LATEST NEWS
Midwinter Norfolk morning wins annual golf greenkeeping photographic competition
drone image
A showing the beautiful but harsh conditions faced by greenkeepers throughout winter has been revealed as the overall winner of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association ( BIGGA ) Annual Photographic Competition 2023 sponsored by Syngenta .
Thetford first assistant greenkeeper and BIGGA member David Ball ’ s image was chosen by competition judges as the overall winner , with the selection committee also taking into account the results of a public vote , held across BIGGA ’ s social media accounts .
The image was taken by drone in January 2023 over Thetford ’ s 5th hole at around 7.30am . It shows sunlight breaking through the clouds as a layer of mist rolls into shot . The fairways and surrounding trees are crisp with a layer of frost .
David said : “ We greenkeepers are privileged to experience these times of day that most people don ’ t get to see during their working hours . I was just lucky and in the right place at the right time on this beautiful morning . It is such an honour to win this award , so thank you to BIGGA and Syngenta .”
David Ball ’ s image of a winter sunrise over Thetford is the overall competition winner
BIGGA ’ s annual photographic competition is a celebration of the wonderful golfing landscape and the role greenkeepers play in shaping it for golfers and the wider public to enjoy . Twelve images were selected in total for the annual BIGGA calendar , with winners also chosen in the separate categories of Greenkeeping , Landscape and Wildlife .
• Landscape : Alistair Morrison , head greenkeeper , Durness Golf Club
• Greenkeeping : Peter Meek , greenkeeper , Bath Golf Club
• Wildlife : Elliot Walters , greenkeeper , Robin Hood Golf Club
You can view all 12 images selected to form the BIGGA desktop calendar on the BIGGA website . A downloadable version of the calendar for use on your desktop background is available here .
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said : “ BIGGA members work in some spectacular environments and each year the judges struggle to separate the entries , such is the quality of submissions . It ’ s always fascinating to see how the public votes when we post the finalists on our social media channels .
“ David Ball ’ s entry stood out to us as it showcases the beautiful golf
16 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | January / February 2023