Ryder Cup helps BTME attract 6,000

The annual exhibition for golf course management professionals attracted 6,000 visitors despite economic concerns in the industry and atrocious weather conditions during the event.

BTME 2013 was organised by the British and International Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and showcased golf course machinery and provided education predominantly to greenkeepers. It was located in Harrogate, Yorkshire, in late January, when much of the UK was covered under snow.

A spokesman said that part of the attraction was a series of presentations by course managers at clubs that have hosted the Ryder Cup in recent years, who detailed their experiences.

“BTME proved a real winter warmer for the turf industry with 6,000 visitors pouring through the door,” said the BIGGA spokesman.
“Professionals flocked from across the globe to the busy halls and first-class education seminars and workshops to give the whole industry a real shot in the arm for 2013.

“Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the Ryder Cup-themed seminar featuring the likes of Curtis Tyrrell [pictured] from the Medinah Country Club.”

Jonathan Knight, a greenkeeper at Llanishen Golf Club, said: “I attended the ‘So You Want to be a Golf Course Manager’ workshop.

“It was extremely enjoyable, professionally presented and has given me all the skills I need to progress in my career, and I’ve met so many greenkeepers from across the country as well.”

Caroline Carroll from exhibitor Syngenta said: “We’ve been really, really busy. My colleagues have said it’s been one of our busiest years here.”