Burnham & Berrow Golf Club is celebrating this week after its greenkeeping team scooped a major national honour.
The club has been named Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year, recognising the outstanding work of its team in preparing the course for top‑level events — including last summer’s prestigious Open Qualifying, held right here in Burnham-On-Sea.
The BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association) Awards highlight excellence across the industry, celebrating innovation, dedication and high standards in golf course management.
The Championship Greenkeeping category is one of the most sought‑after, honouring teams responsible for delivering championship‑quality conditions for major tournaments.
A spokesperson for Burnham & Berrow says the club is thrilled to receive the accolade.
“This award is a tremendous honour for our entire team and reflects the exceptional standards we strive to maintain every single day,” said Barney Coleman, General Manager of Burnham & Berrow Golf Club.
“Our greenkeeping staff work tirelessly in all conditions to ensure that every visitor and member enjoys an authentic links experience that meets the highest expectations. This recognition from BIGGA is thoroughly deserved and we couldn’t be prouder of what has been achieved.”
Under the expert leadership of Courses Manager Liam Pigden, the greenkeeping team has implemented an innovative and sustainable approach to course management that balances tradition with modern agronomy. Recent months have seen significant winter improvement projects completed across both courses, with particular focus on enhancing the playing experience on the Channel Course.
‘As a team, we are absolutely delighted to be recognised for the hard work, determination, and passion we put into the course. After the challenges of the past few years, winning this award makes it all worthwhile and truly reflects the strength and dedication of our exceptional team.’ said Liam Pigden, Courses Manager.
“Our strategy focuses on providing consistent, high-quality playing surfaces year-round whilst respecting the natural links environment. The winter projects we’ve undertaken, particularly the extensive work on the Channel Course, demonstrate our ambition to offer two outstanding golf experiences. From drainage improvements to course renovations, every decision is made with the player experience at the forefront of our thinking. This award validates our approach and motivates us to continue raising the bar.”
The Channel Course improvements represent a significant milestone for the club, transforming what was already described as ‘one of the hidden gems of the Southwest’ into an even more compelling nine-hole experience that complements the Championship layout perfectly.
Adrian Deakins, Chairman of Greens, praised the team’s unwavering commitment throughout the year: “The Club, and more specifically our green keeping team are thrilled to have been recognised and honoured with this award, as it endorses the marvellous innovation, skills, adversity, investment and hard work put into the management of the land over recent years for the benefit of the membership and the Club.”
“Our outgoing Courses Manager, Richard Whyman, retired from his role at the end of July and the award comes as a fitting tribute to his last Championship following 22 years at the Club’
Beyond course management, Burnham & Berrow Golf Club remains deeply committed to being a valued member of the local community. The club continues to develop its outreach programmes, including the thriving Junior Golf Academy and Love.Golf initiatives for women, which introduce the sport to new participants from across the region.
“Golf clubs have a responsibility to be positive forces within their communities,” added Barney Coleman. “We’re working actively to build stronger connections with local residents, schools and organisations. Our facilities are here to serve not just our members but to contribute positively to the wider community, and we’re committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome at Burnham & Berrow.”
Ed Lamb, Richard Whyman and Josh Solmen are pictured with the award, which the club says reflects the hard work and professionalism of the entire greenkeeping team.
Last year, we reported here the course had suffered vandalism in May before the Open Qualifying event took place in July, as reported here.
Burnham & Berrow continues to be recognised as one of the region’s leading championship courses, with this latest award adding to its growing list of achievements.
Pictured: The summer action at Burnham & Berrow Golf Course (Photos Nick Whetstone)