Sometimes I am a little bit envious of the work of greenkeepers. They are able to see so many unique moments on the golf course that we golfers cannot.
I see that much better application materials have been submitted to the BIGGA Annual Photographic Competition 2022 than in previous years.
A greenkeeper heading down the 2nd hole at Ipswich Golf Club on a misty morning (see picture below) has been revealed as the overall winner of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) Annual Photographic Competition 2022 sponsored by Syngenta.
Ipswich Golf Club greenkeeper and BIGGA member Joe Simpson’s image was the unanimous choice among the competition judges and also received the most likes when put to a public vote across BIGGA’s social media accounts.
Twelve images were selected in total for the annual BIGGA calendar, with golf courses represented including a nine-hole course on the north coast of Scotland through to next year’s Open Championship venue.
As the overall competition winner, Joe has won an Insta360 Ultra HD action camera worth £429.99 and a framed print of his image, to be presented at BTME 2023, the greenkeeping community’s annual gathering in January.
Three category winners were also chosen:
- Tom Wright of Clevedon Golf Club won the Greenkeeping category,
- Craig Sinclair of Camberley Heath Golf Club won the Wildlife category and
- Martyn Taylor of Wallasey Golf Club won the Landscape category.
Joe is now a two-time champion, having previously won the competition in 2020. He said:
“I’m really surprised to have won as I thought the quality of all the photographs that got shortlisted was fantastic with some really strong contenders.”
BIGGA’s Annual Photographic Competition sponsored by Syngenta will return next year, so greenkeepers are encouraged to get snapping now to be in with a chance of winning more great prizes.
Registration for BTME 2023 and the associated Continue to Learn education program is open. The event takes place from 22 to 26 January 2023 and you can find out more by heading to the BTME website, www.btme.org.uk