European delegation revealed for USA trip

By Alistair January 9, 2022 11:27 Updated

Ten sports turf managers will be representing British greenkeeping on a global stage next month.

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and its partner Bernhard & Company have revealed the 10 sports turf managers who will be heading to San Diego, California for the GCSAA Conference & Show.

The delegates will represent the UK greenkeeping industry as they network with peers from around the globe and sample the education on offer at the world’s largest golf course management event.

Each of the delegates was chosen after demonstrating their commitment to professional development and a passion for the greenkeeping industry.

They are:

Matthew Dobbs, course manager at Ringway Golf Club, Cheshire
Allan Duncan, head greenkeeper at Broomieknowe Golf Club, Edinburgh
Craig Haldane, golf course manager at The Gleneagles Hotel & Golf Courses, Perthshire
Colin Hopper, head greenkeeper at Elsham Golf Club, Lincolnshire
Matthew Houseman, head greenkeeper at Scarcroft Golf Club, West Yorkshire
Chris Low, head greenkeeper at Walsall Golf Club, West Midlands
Darren McLaughlan, course manager at North Berwick Golf Club, East Lothian
Scott McTaggart, course manager at Sandyhills Golf Club, Glasgow
Andrew Wilson, deputy course manager at Whitecraigs Golf Club, Glasgow
Joe Curtis, head greenkeeper at Diamond Club Ottenstein, Austria.

For Allan Duncan, the head greenkeeper at Broomieknowe Golf Club, a place on the delegation is reward for nine years of investment in his own professional development.

“To say that I am excited is an understatement,” he said.

“I come from a smallish town in Scotland and I was in the same job for 20 years, just going through the motions. Now, a few years later, everything has changed and I am overwhelmed to have been selected for the delegation.

“I don’t think it’s ever too late if you apply yourself and I hope I can inspire others to do the same.”