Ronnie Myles, a former Scottish First Division referee who officiated at European matches before becoming head greenkeeper at Buchanan Castle, has accepted the nomination to become president of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association in 2025.
Myles, 67, has immediately stepped into the role of BIGGA Vice President, supporting John Keenaghan for the remainder of his term. He will then formally be appointed BIGGA President at the BIGGA Annual General Meeting, taking place in January.
Myles said: “I was absolutely flabbergasted to be asked to become BIGGA President. Having been a member of greenkeeper associations for more than 50 years, I feel very proud and honoured to be asked to represent BIGGA in this way.
“This year I hope we’re able to enhance the profile of greenkeepers and continue the progression of our association, which has come a long way over the last 10 to 15 years. Fifty years ago greenkeeping was thought of as a dead-end profession, but now there are real opportunities that come with greenkeeping and you have the chance to build a great career.”
Myles began his career at East Kilbride Golf Club in 1971 and he would move on to Cathkin Braes, Erskine, Helensburgh and Scarcroft in West Yorkshire, before finally settling at Buchanan Castle, where he worked until his retirement in 2022.
He was a stalwart of the BIGGA West of Scotland Section for over 20 years, acting as chairperson and secretary. He was vice-chairperson of the BIGGA Scotland and Northern Ireland Region before being appointed the Region’s first President in 2023.
Despite his retirement, Myles continues to work seasonally at Stirling Golf Club and is an active member of the BIGGA Scotland Legacy Club, which seeks to offer support and guidance to the next generation of greenkeepers.
Away from greenkeeping, Myles had a remarkable career as a high-level football match official, once running the line for an Old Firm game before being selected for six European Cup matches, including a hair-raising trip to East Germany. Remarkably, he also spent two seasons as ‘Broxi Bear’, the matchday mascot of Rangers Football Club.
As BIGGA Vice President and President, Myles will act as an ambassador for the association, representing BIGGA at various events throughout the year. He will also join the BIGGA Board of Management and utilise his experience to guide the board in their decision making.
Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ronnie throughout my 13 years with BIGGA and I know how warmly he’s thought of in BIGGA Scotland and Northern Ireland, where he’s a popular and well-known figure.“When he was proposed as BIGGA President 2025 the nomination was received enthusiastically by the BIGGA Board of Management and I’m looking forward to working alongside him. The coming year stands to be a crucial time in the history of our association as we seek to reshape our membership offering and build a structure that provides even more support and advice to greenkeepers at every stage of their career.”