Benefits of Joining
Today BIGGA Members not only include Greenkeepers but also Associate, Corporate and Student Members and an increasing number of Gold and Silver Key members.
All membership categories are for people seeking to create a greater understanding and awareness of greenkeeping - the skills, knowledge and training involved and the rewards to be gained from this profession.
Which category of Membership is best for you:
Greenkeeper Membership
Available to any person employed in the 'keeping of the green' at a golfing establishment. Open the door to a variety of educational opportunities, meet your contemporaries at local and national events and work in confidence knowing that BIGGA is striving to improve working conditions and employer awareness.
Benefits Include -
Subscription to Greenkeeper International - 12 issues of our award winning monthly magazine delivered to your door. Keeping you up to date with all that's new in the industry.
Free Legal Helpline - Access a legal helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for you and your family (living at the same address) Advice on employment matters, health and safety issues, consumer rights and any other legal matter you may wish to discuss. Medical costs and expenses should personal injury be sustained in an accident and legal expenses up to £50,000 per annum. Freephone 0800 177 7891
Free Personal Accident Insurance - Cover for time off work due to an accident at home, work or even on holiday as well as one off payments dependant on the type of injury.
Free Members Handbook - A free yearly copy of this indespensible tool, enabling members to track down professional help and keep in contact with contemporaries
Free Set of On Course Field Guides - A set of field guides is available to every member on request. This includes various guides and information on common issues found on a golf course.
Networking Oppurtunities - When you join you are automatically given membership of one of the 27 sections around the country. As an active member you can attend golf days and other social events on a regular basis enabling you to network with others in the industry.
Education Opportunities - All members are invited to sign on to a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme, which records education & training achievenment. Regional Training courses are offered alongside regional and national seminar workshops.
BIGGA Refund of Fees Scheme - Members can apply for an 80% refund of Education & Training fees up to a maximum of £350. Conditions Apply - call BIGGA Headquarters on 01347 833800 for an application form.
BIGGA Higher Education Scholarships - Scholarships are available thanks to the support of Ransomes Jacobsen to help members move into Higher Education. Scholarships are awarded for courses such as N/SVQ Level 4, HNC, HND and Batchelors or Masters degree.
BIGGA Library System - The BIGGA Library Boasts over 650 books. available to borrow ffor up to 6 weeks at any one time. The only cost is the return postage/delivery.
Discounted Workwear - BIGGA have teamed up with ARCO the leading supplier of workwear, safety clothing and maintenance products to offer members 20% discount off a choice of goods.
Car Leasing - Driving a brand new car couldn't be easier. BIGGA has teamed up with Lex FreeChoice to offer an exclusive scheme which allows you and your family members to drive the car you've always wanted at a price you can afford. for more information please call 0800 419930
Car Rental - BIGGA have enrolled in National's Affinity Leisure Programme, that offers members exclusive rates on car and van hire in the UK and on International car hire in over 80 countries.
Harrogate Week - Members are invited to attend the BTME, Europe's largest indoor turf exhibition which runs alongside the ClubHouse Exhibition every January in Harrogate. The two shows combine to become Harrogate Week and give visitors a genuine one-stop-shop for their clubhouse and golf course needs.
Continue To Learn - Run during the Harrogate Week Exhibition. Continue to Learn provides members with a week of seminars, workshops and debates ensuring there is something for everyone.
The BIGGA Website - Obviously the BIGGA Website is another added benefit of becoming a member. Active members have access to a 'Members Only' section of the site. This contains a bulletin board/discussion forum and other useful pieces of information.
Full Details of membership services can be found in your Membership pack. Please call 01347 833800 for further information or a replacement pack.
Student Membership
Available to anybody studying in a full time sportsturf related subject. Take advantage of the tools on offer to improve your education and skills, and attend local events to network with potential employers.
Associate Membership
For anybody who is not working as a Greenkeeper but wants to be part of BIGGA. Keep up to date with the latest issues of Greenkeeper International and network with clients at local, regional and national level.
Corporate Membership
Available to companies wishing to join four or more members of staff, for example Sales Representatives. Take full advantage of networking opportunities within the Association and maximise sales.
Gold & Silver Key Membership
Available to companies and individuals wanting to show their commitment to greenkeeper education and training, by contributing to the education and development fund.
For more information on any of these Membership types please contact Brad on 01347 833800.
