The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and The R&A have selected 10 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 Open and AIG Women’s Open as well as The Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire, The Women’s Amateur Championship at Muirfield, and The Walker Cup at Lahinch.
Each member is selected to participate at one of the championships. The group will also assemble at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in Harrogate in January, attend an education session at Royal Liverpool, and be invited to attend The Open.
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.”
The BIGGA members selected for 2026 are:
Jethro Wilson, head greenkeeper, Bradford Moor (The Women’s Amateur)
Dominic Wright, greenkeeper, Fulford (The Open)
Scott Allen, greenkeeper, The Mid Ocean Club (The Open)
Brent Downs CGCS MG, director of agronomy, Otter Creek (The Amateur)
Jonathan Fisher, head greenkeeper, Ruddington Grange (AIG Women’s Open)
Paul Fowkes, course manager, Kilworth Springs (Walker Cup)
Scott Fraser, greenkeeper, Trump International (The Open)
Harry Glover, greenkeeper, Lee Park (The Amateur)
Tom Jennings, course manager, Calcot Park (The Women’s Amateur)
Kate Stillwell, course manager, Golf Club of Kópavogur and Garðabær (AIG Women’s Open)
