Delegation of BIGGA members selected to attend Golf Industry Show in California

 

From a greenkeeper who plies his trade at a modest Northumbrian golf club to the head greenkeeper responsible for preparing the course for The Open at Carnoustie, BIGGA members from all corners of the golf industry will benefit from the incredible experience of participating in the BIGGA Delegation to the Golf Industry Show sponsored by Bernhard Company.

 

And the reach of the association isn’t just restricted to the UK, as the selection of a deputy course manager in New Zealand showcases. 

 

Each year the delegation provides members of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association with the opportunity to attend the GCSAA’s Golf Industry Show in America, where they benefit from fantastic networking opportunities and hands-on access to world-leading golf course and facility management solutions. The delegates will also attend some of the GIS’s superb education seminars, presentations and workshops.

 

The successful BIGGA members selected to take part in the delegation are:

 

Scott Aitchison, deputy course manager, Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Craig Boath, head greenkeeper, Carnoustie Golf Links

Stefan Carter, senior greenkeeper, The Wentworth Club

Lyle Davidson, deputy head greenkeeper, The Carrick & Cameron House

Gwynn Davies, course manager, unattached

Graham Down, course manager at Harewood Downs Golf Club

Craig Earnshaw, course manager, Harleyford Golf Club

Peter McVicar, course manager, Hesketh Golf Club

Tom Pattison, deputy head greenkeeper, Blyth Golf Club

Yannick Weber, deputy course manager, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, New Zealand

 

Tom Pattison, deputy head greenkeeper at Blyth, said: “I just couldn’t believe it when they said I was on the trip, I was absolutely shocked. It’s going to make a massive difference to me personally, not just because of the trip itself, but also the opportunity to get to know other BIGGA members from top courses such as Carnoustie. I’m going to be asking so many questions that I wouldn’t like to be the person sat beside me on the flight to San Diego!”

 

America’s equivalent of BTME, the GCSAA and NGCOA-organised Golf Industry Show takes place at the San Diego Convention Center on 2 to 7 February 2019. 

 

Steven Nixon, Director at Bernhard Company, said: “The high calibre of the candidates again this year has made the decision-making process a real challenge. We are very proud to share this experience with the 10 gentlemen who have been selected. We will encourage anyone who has not been selected to try again next year. We are looking forward to spending time with the delegates and helping them further their personal development and career.”

 

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said: “Selection for the BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard is through a rigorous process and I’m delighted that members from a wide range of backgrounds have earned a place on this year’s trip. The name of the golf club they work at is irrelevant and we focus upon the dedication to the profession of the candidates, choosing those we feel will benefit most from the experience and be outstanding ambassadors for the profession. 

 

“Just by looking at the wide range of backgrounds of those chosen to join the BIGGA Delegation, you get a real insight into the eagerness to develop and learn that flows through all levels of the golf greenkeeping industry.

 

“Congratulations to every one of the BIGGA delegates and thank you once again to Bernhard Company for providing this brilliant opportunity for our members, which I am certain will once again prove to be a tremendous success.”

 

Applications for the 2020 Bernhard Delegation will be launched early in the new year – keep an eye out for updates in Greenkeeper International and online at the BIGGA website.