The BIGGA Awards

This award is presented to a BIGGA member or members who have made an outstanding contribution above and beyond their normal working life. This can be for charity, for the betterment of the greenkeeping profession or association or generally for society. The winner of this award will be revealed at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration. Nominations for this award to be judged by the BIGGA regions

The BIGGA Volunteer of the Year Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to BIGGA and its members through their commitment, dedication and support. The award celebrates volunteers who have made a meaningful impact on the association, strengthened member engagement, and inspired others through their leadership, encouragement and willingness to give their time and expertise. Nominations for this award to be judged by the BIGGA regions.

The Greenkeeping Team of the Year Award recognises outstanding greenkeeping teams at any golf facility that have demonstrated excellence in course management and presentation, delivered significant achievements or overcome challenges, embraced innovation and continuous improvement, fostered strong teamwork and leadership, and made a positive contribution to staff development and the wider golf community.

1. Awards are a fantastic marketing tool. Just being shortlisted can improve awareness of your golf course and the successes of your greenkeeping team.
2. Raise your profile. Assist your career ambitions of yourself and members of your team by gaining recognition for your efforts.
3. Demonstrate your capabilities. Show why you are a leading turf manager.
4. Celebrate your achievements. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to reflect upon the hard work you have put into the course and celebrate as a team.
5. Attract talent. Other ambitious greenkeepers and industry professionals will be more eager to join a successful team.

BIGGA members may nominate themselves for an award. External nominees may also nominate a BIGGA member. There is no restriction as to who an external nominee may be.

For group awards, greenkeeping teams may be nominated if at least one permanent member of the team is a Full BIGGA member.

• Remember, it's likely the judges don't know anything about your story, so make sure you take the time to explain everything you achieved that sets your nomination apart from the rest.
• The judging panel relies on concise and complete nominations. Set your nomination out in a format that matches the judging criteria and this will make scoring easier.
• Well-written nominations supported by high quality imagery or videos are sure to catch the eye.
• Poorly prepared nominations will not highlight the technical accomplishments of your nominee.
• Provide details of specific examples of challenges and explain how they were overcome.
• Solicit support - references from stakeholders or event hosts will add weight to your nomination.

Winner 2024

Winner 2023

Winner 2022

A turf educator known as the ‘grandfather of greenkeeper education’ and credited with helping establish training opportunities for those working on golf courses was recognised on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) 2022.

At the BIGGA Welcome Celebration with AMS Robotics, Dennis Mortram, 75, was awarded with the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award. Dennis is a former tutor at Reaseheath College in Cheshire and was one of the first to recognise that greenkeepers would require industry-specific education if they were to elevate the profession and raise standards of golf course maintenance. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Master Greenkeeper certification.

Dennis received:

• £500 donation to the winner's charity of choice
• £300 Virgin Experience Days voucher
• BIGGA Awards 2022 Trophy