I’m on the BIGGA Podcast talking all things First Green – what it is, why it matters and how you can get involved. Plus my route into the industry! Hopefully no translator needed 😂👇
🎙️ Episode 3 of The BIGGA Podcast is now live!
For this episode, we are joined by Jenny Bledge talking about how we inspire the next generation to see golf courses as a place of opportunity and a rewarding career?
Jenny Bledge, BIGGA’s Workforce and Careers Lead, is responsible for the First Green initiative that’s becoming a powerful tool for introducing young people into careers in the turf industry.
With a background in education and information governance, she is helping to connect classrooms with golf courses and show people how STEM subjects come to live in the real world.
Jenny is our guest on The BIGGA Podcast and she discusses the origins of First Green and the impact the programme is having on clubs, schools and on the wider turf industry.
What does a typical First Green day look like at a golf course? How have new greenkeepers been inspired to join the profession because of First Green? And how can clubs and schools get involved?
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a future episode.
#TheBIGGAPodcast #BIGGA #Greenkeeping #GolfCourseManagement #GolfPodcast
First Green host packs have had an upgrade! Huge thanks to @BarenbrugUK for their donations, helping make every field trip even more memorable.
More exciting additions are coming for next year!
Interested in hosting or becoming a Friend of First Green? Click the link on my bio!
Our Women and Girls Project of the Year, Girls to Golf, enjoyed more success at @WhitchurchGC ⛳️
We were invited along to this week’s final session for the latest cohort, and it was so inspiring to see how much confidence has grown within the group in such a short space of time!
A great few hours at a careers fair at my son’s school today. I even managed to drag this guy along to help! 😄
Some brilliant questions & a fantastic opportunity to showcase greenkeeping.
Thinking about attending a local careers event? Give me a shout & I can help!
It was a bit chilly, but we still had a fun time at Heritage Park Golf Course in Olathe, KS. The team hosted 98 fourth and fifth graders from @OlatheTomahawk. When asked if the students had any final questions, one question was asked: "Can we come again?"☺️
@GCSAA
Day 1 of First Green event done and dusted.
Great participation and feedback from the primary school kids so far. Onto Day 2 tomorrow. @prestonfieldgc @JennyBigga @BIGGALtd
@ShaunC_1888@prestonfieldgc@BIGGALtd This is awesome! Love the signed flag! Well done everyone. Can’t wait to hear how day 2 goes and read all the glowing feedback!!! Superstars!!!
Brilliant First Green events coming up in Scotland👇
📍 Prestonfield GC – 27 April
📍 St Andrews Links – 28 April
📍 Prestonfield GC – 28 April
⏰ 10am–2pm
Come along, see it in action, support your local club and get inspired to host your own👉 https://t.co/dg4ekAGTBs
Two members recently delivered a careers talk to 200+ students to spark their interest with the hope of then bringing them to the course for a First Green field trip.
It's a great way to start those first conversations. Thinking about doing something similar? Give me a shout!
We’re currently looking for a full-time greenkeeper. No prior experience necessary. Excellent staff welfare conditions, state of the art machinery, training opportunities, free staff meals and golf privileges. Salary range £31,000 - £34,00 DM for more details.
📢 Swindon/Wiltshire Golf Clubs & BIGGA members!
Pewsey Vale School are hosting a Careers Fair on 28 April & would welcome support from the local golf industry.
If you can attend, get in touch and I will share the contact info!
First Green STEM Field Trips are filling up nationwide.
Thinking of hosting? Come and see one in action, network with members and gain 1 CPD credit.
Open to greenkeepers and wider club staff.
Sign up 👇
https://t.co/dg4ekAGTBs
Really looking forward to catching up with everyone and hearing from a brilliant line up of speakers.
Please come and say hello. I’ll be chatting all things First Green, whether that’s hosting or becoming a Friend of First Green.
See you there!
Just over 2 weeks until the BIGGA Scotland Conference 2026 - have you booked your space?
Carnegie Conference and Events Centre, Dunfermline
24th February
8:30am – 3pm
Member price £48pp
Join us for a day of expert insights, networking, and professional development for golf greenkeepers and turf professionals!
🎤 Speakers include:
Dave Edmondson, Course Superintendent, The Prestwick Golf Club
Bob Meikle, Course Manager, Crail Golfing Society
Paul Morris, Managing Director, GBR Technology Limited
Sophie Olejnik, Ecological Consultant, Oleo Design
Steve Chappell, Director of Agronomy, Taymouth Castle
David Hay, Course Superintendent, Taymouth Castle
Plus updates from Jim Croxton (CEO) and Rob Phillips (L&D Manager), BIGGA
🤝 Thanks to our 2026 Conference Partners:
@Aitkens_turf@cleregolf@DoubleATrading@GroGreenLtd@OriginAmenity@StrathbogieCo
Book Here: https://t.co/BK4AENYPnW
I’m excited to be presenting at #BTME2026 with a First Green seminar!
📍 Hall 3, Seminar Theatre B
🗓 Tues 20 Jan | 🕥 10:15 to 10:45
Practical tips, real stories from hosts and ideas to take away. I’d love to see you there!
https://t.co/tEjEWHTF2C
Wrapping up 2025 (&signing off to eat ALL the pigs-in-blankets!) 🌱⛳ Over 440 young people got hands-on with greenkeeping this year – huge thanks to our members & clubs! Here’s to even more in 2026! See you at #BTME2026