The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the winners of the BIGGA Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievement, innovation and commitment across the greenkeeping profession.
Harrogate's Royal Hall hosted the BIGGA Celebration sponsored by Bernhard Academy on the opening night of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), with Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk announcing the winners.
The prize for Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard & Company was awarded to Burnham & Berrow, while the Greenkeeping Project of the Year award with Price Turfcare went to Royal Aberdeen on a memorable evening celebrating excellence across the profession.
Burnham & Berrow's award recognised the team's exceptional response to an unprecedented challenge ahead of Final Open Qualifying. With just eight weeks to act, the team delivered innovative solutions after deliberate chemical vandalism damaged multiple greens.
Working closely with The R&A agronomy team and industry partners, a tightly managed recovery programme culminated in full turf replacement, with independent testing confirming championship standards were achieved in time for the event.
"What a job the team did – not only my team, but the whole club," said retired Course Manager Richard Whyman. "Twenty of the 27 greens were damaged and it was hard to see the grass dying in front of you.
"With it being my last tournament, it was difficult for me, but I pulled myself together and The R&A were incredibly supportive."
Royal Aberdeen was recognised for a long-term project to safeguard the future of the historic Balgownie Links. Ongoing coastal erosion prompted a complex reconstruction programme, including new greens, tees and protective infrastructure.
Delivered largely in-house by a small team, the project demanded meticulous planning and adaptability amid challenging weather and tidal pressures, with judges praising the balance between preserving heritage and delivering practical, forward-thinking solutions.
"We know erosion is a big issue – not just for us, but right down the UK coastline – so we're trying to implement measures to slow that erosion, with contingency plans in place," said Course Manager Richard Johnstone.
"As for my team, they're the real heroes in this – I just lead them. They've taken on a huge challenge, and I'm very grateful to the club for supporting us."
The evening also saw BIGGA present its Outstanding Contribution award with Kress to John Millen in recognition of a career that has left a lasting impact on the association and the wider greenkeeping profession.
A highly respected figure within the industry, Millen has devoted decades to supporting education, professional development and the advancement of greenkeeping standards, earning widespread admiration from colleagues across the UK and beyond.
"I really can't believe this," said the 85-year-old, who is still working in education but has swapped playing golf for croquet. "Only a week ago I didn't even know whether I'd be coming tonight – I've been here virtually every year. I just want to say thank you to everybody.
"Through greenkeeping, through our associations and through the game itself, for me it's always been about people who are passionate about golf courses and about working for one another."
The event also celebrated the incredible finale of an inspiring personal challenge, as Jack Percival bounded onto stage after completing his epic 300-mile run from Epsom. The senior greenkeeper at Royal Automobile Club undertook the run to raise awareness around mental health and funds for Percy's Homeless Hub and the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund.
The BIGGA Awards were established to recognise the exceptionally high standards, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by greenkeepers throughout the year. From major championship preparation to ambitious renovation projects and contributions that strengthen the profession, the awards highlight the vital role greenkeepers play in the success and sustainability of the game.
