A clear vision for the future of greenkeeping

Our latest announcements reflect a cohesive strategy to support greenkeepers and elevate standards across the industry.

BTME is our championship week and a moment to set out, clearly and confidently, what BIGGA exists to do and how we intend to support greenkeepers as the profession continues to evolve. We have been striving to make that purpose unmistakable, and a series of announcements made during the week in Harrogate marked an important step forward for the association.

These are not isolated developments but exist as a connected programme of initiatives that define our direction and ambition for the years ahead. At the centre of this work sits BIGGA’s refined three-year strategy. Shaped by input from members, employers and partners across the industry, it has provided clarity not only on priorities, but on purpose.

That thinking is captured in a new strapline that now underpins our activity: We support greenkeepers through education, recognition and community to enhance course quality and to continually elevate the game of golf.

That statement provides a benchmark for decision-making and direction. If BIGGA supports greenkeepers effectively – through better training, stronger networks and meaningful recognition – then standards on the ground improve. When course quality improves, facilities benefit and the game of golf itself is elevated.

That cause-and-effect relationship sits at the heart of the strategy and explains why the current programme of work looks the way it does.

One of the most significant developments is a fundamental rethink of the education and training pathway for greenkeepers.

For many years, progression has been inconsistent and unclear. A typical journey might include an initial qualification and, for some, a further step beyond that, before the pathway becomes fragmented or disappears altogether. Too often, greenkeepers have been left to follow informal routes or simply mirror the careers of those around them.

In response, we have developed a clear, five-level education pathway that sets out progression from entry level through to course management. For the first time, the profession will be able to point to a coherent structure showing how an individual can move from having no experience of greenkeeping to becoming a fully qualified and competent course manager. Importantly, from 2026 there will be formal training provision available at every stage, ensuring long-standing gaps in education and development are addressed.

A key part of delivering that ambition is BIGGA’s status as a Lantra Customised Training Provider. This allows the association to develop and deliver bespoke training that is tailored specifically to the needs of greenkeepers, while having that training independently quality-assured and accredited by Lantra.

It provides industry recognition, external quality assurance and enhanced learner credibility, while allowing BIGGA to retain control of content and ensure it remains relevant to the profession.

The pathway begins with a new introductory level, the Kickstart Initiative, designed to provide a genuine entry point into greenkeeping and to support clubs looking to attract and develop new people.

At the other end of the pathway, we will introduce a Professional Leadership Programme, aimed at bridging what is widely regarded as the most challenging step in a greenkeeper’s career: the transition from practitioner to manager. Delivered predominantly online, the programme reflects modern working realities while maintaining clear professional standards. Alongside learning and development, we are also modernising our membership offer to better reflect the way clubs and facilities now operate. We will introduce team membership options, allowing entire greenkeeping teams to engage collectively and benefit from a broader package of support.

In addition, a new free, entry-level offer is being developed for lower-budget clubs and facilities that currently have little or no engagement with BIGGA. This will provide access to basic tools and guidance, introduce clubs to the value of professional support, and offer a practical route into deeper involvement when resources allow.

A healthcare offering for members will also form part of an enhanced benefits package, reinforcing our ongoing focus on welfare and wellbeing.

Recognition remains a central pillar of the association’s work. As part of this, we have reached an agreement with STRI Group to take ownership and management of the Golf Environment Awards. These will be integrated into BIGGA’s wider awards programme, with the refreshed awards launching in 2026 and presented in 2027, ensuring that excellence in environmental stewardship continues to be recognised and celebrated.

All of this activity is taking place from a position of strength. Membership numbers are at their highest level for more than 20 years, reflecting growing engagement and confidence in the direction of travel. The focus now is not simply on growth, but on improving the quality, relevance and impact of what BIGGA provides.

Further detail on each of these initiatives will follow in due course. Taken together, however, they represent a clear statement of intent to deliver for our members. GI