Charlie’s joy after photo competition triumph

Charlie Lacey was “over the moon” after winning the BIGGA Annual Photography Competition sponsored by Syngenta.

 

The deputy course manager at Camberley Heath claimed the overall prize for his shot taken on a March morning as the team were aerating the tees.

The photo, which captures the 1st tee, fringed by heather, with the light from the rising spring sunshine pouring through the trees, will now feature in the BIGGA and Syngenta 2026 calendar, alongside 11 other outstanding entries.

“I was over the moon about winning,” said Charlie. “I take loads of photos around the course and have been featured in the calendar a few times before, but to be the overall winner is amazing.

“I noticed the sunrise coming through, so I grabbed my phone and tried to frame it with the Erica heather around the tee and the sun breaking through the trees — luckily, I managed to capture it just right.”

Charlie revealed his whole team were keen on taking pictures, and it was a reminder of what a special environment they get to work in.

He said: “We see the course at times of day most people never do, so it’s nice to capture those moments.”

Charlie added: “When you work on the course every day, it’s easy to forget how beautiful your surroundings are, so looking back at the photos reminds you just how special it is.”

The top 12 images were whittled down from 24 finalists following a public vote, with three category winners in addition to the overall winner.

Category Winners

Greenkeeping:

 

Captured by Alex Lungu, Walton Heath.

“My photo captures both the beauty of autumnal mornings and also the challenges they bring for the greenkeepers who work tirelessly to maintain such beautiful landscapes, not only for golfers but for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.”

Landscape:

 

Captured by Joe Simpson, Ipswich

“The sunrise illuminated the heavily frosted turf, producing a great photo opportunity. It was ideal using the drone to help show the depth of the light rays beaming across the landscape.”

Wildlife:

 

Captured by Lee Carratt, Belton Park

“Our work provides us with incredible views and experiences, and I’m delighted to share one through this photo of the common frog, taken on the 16th green at Belton Park Golf Club while changing holes early one morning in May.”