The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and co-founders and sponsors Toro and Reesink UK have revealed the line-up for the 2026 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards. Now in its 37th year, the awards have helped unearth some of the brightest talents within the turf management industry and laid the foundations for decades of professional success.
If you're thinking about entering, read their stories and get a better understanding of what the judges are looking for - who knows, your name might be on this list next year!
Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year
Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year
To be eligible for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year category, candidates must have been a greenkeeper for a minimum of 12 months and be studying towards the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper or Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper qualifications.
To be eligible for the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year category, candidates must be aged 21 or under and studying towards the Level 2 award at the time of application.
The latest crop of Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists are all thrilled to have emerged from a fiercely competitive field to earn their shot at claiming a presigious honour.
The process affords ambitious BIGGA members the opportunity to meet and compete with the best greenkeeping students in the UK for one of two sought-after titles.
The annual awards are committed to offering greenkeepers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels a chance to excel.
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to further their careers and network with influential industry leaders await the winners of both the Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year honours.
The finalists will convene at Rockliffe Hall on 8-10 September 2026 to compete in a series of challenges designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping profession.
Winners will then be crowned across both categories, but all in attendance will gain invaluable rewards from the experience.