Harrogate, Yorkshire, England: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA) has announced the launch of BIGGA Elevates – a new initiative that is designed to support, inspire and connect women working in golf and turf.

The inaugural event will take place at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME). It will be held in The R&A Clubhouse area within Hall 4 of the Harrogate Convention Centre on January 21 and is being delivered in collaboration with The R&A and Syngenta.

Aimed at empowering women who work in a traditionally male-dominated industry, BIGGA Elevates will provide a welcoming, inclusive and relaxed environment where attendees can share experiences, access guidance, and build confidence.

The initiative’s aim is to foster a supportive community, helping women working in golf and turf to feel comfortable, free and confident in their careers.

The event will feature a panel session with inspiring speakers, including Jackie Davidson, Director – Golf Education at The R&A, TV presenter Sarah Stirk, and a female greenkeeper who will share her personal journey in the industry.

The panel will answer audience questions and provide insight into their experiences, offering practical advice and encouragement for women navigating their careers.

Lauren Frazer, Head of Commercial & Marketing at BIGGA, said: “We want BIGGA Elevates to be more than just an event – it’s about creating a community. We hope it brings women together to share experiences, learn from each other, and access resources and guidance. Working in this industry can be daunting at times, and this initiative is about giving women a platform to relate, connect and gain confidence.”

Sarah Hughes, SPS Business Manager United Kingdom and Ireland at Syngenta, said: “We’re proud to support the BIGGA Elevates event at BTME along with The R&A.

“It will be a great networking opportunity recognising the important contributions of women in turf care. Working in this industry myself, I see first-hand both the challenges women face and the exceptional skill they bring to the industry.

“It will be good to connect with greenkeeping professionals whose dedication and excellence are already inspiring future generations to join our industry. This event will provide a welcoming space for women to connect with each other at BTME, building the community and support networks that help us thrive.

“At Syngenta, we’re passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion because we know it makes for a stronger, more innovative golf sector.”

*The R&A and Syngenta are members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.