Call for an investment in greenkeepers
By Alistair
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The chief executive of the UK’s main greenkeepers’ association has issued a rallying cry for the game to reinvest in golf club staff who make the game possible.
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said that with golf participation and membership booming, the time has come for the leading bodies in the game to make a priority of the workforce in golf clubs that facilitate our great sport.
He said: “For many years the main focus of the game has been growing the number of people playing golf. The pandemic effectively gave us two million extra golfers in the UK and that has brought significant additional revenue into the game. It’s now time for clubs to focus on the importance of their workforce, without whom the sport would wither on the vine.
“Today’s greenkeepers overcome the challenges they face each day to present stunning golf courses for their members to enjoy. Greenkeepers have held up their end of the bargain and now it is time for the golf industry to do the same.”
Among key areas of concern for Jim and the BIGGA team are the conditions that greenkeepers are expected to work in. While some forward-thinking clubs now provided modern, clean and comfortable facilities for their greenkeeping teams, many still force their team to use outdated facilities that are no longer fit for purpose.
Other significant areas of concern are salaries, particularly for entry level staff and those making their way through the ranks. Additionally, the incredibly-high expectations placed upon greenkeepers to present golf courses despite the often limited resources made available to them, which can cause significant stress.
Jim added: “I was at a gathering of golf club leaders and asked the attendees to put their hands up if they would be prepared to work in the facilities they provide for their greenkeepers. Only a minority raised their hands and that shows an awareness of how we aren’t looking after the staff.”
By Alistair
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