Meet this year's BIGGA Delegates

“It is an honour to be selected as a delegate. The effort I put into the application and the interview really paid off. I was over the moon to become one of the final 10. The opportunity to network with others and learn much more from across the pond will mark this as a great achievement for me.”

Robert’s journey began with aspirations of a career in the Royal Air Force, but after a summer job at Hillsborough Golf Club, his path took an unexpected turn. His fascination with golf course management led him to achieve his goal of becoming a head greenkeeper at Worksop Golf Club at the age of 29.

Eager for new challenges, Robert seized the opportunity to become the course manager at Thonock Park in Gainsborough, where he has spent nearly four years, navigating and overcoming the challenges of the role.

“I am delighted to have been selected for the BIGGA Delegation to Phoenix. It’s a wonderful opportunity to pick the brains of the best in the business and network with other likeminded turfgrass professionals.”

Harry's greenkeeping journey began at Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club aged 16. Over nine years, he advanced from an apprentice greenkeeper to head greenkeeper of the J H Taylor Course.

Seeking broader experiences, he undertook an internship at the Ohio State University, working at prestigious courses and volunteering at top tournaments.

 At 26, he became golf course manager at Sand Martins Golf Club, facing challenges like the 2018 drought. In 2020, Harry fulfilled his dream of managing a heathland course as the head greenkeeper of the New Course at Sunningdale, hosting prestigious events and gaining new skills.

“I feel very proud and honoured to have been selected to be part of the BIGGA Delegation. This exclusive opportunity will enable me to expand my knowledge of the industry and its practices, while also getting the chance to network with other turf professionals from around the world.”

Stephen is a lifelong golf enthusiast who achieved the course record at Lee Park Golf Club (Liverpool) at the age of 17.

He holds a foundation degree in sports turf science and management and has gained extensive international experience, currently serving as head greenkeeper at Queenwood Golf Club. Stephen has also participated at prestigious golf tournaments and continually expands his industry knowledge and qualifications with the goal of managing top golf clubs worldwide.

“Having spoken to numerous former delegates, it’s clear the BIGGA delegation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Being able to soak up all the US has to offer is an incredible personal opportunity but it could also be career-defining. The learning and networking opportunities will be second to none and I hope to get all that I can out of the experience. I feel incredibly fortunate to be one of the greenkeepers picked for it and cannot wait to get going in January.”

Michael began his career as a greenkeeper but later ventured into higher education, earning a degree in ancient history from The University of Manchester. He then returned to greenkeeping, joining the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship programme in 2021 and graduating from the Future Turf Managers Initiative in 2022.

Currently pursuing a Master’s in sustainable sports management through Myerscough College, Michael is recognised as an R&A Scholar. With experience in various golf courses and a strong network, he aims to expand his connections in the UK and the United States through the delegation.

“I am really looking forward to this opportunity. I am particularly excited about networking and meeting new people in the industry. I am looking forward to developing my knowledge of the industry and how it differs over in America and I am also looking forward to learning from my fellow delegates.”

James's greenkeeping journey began in 2006. His passion for the profession led him to continue learning by attending seminars and educational days and seeking knowledge from industry peers. In 2015, James took on the role of deputy head greenkeeper at Chester Golf Club, offering valuable insights into management, budgeting, and staff coordination.

In 2020, he returned to a previous club as deputy head greenkeeper and was accepted into the FTMI programme, expanding his industry knowledge. In 2021, James served on the BIGGA support team at Royal St George’s. Eager to learn more, he pursued an HNC through Elmwood College and achieved R&A Scholar status by the end of 2021.

“I’m very proud to be selected and can’t wait to meet the group. It’s an opportunity I’ve wanted to be part of for some time now and I’m looking forward to getting out there!”

Stuart's remarkable journey in greenkeeping began at Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course at the age of 15. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming head greenkeeper aged just 18. Over the years, he progressed to roles such as course manager and general manager, sometimes undertaking both roles simultaneously.

In the past two years, Stuart embarked on a new chapter by taking ownership of the business. His unwavering commitment to self-improvement is evident in his educational pursuits, undertaking a foundation degree with plans to complete the full degree in 2024.

Stuart's career has taken him to various prestigious events, including DP World Tour and PGA events, along with three Open Championships. Additionally, he is passionate about educating and creating opportunities for fellow greenkeepers to learn and network.

“I feel very proud to be selected as part of the team representing the UK greenkeeping industry on a global scale. To make the top 10 is certainly one of my biggest achievements and I’m so glad I applied. I can’t wait to get over to Phoenix to meet people in the industry from around the world, learn from others and help elevate my career and personal development. I’m looking forward to learning about new technology and sharing ideas and techniques with others that I can bring back home with me. Thanks to BIGGA and Bernhard and Company for such an incredible, prestigious opportunity.”

Fraser has more than 17 years of experience in greenkeeping. He began as an apprentice in 2006 and has since held various greenkeeper roles with increasing responsibilities.

Notably, Fraser served as the first assistant at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, and more recently, he assumed the role of deputy head greenkeeper at Trump Turnberry. His career includes participation at prestigious tournaments like the Scottish Open and volunteering for golf championships.

Fraser is passionate about the greenkeeping industry with a dedication to excellence and continuous growth.

“Attending BTME each year is a highlight of my diary. Having been selected to go to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show will take it to the next level. This is a fantastic learning opportunity that will give me an invaluable insight to the world of turf management outside Europe. I’m excited to network with a wider group of professionals and absorb as much new information to maximise the experience as I can.”

Richard is a greenkeeper with 24 years’ experience. He began his career after completing a diploma in golf course management at Cannington College. He then honed his skills at Henbury Golf Club, rising to the role of deputy course manager.

With certifications in spraying and chainsaw operation, Richard later transitioned to course manager at The Bristol.

In his current role, Richard's team has hosted two EuroPro events, featured on Sky Sports Golf and won the BIGGA Championship Greenkeeping Team of the Year in 2022.

“An opportunity of this calibre is immensely exciting. To gain the experience and the ability to network on such a large scale is invaluable. It will really be something to remember and that will stay with me throughout my career.”

Luke’s journey in greenkeeping began as a 17-year-old apprentice at Beau Desert in 2010. He completed a Level 2 apprenticeship, successfully transitioning into a full-time assistant greenkeeper role.

In pursuit of new experiences, Luke joined The Belfry, broadening his expertise in resort and commercial golf operations. After an 8-month stint, he returned to Beau Desert as the head greenkeeper, where he continues to make a significant impact on the course.

“I was stunned, excited and proud to be selected to represent British greenkeepers. It’s an experience I’ve wanted for such a long time and I can’t wait to meet up with the rest of the group.”

Richard Stephens has had a diverse career in the golf and sports turf industry. Starting as a groundsman at Liverpool College, he progressed through various roles, including first assistant greenkeeper and course manager at several golf clubs.

He also briefly worked in sales and as a sportsturf contractor. Throughout his career, Richard has volunteered for construction projects and PGA tournaments.

Alex began his career at Trentham as an apprentice in 2013 before moving to the Royal Automobile Club in 2016. A year later he moved to Trentham Park where he took on his first managerial role as deputy head. In 2021 he moved back to Trentham, stepping up into his current role as assistant course manager.

Alex previously served on BIGGA’s Young Greenkeepers Committee and he has consistently challenged himself and thrived on education and personal development.

During his career, Alex has been lucky enough to be involved in some of the industry’s top events and volunteering opportunities including The Open Volunteer Support Team in 2015 and 2019 and the John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme in 2020.

James is head greenkeeper of the Old Course at Walton Heath, which he credits as the best achievement of his career so far.

James was a member of the Future Turf Managers Initiative Class of 2019 alongside fellow BIGGA delegate Scott Corrigan, which he said was a great help in gaining his position at Walton Heath, having worked at East Berkshire in a deputy role at the time.

James volunteered for the French Open at Le Golf National in 2019 and was part of the John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme in 2020 that was unfortunately cut short due to COVID-19.

“I am extremely passionate about Greenkeeping and achieving the best playing surfaces possible inline with the characteristics of Walton Heath,” said James. “I have a fantastic team here of passionate greenkeepers that constantly show lots of care and dedication about everything they do.” 

Michael is 43 years old and has been greenkeeping for nine years. He began his career as a groundsman 23 years ago and has maintained a variety of sports surfaces, from bowling greens, tennis courts to rugby and football pitches.

He became a greenkeeper in 2014 and wanted to turn his assistant greenkeeper role at Westerham into a career so began obtaining formal qualifications and as many licenses available as he could.

Michael became head greenkeeper at Woldingham in 2019 and then progressed to a 36-hole course Richmond Park. He then moved to Shirley Park as course manager and hasn’t looked back.

Scott is deputy course manager at The R&A’s Lethamhill facility, having previously worked at Royal Troon. He has worked in the industry since leaving school and was a member of the Future Turf Managers Initiative Class of 2019, alongside fellow BIGGA Delegate James Bruder.

Scott is an R&A Scholar who represented the scholarship programme in Sentosa, Singapore in 2018. He has also worked at a variety of golf’s Major championships throughout his career.

Scott said: “I’m a passionate turf manager who strives to produce excellent playing surfaces using best practice sustainable management practices.”

David originally hails from Preston, Lancashire and first got into greenkeeping working during the summer at his local club at the age of 14. David trained at Myerscough College and has studied various educational programmes throughout his career. These have included a National Diploma, Foundation degree and a BSc (Hons) degree in turfgrass science. David has been an R&A scholar since 2013.

Davids's career has taken him to a wide array of places and he has worked in five countries to date. David started his career at Penwortham GC in Preston, Lancashire where he worked as deputy head greenkeeper for nearly six years. David then worked in Paris as Assistant Golf Courses Superintendent at Golf de St Nom La Breteche from 2006 until 2009. David secured his first head greenkeeper’s position in Royal Ostend, Belgium and worked in Flanders for nearly three years before gaining the position of golf course superintendent at the Island Golf Club in Dublin. During his time at the Island, David hosted five R&A regional qualifying events and co-hosted The R&A Amateur Championship in 2019.

In 2021, David secured his current role as head greenkeeper at Prestwick, where he has been in position for 18 months. Working with a team of 10, they have been busy this last year recreating the original 12-hole course originally laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1851 for the club’s 150th Open Championship celebrations. 

Andrew has been the course manager at Surbiton since 2017. Prior to that, he was a course manager at various facilities around the Home Counties since 2009.

Andrew achieved Master Greenkeeper status in 2018, becoming just the 73^rd BIGGA member to do so.

Andrew said: “Throughout my career I have built up my training and knowledge on various aspects of agronomy, course maintenance and development, gaining many useful qualifications along the way. However, the most important lessons I have learnt were through conversations with other greenkeepers. Supporting each other is one of the most important things I have discovered over my career.”

Steven is the deputy head greenkeeper at Prestonfield Golf Club in Edinburgh. He has been involved in the industry for over 15 years now and is qualified to SVQ Level 3 in Greenkeeping. Steven is continuing his education with the HNC in Golf Course Management and is also a part of the Future Turf Managers Initiative Class of 2022, which is operated by BIGGA and Jacobsen.

Steven said: “I am extremely passionate about the industry and hugely grateful for the experiences it’s brought to myself both professionally and personally, especially over the last few years.”

In addition to Prestonfield, Steven has also worked at Broomieknowe.

Brian is 42 years old and has been greenkeeping for 26 years. He is the course manager at Baberton, situated on the west side of Edinburgh.

He previously worked at Liberton, also in Edinburgh.

A fan of football, boxing and golf, Brian said: “I have tremendous drive and passion for our industry and have loved watching it grow.”

Jeremy is head greenkeeper at Renishaw Park, having previously worked as a greenkeeper at Rotherham and head greenkeeper at West Bradford.

An ardent Sheffield Wednesday fan, he was a member of The Open Volunteer Support Team in 2021 and was an ICL Scholar at Continue to Learn and BTME 2022.

A former restaurateur, Jeremy said: “Career-wise, I bring other strings from other industries and being self-employed to help my greenkeeping career. Achievement is the goal and I have a drive to reach the next level, so I’m always looking to learn from those around me as every day is a school day. My motto is ‘let’s have a laugh while we do it’ because you never know what’s around the corner, followed by ‘and while we are at it, let’s earn a few quid’.”

Bradley works as a senior greenkeeper on the West Course at Wentworth Club, where he has been employed for two years.

Prior to that he worked as a groundsman at the Amex Stadium, home of Brighton & Hove Albion, and at Watford Football Club. He also works as a matchday groundsman at Wembley Stadium.

Bradley said: “It is an honour to be chosen as a delegate and I’m looking forward to meeting the other delegates, networking and expanding my knowledge on this industry.”