‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative to support, inspire and connect women working in golf and turf
A new initiative designed to support, inspire and connect women working in golf and turf will hold its inaugural event at BTME this month.
BIGGA Elevates is being delivered in collaboration with Syngenta and The R&A.
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 BTME BIGGA Elevates event is open to all women involved in the turf industry. It will be held in The R&A Clubhouse area within Hall 4 of the Harrogate Convention Centre on Wednesday 21 January at 4pm.
The event will feature a panel session with inspiring speakers, including Jackie Davidson, Director – Golf Education at The R&A, TV presenter Sarah Stirk (left), 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.
Sarah Hughes, Syngenta Turf Business Manager for the UK & Ireland (below), said: "We're proud to support the BIGGA Elevates event at BTME, along with The R&A.
"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. It will be good to connect with greenkeeping professionals whose dedication and excellence are already inspiring future generations to join our industry."
"It will be a great networking opportunity that recognises the important contributions of women in turf care."
"At Syngenta, we're passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion because we know it makes for a stronger, more innovative golf sector," highlighted Sarah.
"Working in this industry myself, I see firsthand both the challenges women face and the exceptional skill they bring to the industry."
Lauren Frazer, Head of Commercial & Marketing at BIGGA, added: "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."
If your team includes any female greenkeepers, please ensure they register for this event. It's open to all women attending BTME, with no BIGGA membership required.
The initiative reflects BIGGA's commitment to promoting diversity and supporting women at all stages of their careers, creating pathways to growth and recognition.
