Prolong the golf boom by upskilling your greenkeepers

12 December 2023 BTME

Golf’s purple patch continued throughout 2023, with clubs recording large participation numbers and competition hot as clubs sought to be the venue of choice for those picking up their clubs for the first time or after a period of absence from the game.

So, what makes golfers happy? Well, according to all the evidence, the condition of the golf course is by far and away the most important driver of satisfaction among golfers.

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Course condition is the number one reason why golfers keep coming back

 

If that’s the case, how do you make sure your greenkeepers are equipped to maximise the resources you make available to them and give your golf club the best chance of success?

A good place to start is by setting aside some of your budget for BIGGA membership, which gives greenkeepers access to countless career development opportunities and resources.

Building on that and a visit to the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in Harrogate will introduce them to the learning and education that is available to greenkeepers, while also showing them the latest developments and innovations that are coming out of the sports turf industry.

With more than 5,000 turf professionals in attendance, a visit to BTME and the associated Continue to Learn education programme also enables your team to speak with their peers and share ideas to overcome many of the challenges faced by those who maintain today’s golf courses. It’s a surefire way to keep golfers coming back round after round.


 

10 reasons people attend BTME

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At BTME golf clubs gain one-to-one access with innovative companies

 

1. Staying current

Is your team up-to-date with the latest challenges and solutions to the problems they face? Has something new come on the market that can help improve your course? BTME is where the turf industry comes to show off their latest products.

2. Meeting major brands

The turf industry’s biggest and best brands are in attendance and although it can be intimidating to approach a big-name company, the opportunity to arrange a one-to-one meeting can help break down those barriers. Building a personal relationship also means you get access to potential offers or delivery slots and you can ask lingering questions that may be on your mind.

3. Observing the competition

What are the top industry performers doing to achieve their high standards? What are they doing better than you? Education sessions hosted by leading course managers and head greenkeepers discuss the root of their success and provide a roadmap to a brighter future.

4. Networking

BTME is famous for the networking opportunities provided by the trade show and its position at the heart of the beautiful North Yorkshire town of Harrogate. Throughout the week thousands of greenkeepers and turf professionals come together to talk shop and exchange ideas and solutions.

5. Stimulating creativity

Your greenkeepers may not find the exact solution that they are looking for, but exposure to new ideas may spark off some creativity that causes them to look at an existing problem in an innovative way. The solutions on offer may help the team brainstorm new ideas.

6. Finding staff

The recruitment market is tough at the moment, so if you’re looking to hire new staff, why not head to the one place in the UK where you’re guaranteed to meet more than 5,000 ambitious people who already work in the industry? You never know, your club may be the opportunity they are looking for.

7. Getting free stuff

More of a perk of attending than a reason to go, but exhibitors are keen to make a longlasting impression and one of the ways they do this is by giving away freebies. It’s a nice boost for your staff if they come away with some souveniers.

8. Escaping the office

There’s no getting away from it, January can be pretty grim for those working outdoors in the United Kingdom, so the opportunity to get away from the course and undertake some learning and networking in a warm, dry environment is a brilliant way of escaping the humdrum of winter on the course. Who knows, if you come along you may also enjoy yourself too.

9. Shopping around

Perhaps you’ve been working with a supplier for some time and you’d like to see what else is out there? It makes sense to go to the one place in greenkeeping that more than 120 competing companies come together to showcase their wares. BTME gives you the opportunity to speed date with a large number of suppliers and decide which one is best for you.

10. Fun

Don’t take this for granted. It’s important to keep morale high, particularly during winter when things are quiet on the course and it’s easy to get downbeat. A visit to BTME raises the morale of everyone involved – that’s why people keep coming back year after year. Attendees are not just looking to maximise their time there, they’re also looking to enjoy themselves and so the mood at BTME is generally upbeat. Teams then return to their golf club with renewed vigour and excitement about the season ahead.

For more information about BTME visit www.btme.org.uk. Registration for the trade show is free, so there’s nothing to lose by signing up today.


Free education for your team

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Teh Continue to Learn Seminar programme offers cost-free learning

 

During BTME, a range of free seminars are available that will introduce your team to the learning opportunities on offer at Continue to Learn.

Tuesday 23 January

Wednesday 24 January

Sign you and your team up for BTME today

 

More about BTME

Author

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Karl Hansell
BIGGA | Head of Marketing and Communications

Karl has been head of communications for BIGGA since March 2016. His duties include editing the monthly Greenkeeper International magazine, in addition to other communications activities for the association.

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