The BIGGA Awards

Nominations are now open for the BIGGA Awards 2026.

The BIGGA Awards recognise that high standards of quality and dedication are vital to the success of any golf course or championship. They reward the innovation delivered by BIGGA members who are at the cutting-edge of their profession. 

Any BIGGA members within the UK can enter these awards and they are an opportunity to showcase your team’s successes and highlight the quality of your golf course and team.  

The awards are split into three categories and the winners will be announced at the BIGGA Celebration, held on the opening day of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January 2026.

The winners of each award will receive a £1,000 Virgin Experience Days voucher

Click on one of the categories below for more information and to complete your nomination.

Steve Nixon (left) accepted the Outstanding Contribution Award with Kress on behalf of Stephen Bernhard.jpg
Steve Nixon accepted the Outstanding Contribution Award with Kress on behalf of Stephen Bernhard

 

Parkstone Golf Club BIGGA Award.jpg
Parkstone Golf Club

 

Morlais Castle BIGGA Award.jpg
Morlais Castle Golf Club

 

Expand the links below to find out more

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. They particularly award innovative thinking and commitment to the project by the home greenkeeping team.

Please give a brief outline of your nomination using this form. If you want to send additional information, please email it to info@bigga.co.uk along with the name of the award you are nominating for.

We may contact you for further information once your form has been received.

Please note, high quality imagery is always greatly appreciated and will give a better impression of the nomination, so it is worth taking the time to send good photographs or other imagery that will help the judges make their decision.

Please provide us with a brief explanation of why you believe the BIGGA member (or members) you are nominating should win a BIGGA Award.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:
i.    Scale of project in comparison to resources (up to 15 marks)
ii.    Challenges overcome. These may include greenkeeping, climatic, personnel or any other difficulties that the team overcame during the course of this project (up to 15 marks)
iii.    Innovation - were the methods used new and imaginative and were the greenkeeping team creative in overcoming any challenges they faced? (up to 15 marks)
iv.    Effort - how different was this project compared to regular course renovations and how did that impact the team and the effort they put into achieving this success? (up to 15 marks)
v.    Quality of nomination (up to 5 marks)

 

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year

This award recognises that the success of any tournament depends upon the expertise and dedication of the greenkeeping team. From the lowliest club championship through to golf’s professional tours – all are only made possible due to the work of greenkeepers who go above and beyond to present the finest playing surfaces possible.

Please give a brief outline of your nomination using this form. If you want to send additional information, please email it to info@bigga.co.uk along with the name of the award you are nominating for.

We may contact you for further information once your form has been received.

Please note, high quality imagery is always greatly appreciated and will give a better impression of the nomination, so it is worth taking the time to send good photographs, videos or other imagery that will help the judges make their decision.

Where possible, please also make sure you send an image of your greenkeeping team.

Please provide us with a brief explanation of why you believe the BIGGA member (or members) you are nominating should win a BIGGA Award.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:
i.    Scale of championship or event in comparison to resources (up to 15 marks)
ii.    Challenges overcome. These may include greenkeeping, climatic, personnel or any other difficulties that the team overcame during the course of hosting the championship or events (up to 15 marks)
iii.    Innovation - were the methods used new and imaginative and were the greenkeeping team creative in overcoming any challenges they faced? (up to 15 marks)
iv.    Effort - how different was this championship or tournament compared to regular course events and how did that impact the team and the effort they put into achieving this success? (up to 15 marks)
v.    Quality of nomination (up to 5 marks)

 

Outstanding Contribution Award

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 2026.

Please give a brief outline of your nomination using this form. If you want to send additional information, please email it to info@bigga.co.uk along with the name of the award you are nominating for.

We may contact you for further information once your form has been received.

Please note, high quality imagery is always greatly appreciated and will give a better impression of the nomination, so it is worth taking the time to send good photographs, videos or other imagery that will help the judges make their decision.

Please provide us with a brief explanation of why you believe the BIGGA member you are nominating should win a BIGGA Award.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:
i.    Scale of contribution (up to 15 marks)
ii.    Impact on others - this may be other greenkeepers or the wider community. (up to 15 marks)
iii.    Innovation/initiative (up to 15 marks)
iv.    Effort - was their contribution above and beyond what you would typically expect? (up to 15 marks)
v.    Quality of submission - nominations will also be judged on the quality of information provided. (up to 5 marks)

 

More information

Why enter?

  1. Awards are a fantastic marketing tool. Just being shortlisted can improve awareness of your golf course and the successes of your greenkeeping team.
  2. Raise your profile. Assist your career ambitions of yourself and members of your team by gaining recognition for your efforts.
  3. Demonstrate your capabilities. Show why you are a leading turf manager.
  4. Celebrate your achievements. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to reflect upon the hard work you have put into the course and celebrate as a team.
  5. Attract talent. Other ambitious greenkeepers and industry professionals will be more eager to join a successful team.

Who can enter?

BIGGA members may nominate themselves for an award. External nominees may also nominate a BIGGA member. There is no restriction as to who an external nominee may be.

For group awards, greenkeeping teams may be nominated if at least one permanent member of the team is a Full BIGGA member.

How many times can I enter?

You can enter more than one category, but please complete a separate online entry submission for each category and each entry. Remember to tailor each entry to meet the requirements for each specific category.

How to prepare an effective award nomination

  • Remember, it's likely the judges don't know anything about your story, so make sure you take the time to explain everything you achieved that sets your nomination apart from the rest.
  • The judging panel relies on concise and complete nominations. Set your nomination out in a format that matches the judging criteria and this will make scoring easier.
  • Well-written nominations supported by high quality imagery or videos are sure to catch the eye.
  • Poorly prepared nominations will not highlight the technical accomplishments of your nominee.
  • Provide details of specific examples of challenges and explain how they were overcome.
  • Solicit support - references from stakeholders or event hosts will add weight to your nomination.

 

Previous winners:

Greenkeeping Project of the Year

Winner 2024

 

 

Winner 2023

 

 

Winner 2022

 

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year

Winners 2024

 

 

Winners 2023

 

 

Winners 2022

 

Outstanding Contribution of the Year

Winner 2024

Dean Cleaver and Jacobsen's Simon Rainger.jpg

 

Winner 2023

 

Winner 2022

A turf educator known as the ‘grandfather of greenkeeper education’ and credited with helping establish training opportunities for those working on golf courses was recognised on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) 2022.

Dennis Mortram (right) was presented with the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award by Steven Nixon of Bernhard and Company
Dennis Mortram (right) was presented with the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award by Steven Nixon of Bernhard and Company

 

At the BIGGA Welcome Celebration with AMS Robotics, Dennis Mortram, 75, was awarded with the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award. Dennis is a former tutor at Reaseheath College in Cheshire and was one of the first to recognise that greenkeepers would require industry-specific education if they were to elevate the profession and raise standards of golf course maintenance. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Master Greenkeeper certification.

 

Dennis received:

  • £500 donation to the winner's charity of choice
  • £300 Virgin Experience Days voucher
  • BIGGA Awards 2022 Trophy

 

Sponsorship opportunities are still available alongside these awards. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact BIGGA’s Head of Commercial and Marketing Lauren Frazer using lauren@bigga.co.uk. 

 

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