BIGGA Honours two Greenkeeping Greats

This year BIGGA is honouring two of its most outstanding members with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Walter Woods BEM and Jack McMillan MBE were the Association's first two Chairmen in 1987 and 1988 and worked tirelessly to set BIGGA on a path to a successful future.

Their "day jobs" could not have been more demanding with Walter, Superintendent at St Andrews Links and preparing the Old Course for four Open Championships and many Dunhill Cups and Jack, Head Greenkeeper at Sunningdale and preparing the course for several European Opens and a Walker Cup. Both now still carry out consultancy at a number of golf clubs, Jack on behalf of the European Tour.

"Getting this Award means more to me than anything because it has come from my peers," said Walter, who has also received the prestigious Old Tom Morris Award from the GCSAA in 2002.

"I am so pleased to be receiving it at the same time as Jack as we've been friends for over 30 years and he's someone I've always looked up to."

Jack, whose sons are Course Managers at Queenwood GC (Cameron); Walton Heath (Ian); Mill Ride (Stuart); Hendon (Bobby) and Tyrrells Wood, out-going BIGGA Chairman (Billy), is equally delighted to be honoured.

"I think it is a lovely tribute to two old men. I've had a lot of nice things but for this to come from your peers, and your Association, is as nice as you can get."