BIGGA and UKAF renew golfing ties as service personnel explore careers beyond the forces

The Manor House Golf Club at Castle Combe hosted two days of golf that celebrated the growing partnership between the armed forces and greenkeepers.

The course was in excellent condition as teams from the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF) and BIGGA took on the par-72 parkland layout.

With pathways into greenkeeping opening for service personnel leaving the armed forces, the occasion also provided an opportunity to build connections between the organisations.

It had been several years since the teams last met, but UKAF men’s team captain Freddie Lomas remembered playing in the fixture at North Berwick 20 years ago, when it was an annual event.

“Having taken on the role of UKAFGA Men’s Team Captain this year, one of the first fixtures I was keen to resurrect was the match against BIGGA,” Freddie said. “My memories of the fixture were of an exceptionally well-run event, a first-class venue and a BIGGA team whose standard matched that of the Armed Forces golfers involved.”

The first day gave both sides an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the course during practice rounds, before heading out for team meals. Food, drinks and conversation allowed players to build friendships ahead of the competition.

 

An early start on day two saw the teams meet for breakfast before five morning foursomes matches.

UKAF’s side had been selected following September’s Inter-Service Golf Championships at Moortown, where the RAF took the title. For UKAF, it was a return to competition after more than four years, with nine debutants joining the team’s only previously capped player, Sam Whitaker.

BIGGA endured a difficult morning as UKAF won all five foursomes matches to establish a commanding lead. A break at lunch provided a much-needed reset, and BIGGA rallied to claim four singles victories.

Tom Lowe also earned a half against Tom Yates, although UKAF edged the session 5½–4½ to secure a 10½–4½ overall win.

Freddie acknowledged the quality of the opposition, highlighting BIGGA’s county-level experience and the presence of former Walker Cup player Llewellyn Matthews.

BIGGA membership services manager for South West and South Wales Kris Parker welcomed the fixture’s return and thanked the Manor House team.

“While the result didn’t go BIGGA’s way, the event was a huge success and it was fantastic to get the fixture back up and running,” he said. “Planning for the 2027 match has already begun, with discussions currently taking place around potential venues. We look forward to building on the success of this year’s event and continuing what we hope will become a long-standing fixture in the BIGGA calendar.”