OUTSTANDING GREENKEEPING ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNISED

BIGGA revealed the winners of the BIGGA Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievement, innovation and commitment across the greenkeeping profession, on the first day of BTME last week.

Harrogate's Royal Hall hosted the BIGGA Celebration 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 (pictured above), while the Greenkeeping Project of the Year award with Price Turfcare went to Royal Aberdeen.

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."