The British and International Greenkeepers Association has announced that the fifth annual Thank A Greenkeeper Day, a global celebration of the work undertaken by greenkeepers and golf course staff, will take place on Tuesday, September 9.
This year, BIGGA is inviting all golfers and golf industry professionals, whether they be club or business owners, managers, suppliers, industry associations, media or general supporters of the game, to join them in celebrating greenkeepers and their important role. Thank A Greenkeeper Day is an opportunity to ensure that greenkeeping is given the respect and recognition that these hardworking teams deserve.
Greenkeepers are the unsung heroes who ensure that golf courses are in their best possible condition for all to enjoy while ensuring that courses are stewarded environmentally and wildlife habitats are protected
While this day is all about the ‘thank you’, it is aimed to encourage proactive action across the industry to recognise the vital and highly skilled role greenkeepers play. At its core, this is about promoting greenkeeping as a professional trade and making a positive impact in working conditions and fair rates of pay for greenkeepers everywhere.
On September 9, BIGGA is asking everyone who appreciates the value of golf to share their own stories, pictures and messages of thanks on social media. In the UK, use #ThankAGreenkeeper, will those in the USA will be using #ThankASuper. All messages of thanks will be included in an international campaign that has positively added to the daily working life of many greenkeepers.
In addition to social media, there are several ways golf clubs, golfers and the wider industry can show support and appreciation to greenkeepers:
Golf clubs can organise a special breakfast or lunch for their greenkeeping staff
Players can take a moment after play to thank personally a member of the greenkeeping team and leave their own expression of thanks with their club
Industry partners and suppliers may play their part by promoting the importance of greenkeeping to their audiences and actively supporting their clients and contacts
Golf influencers and golf media can use their platforms to market tales, interviews and behind-the-scenes information emphasising the skills, knowledge and passion of greenkeepers.
BIGGA is collaborating with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Australian Sports Turf Managers Association, Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and the Federation of European Golf Greenkeeper Associations, amongst others, to make this year’s Thank a Greenkeeper Day more successful than ever. Together, these associations represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries.
To help clubs and individuals with promoting their celebrations, BIGGA will be releasing a social media toolkit. This will include pre-made graphics, videos and template messages that will aid in the promotion of the day. To access the toolkit, ensure that you are included on BIGGA’s mailing list by contacting them internally.
For more information, visit www.bigga.org.uk/about/thank-a-greenkeeper-day.html and join in on social media using the hashtag #ThankAGreenkeeper.
