'The highlight of my year' - Scottish Awards winners honoured
The BIGGA Scotland awards lunch saw greenkeepers past and present honoured in the surroundings of Dunblane's Doubletree by Hilton.
Sixty-three invited guests were in attendance, representing all six sections of Scotland, along with the likes of Scottish Golf CEO Robbie Clyde, chairperson of the SGCMA David Addison, The R&A's John Kemp and PGA General Manager of Scotland David Longmuir.
"The awards lunch is the highlight of my year and really makes my job feel worthwhile," said John Young, membership services manager. "Each winner fully deserves the recognition and they are incredibly humble and thankful when their name is called out."
The Walter Woods Award, the highest individual honour in Scotland given for a lifetime of achievement in the industry and outstanding contribution to the association, went to Iain Macleod.
Former Carnoustie course superintendent John Philp took home the Legacy Award for his significant contribution to the greenkeeping industry throughout his illustrious career. Having made a tremendous impact on many throughout his life, John's emotional acceptance speech was warmly received by those in attendance.
Meanwhile, the Harry Diamond award, which is unique to Scotland and recognises the achievements of apprentices, went to Joe Robertson from Renaissance Club.
John added: "It was especially gratifying to watch the young member receive the Harry Diamond Award and then be followed by Iain Macleod, who received the Walter Woods Award for his lifetime service to the industry."
Individual awards
Legacy Award: John Philp
John (centre) is pictured alongside BIGGA Vice President Ronnie Myles (left) and Helen Philp
Harry Diamond Award: Joe Robertson, Renaissance Club
Joe (right) is pictured alongside Gordon McKie, director of BIGGA Scotland & Northern Ireland
Walter Woods Award: Iain Macleod
Iain Macleod (right) alongside Stuart Greenwood, BIGGA Scotland President
Section awards
Gordon Moir Award (Central Section): Alan Green, Auchterarder
Steve Dixon Award (East Section): Leo McCulloch, Goswick
Iain Macleod Award (Highlands Section): Alistair Morrison, Durness
John Geddes Award (North Section): Marc Lawrence, Deeside
Jim Paton Award (South West Section): Neil Erskine, Kilmarnock Barassie
Stuart Taylor Award (West Section): Andrew McIntee, Pollok
Golf Awards
Jimmy Neilson Trophy, Legacy Champion 2024 (Stableford): David McBride, Bearsden
Cecil George Trophy, Legacy Champion 2024 (Strokeplay): Darren Shaw, Auchmill
Elliott Small Trophy, Champion of Champions 2024 (Stableford): Caroline Munro, Bonar Bridge
George Brown Trophy, Champion of Champions 2024 (Strokeplay): Craig Davidson, Mortonhall