The BIGGA Awards

The BIGGA Awards recognise that high standards of quality and dedication are vital to the success of any golf course or championship. They reward the innovation delivered by BIGGA members who are at the cutting-edge of their profession. 

Any BIGGA members within the UK can enter these awards and they are an opportunity to showcase your team’s successes and highlight the quality of your golf course and team.  Applications are open from 14 September to the 16 October 2026.

The awards are split into three categories and the winners will be announced at the BIGGA Celebration, held on the opening day of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition.

Nominate for Greenkeeping Team of the Year:

Supporting evidence should strengthen the application but is not a requirement for entry.

Applicants and nominators are encouraged to provide supporting evidence against one or more of the five criteria, that helps demonstrate the achievements, contribution and impact described within the application. This may include photographs, video, testimonials, supporting documents, media coverage or other relevant evidence.

The award recognises excellence by a greenkeeping team at any golf facility, regardless of size, budget, location or profile. Nominations may recognise a specific achievement or project, performance at a major event, overcoming a significant challenge, or sustained excellence throughout the year.

Please provide us with a brief explanation of why you believe the BIGGA member (or members) you are nominating should win this BIGGA Award.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:

1. Excellence in Greenkeeping and Course Presentation
Tell us how the team has demonstrated excellence in the management, maintenance and presentation of the golf course during the past 12 months.

Applicants could evidence:

  • Consistently high standards of course conditioning and presentation
  • Improvements achieved despite challenging circumstances
  • Effective use of resources, budgets, equipment and staff
  • Positive feedback from golfers, the club or other stakeholders

2. Achievement or Impact
Describe the achievement, project or period of performance that makes this team worthy of recognition.

It might include preparing for a championship, completing a significant course project, recovering from extreme weather or improving problematic playing surfaces.

3. Teamwork and Leadership
Explain how the greenkeeping team works together to achieve its objectives.

Evidence might include:

  • Strong leadership and communication
  • Collaboration across different roles and experience levels
  • Supporting colleagues during challenging periods
  • A positive and inclusive team culture
  • Recognition and development of individual team members

4. Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Tell us how the team has sought to improve the golf course or the way it operates.

That could cover new technology, different working practices, machinery management or simply a clever solution to a local problem, whatever the size of the greenkeeping team.

5. People, Development and the Wider Golf Community
Describe how the team contributes beyond day-to-day course maintenance.

This could include:

  • Training, apprenticeships and CPD
  • Developing the next generation of greenkeepers
  • Staff wellbeing and retention
  • Engagement with members and golfers
  • Supporting the wider greenkeeping profession
  • Community, schools or First Green activity
  • Sharing knowledge with other clubs or greenkeepers

Lifetime Achievement Award

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

 

Volunteer of the Year Award

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.

More information

Why enter?

  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.

Who can enter?

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.

How to prepare an effective award nomination

  • 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.

Watch the 2026 event

 

Previous winners:

Outstanding Contribution of the Year

Winner 2024

Dean Cleaver and Jacobsen's Simon Rainger.jpg

 

Winner 2023

BIGGA Awards 2023: David Golding

 

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.

Dennis Mortram (right) was presented with the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award by Steven Nixon of Bernhard and Company
Dennis Mortram (right) was presented with the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award by Steven Nixon of Bernhard and Company

 

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

 

Sponsorship opportunities are still available alongside these awards. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact BIGGA’s Commercial Director Lauren Frazer using [email protected]. 

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