BTME proved the platform for greenkeeper member body the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to unwrap a package of initiatives to raise standards across golf, as the event recorded a healthy rise in visitor numbers year on year.
The programme of activities provided an opportunity to “clearly articulate” BIGGA’s function and how it plans to support what is an evolving profession.
Exhibitors, speakers and visitors from the UK and overseas reflected the global reach of BIGGA’s “championship week” and its profile within turfcare.
Across the exhibition halls, the Continue to Learn education programme and networking spaces, the week “showcased innovation, collaboration and best practice throughout the sector”.
Rising visitor numbers
The three show days drew 4,567 visitors to the Harrogate Convention Centre – an 8.7% rise on last year and they stayed for an average of 1.60 days, up from 1.56 in 2025, BIGGA reports.
Underpinning the association’s work was a new strapline, unveiled Association CEO Jim Croxton: “We support greenkeepers through education, recognition and community to enhance course quality and to continually elevate the game of golf,” he announced.
“BTME is our championship week and a moment to set out, clearly and confidently, what BIGGA exists to do,” he added. “Everything we do is rooted in supporting greenkeepers through better education, stronger professional communities and meaningful recognition. When we do that well, standards on the ground improve, course quality rises and the game itself benefits.”
He outlined developments to deliver more long-term support for greenkeepers. Central to that is a restructured education and training pathway, setting out clear progression from entry level through to course management, underpinned by BIGGA’s status as a Lantra Customised Training Provider.
Practical realities
That accreditation allows the association to deliver bespoke, industry-specific training that is independently quality assured while remaining aligned to “the practical realities of greenkeeping”.
Alongside education, BIGGA is modernising its membership offer to better reflect the way clubs and facilities now operate, including more flexible membership options, expanded welfare support and a stronger approach to professional recognition.
Accordingly, it has agreed with STRI Group to manage the Golf Environment Awards “to ensure environmental excellence is fully integrated into the awards programme and continues to be recognised as a core component of modern course management”.
Connected programme of work
“These initiatives are not standalone announcements,” Jim added. “They form a connected programme of work that reflects where the profession is now and where it needs to go next. Our focus is on providing clear pathways, relevant support and a sense of belonging for greenkeepers at every stage of their careers.”
Education remained a cornerstone of the week via Continue to Learn, which delivered a spread of learning opportunities totalling 5,877 hours, with bookings up more than 7% on 2025’s record turnout.
Continue to Learn reflects the Association’s wider ambition to provide a coherent education path to support professional development from entry level to course management “in a modern, practical and progressive way”.
The BIGGA Celebration again highlighted outstanding achievement across the profession – the awards spotlighting “the dedication, resilience and professionalism of greenkeeping teams and individuals; reinforcing the value of their work to clubs, facilities and the wider game”.
Hugely encouraging
BIGGA Elevates attracted more than 50 women from across the industry to focus on visibility, connection and shared experience, with more than 35 of them joining the WhatsApp community as the initiative begins its next phase of development.
“The turnout and engagement were hugely encouraging,” said Lauren Frazer, BIGGA head of commercial and marketing. “We heard inspiring stories, made valuable connections and opened up important conversations and are already working on what comes next as the initiative continues to evolve alongside the support of the wider industry.”
BTME provided a clear statement of intent from BIGGA, she added, reinforcing “a cohesive strategy that will define the association’s direction of travel as it builds on the momentum generated during another landmark week in Harrogate.”