BIGGA and leading global machinery manufacturer John Deere have revealed the seven greenkeepers who have been invited to join the agronomy team for The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in March 2025.
Five BIGGA members from the UK and two international members have earned their spot after beating out 154 other applicants for the initiative, which sees the greenkeepers flown to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for the PGA Tour’s flagship event.
The BIGGA members will receive flights and accommodation and in return will help prepare the Stadium Course for what many consider to be men’s golf’s ‘fifth major’.
The 2025 BIGGA volunteers are:
* Scotland & Northern Ireland: Alistair Morrison, Durness Golf Club
* Northern: James Hampson, Llanymynech Golf Club
* Central England: Jake Boardman, Frilford Heath Golf Club
* South West & South Wales: Sam Ewing, Crane Valley Golf Club
* South East: Wayne Aris, Langley Park Golf Club
* International: Damien Coleman, Galway Bay Golf Resort, Ireland
* International: Timothy Leat, Rich River Golf Club, Australia
The John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme is open to full BIGGA members over the age of 21. While in Florida, the greenkeepers are fully-immersed into the TPC Sawgrass agronomy team, joining more than 100 turf professionals from across the globe and gaining experience of elite championship agronomy, which they bring back to their home venues.
Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “The relationship between BIGGA, John Deere and TPC Sawgrass stretches back over a decade and we’re incredibly proud of the role BIGGA members play in the hosting of The Players Championship each year.
“In participating in this initiative, BIGGA members join a global community of tournament volunteers who have created memories that will last a lifetime and so our thanks go to John Deere and the team at TPC Sawgrass for enabling our members to return in 2025.”
Chris Meacock, John Deere Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said: “It’s hugely rewarding to hear just how much greenkeepers who take part in this initiative take from the experience. It’s a once-in-a-career trip that adds real value in terms of professional development.
“John Deere is proud of its long-standing partnership with BIGGA, which has enabled dozens of talented greenkeepers to see what tournament set up is like on one of the biggest stages of all.”
For more information about the John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme, click here.
