Picture perfect life on the golf course
A greenkeeper heading down the 2nd hole at Ipswich Golf Club on a misty morning has been revealed as the overall winner of the BIGGA Annual Photographic Competition 2022 sponsored by Syngenta.
Ipswich greenkeeper and BIGGA member Joe Simpson’s image was the unanimous choice among the competition judges and also received the most likes when put to a public vote across BIGGA’s social media accounts.
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 golf courses represented including a nine-hole course on the north coast of Scotland through to next year’s Open Championship venue. The desk calendar also includes monthly topical greenkeeping task tips, provided by Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes
As overall competition winner, Joe has won an Insta360 Ultra HD action camera worth £429.99 and a framed print of his image, to be presented at BTME 2023 in January.
Three category winners were also chosen, with Tom Wright of Clevedon Golf Club (above) winning the Greenkeeping category, Craig Sinclair of Camberley Heath Golf Club (below) winning the Wildlife category and Martyn Taylor of Wallasey Golf Club (pictured lower) winning the Landscape category. Each of the category winners receive a £150 Love2Shop voucher.
Joe is now a two-time champion, having previously won the competition in 2020. He said: “I’m really surprised to have won as I thought the quality of all the photographs that got shortlisted was fantastic with some really strong contenders.
“I think it’s a fantastic competition and I love entering and try to encourage others to enter as well. Greenkeepers are really lucky because we’re up in the early hours and get to see some fantastic sights and this competition is an opportunity to share them.”
BIGGA’s Annual Photographic Competition sponsored by Syngenta will return next year, so greenkeepers are encouraged to get snapping now to be in with a chance of winning more great prizes.
