVID pandemic and was therefore one of the most challenging of any in our history.

“I’m excited that Scott has joined the Association and look forward to embarking on what I believe is the next chapter in BIGGA’s history.”

A video of Scott discussing his new role and ambitions for the future is available to watch online here.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Bernhard and Company presents BIGGA Award

/in , /by

Bernhard and Company presents BIGGA Award: Industry-leader in turf sharpening equipment and management solutions, Bernhard and Company, has unveiled Walton Heath Golf Club, as the winner of the ‘Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year’ Award at the 2024 BIGGA Celebration at BTME.

The award – handed over by Bernhard and Company’s Commercial Director, Angelique Crosnier – was presented this evening to Michael Mann and the entire maintenance team at Walton Heath Golf Club for the exceptional conditions displayed when hosting the US Open Golf Championship Final Qualifying in May 2023 and the AIG Women’s Open in August 2023.

Bernhard and Company presents BIGGA Award

Bernhard and Company presents BIGGA Award

Crosnier commented: “It’s an honour for us to again be title sponsor for this significant award as part of BIGGA’s annual celebration at BTME.

“The team at Walton Heath delivered incredibly impressive conditions this year for both the US Open Final Qualifying and one of the most significant events in the women’s game, the AIG Women’s Open. The team overcame a number of setbacks to present the course in great shape on both occasions,” she added.

This award recognises that the success of any tournament depends upon the expertise and dedication of the greenkeeping team. From local club championships through to golf’s professional tours – all are only made possible due to the work of greenkeepers who go above and beyond to present the finest playing surfaces possible.

Also nominated for the award were:

  • Paisley Golf Club – led by Course Manager, Jonathan Caldwell, for hosting the Scottish Golf Men’s Area Team Championship Finals in September 2023
  • Portlethen Golf Club – led by Head Greenkeeper, Neil Sadler for hosting the Scottish Golf Boy’s Under 16 Open Championship in July 2023

Find Bernhard and Company on their official social media channels:

  • Twitter – @BernhardCompany
  • Facebook – Bernhard Company
  • Instagram – @BernhardCompany
  • LinkedIn – Bernhard Company

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BIGGA Awards showcase greenkeeping at its finest

/in , /by

BIGGA Awards showcase greenkeeping at its finest: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is delighted to reveal the finalists of the annual BIGGA Awards, with greenkeeping teams represented from across the golfing spectrum.

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

BIGGA Awards showcase greenkeeping at its finest

BIGGA Awards showcase greenkeeping at its finest

The BIGGA Awards are divided into three categories, with the winners revealed at the BIGGA Celebration with Jacobsen. The event takes place on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in January 2024.

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.

BIGGA Awards 2024 finalists

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Bernhard and Company

This award recognises that the success of any tournament depends upon the expertise and dedication of the greenkeeping team. From the lowliest club championship through to golf’s professional tours – all are only made possible due to the work of greenkeepers who go above and beyond to present the finest playing surfaces possible.

The finalists in this category for 2024 are:

  • Paisley Golf Club, led by Course Manager Jonathan Caldwell, for hosting the Scottish Golf Men’s Area Team Championship Finals in September 2023
  • Portlethen Golf Club, led by Head Greenkeeper Neil Sadler, for hosting the Scottish Golf Boy’s Under 16 Open Championship in July 2023
  • Walton Heath Golf Club, led by Course Manager Michael Mann, for hosting US Open Golf Championship Final Qualifying in May 2023 and the AIG Women’s Open in August 2023.

Greenkeeping Project of the Year

This award recognises those greenkeeping teams who have undertaken a specific project, completed within the past year. However, projects can be long term and may include course construction, renovation or rebuild. They particularly award innovative thinking and commitment to the project by the home greenkeeping team.

The finalists in this category for 2024 are:

  • Basingstoke Golf Club, led by Course Manager Scott Roberts, for the redevelopment of the former Dummer Golf Club site and creation of a new golf course and associated facilities
  • Dudley Golf Club, led by Head Greenkeeper Stewart Marshall, for bringing the golf club back from the brink of closure and producing a thriving venue through a range of course improvement projects
  • Sandiway Golf Club, led by Course Manager Richard Sinker, for the ‘Project 1946’ redevelopment that is seeing the golf course revert to its original heathland characteristics

Outstanding Contribution of the Year

This award is presented to a BIGGA member or members who have 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 2024.

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

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “It has become something of a BIGGA tradition that we sign off the year by revealing the finalists of our annual awards and I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s line-up. The performance of a greenkeeping team can massively impact the fortunes of a golf club and these six finalists all show instances of greenkeepers possessing the confidence and ability to take the lead and ensure their golf club’s ambitions are fulfilled.

“I wish them all the best for the awards and look forward to discovering the winners at the BIGGA Awards on the opening night of BTME 2024.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available alongside these awards. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact BIGGA’s head of business development Lauren Frazer using lauren@bigga.co.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.