BIGGA: ‘Brexit will hit greenkeeping budgets’

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Britain’s two biggest golf course management organisations have said the UK’s decision to vote for ‘Brexit’ will impact the trade.

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), which has around 5,700 greenkeepers and turf professionals as members, has said the decision for the UK to leave the European Union means there will be a ‘reduction in greenkeeping budgets’.

Flickr / Paul

BIGGA chief executive officer Jim Croxton said: “The UK golf industry is still in a delicate position on the back of the last economic downturn. Following the result of the referendum, we are set to enter another uncertain period for the economy. The decision to leave the EU will have an impact on people’s pockets and within the golf industry this can manifest itself in a reduction in greenkeeping budgets. We will redouble our efforts to ensure we support our members throughout this period and work closely with the rest of the golf industry to keep the sport as buoyant as possible.”

In addition, Geoff Webb, CEO of the Institute of Groundmanship, said: “There will be change ahead – and there will be reviews of various kinds. We can expect to be affected by financial decisions, by government, its agencies and by the banks. There will be a long list of issues, including employment rights, EU funding in general, representational lobbying and our position and influence. We will remain ‘open for business’. The Institute of Groundmanship will look to support our members as much as it can.”