BIGGA to lead next chapter of Golf Environment Awards
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce the return of the Golf Environment Awards in 2027 following an agreement with STRI Group.
Nominations are now open for the refreshed Golf Environment supported by BIGGA and STRI. Entries for the five categories will be accepted until October, with the winners announced at the ceremony on 19 March 2027 at Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club.
The awards will be decided by a panel of four expert judges. This panel comprises two highly respected industry figures, ecologist James Hutchinson and sustainability expert Craig Boath, along with two experienced BIGGA staff members, Education Director Rob Phillips and Membership Director Scott Reeves.
In a return to the former process, a member of the panel will personally visit each short-listed venue and speak to the key individuals involved.
Established in 1995, The Golf Environment Awards supported by BIGGA and STRI recognise, reward and promote individuals and golf facilities for their work to protect and enhance their surroundings.
BIGGA has supported the awards for many years and will now oversee their next chapter, ensuring environmental stewardship continues to be recognised as a core component of modern course management.
The association will build on the strong reputation established by STRI Group while seeking to maintain a programme that is relevant, credible and accessible to clubs and individuals in the UK and further afield.
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: "Golf courses across the country and beyond are home to outstanding environmental work, much of it led by greenkeepers whose expertise and commitment can too easily go unseen.
"It is important that this contribution is properly recognised, both to celebrate those setting high standards and to demonstrate the positive role golf can play in protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
"The Golf Environment Awards supported by BIGGA and STRI’provide a valuable platform for that recognition, shining a light on excellent practice and giving those responsible the credit they deserve for the difference they make daily.
"We are grateful to STRI Group for its excellent work developing the awards over the years, and we will continue to build on that strong legacy."
The refreshed programme for The Golf Environment Awards supported by BIGGA and STRI will feature five categories:
The Conservation Champion Award will recognise an individual whose contribution has played a significant role in the success of a club's environmental and ecological management, creating a positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.
The Positive Impact Award will celebrate a golf club that has implemented an ecological or sustainability initiative delivering meaningful environmental benefits, supported by clear objectives, measurable targets and evidence of continued success.
The Operation Pollinator Award will recognise golf clubs that consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management.
The International Environmental Golf Club of the Year and UK Environmental Golf Club of the Year awards will recognise facilities demonstrating efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.
Nominations open on Monday 3 August and remain open until October. Nominations will be submitted through the Golf Environment Award website using a written application form and supporting images and video/s.
Nominations will be assessed against the relevant criteria between October and December, with visits conducted as part of the process. A final judging day will take place during BTME in January before the awards ceremony at Forest of Arden Golf Club in March.
