The Open 1993: BIGGA at Norman's conquest

1993 Open winner Greg Norman alongside the BIGGA support team

This year The Open returns to Royal St George's in Sandwich, Kent, for the 15th time. 

Since the formation of BIGGA in 1987, we've sent volunteer support teams to help out with the hosting of the event, meaning BIGGA members were on hand to witness Greg Norman secure the Claret Jug in 1993.

Do you recognise anyone you know in these images?

The story below was first published in the August 1993 edition of Greenkeeper International.

It was a time when Greg Norman, the Great White Shark, finally exorcised the ghosts that had threatened to destroy his career, exhibiting a display of absolute brilliance that prompted former Open champion, 91-year-old Gene Sarazen, to remark “are those football scores or golf scores?”

It was dramatic, sensational, tear-jerking stuff and thee will surely be greenkeepers in years to come who will proudly boast to their grandchildren, “ah yes, I was there. I walked with those who set out to annihilate Sandwich, I actually witnessed the second Norman Conquest.”

It was a time also when the prophets of doom and gloom were firmly put in their place. The golf course prepared by Derek Scarborough and his team of ‘wonderful characters’ properly acknowledged as a fantastic test of championship golf, one that will remain on the Open Championship roster, the leaderboard reminding us time and again that ‘cream’ always rises to the top!

Of the greenkeeping fraternity there was nothing but justified praise, indeed admiration – remember that momentous occasion at the infamous bunker on the fourth, when we nearly lost one of ‘ours’ in what could have been a sandside burial?

The whole success of ‘Operation Greenkeeper’ was summed up perfectly by a matronly American lady who was heard to observe, in a drawl you could hear in Dover, “Geez, those greenkeepers look neat and do so well – and they pack an awful mean rake – what wouldn’t I do for a bunch of ‘em to take with me back to Ohio…” What indeed! Let’s hear it for those good ol’ BIGGAmen!

Royal St George's head greenkeeper Derek Scarborough alongside members of the support team

Father and son team, the Cross family

Fun as BIGGA members are 'cautioned' for failing to rake bunkers at the correct angle

Members of the volunteer support team relax between rounds

Members of the volunteer support team

BIGGA Chairman John Crawford and ICI Professional Products' Roger Mossop

On Friday we'll be revealing the BIGGA members who have been selected to join the volunteer support team for the 149th Open at Royal St George's in July.