Golf Business News – BIGGA and The R&A select 10 greenkeepers for first-ever championship agronomy experience
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and The R&A have selected 10 ambitious and talented greenkeepers to provide tournament support during five of this year’s biggest championships.
Ten BIGGA members will join the home greenkeeping teams for the hosting of this summer’s R&A championships, including The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush and the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl. The greenkeepers will gain experience in elite championship preparation, working alongside 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
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 assemble at Royal Birkdale in April for an education session and will be invited to attend The Open at Royal Portrush, where they will learn about course preparation and the staging of a major championship.
The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme is the latest exclusive offering for members of BIGGA, building on the existing programme of exciting member initiatives, each intended to further the ability and skill 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
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 a great insight into championship agronomy and greenkeeping at some of our most prestigious R&A Championships and a unique educational experience that will support them in their future careers.
“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 convinced that the R&A Championship Agronomy Programme will soon be held among the upper echelons of those. Our collaboration with The R&A is a real vote of confidence that highlights how well thought-of our members are by the wider industry.
“My congratulations go to the 10 members selected to participate in this first cohort. The emphasis is now on them to make the most of 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 programme to fruition.”
For more information about BIGGA and its various activities including how to become a member, visit www.bigga.org.uk