The British and international golf greenkeepers association (BIGGA) and the R&A have selected 10 greenkeepers to provide tournament support at five biggest championships this year.
Ten BIGGA members will join the home greenkeeping teams to support this summer’s R&A championships, including the 153rd open at Royal Portrush and the AIG women’s open at Royal Porth awl. The greenkeepers will gain valuable experience in elite championship preparation, working closer with the home greenkeeping teams and the R&A’s championship agronomy team.
The volunteers will be on site at:
- 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
Fully embedded
Each member is selected to participate at one of the championships, where they will be fully embedded into the home greenkeeping team. The entire group will also gather at Royal Birkdale in April for an education session and will be invited to attend the open at Royal Portrush, where they will gain insights into course preparation and the logistics of staging a major championship.
The R&A championship agronomy programme is the latest exclusive offering for members of BIGGA, building on the associations existing programme of exciting member initiatives designed to further the skills and abilities of greenkeeping professionals.
The successful BIGGA members selected for 2025 are:
- Ethan Walker, Enville golf club
- Steven Connolly, Ansty golf centre
- Duncan Sieling, The Richmond golf club
- Kyle Gauld, Whitecraigs golf club
- Geoffrey Seath, Broadstone golf club
- Christopher Szoradi, The Manchester golf club
- Adam Matthews, Minchinhampton golf club
- Jack Hall, Kilworth Springs golf club
- Dean Baily, Heswall golf club
- Bradley Taylor, Beau Desert golf club
To gain insights
Adam Newton, sustainable championship agronomy lead at the R&A, said: “After an extensive application process, we have selected 10 impressive candidates who will gain invaluable sights into championship agronomy and greenkeeping at some of our most prestigious events. This unique educational experience will undoubtedly support their future careers and enhance their expertise in the field.
“We look forward to developing the programme with BIGGA over future years and ensuring that it represents an aspirational learning experience for its members.”
Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “BIGGA members have access to an incredible range of exclusive career-development opportunities and I’m confident that the R&A championship agronomy programme will quickly become one of the most esteemed. Our collaboration with the R&A is a testament to the high regard in which our members are held by the industry, and real vote of confidence in their abilities.
“My congratulations go to the 10 members selected to participate in this first cohort. The emphasis is now up to the to seize the opportunity and represent our profession and association to the highest standard.
“My thanks also go to the R&A and greenkeeping teams at each of the host venues for the enthusiasm that has brought this programmer to fruition.”