A drone image showing the beautiful but harsh conditions faced by greenkeepers throughout winter has been revealed as the overall winner of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s Annual Photographic Competition sponsored by Syngenta.
Thetford first assistant greenkeeper and BIGGA member David Ball’s image was chosen by judges as the overall winner for the 2023 competition, with the selection committee also taking into account the results of a public vote held across BIGGA’s social media accounts.
The image was taken by drone in January over Thetford’s 5th hole at around 7.30am. It shows sunlight breaking through the clouds as a layer of mist rolls into shot. The fairways and surrounding trees are crisp with a layer of frost.
Ball said of his winning shot: “We greenkeepers are privileged to experience these times of day that most people don’t get to see during their working hours. I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time on this beautiful morning. It is such an honour to win this award – so thank you to BIGGA and Syngenta.”
BIGGA’s annual photographic competition is a celebration of the wonderful golfing landscape and the role greenkeepers play in shaping it for golfers and the wider public to enjoy. Twelve images were selected in total for the annual BIGGA calendar, with winners also chosen in the separate categories of Greenkeeping, Landscape and Wildlife.
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “BIGGA members work in some spectacular environments and each year the judges struggle to separate the entries, such is the quality of submissions. It’s always fascinating to see how the public votes when we post the finalists on our social media channels.
“David Ball’s entry stood out to us as it showcases the beautiful golf course at Thetford at a time that golfers will rarely see it – deep in the depths of winter – yet there are greenkeepers present, putting in the hard work that makes golf possible when warmer weather returns. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you once again to our valued sponsors at Syngenta.”
As overall competition winner, Ball won a DJI Mini 2 SE Drone and a framed print of his image to be presented at BTME 2024 at Harrogate in January. Each of the category winners will receive a £150 Love2Shop voucher.
All 12 images selected to form the BIGGA desktop calendar can be viewed on the BIGGA website, while a downloadable version of the calendar for use on a desktop background is available here.