BIGGA unveils UK golf industry’s largest-ever programme of online learning as Continue to Learn returns in January 2021
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has unveiled its programme of education for January 2021, with members offered access to BIGGA’s world-renowned Continue to Learn 2021 via an entirely-online platform for the first time ever.
With the cancellation of BTME 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the continued use of the Harrogate Convention Centre as an NHS Nightingale Hospital, BIGGA’s Learning & Development team, alongside lead supporter The R&A, has put together an incredible two weeks of online learning, available to members of the sports turf profession wherever in the world they may be based.
The education programme will be split into two distinct sections, with Continue to Learn: Conference taking place from 19 to 21 January 2021 and Continue to Learn: Classes being held from 25 to 29 January 2021.
The Conference will feature three days of sessions on a wide variety of topics relating to all things turf management and professional development. Among the key note speakers will be Dr Frank Rossi of Cornell University and world-renowned golf architect Augustin Pizá of Pizá Golf.
Continue to Learn usually takes place in the week of BTME, beginning the Sunday before the trade exhibition and featuring a range of workshops, seminars and major conference events.
Continue to Learn 2021 follows a summer of online learning opportunities provided by the association, with the regular Continue to Learn Extra webinar series held since the start of the first Full Lockdown in March and featuring guest speakers who count among the most influential names in the industry. Turf professionals have also been able to access most of this learning in an audio format via the Green Room Golf Course Podcast, hosted by BIGGA and available on most podcast platforms, while BIGGA’s website also provides a vast library of exclusive learning opportunities.
Registration for the programme is on three levels – individual, team or group – and BIGGA hopes that members utilise the excellent discounts on offer by clubbing together with their peers. For example, a group of 10 greenkeepers can experience the entire conference and have access to all of the content online for three months for less than £100 per person.
Says BIGGA’s Head of Learning and Development, Sami Strutt “After what has been for many the toughest year in living memory, the team at BIGGA was unwavering in its commitment to provide our members with an event that instils hope that things will soon get better and so I’m delighted that we’re able to present this extraordinary programme of online learning in January.
“With fewer job opportunities and increased pressure on greenkeeping teams to present golf courses in excellent condition following the surge in popularity experienced by golf this year, Continuing Professional Development has never been more important for the greenkeeping team given they are responsible for the presentation of a golf club’s most important asset, the course itself.”
For more details visit www.bigga.org.uk or email education@bigga.co.uk or call (01347) 666580.