A group of British and Irish greenkeepers bound for TPC Sawgrass to volunteer at The Players Championship in March gathered at John Deere’s BTME stand, marking the commencement of their preparation for a transformative experience.
This seven-strong contingent has been handpicked to participate in the annual program organized by John Deere in collaboration with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and the Association of Turfgrass Professionals Ireland (ATPI). Their journey will take them to Florida, where they will work alongside fellow greenkeepers from around the globe, gaining priceless insights into elite championship agronomy while contributing to course preparations for the world’s top golfers.
The 2024 BIGGA volunteers include Aidan Wright (Camberley Heath Golf Club), Adam Brackley (La Grand Mare Hotel), Colin Hopper (Elsham Golf Club), Ian Kirwan (Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club), David Feeney (Prestwick Golf Club), and Adam Champion (Bearspaw Golf Club, Canada). Lorcan Finnegan (Malahide Golf Club) represents ATPI.
Meeting for the first time at the BTME event in Harrogate, the volunteers engaged with John Deere’s golf and turf experts, gaining insights into what lies ahead in their upcoming trip.
Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, shared, “The TPC Sawgrass experience is just a few weeks away, so the excitement is building among the group. Professional development of greenkeepers is fundamental to both the individual and to the golf courses they will work on during their careers. There can be fewer better ways to test their skills and learn from others than by being part of The Players championship.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, volunteer David Feeny, Deputy Course Manager at Prestwick Golf Club, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity which I can’t wait to take part in.”
Lorcan Finnegan, a greenkeeper and mechanic at Malahide Golf Club in Dublin, described winning a place in the program as a dream, stating, “I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done and learnt as a greenkeeper so far, but TPC Sawgrass is going to be on a different level.”
Looking ahead, applications for the 2025 John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme will open shortly on the BIGGA website.