The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner John Deere have revealed the six greenkeepers who will head to TPC Sawgrass to join the agronomy team for The Players Championship 2024. 

The five BIGGA members from the UK and an international member from Canada will be completely immersed in the hosting of the PGA Tour’s flagship event, with flights, accommodation and other costs included. While there, the greenkeepers will work alongside more than 100 turf professionals from across the globe and gain experience of elite championship agronomy, which they can bring back to their home venues. 

The scheme is open to full BIGGA members over the age of 21 and the trip takes place from 9-19 March 2024. 

Lucas Andrews, assistant director of agronomy at TPC Sawgrass, said: “We’ve been working with BIGGA and John Deere for the last 10 years, bringing in delegates to join our tournament support team for The Players Championship. The energy and drive they bring is phenomenal. This is a special place and the volunteers have their own expectations of us and we strive to live up to those. We look forward to continuing this programme for many years to come.” 

You can hear more from Lucas on the BIGGA YouTube channel. 

Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said: “This partnership between BIGGA, John Deere and TPC Sawgrass goes from strength to strength, as evidenced by the record number of applications received this year. Those who have been successful will embark on a unique, career-enhancing experience, being involved in one of the greatest tournaments in golf. John Deere is extremely proud to be able to help these ambitious greenkeepers build contacts and see new techniques, which will inspire fresh thinking for when they return to their home clubs.” 

The 2024 BIGGA volunteers are: 

• Aidan Wright, deputy course manager, Camberley Heath Golf Club 
• Adam Brackley, head greenkeeper, La Grand Mare Hotel 
• Colin Hopper, head greenkeeper, Elsham Golf Club 
• Ian Kirwan, course manager, Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club 

• David Feeney, deputy head greenkeeper, Prestwick Golf Club 
• Adam Champion, superintendent, Bearspaw Golf Club, Canada 

Head to the BIGGA YouTube channel to meet the 2024 volunteers.