BIGGA Announces incoming President 2026

Incoming BIGGA President John Wells MG is relishing the opportunity of a lifetime

 

John Wells MG travelled the world during a long and distinguished career in which he attained Master Greenkeeper status, but he says being nominated as BIGGA President is one of his greatest honours.

When he received the news in October, John was at first reluctant to believe it was true, admitting that he had met more than a few colleagues along the way who were “more than capable” of pulling precisely that kind of prank.

But after careful reassurance from the incumbent President, John was convinced he wasn’t having his leg pulled.

“I was quite taken aback when I received the call from Ronnie Myles to ask if I’d consider the position,” he said. “At first, I thought it might be a wind-up from some mates! But once I realised it was genuine, I was over the moon. I’ve been on Cloud Nine ever since.”

The 66-year-old has stepped into the role of President Elect, supporting Ronnie for the remainder of his term. He will formally take up the presidency at our Annual General Meeting next month, held online in January.

 

With more than four decades of experience across the world, John brings a lifetime of knowledge, skill and perspective to the role. Over that time, he has worked in the UK and internationally, trained and mentored countless greenkeepers and helped shape the evolution of the profession.

John’s greenkeeping journey began at Welwyn Garden City, where his potential quickly became apparent. By 20, he had ascended to the role of head greenkeeper, a responsibility he held for 16 years. From there, he moved to Brocket Hall, where he oversaw major course developments and increasingly took on international projects, having his passport stamped in Cyprus, Russia, France and beyond.

In 1995, John achieved Master Greenkeeper status – only the 10th member to do so at the time. It was a milestone that marked the dedication and skill he had brought to the role over decades. His final full-time post was at South Herts Golf Club, where he retired in 2023, having left a lasting legacy of high standards and mentorship.

Looking ahead to his presidential year, John is excited to fly the flag for the association and its members on the domestic and international stage.

“It’s very much an ambassadorial role,” he said. “I’ll be representing the association at events across the UK and abroad, meeting members and supporting the BIGGA team wherever I can.

“It’s also a great opportunity for a retired greenkeeper who has the time to dedicate fully to the role. I see it as a chance to give something back to the profession that’s given me everything.”

In addition to acting as the public face of BIGGA, the President also joins the Board of Management. John’s wealth of experience will help guide the association in its mission to support and develop greenkeepers and turf professionals. His focus on education, in particular, is central to his vision.

“When I started out, there were very few training opportunities,” he said. “The development of structured education within the association has transformed the profession, and I’m proud to have seen that evolution firsthand.”

 

Education has long been at the heart of John’s career. From the early days of learning on the job under more experienced greenkeepers to his own formal qualifications, he has seen the profession grow in sophistication.

“When I began in the 1970s, there was no formal training for greenkeepers, just general horticultural courses,” he said. “Most of what I learned came from other greenkeepers who were generous with their time and experience. Once structured education came through BIGGA and the GTC, it transformed the profession. I’ve always believed that knowledge and dedication go hand in hand – you need both to succeed.”

Achieving Master Greenkeeper status was a defining moment, surpassed only by his latest achievement in being named President.

“That was definitely one of the proudest moments of my career,” he said. “It took four years of hard work and I honestly didn’t think I’d make it. But it opened doors for me and gave me the confidence to speak publicly and to mentor others. It wasn’t about elitism, it was about raising standards for everyone.”

Mentorship has remained a constant theme. At Brocket Hall, John took great pride in training his team, building the foundations for their own professional development.

“That’s how I learned – from others who were ahead of me,” he said. “When I was at Brocket Hall, I made a point of training and supporting the team. Many of them have since gone on to become course managers themselves, and that’s something I take great pride in. I still mentor greenkeepers now through my consultancy work. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people develop their careers.”

With his own career having taken him far and wide, John not only diversified his agronomic skill set, but also his appreciation for different cultures and working environments.

“I was fortunate to work in places like Cyprus, France and Russia, helping to build and manage courses,” he said. “They were fantastic opportunities. Each project taught me something new, not just about turf, but about people and cultures. Of course, the travel was demanding, and there were sacrifices, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

 

Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, John noted the stark contrast between when he started and the present day.

“It’s completely different,” he said. “When I began, it was mainly physical work with limited resources. Now it’s far more technical and mentally demanding. Expectations have also risen dramatically. Television coverage has created a ‘tournament standard’ mindset, and that can put real pressure on course teams. Balancing those expectations while protecting wellbeing is one of the big challenges for today’s greenkeepers.”

Though retired from full-time course management, John remains active. He consults at a 36-hole course near his Hertfordshire home, maintains two cricket squares and travels regularly to visit his son, Harry, golf course superintendent at Dubai Creek Golf Club.

“I’ve got plenty to keep me busy,” he said. “I still travel regularly and try to stay active. I love to spend time with my family and grandchildren. Taking on the presidency will mean more travel again, but that’s fine – I’m really looking forward to it.”

He is particularly relishing the opportunity to meet members at clubs and events around the country and beyond as he seeks to make his own mark on an association that means a great deal to him.

“BIGGA has achieved so much in education and professional development, and I’m proud to be part of that story,” he said. “I just want to represent the association with pride and help continue the good work that’s already being done.”

He is stepping into a role previously held by some of the profession’s most respected figures, and he recognises the responsibility that comes with it.

 

“It’s a tremendous honour and I am delighted to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has given so much to me,” he said. “I’m a firm believer in education and that is something I am keen to champion during my spell as President.”

For John, the role is a natural extension of a career that has always combined passion, expertise, and a desire to mentor. His journey, from an eager young greenkeeper at Welwyn Garden City to a world-travelled Master Greenkeeper, has been extraordinary, and now he brings that experience to BIGGA at a pivotal time for the association.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work in some incredible places, but what I’ve always enjoyed most is helping others succeed,” he said. “I’ll do my utmost to represent the association and its members to the best of my ability.”