British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association

BIGGA, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association was officially formed in 1987.^[1] The association represents the interests of greenkeepers and progresses and develops of the profession of greenkeeping.^[1] It organises its annual Harrogate Week conference, as well as the Turf Management Exhibition.^[2]^[1] As of 2010, the association had over 7,300 members.^[1]

History edit

BIGGA was formed from three existing associations, the British Golf Greenkeepers Association [BGGA], the English and International Greenkeepers Association [EIGGA] and the Scottish and International Greenkeepers Association [SIGGA].

The association offers several membership levels:

Full membership, for those employed in the maintenance of sports turf at a sports facility
Associate Member, for those employed in the maintenance of sports turf but do not hold NVQ/SVQ qualification or have three years continuous relative experience
Student membership, for those studying a relevant course
Affiliate membership, for those not working as greenkeepers but with an interest in the subject, such as equipment manufacturers
Gold or Silver Key membership, for companies who wish to support the Learning and Development of greenkeepers

John Pemberton became the CEO of BIGGA in 2004.^[3]

Benefits to membership edit

Benefits to membership include reduced price BIGGA education material, as well as discount clothing and insurance. BIGGA runs training courses in all subjects relevant to the modern greenkeeper, and publishes a monthly magazine, Greenkeeper International. and invites all members to attend Harrogate Week, which runs every January in Harrogate.

References edit

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Laidlaw, Renton (2010). The R&A Golfer's Handbook 2010. Pan Macmillan. p. 619. ISBN 9780230741263.
^ Drury, Sally (2009). "Grounds care in the spotlight". Horticulture Week. pp. 17–18. Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via EBSCOHost.
^ Ibrahim, Magda (16 January 2009). "Belief in a strong future". Horticulture Week. p. 13. Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via EBSCOHost.