John Millen

For a man who was not even sure he would be in Harrogate this year, it is fair to say John Millen was taken rather by surprise when he was announced as the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award.

John admitted afterwards that it had only been in the final days before BTME that he knew he would be attending at all, making the moment all the more poignant.

If there had still been any doubt in John’s mind as to whether BIGGA President Jim Croxton’s glowing tribute was really about him, the appearance of his family, friends and colleagues in a video montage will have driven it home.

Heartfelt messages spoke of decades of service, quiet leadership and an influence that has extended far beyond the clubs and organisations he formally represented. Welcomed onto the stage with a warm ovation, the 85-year-old’s reaction was typically understated.

“I really can’t believe this,” he said. “Only a week ago I didn’t even know whether I’d be coming – I’ve been here virtually every year. I just want to say thank you to everybody.”

Reflecting on his career and the values that have shaped it, he added: “Through greenkeeping, through our associations and through the game itself, for me it’s always been about people who are passionate about golf courses and about working for one another.”

 

John took a somewhat circuitous route into the profession, despite it being a more obvious choice for him than most. The son of a head greenkeeper, he grew up on a golf course but initially chose a different life, going to sea as a sailor and trawlerman before eventually returning to greenkeeping.

His career began at Sutton Valence and West Malling, before an extended period working in Norway, where he spent seven years in two roles. On his return to the UK, he worked at Canterbury before going on to play a central role in the development of The Weald of Kent.

Alongside his work on the course, John served on the boards of the EIGA and BIGGA, later becoming Chairman in 1994, and built a reputation as a thoughtful, principled voice at board level. However, it was through education that his influence would become most far-reaching.

At a time in life when most would be winding things down or calling it a day on work altogether, John became a driving force in greenkeeper education, challenging established systems and advocating for standards that better reflected the needs of the profession.

Even now, he remains professionally active, completing end-point assessments and continuing site visits in his role with Lantra.

That commitment was reflected in tributes from across the education sector. Anthony Stockwell, himself a former student, spoke on behalf of hundreds who have benefitted from John’s guidance over the years.

“If they had a voice today, they would be saying thank you for your leadership, your guidance and your mentoring,” he said. “I would not be working in the education sector or at Hadlow College if it wasn’t for you. You’ve had a huge impact on my life and my role within the sector.”

Long-time colleague and friend Graham Royden echoed those sentiments, adding: “I can’t think of anyone more worthy than you. We’ve been friends and associates in the industry for over 40 years, and you were my tutor at Hadlow College as well. You deserve this.” GI