The latest edition of ‘Greenkeeper International’ landed on BIGGA members’ doorsteps this week, with readers treated to a new layout and design.
Greenkeeper International is a free monthly magazine, distributed to each of the organisation’s 6,000 members.
Karl Hansell recently joined BIGGA in the role of communications executive following the departure of Steve Castle.
With previous industry experience working at Sports Publications, which publishes National Club Golfer and Lady Golfer, Karl was keen to bring this experience into the role at BIGGA.
Karl said: “When I joined BIGGA in March, the first thing that struck me was the professionalism of the staff and the members. There is an image in the mind among golfers of greenkeepers as glorified labourers in boiler suits, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“These are highly-educated professionals who are extremely proud of the courses they look after, and we want to make sure that Greenkeeper International is the best representation of that passion that it can be.”
Working together with Harrogate designer Andrew Price, Greenkeeper International has been brought up to date, with a fresh, new look.
The first revamped edition of Greenkeeper International includes a conversation with Billy McLachlan, head greenkeeper at Royal Troon. Set to the backdrop of this year’s Open venue, the highly-personal feature takes a look at how Billy raised his family on the links and how he is inspired by his disabled teenage daughter.
However, Karl was keen to stress that this was not a complete overhaul and the same great features that BIGGA members have come to enjoy are still included, such as job advertisements and the Around the Green round-up of local news. The changes are instead part of a gradual evolution of the magazine, and so any suggestions for further improvements would be welcome.
Anyone who would like to write for Greenkeeper International or has a story they would like to see printed in the magazine can contact karl@bigga.co.uk
BIGGA www.bigga.org.uk