The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme

The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme will see 10 BIGGA members selected to join the greenkeeping teams at one of the following championships:

  • The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush
  • The Senior Open at Sunningdale
  • The AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl
  • The Amateur Championship at Royal St George's and Royal Cinque Ports
  • The Women's Amateur Championship at Nairn

Once the team of 10 is chosen, each member will be selected for one of the five championships. The whole team will then assemble at an Open venue in April for orientation, an education session and the opportunity to network with each other.

The cohort will join educational sessions led by The R&A Sustainable Agronomy team throughout the year and attend The Open at Royal Portrush, where they will learn about course preparation and staging for a major championship.

The new programme builds upon previous initiatives and reflects the ongoing development and growth of The R&A's major and elite amateur championships. It will replace the BIGGA Volunteer Open Support Team that was previously run for members.

This is a unique opportunity for anyone aspiring to a career within championship preparation or agronomy. 

The application process and criteria are as follows:

  • Ideally you will have at least two years' worth of experience working as a greenkeeper and have the relevant practical skills to support the greenkeeping team with course set up during the championship.
  • Applicants will be asked to submit a CV and a three-minute video supporting your bid to become part of the team. You should explain why this opportunity is so attractive to you, what part it will play in your career development and what unique qualities you will bring to the team.
  • BIGGA, The R&A and course managers from the championship venues will evaluate these videos and select candidates to go forward to the final stage of the selection process. An interview will then be conducted virtually so that you can demonstrate your candidacy to join the programme.

Apply today by emailing your CV to [email protected] and send a short video to 07933 203 645.


Terms and Conditions

  • Applications are welcomed from Full, International and Student members of BIGGA.
  • Video applications of minimum two minutes and maximum three minutes in duration must be made via the WhatsApp number 07933 203 645.
  • A current Curriculum Vitae must also be sent separately with an application email to [email protected]
  • Members who have been a part of the previous Open Support Team may apply.
  • The deadline for video applications for the 2025 programme is Friday 14 March 2025.
  • Each application will be judged on its own merits, regardless of membership status, position or place of work. If multiple applications from one club are received, only one member per club may be selected for the final interview.
  • Following review of the applications, a shortlist will be drawn up and successful applicants will be invited to take part in a virtual final interview during the week commencing 31 March 2025.
  • Applicants must be available for the duration of the work placement, which in most cases will be one week. At The Open, the placement will be two weeks, wth the second being championship week.
    • The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush GC
    • The Senior Open at Sunningdale GC
    • The AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl GC
    • The Amateur Championship at Royal St George's GC and Royal Cinque Ports GC
    • The Women's Amateur Championship at Nairn GC
  • Applicants must include in their application if they are unavailable for a specific. Please include details when emailing your application.
  • Successful applicants will be notified of the event for which they have been selected as soon as possible prior to a full team gathering and education event at Royal Birkdale Golf Club on 29 April 2025.
  • Two reserve members will be selected for 2025. If they are not deployed this year, they will automatically be selected for the 2026 cohort.
  • Travel expenses and accommodation will be included in the programme.

Notification

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