The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and The R&A have selected 10 ambitious and talented greenkeepers to provide support during five of the biggest championships in 2026. 

Following an extensive application process, the BIGGA members chosen as the second cohort for The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme will join the home greenkeeping teams for the hosting of next year’s Championships, including The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale and the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes. 

The greenkeepers, who hail from across the UK and beyond, will gain experience in elite championship preparation, working alongside the host teams and The R&A’s Championship Agronomy Team. 

The volunteers will be on site at: 

• The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale 

• The AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes 

• The Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire 

• The Women’s Amateur Championship at Muirfield 

• The Walker Cup at Lahinch 

Each member is selected to participate at one of the championships, where they will be fully embedded in championship preparations. The entire group will also assemble at BTME in January, attend an education session at Royal Liverpool Golf Club and will be invited to attend The Open, where they will learn about course preparation and the staging of a major championship. 

The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme is the latest opportunity for BIGGA members, building on a range of initiatives designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and professional development of greenkeepers. 

Adam Newton, Sustainable Championship Agronomy Lead at The R&A, said: “Following on from the great success of the inaugural programme in 2025, we are delighted to welcome another fantastic cohort of delegates for 2026.  

“They will gain a truly unique educational experience and a fascinating insight into championship agronomy and greenkeeping at the highest level and at some of the most historic and prestigious championships in the world.” 

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “This year’s inaugural programme clearly demonstrated the incredible value of this initiative, both for those who took part and for the wider profession.  

“I’d like to congratulate the 2026 cohort on being selected to continue that legacy. Their involvement represents an outstanding professional development opportunity and a chance to gain unique, first-hand experience at the very highest level of championship preparation.  

“BIGGA’s partnership with The R&A reflects our shared commitment to education, collaboration and excellence in golf course management, and to ensuring that greenkeepers remain central to the future of the game.” 

BIGGA members selected for 2026 

• Scott Allen, greenkeeper, The Mid Ocean Club — The 154th Open, Royal Birkdale  

• Brent Downs CGCS MG, director of agronomy, Otter Creek — The Amateur Championship, Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire 

• Jonathan Fisher, head greenkeeper, Ruddington Grange — The AIG Women’s Open, Royal Lytham & St Annes 

• Paul Fowkes, course manager, Kilworth Springs — The Walker Cup, Lahinch  

• Scott Fraser, greenkeeper, Trump International — The 154th Open Royal Birkdale 

• Harry Glover, greenkeeper, Lee Park — The Amateur Championship, Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire  

• Tom Jennings, course manager, Calcot Park — The Women’s Amateur Championship, Muirfield 

• Kate Stillwell, course manager, Golf Club of Kópavogur and Garðabær — The AIG Women’s Open, Royal Lytham & St Annes 

• Jethro Wilson, head greenkeeper, Bradford Moor — The Women’s Amateur Championship, Muirfield 

• Dominic Wright, greenkeeper, Fulford — The 154th Open, Royal Birkdale