Golf Business News – BIGGA joins forces with The R&A to develop continuing education programme

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association's (BIGGA) continuing education programme, held every January, has received support from The R&A as part of its commitment to a sustainable future for golf and golf courses.

Held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Continue Learning is in conjunction with the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), which is the leading trade show for golf course professionals in Europe. Qhubeka learns offers more than 140 hours of learning opportunities for golfers and locals, making it one of the most influential events in the golf calendar.

The IR&A is a long-term supporter of BIGGA and its members and in recent years has demonstrated its commitment to BTME and Continue to Learn by hosting presentations that provide expert research-based guidance and experience in planning large events. R&A representatives have been a mainstay of the Read More program for many years, providing the world's best advice on agriculture and hosting panel discussions at the historic competitions held throughout the year. The Golf Course 2030 program was launched at Qhubeka to Learn in 2018 and research participants return each year to discuss their findings and suggestions.

For the first time, in 2025 IR&A will be recognized as an official sponsor of the Continuing Education Conference program, which includes a major two-day learning event and the New Green Conservation Conference. In addition, R&A representatives will participate in various classes and offer free learning opportunities such as Seminars and the BTME Breakfast Session.

Next year (2025) there will be another 20^th commemoration of The R&A's Greenkeeping Scholarship and events are expected to take place at BTME and Continue Reading to mark the event. To date, more than 500 conservationists from 30 countries have benefited from this influential scholarship opportunity.

Jim Croxton, CEO of BIGGA, said: “As golf's governing body, representing more than 61 million golfers in 145 countries, we are proud that IR&A has recognized the vital role played by golf custodians in the success of the sport with this commitment to player sponsorship. Keep up with the Learning Conference program and the extensive educational opportunities provided by our annual meeting, BTME.

“Creating our annual learning program and hosting it in the context of a major trade show takes a lot of effort and we are proud that over the years the R&A has recognized how valuable BTME and Continue to Learn have been to the entire golf industry. . We thank everyone at the R&A for investing in our members and the wider turf management industry in this way as it will improve the BTME experience for everyone involved and help ensure the sport is still thriving in 50 years.”

A video of key R&A and BIGGA staff discussing the announcement can be downloaded here