GCSAA and BIGGA agree to collaborate
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) have announced their intention to share and develop resources that will benefit both organisations, their members and the golf course management profession.
The agreement between the two largest associations in the golf course management industry seeks to continue to raise standards in course management, demonstrate a global commitment to sustainability and enhance the professional image and status of golf course managers.
Signed March 1 at the 2012 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas, the agreement intends to have to two groups promoting and supporting one another's programs and services, sharing information and knowledge, and providing opportunities for both memberships to network. The collaboration will cover education conferences and trade shows; support from industry sponsors and partners; professional development and education; and membership products, services and information.
"BIGGA is delighted to have formalised its already excellent relationship with GCSAA." BIGGA chairman Andrew Mellon said. "We firmly believe that course managers around the world face similar challenges, so sharing good practice, recognizing each other's skills and working together jointly to promote sustainability and the fine work done by all of our members will undoubtedly lead to better playing conditions on golf courses around the world. We are grateful to the Board of Directors of GCSAA for their progressive approach to this collaboration, and I personally look forward to working closely with them in the years to come."
GCSAA President Sandy Queen, CGCS, said, "We are excited about deepening our relationship with BIGGA. We have always worked well together, but this action represents our intent to explore how we can work to benefit both memberships, both associations and golf course management as a profession. We could not ask for a better partner than BIGGA."
About GCSAA
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide.
From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 19,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter, and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
The EIFG is the philanthropic organisation of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programmes and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit www.eifg.org.
About BIGGA
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association was formally created on Jan. 1, 1987, from an amalgamation of the British Golf Greenkeepers Association, The English and International Golf Greenkeepers Association and The Scottish and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, forming a membership of 1,200.
Today BIGGA boasts over 6,000 members, including Golf Greenkeepers but also Associate Members and Student Members. In June 2009 the Association was opened up to allow full membership to all sports turf professionals.
In October 1998, BIGGA was proud to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of York officially to open BIGGA HOUSE, the Association's new headquarters. Housing 12 members of staff - there are also four Regional Officers operating out in the field - and with a state-of-the-art training room, the Association has the facilities to enhance further its services to its members and the greenkeeping profession.
BIGGA is dedicated to the continuing professional development of its members and in serving their needs will strive through education and training for standards of excellence in golf course management throughout the greenkeeping profession.