From the Majors to the Midlands, revealing the BIGGA Awards finalists

20 December 2023 BTME

The association is delighted to reveal the finalists of the annual BIGGA Awards, with greenkeeping teams represented from across the golfing spectrum.

Watch last year's BIGGA Welcome Celebration

 

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.

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.

Find out more about the BIGGA Awards here


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.”

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.

AIG Women's Open 1.jpg

 

The finalists in this category for 2024 are:

Paisley Golf Club

Led by Course Manager Jonathan Caldwell, the team hosted the Scottish Golf Men's Area Team Championship Finals in September 2023.

 

Portlethen Golf Club

Led by Head Greenkeeper Neil Sadler, the team hosted the Scottish Golf Boys' Under 16 Open Championship in July 2023.

 

Walton Heath Golf Club

Led by Course Manager Michael Mann, the team hosted 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.

Basingstoke_4231.jpg

 

The finalists in this category for 2024 are:

Basingstoke Golf Club

Led by Course Manager Scott Roberts, the team has undertaken 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, the team brought the club back from the brink of closure and has produced a thriving venue through a range of course improvement projects.

 

Sandiway Golf Club

Led by Course Manager Richard Sinker, the team has undertaken 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.

David Golding collected the Outstanding Contribution Award at BTME 2023.jpg

 

 

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

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 [email protected].

Find out more about the BIGGA Awards here

 

Author

Staff Photos 2020-14.JPG
Karl Hansell
BIGGA | Head of Marketing and Communications

Karl has been head of communications for BIGGA since March 2016. His duties include editing the monthly Greenkeeper International magazine, in addition to other communications activities for the association.

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