Becoming a Greenkeeper

Greenkeeping is ideal for those who love spending time outdoors and have a passion for nature.

Greenkeeping involves working among some of the most beautiful natural environments to be found anywhere and a close relationship with nature, weather and the changing seasons has numerous physical and mental health benefits.

Greenkeepers often derive satisfaction from seeing the direct results of their hard work. Maintaining a golf course to a high standard can be very fulfilling, especially when you see players enjoying a well-kept course.

There's also the knowledge that you're doing your bit to support the environment and nature, while working in a golf environment and schemes such as First Green provide the opportunity to great work to support your local community.

The role of a greenkeeper involves a variety of tasks that can help develop a broad set of skills. These include turf management, landscaping, equipment maintenance, irrigation systems and knowledge of agronomy and pest control.

There are countless opportunities for learning in a formal setting, which BIGGA's dedicated Continuing Professional Development system enabling greenkeepers to track their process. BIGGA also hosts learning opportunities such as local events, regional conferences and the Continue to Learn education programme - the largest learning opportunity of its kind, anywhere in the world.

There are clear pathways for career advancement in greenkeeping. Starting as an apprentice or junior greenkeeper, individuals can progress to senior roles such as head greenkeeper, course manager or director of greenkeeping.

There are also opportunities for specialisation and further education in areas like turf science and automated equipment.

The potential earnings for those working in greenkeeping are unlimited - it's all about gaining the knowledge you need to take the next step and seizing the opportunity when it presents itself.

Golf courses are found worldwide and there's a consistent demand for skilled greenkeepers. This demand can provide job security and opportunities to work in different locations, including prestigious and renowned golf courses.

There are golf courses all over the world and British greenkeepers are always in demand due to their expertise, so rather than spending all your savings on travelling the globe, why not become a greenkeeper and work your way around the world?

Working in greenkeeping often involves being part of a community, both within the golf club and in the broader greenkeeping profession.

Networking opportunities provided by BIGGA, including the annual BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition or the BIGGA National Championship can be rewarding and helpful for career growth. 

The field of greenkeeping is evolving with new technologies and sustainable practices. Greenkeepers often have the opportunity to work with advanced machinery and techniques, which can make the job more interesting and efficient.

You could be utilising robotic machinery, autonomous drones or using smartphone technology to organise irrigation and spraying systems. Technology is developing rapidly within greenkeeping and you have the opportunity to be at the forefront of that.

Greenkeepers play a crucial role in environmental stewardship. They manage courses in ways that promote biodiversity, sustainability and eco-friendliness. This aspect can be particularly appealing to those who are environmentally conscious.

Greenkeepers are at the forefront of a move towards clean energy, the use of new technologies and the creation of playing surfaces that are sympathetic to the natural environment and create vital wildlife corridors. They often work closely with local wildlife groups and other conservation groups to enhance biodiversity in their locality.

For those who prefer active jobs, greenkeeping provides plenty of physical activity - with no restrictions on age or gender.

Greenkeeping involves tasks that keep you moving and can contribute to a healthy lifestyle - and who wants to spend their life sitting behind a desk, when you can get paid to be active, out in nature?

The day-to-day tasks of a greenkeeper can be quite varied, preventing the job from becoming monotonous.

Depending on the season and the needs of the course, activities can range from mowing and aeration to planting and pest control.

Opportunities for volunteering and tournament support mean there's always excitement on the horizon.