Guest columnist Jenny Bledge on why it’s vital we welcome future greenkeepers onto the golf course as soon as possible
The golf clubs of the future, both in the short and long term, will rely on greenkeepers coming into the workforce. We are always disappointed to see skilled professionals leave greenkeeping, but we also recognise that the expertise gained in the industry equips them for success in other fields. The key challenge is ensuring that greenkeeping remains an attractive and viable career choice. That’s why BIGGA has prioritised recruitment and retention through initiatives such as First Green, which introduces young people to the profession.
While I’m not a greenkeeper – my background is in education – I have a vested interest as I’m the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) workforce project manager. I also live on the golf course at Royal Liverpool with my husband, who is the links manager, and our two children – who are both keen to get involved whenever they can.
As part of BIGGA’s work to secure the stream of future greenkeepers coming into the industry, in 2023 we began working with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) to introduce the First Green education programme into the UK and Ireland.
Founded in 1997, First Green is the only STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) education and environmental outreach programme which uses golf courses as learning labs. Children learn about technology, such as moisture metres or robot mowers, as well as getting hands-on with turf and bunker sand, and having the chance to hit some golf balls. The sessions all take place at golf courses and generally last two to three hours, with the kids asking tons of questions and showing so much enthusiasm while they’re outside the classroom.
Since its introduction in the UK, First Green field trips have taken place at 12 clubs around the country, with more than 400 people, including children aged 9-18 and their teachers, introduced to the world of greenkeeping. In 2025, we’re aiming to triple the number of events taking place.
BIGGA has worked with GCSAA to do all the hard work to create an easy to deliver programme – from drafting the introductory email that you send off to schools to giving golf clubs plans for the stations they might setup. We provide information to help the school complete their risk assessment before a visit, and leaflets so children can show their parents what they’ve done when they get home. There’s lots more support on the website as well as a fantastic video on a trip to Royal Liverpool which captures what First Green is all about.
The events we’ve held so far prove that First Green inspires children to think about a career in greenkeeping and the golf industry. We now need clubs and greenkeepers to step forward and host sessions. We’re there every step of the way to support our members and we know schools, and their careers advisers in particular, are keen to visit golf courses and learn about what greenkeepers do.
We know we need to inspire the greenkeepers of the future to think about this industry as a lifelong career and we’ve got the programme in place to do it – it’s now time to open our doors and give children that vital first step on the ladder.
Jenny joined BIGGA in early 2023 to lead the rollout of First Green in the UK. Passionate about inspiring future talent, she’s focused on helping BIGGA members and golf clubs showcase greenkeeping as an exciting and rewarding career. Alongside First Green, she works on projects that promote the industry to a wider audience, helping connect the next generation with opportunities in turf management.
