AWARDS FINALISTS REVEALED

BIGGA has revealed the finalists of their annual awards, that they say includes greenkeeping teams from across the golfing spectrum.
 
Each year the Association invites nominations from the golfing industry to recognise the achievements of its greenkeeping members. The awards are divided into three categories, with the winners revealed at the BIGGA Celebration with Jacobsen, on the opening evening of BTME.

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.
 
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.
 
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.
  
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said, “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.”