Greenkeepers’ association reveals identity of five members who have been granted career-defining access to golf’s largest learning experience
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner ICL have revealed the five participants of the seventh ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship.
The five BIGGA members, drawn from golf clubs across the United Kingdom, have been invited to attend the Continue to Learn education programme, considered the largest learning experience for those in sports turf management outside the United States. Continue to Learn is held each January and coincides with the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), hosted by BIGGA at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire.
The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2023 are:
- Patrick Brown, assistant greenkeeper, Wentworth Club
- Jarno Ruscoe, greenkeeper, Ingestre Park Golf Club
- Allan Spalding, assistant greenkeeper, Lundin Golf Club
- Michael Sparke, deputy course manager, Kings Hill Golf Club
- Nicholas Thorley, deputy head greenkeeper, Saunton Golf Club
To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA's Continuing Professional Development scheme. Whether through in-person learning, reading the association's magazine, Greenkeeper International, or by accessing resources on the association's website, BIGGA members have access to thousands of learning opportunities, all aimed at helping improve their professional abilities.
The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars will receive three nights' hotel accommodation and a comprehensive education package offering an array of personal development opportunities.
BIGGA Chief Operating Officer Sami Strutt said: "BIGGA appreciates that budgets are tight at the moment and that's why we are providing more opportunities than ever before to access the learning we provide for our members in new and more cost-effective ways. That includes the latest Continue to Learn timetable, to be published early in October and featuring more free education opportunities than ever before.
"Thanks to ICL, five BIGGA members will also enjoy the countless hours of personal and professional development that come with attending BTME and Continue to Learn. Our sincere thanks are extended to ICL for their continued support of BIGGA and its members, particularly through the tough economic climate we are all currently navigating."
Continue to Learn at BTME 2023 will take place in various venues including the Harrogate Convention Centre from 22 to 25 January 2023. For further information about BTME and Continue to Learn, visit www.btme.org.uk
Through the Turf Rewards loyalty scheme from ICL and Syngenta, BIGGA members are able to claim Continue to Learn education vouchers. Points are gained by purchasing products for use on the golf course. For further information visit www.turfrewards.com