The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is launching a new women’s network to help women working across the golf and turf industries build confidence, develop professional relationships and support one another throughout their careers.
The BIGGA Elevates Women’s Network will begin with a five-session pilot program led by qualified life and business coach and experienced facilitator Miriam Mooney.
Running from September 2026 to January 2027, the network will bring together a cohort of up to 20 women for a series of two-hour online sessions. The first session will take place on Tuesday 29 September, with further meetings scheduled for 20 October, 17 November, 8 December, and 12 January. Each will run from 7pm to 9pm.
Rather than following a fixed training programme, the sessions will respond to the priorities and experiences of the participants. They will provide a confidential and supportive environment in which members can speak openly, reflect on their experiences and learn from one another.
Miriam will act as an independent facilitator and coach, providing enough structure to give the sessions purpose and momentum while allowing conversations to develop around the needs of the group.
She has supported individuals and teams to build confidence, navigate change, and achieve personal and professional growth since 2014. She also brings more than 23 years of corporate leadership experience and has facilitated leadership programmes, workshops and stakeholder engagement sessions.
BIGGA Commercial Director Lauren Frazer said: “The response to the first BIGGA Elevates event at BTME showed there was a real appetite among women in the industry to connect, share their experiences and support each other. We wanted to build on that momentum and create something that continues throughout the year.
“This network will give participants a trusted space in which they can discuss the opportunities and challenges they encounter, learn from their peers and form relationships that can support them as their careers develop.
“Miriam’s coaching and facilitation experience will help the group establish that environment from the outset, while allowing its members to shape the conversations around what is most useful to them. This is an important next step for BIGGA Elevates and we are excited to see how the network develops.”
The Women’s Network follows the inaugural BIGGA Elevates event at BTME 2026, which attracted more than 50 attendees. Delivered in collaboration with The R&A and Syngenta, the session brought together women from a wide range of roles and career stages to discuss visibility, opportunity, confidence and progression within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
The pilot programme will culminate in an in-person BIGGA Elevates session at BTME 2027. Taking place in The R&A Clubhouse in Hall 3 at the Harrogate Convention Centre from 4pm to 5pm on Wednesday 27 January, the informal event will welcome women from across golf and turf.
Attendees will be able to meet fellow professionals, expand their networks and discover more about the Women’s Network. A panel of accomplished women will also discuss their career journeys, the lessons they have learned and their perspectives on building a successful career in the industry.
BIGGA hopes the pilot will provide the foundations for a recognised and valued community that continues to grow, creating lasting connections and meaningful opportunities for women across the sector.
About BIGGA:
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association is Europe’s largest membership organisation for golf greenkeepers. Today BIGGA has over 6,000 greenkeepers and turf professionals as members.
BIGGA is dedicated to the continuing professional development of its members, and in serving their needs will strive through education and training for standards of excellence in golf course management throughout the greenkeeping profession.
BIGGA hosts the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition and associated Continue to Learn education programme each January.
High-resolution images: High-resolution images of golf courses, greenkeeping activities and BIGGA events are available upon request.
Interview opportunities: BIGGA is pleased to offer interview opportunities with association representatives and, on occasion, expert greenkeepers. If you require quotes, insights or in-depth discussions, please contact our media team to schedule an interview.
For more about BIGGA, you can visit our website and follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram.
BIGGA also publishes Greenkeeper International, which can be viewed online here.
Media contact:
Lauren Frazer
BIGGA
+44 (0)7704 773 660
lauren@bigga.co.uk
