BIGGA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS GOES ONLINE

For the first time in the long history of greenkeepers battling it out to be proclaimed the association’s best golfer, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association will be hosting an online version of its popular national championship this autumn.

Each year BIGGA hosts an annual two-day competition among its members, with the BIGGA National Trophy up for grabs. Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis means that it was not possible to host the event in its traditional format in 2020.

But in its place BIGGA and event sponsors Rigby Taylor have teamed up with event software hosts Golf Genius to stage a virtual version of the event, which will enable BIGGA members to play at golf courses of their own choosing in a safe and socially-distanced way, with a live leaderboard and real prizes up for grabs.

There’ll be handicap competitions so that players of all levels can get involved, as well as a scratch prize, while players will be invited to submit their nearest the pin and longest drive attempts on social media using the hashtag #BIGGAVirtualNational.

First rounds scores must be submitted the week commencing 28 September, with a final round taking place on 5 October, followed by an online presentation ceremony.

The event will also seek to raise funds for the BIGGA Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund, which supports past and present BIGGA members and their dependents through hardship and has seen a surge in members enquiring about the help they can receive in the past few months.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said, “The informal basis of this event and the opportunity to play at any course of your choosing means that more BIGGA members than ever before can get involved in this event. From the Highlands of Scotland down to the Cornish coast, we’re inviting every BIGGA member - international members can even get involved - to sign up and have a bit of fun while raising funds for our hugely important charity at the same time. You can play with friends or it’s a great opportunity for entire greenkeeping teams to take a break and play some golf together.

“I can’t wait for what stands to be a great event and I hope it will bring a bit of fun and laughter to a year that has proved so incredibly stressful for us all at one time or another. If you’re a regular National Championship participant or even if you’ve never gotten involved with a BIGGA golf event before, sign up and see what it’s all about!”

Register for your spot at the BIGGA Virtual National Championship.