The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme
BIGGA and the R&A are proud to present The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme - a once-in-a-life time opportunity to gain invaluable experience in elite championship preparation.
1 of 3 R&A Championship Agronomy Programme - Royal St. George's
2 of 3 R&A Championship Agronomy Programme - Royal Cinque Ports
3 of 3 R&A Championship Agronomy - AIG Women's Open
The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme is an exclusive opportunity for BIGGA members to gain invaluable, hands-on experience in championship grounds preparation - this includes first-rate examples of course presentation and turf management.
This initiative sees 10 talented members selected to attend one of various prestigious R&A events, where they will work alongside the venue's greenkeeping team and provide tournament support, developing their skills in championship preparation and agronomy.
With its inception in 2025, the programme promises to offer considerable insight into championship agronomy, and provide a completely unique educational experience that will be a solid foundation for our members' future careers in turf management.
This year, our cohort will attend one of the following events:
- The 155th Open at St Andrews
- The AIG Women's Open at Royal St George's
- The Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush
- The Women's Amateur Championship at Royal Cinque Ports
Meet the 2026 Cohort
Hear from the 2025 Cohort
In 2025, the group took part in a series of educational events led by The R&A’s Sustainable Agronomy Team, receiving unparalleled insight and guidance from industry leaders.
All ten members were also invited to attend The Open at Royal Portrush, where they gained first-hand experience of the preparation required to stage a major championship, as well as the opportunity to network with professionals from across the industry.
The programme built on previous initiatives offered to members and reflected The R&A’s continued commitment to developing and enhancing its major and elite amateur championships.
Below are testimonials from the inaugural 2025 cohort:
"I think the experience definitely highlighted the importance of getting yourself out there and to network. The programme is a great platform to meet the leaders of our industry and to see the various job roles."
Deputy Course Manager at Richmond Golf Club
"I've been able to gain a lot of experience on the programme, working with a variety of different grass surfaces and learning about different ways to maintain a golf course. It's a life-changing opportunity that will help progress my career!"
Assistant Greenkeeper at Whitecraigs Golf Club
“Being selected for the 2025 R&A Agronomy Programme is a huge honour and career milestone. It offers invaluable learning in sustainable course management while engaging with industry leaders. Being able to learn, share, and grow through this programme means the world to me. I was hugely excited to be selected for the Women’s Open this summer as part of the initiative, where I learned from some of the best!”
First Assistant Greenkeeper at Beau Desert Golf Club
“The networking has been excellent, and it has challenged me to go out of my comfort zone. It's an experience that will serve me well in my quest to become a Course Manager"
Senior Greenkeeper at Kilworth Springs Golf Club
This is an exceptionally unique opportunity, open to anyone with aspirations for a career within championship preparation or agronomy.