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Congratulations to the finalists! We are looking forward to celebrating with you and revealing the winners at the England Golf Awards 2025 on Wednesday 2 April at The Hilton Manchester Deansgate.
In keeping with tradition, there is no shortlist for the Lifetime Service Award which will be presented to one worthy recipient on the night.
CLUB OF THE YEAR
Abbeydale Golf Club (Yorkshire)
Abbeydale offers a new Sunday & Social Membership to those on its waiting list to introduce and build their association up with the club before they become full members. Abbeydale also introduced a reduced-price Buggy & Social Membership category for its elderly and infirm members. The clubhouse is very much a community hub and members are encouraged to meet and use the clubhouse facilities at all times including using the studio for social golf. In 2024, Abbeydale relaunched its academy. Formerly an initiative to attract women golfers, it is now open to men and women and consists of a comprehensive two-year coaching programme. The club also reintroduced Girls Golf Rocks with successful results, as over half of the participants have transitioned into its own Junior Programme. The new highly pro-active Junior Co-ordinator successfully manages 87 juniors and works alongside the professional staff to provide a range of initiatives for all abilities. Abbeydale now offers mixed club 'one club one comp' ethos competitions throughout the week, giving midweek and weekend opportunities for men and women. Abbeydale successfully used the Women in Golf initiative as a vehicle to integrate its sections. The former all-male honours boards were removed and replaced with an electronic board and in 2024 new honours boards for both men’s and women’s competitions were installed. The results from its membership survey (over 70% participation) provided valuable insight, and another thing they have done in 2024 is abolish the Dress Code. Abbeydale installed an additional defibrillator which is on the register for use by everyone in the community and members have been invited to participate in training evenings.
Potters Resorts Five Lakes Golf Club (Essex)
Potters Resorts Five Lakes Golf Club celebrated its 50th birthday in 2024. It has improved engagement with the membership including a regular newsletter, members survey, and regular updates which has helped transform the club. In 2024, membership of the club grew by 300 to a current record level of 960 playing members (from an initial 240 post-Covid). This was strongly led by Tina Hickey in the Captains’ Year 2023/24, their first ever Lady Club Captain. Tina initiated a comprehensive membership questionnaire allowing members to give quantitative and qualitative feedback, resulting in initiatives, like member volunteering to refurbish and move the halfway house. The club offers points-based membership that caters to every price point and personal circumstances without restricting times members can play. This system has attracted lots of younger golfers, while it still offers discounted rates for students, juniors and children which allows unlimited golf. Through the year they have also offered incentives to the local golfing community including £10 a round at weekends, as well as flexible pricing for twilight golf. With a second consecutive year of significant membership growth, 2024 has seen the initiation of monthly shotgun starts for all members, where the inclusive social side has brought about the integration of the vast number of new members within weekend play. Social events have been introduced for the first time in many years, including quiz nights, presentation events and a selection of social dinners, while the club has also hosted three separate Essex County Finals.
Shirley Golf Club (Warwickshire)
Shirley’s 'Golf for Disabled Children' project delivers free coaching to over 100 SEND children from local schools every week. They have achieved this for over 20 years through money donated from members and its annual GFDC Golf Day. Following an ecology report, work was carried out on the golf course to remove dead trees, which was handmade into outdoor seating and donated to a local forestry school to conduct outdoor lessons for children. To ensure all visitors are safe, Shirley’s staff have undergone mental health awareness training, while they have also engaged the local community through the creation of a Greener/Eco Golf Network in 2024 – enabling local clubs, people and communities to work together on improving sustainability and wildlife in the local area, and providing free conference space for education on the same topic. In the last 12 months, the club has welcomed over 160 new members and increased membership benefits to focus on mental/physical health through partnerships with local gyms, financial advisors, discounts to wellbeing events, and more. They have also created new flexible membership categories to help attract a wider range of golfers/ages. A new Director position has been created to be responsible for equality, diversity and inclusion on its Management Committee, while its charity work has seen it raise nearly £100,000 for charitable causes. Shirley is also set to host national tournaments including the Midlands Closed Amateur Championship and the Junior European Open Qualifier in 2025.
Sponsored by:
Cheshire
Cheshire Golf is now the second largest golfing county, having unified its ladies’ & men's organisations. Cheshire has invested almost a quarter of its income and resources into developing the game, from its Development Squad of 12 young golfers just starting out, all the way through to its County Team and seniors. Cheshire’s U18s won the Northern Counties Boys’ League in 2023 and finished runners-up in 2024, while they also won the Four Counties Tournament in 2024. A number of Cheshire players have gone on to represent their country or GB&I including; James Ashfield (Walker Cup), Matthew Dodd-Berry (The Open and England Men's Squad member), Daniel Hayes (Carris Trophy winner and England Men’s Squad member), and Cole Self (England U16s). The county runs Life Members’ events throughout the season for enthusiastic golfers who don’t aspire to play for the county teams, while its Handicap Trophy introduced in 2024 is open to iGolfers as well as county members. Cheshire’s teams and organisation are made up of a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with a determination to further encourage diversity in the years ahead, while they have provided financial support to clubs to provide coaching and activities for disabled golfers.
Hampshire
Hampshire Golf ran the Future Champions Tour in 2024 which has engaged many young boys and girls in the sport, as well as their families. The Junior Tour accommodates both children with and without handicaps which gives them a chance to progress, with one of the Junior Tour members winning the England Golf Ambassadors' Hero's Handshake Award in May. Hampshire Golf includes dedicated sessions for parents, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to support their children’s development effectively, while the county introduced a code of conduct, even for its youngest players, so that from an early age, appropriate and professional behaviours are modelled and expected from all. This has enabled the most talented juniors to be easily integrated into adult teams. Hampshire Golf’s first team have won their league two years in a row, securing victory in both league finals. Additionally, Hampshire Golf fosters a strong sense of identity and community spirit under the banner “Be Proud. Be Hampshire.” This ethos inspires players and supporters alike, celebrating collective achievements and reinforcing the county's reputation for outstanding performance and inclusivity. Hampshire have now been able to expand into disabled golf, partnering with England & Wales Blind Golf to host the British Blind Masters as well as supporting disabled golf events and indoor blind golf sessions to attract blind golfers into the sport. Hampshire has committed to staging its first County Disabled Championship in 2025.
Lancashire
2024 has seen the unification of Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs and the Lancashire Ladies County Golf Association to become Lancashire Golf Limited. Its aim is to set the benchmark for others to follow, and it hopes to inspire other counties to operate in a way that benefits both county golf, and the game itself. Lancashire engaged with all its clubs through a survey to find out what they wanted and valued most. The information was utilised to guide the county’s strategy for the future. Club seminars have since been arranged, on topics like membership recruitment and retention, management, and sustainability. Manager networking groups have been set up, with groups of 8-10 managers from clubs coming together to discuss best practice, issues, successes, company referrals, and more. Lancashire has now entered into an agreement with Southport Golf Academy, putting into place a structure for introducing new golfers to the game, including marketing, with a target of starting off around 800 adults and a similar number of juniors on their golfing journey. One essential part of the agreement is for the county to facilitate links to clubs local to the centres, which will ease the journey of new golfers into club membership. For Southport Academy this has been done with Southport Old Links, Southport, and Hesketh Golf Clubs. Lancashire has reviewed and enhanced its coaching programmes, to better align what is provided for girls and boys as a unified county, while its rating team have now ensured 95 courses in the county have been rated for both men and women from both the red and yellow tees, two of which are Open Championship venues.
COUNTY OF THE YEAR
FACILITY OF THE
YEAR
3 Hammers (Staffordshire)
3 Hammers is a community hub, made up of Jurassic Creek adventure golf, a par-3 course, Toptracer driving range, Bistro, Learn to Play area and Golf Academy - all managed from a central reception desk where everyone receives the same warm welcome. For 38 years, 3 Hammers has engaged in community outreach work with schools, underprivileged youngsters and disability groups, working with organisations including Black British Golfers and The National Autistic Society. Its open-door policy means everyone is welcome. Local walking groups meet for lunch, a dementia group visits monthly and visitors wear what they want and play golf however they choose to, starting from 18 months to 90-plus years of age. Youngsters who started their golf journey now bring their children and grandchildren to play. The driving range was a trial venue for Toptracer and its dedicated Learn to Play area is a unique safe learning environment away from the main complex with covered and floodlit bays. Home to the first-ever Ladies Love Golf group with 250 women of all abilities, 3 Hammers has a legacy of introducing hundreds of new women to the game, and new toddler sessions have been fully booked all year. Regular social events take place throughout the site including dinosaur puppet meet and greet shows, Rum & Reggae Night, and 90s evenings, while they offer free face-painting to beat the queues during busy times on Jurassic Creek. Schools enjoy free visits for up to 60 children in years 3 and 4 with a game of adventure golf along with a dino fact quiz. Children who play Jurassic Creek can book a FREE junior taster session, or take part in free golf activities during the school holidays. Its women’s academy meets regularly on a drop-in basis and many of the women now enjoy trips abroad to play. Golf Sixes, which 3 Hammers has won four years in a row, inspires its youngsters to play more regularly. The 3 Hammers Golf Society gives new golfers a chance to socialise and the opportunity to play full golf courses. This works well as a stepping stone to golf club membership. There is a season ticket for the short course and club hire on the driving range, with 3 Hammers offering all junior club hire free of charge. 30 children who’ve gone through 3 Hammers schemes now work in golf as PGA pros, club managers and greenkeepers. Tour Player Aaron Rai, and influencers Me and My Golf also started their journey there.
HUKD Golf (Lancashire)
HUKD is a multi-activity competitive social bar with neon crazy golf, golf simulators and golf simulator games for all abilities, aiming to break the norm whilst educating that golf is for everyone. The facility allows all abilities, genders and levels to experience golf, whether it’s their first time or they’re an experienced golfer. HUKD works with local coaches to provide a superb safe space to learn, practise and play, with lessons, group coaching and kids camps, as well as working alongside local education schemes like EdApp for children struggling with education. The facilities are child, family and disability-friendly, and its ‘swing and putt’ offer is very popular with families where they can play the latest Trackman games. HUKD’s facilities offer early bird and single rate prices for the serious golfer using the latest Trackman offering, helping to ensure golf is accessible and fun to all. HUKD is not about selling, it’s about fun – a point of difference is using local specialists to provide additional services like club fitting, re-gripping, or even information about local course opportunities. The facility works with golf clubs and coaches to see the evolution of golf in their area. Its brand is to make golf exclusive for all, offering date night and family packages, kids parties and social golfer offers. HUKD’s marketing and Instagram accounts help drive awareness with strong followings, driven by the dedication of the owners in growing awareness of HUKD as a brand, and creating opportunities for HUKD to open more locations. The facilities are open long hours and are excellent for beginners or the more experienced golfer, allowing them to practise or socialise all year round. HUKD's team are a mixture of predominantly non-golfers and golfers, all encouraged to engage with in-house competitions and games to support development, whilst offering an excellent level of service for all guests. Ladies European Tour’s Georgia Oboh used the facilities in the winter months and last year made significant improvements to her game, whilst Joe Emery played in the European Junior Open whilst working and training at HUKD. HUKD sponsors the RR Tour run by its local coach and offers a winter league to keep kids golfing all year round and ensuring they don’t lose interest.
Need Golf Centre (Cheshire)
Need Golf Centre has grown its community through putting on monthly Toptracer events, as well as seasonal events throughout the year such as its Winter League, weekly closest the pin competitions, and summer golf trips, including the Need Cup. Need takes customers to a different course each year to play in its very own Ryder Cup competition. The event encourages club links whilst giving players the opportunity to experience different courses that they otherwise wouldn’t play. Need hosts community events as well as private gatherings such as date nights, birthday parties, sport team building events, corporate events, stag dos, kids’ parties, and family get togethers, all of which are geared at beginners and seasoned golfers coming together. They have established strong relationships with local businesses like Bentley Motors and Crewe FC, hosting monthly range nights for their staff and players. It works excellent as a team building social with great success in introducing newcomers to the sport, and often guests will return later on in the week bringing their family and friends. Need creates a fun evening filled with golf entertainment, delicious street food vendors, music, competitions and a bar, which are sellout events every month, where they offer free club hire and encourage families and friends alike to meet up and enjoy playing virtual golf on Toptracer. Need incorporates competitions and prizes and have teaching pros available to give swing advice. It's a very high-energy evening with tickets selling out as soon as they are released.
Harvey Couchman (North Foreland Golf Club, Kent)
Harvey has created a fantastic space for all members of the community to learn and enjoy the game of golf, no matter their ability or background. This is highlighted in his work with the Golf Trust, teaching individuals with disabilities, as well as all his work with juniors and women. Harvey has run and maintained a very successful junior academy which provides a brilliant place for young people to get involved in the sport, creating a sense of community. The academy provides a place for young players to not only have a mentor and support, but to also meet other junior players which has created many friendships. Harvey has run introductory sessions at local primary and junior schools as well as assisting Kent Golf with Invicta 10s junior events. He has also run several Girls Golf Rocks campaigns and ‘Swing into Golf’, to encourage specifically women and girls into the game.
Hannah Crump (Stonebridge Golf Club, Warwickshire)
Hannah has built a vibrant, supportive community for women in golf, making the sport accessible and enjoyable for hundreds of players across all levels and backgrounds. Through free introductory sessions, group women lessons, and fun social events, she’s helped many overcome initial hesitations. She actively connects with local businesses and charities, promoting community events and fundraisers, and providing opportunities for players to meet and network. Additionally, Hannah goes beyond just teaching; she mentors and supports her players, checking in on their progress and wellbeing, ensuring each individual feels valued. She has successfully increased membership at the club by attracting women of all ages and backgrounds, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Her work has directly led to improved female participation rates in county tournaments and club events. Hannah has encouraged 25 ladies, who otherwise would not have had the confidence to join a golf club, to join Stonebridge. Since a trip to Spain, many are getting together to play rounds outside of their usual friend groups and seeing the benefit of playing with many different levels of player.
Darren Stratman (Ferndown Forest Golf Club, Dorset)
Darren runs a junior academy, getting young golfers from all backgrounds into the game. Not only has he got juniors into the game through running an academy, but some of them are also now representing the county. He also runs a range session for disabled golfers who have suffered brain injuries or strokes, which has subsequently led to running a golf day for these golfers. Darren has also launched a charity called Boundless Golf, whose mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through golf, fostering a sense of belonging, confidence, and wellbeing. They aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can develop not only their golf skills, but also lifelong friendships and a positive outlook on life. Boundless Golf was established with a heartfelt mission to break down barriers and provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of golf. Inspired by the belief that golf is a sport for all, its founders recognised the need for specialised coaching and support tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Through their shared dedication, Boundless Golf was born, driven by the vision of a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate and excel in the game of golf.
PARTICIPATION AND DEVELOPMENT COACH OF THE YEAR
PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Dominic Clemons (Gog Magog, Cambridgeshire)
Dominic Clemons produced a remarkable win at the Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship at Muirfield as he shot 24-under to win the tournament by 17 shots. He was also runner-up at the British Amateur Championship, and represented GB&I in the St Andrews Trophy. Dominic won the Daytona Beach Intercollegiate and Folds of Honor Collegiate, and qualified for The Open Championship at Royal Troon. He also helped England win gold at the Spirit International in both the men’s and overall team events.
England Girls' Team
It was a year to remember for the England Girls’ Team who won their first European Girls Team Championship in 19 years with victory at Gothenburg Golf Club in Sweden, beating Denmark, Italy and Germany on their way to the title. They also won the Girls’ Home Internationals for the sixth successive time.
Kipp Popert (Wildernesse, Kent)
Kipp Popert underlined his status as the world’s leading golfer with a disability as he won the G4D Open Championship. He also won the USGA Adaptive Open Championship for the second straight year by shooting 14-under through three rounds.
Lottie Woad (Farnham, Surrey)
Lottie Woad birdied three of the last four holes to win the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April in front of the TV cameras, before being ranked as the world number 1 amateur. She later helped GB&I win the Curtis Cup and was a member of the England Women’s Team which won the Home Internationals. Her win at Augusta saw her gain exemptions into the majors, finishing 23rd at the Chevron Championship, and an amazing 10th at the AIG Women’s Open, which saw her pick up the Smyth Salver for being the low amateur. Furthermore, she enjoyed seven top-10 finishes in Division 1 college events in the USA during 2024.
Sponsored by:
Skratch Women (London)
Skratch Women has engaged with hundreds of female golfers in the London area, making golf approachable, fun, and social, encouraging women to take part and connect with others who share an interest in the sport. Their annual calendar boasts over 35 events, including travel experiences, learning sessions, corporate events and social gatherings. Designed to accommodate golfers of all skill levels, these events foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where every woman feels comfortable and valued. In just three years, Skratch Women has guided over 100 women through structured golf learning programmes, taken over 100 women on trips abroad and introduced countless others to the sport through their popular ‘drinks and driving range’ events. By breaking down traditional barriers, Skratch Women transforms golf into a vibrant, accessible community activity. Beyond learning and playing, their initiatives inspire more women to explore the sport, creating a supportive network of players who share the joy of golf while redefining its accessibility for the modern woman. Skratch Women has over 3000 followers on social media, with 250-plus on their WhatsApp Community which launched in July 2024. Skratch Women has proven to be a highly-impactful initiative, successfully engaging women through diverse activities while capturing the interest of corporate businesses and brand partners. Collaborations with prominent names like TaylorMade, Duca Del Cosma and Travis Mathew underscore its influential role in driving change within the golf industry.
Walmley Foundation CIC (Warwickshire)
The Walmley Golf Foundation continued its work championing the accessibility of golf to all in the local community, from all backgrounds and abilities with physical and mental challenges, knowing the great health benefits derived. Along with Huxley Golf, Walmley built the UK’s first disability-designed artificial short-game area. This allowed children and adults with walking aids and wheelchairs to access golf for the first time. Fully embracing England Golf’s Respect in Golf movement, Walmley created a pot of over £50,000 for the project, via grants and fundraising events. Walmley researched the needs of the local community, understanding that 25% of households have at least one person classed as having a disability according to the 2023 census. Within 2.5 miles of the facility, Walmley has a number of areas ranked within the 10% most deprived areas in the UK and others within 20%. Since opening the accessible facility in May, they have delivered 65 sessions for people who would not normally have the opportunity to engage with sport, let alone golf. Walmley has supported mainstream primary and secondary schools, SEN schools (of which in excess of 40% of pupils are from BAME communities), the NHS, adult community groups, respite centres, and national charities. Working with the Golf Trust, Walmley has just funded the purchase of a Para Golfer machine. The foundation has also raised over £5,000 to fund a large disability-friendly practice bunker, which has a pathway from artificial area directly into the bunker with easy access for wheelchairs.
Woolley Park Golf Club (Yorkshire)
Woolley Park made a host of changes to improve its offering to be more inclusive and accessible. This includes; full tee time access with no restrictions, 99.5% of competitions being open to all including multi-tee options, on-course privacy screening for female members, no defined sections or captains, and anyone being able to hold a position on the club committee. Woolley Park also set up the Mulberry Series (70+), for women and men to play alongside each other, catering for members who can no longer compete over 18 holes. The creation of the new North Region Golf League (NRGL) to more clubs gave access to men, women and juniors who have work/family/educational commitments. The club is also looking to expand the North Region Golf League (NRGL) to more clubs. This league is available to golfers outside of Woolley Park as more clubs become interested in what it has to offer and the flexibility it offers to its members, who struggle to play in the traditional formats. All decisions are made by management of the club with all members in mind and it's had an impact on the club’s whole membership (469). The main impact it's had is around 40 female golfers (including 29 members) – 30 females who are members of other clubs and around five females in the local Rabbits League, with other leagues in the county looking to incorporate female golfers as a result of the positive impact Woolley Park has had on encouraging female golfers to participate in their local league.
Sponsored by:
RESPECT IN GOLF AWARD
SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Bidston Golf Club (Cheshire)
Having linked to the Eco-Schools Project in 2024, Bidston offered three days on the subjects of water, air and earth, all within the course, and providing a safe outdoor space for looking at and experiencing how you can diversify a golf course. Many of the schools taking part were from areas of deprivation and have no interaction with outdoor activities or relationships outside school and immediate families. In total, the project involved over 52 schools and each day had 120 pupils. The first day included designing a water barrel pond, renovating a pond by the 8th tee, planting trees, and identifying different native species. The second day was about earth, with 400 native bulbs planted, two bug hotels built for the course, and the children making their own bug houses to take with them. The two bug hotels were named ‘Bugston Air Bee n Bee’ and ‘Bugingham Palace’ and placed in situ alongside the 2nd tees and between the 9th tees and green. Local park rangers ran activities including hedgehog-house kits to be put together, while the local Hedgehog Rescue Trust talked about hedgehog needs, feeding them at home and how to provide hibernation over winter. The Lord Mayor of Wirral (in her regalia) made an entrance and witnessed what the children were undertaking, even having her first ride on one of the golf carts. The final day was themed around air, with a local beekeeping group with an observation hive, a bat man with a couple of live bats, and an owl man, who all arrived with respective creatures to educate the children. The club was also able to offer golf lessons to them. Prior to 2023, several small groups of members maintained flower beds and volunteered to help the greenkeepers with the various clearing activities but this has galvanised current members to get involved.
Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club (Kent)
A GEO-certified club since 2013, Birchwood Park has consistently worked to reduce its environmental impact while championing innovative solutions that improve nature, resource efficiency, and its community. Working with the Woodland Trust, it has restored 1.2 hectares of woodland within its grounds by planting a diverse mix of native trees. This project not only enhances the biodiversity of the club, but also provides critical habitats for local wildlife, supporting birds, insects, and small mammals. By sequestering carbon, these trees actively help Birchwood Park offset its carbon footprint, aligning with the UK’s broader net-zero targets. Over time, this woodland area will mature into a thriving natural asset, enhancing the beauty and ecological value of Birchwood Park’s course for generations to come. Resource efficiency is integral to its operations and it has achieved zero waste to landfill, a significant milestone in its waste management strategy. By increasing recycling rates by 35%, it has embraced the principles of the circular economy. Its efforts include working closely with suppliers to improve packaging recyclability and educating staff and members on waste segregation. These actions ensure that materials are reused and recycled wherever possible, reducing its environmental footprint and contributing to a cleaner planet. Recognising the risks associated with water scarcity and pollution, Birchwood Park has developed an innovative water management system that redirects car park run-off into its irrigation infrastructure. This approach enables the club to irrigate turf using captured rainwater, significantly reducing reliance on abstracted or potable water supplies. Additionally, this system helps prevent pollutants from entering local waterways, protecting the integrity of the surrounding environment. This project exemplifies how golf clubs can adopt practical, scalable solutions to address critical environmental challenges.
North Hants Golf Club (Hampshire)
North Hants stream glass, mixed recycling, and general waste while there is a constant focus on eliminating single-use plastics. North Hants sell takeaway reuseable cups and source refillable products, or goods in packaging which is compostable or biodegradable within general waste. Soft plastics, batteries, milk bottle tops (October 2023 and 2024: a total of 10kg to fundraise for Surrey Air Ambulance), bras, ink cartridges, pens, towels, glasses, stamps, furniture, and electricals, are recycled responsibly, rehomed, repurposed, or donated to charitable organisations. The club runs in-house collection banks for goods, which go to support or raise funds for local charities. Hazardous waste is responsibly removed. Strict food labelling and portion control ensure minimal food waste. The club receives a cash value by weight of metal waste, which is collected by its waste carrier and the money is invested back into its sustainability programme. Daily course data collection ensures a measured and efficient use of applications of water, fungicides, and pesticides. Recycle, Rehome, Repair, Reduce, Reuse, and Repurpose have become part of North Hants’ philosophy. Some examples are: old pallets becoming bird, bat and owl boxes; sleepers making compost compounds; wood being used to make log piles, hedgehog homes and bug hotels; worn blades making substantial shelf brackets; and parts of an old kitchen being reused and repurposed into furniture. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Reptile and Amphibians Group have 20 refugia out on site, made from recycled corrugated tin, and they monitor and record any species found on site. These sightings have included grass snakes, adders, and slow worms. The group have also performed a newt survey on its water courses around the site. Fleet Beekeepers Association manage eight hives on site and North Hants also commissioned its own hive which produced over 100 jars of honey for members to purchase in 2024. They also have relationships with The Hampshire Bat Group, The Butterfly Conservation and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society. A local bird spotter monitors the site and spotted 27 different species in his first visit. North Hants also contributed to the Big Butterfly Count, as well as recording and monitoring six types of fungi found on site in 2024. It has increased wildflower meadows, sowing 32 different species of wildflower for its site pollinators. The club developed a member wildlife sightings book situated in the clubhouse which helps map and monitor the wildlife on the course. It also holds regular course walks for members and local community groups to explain what they do and to help keep the membership informed. A project the club have worked towards in 2024 is the overall reduction of fossil fuel usage within the greenkeeping department. It has also had a drive towards the use of electric/battery powered machinery. Not only is this a reduction in fuel and oil usage, but it also helps us develop the community and relationships with neighbours with a drastic reduction in noise pollution.
Ormskirk (Lancashire) - Carris Trophy
Planning and preparations for the 2024 Carris Trophy started three years before, in which the club secured access to an adjacent field, turning it into a top-class practice facility, managed by volunteers who worked tirelessly in handwashing an endless supply of balls. Additional volunteer greenkeepers were brought in to support the existing team, who showcased Ormskirk at its finest on the international stage. The club engaged with several local businesses, selling tee sponsorship, to raise the profile of the championship within the county.
Stover Golf Club (Devon) - English Women's County Finals
Stover provided a warm welcome to the six finalists. They adapted the venue to provide excellent catering options to both the county teams and spectators during tight turnarounds between the morning and afternoon matches, hosting the teams in the main lounge and the spectators in a marquee. The club embraced the event with a large team of volunteers and produced their own spectator guide, with key information for those visiting. Following a weather delay on the final day, the catering team quickly responded and provided lunch for 70 people at very short notice. The club went above and beyond in every area to provide a great experience for all those visiting.
Tandridge Golf Club (Surrey) - English Girls' U16/U14 Stroke Play Championship
The course manager and greenstaff went the extra mile to showcase the course in its best condition for the championship, despite very dry and testing conditions. Greenstaff were on hand around the clock each day, maintaining consistent green speeds, adapting to changes in the competition format, and returning to hand water the course to ensure it remained playable all week. The club provided excellent food and service to the 144 junior competitors, their parents, guardians and coaches, and the on-site England Golf officials. The menu was reduced in size and priced at an affordable point to ensure everyone was able to experience the high-quality catering for which the club is known. 80 volunteers helped on-site 12 hours a day, rescheduling dozens of volunteers late into the night, due to format changes plus marshals assisted on the car-park entrance, welcoming and directing players and visitors whilst also acting as security to provide active safeguarding for juniors.
West Sussex (Sussex) - Reid Trophy
West Sussex staff and members went above and beyond expectations, delivering a memorable championship experience. International competitors were welcomed to the club with a clubhouse decked out internally with flags of all the nations that were represented. A changing daily menu, volunteers in every area of the clubhouse and golf course, and a temporary halfway hut operated and staffed by members throughout long, busy days, helped to create a superb championship experience.
Sponsored by:
TOURNAMENT VENUE OF THE YEAR
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Bob Lacey (Surrey Golf)
Bob Lacey has played a pivotal role in the growth of junior golf in Surrey. He organised the Surrey Rookie Tour (13-17 events), JAGS events, county championships, Surrey Schools competitions, and managed the U12, U13, and U14 squads. Over 150 young golfers participated in well-organised, enjoyable, and educational events. The Rookie Tour produced talented players such as Lottie Woad and Kris Kim. The Surrey U12 and U13 squads were undefeated, while the U14 squad won the Sussex Salver. Bob personally planned and executed all events, ensuring seamless logistics and creating a positive, inclusive environment. He was always present at events, greeted players, resolved issues, and offered guidance. His end-of-season prizegiving celebrated achievements with over 250 awards distributed. Bob emphasised etiquette, sportsmanship, and respect, creating a culture of integrity and passion for golf, while he engaged and supported a team of volunteers, enhancing the overall success of events. Bob is humble, kind, patient, and hardworking, and is known for his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to junior golf. He maintains high standards while being approachable and supportive, earning respect from players and parents.
Peter MacLeod (Bidston Golf Club, Cheshire)
Peter MacLeod has been Club Secretary in a voluntary capacity for the past three years. Peter managed the transfer of employees from Moreton Hills to Bidston, engaged services from club members on a paid basis and has led the total reorganisation of the golf shop. Without Peter’s input the pro shop would have closed. Despite course closures and management issues, Peter has negotiated Bidston through this and ensured that the clubhouse is maintained as ‘fit for purpose’, negotiating with insurers to renew policies and to ensure the club is compliant with health and safety and employment regulations. He has increased the number of volunteers who support the running of the clubhouse and the course, while he has also worked to support the inclusion of local communities and schools and supported the improvement in biodiversity of the course – resulting in being chosen as a finalist in the 2025 Golf Environment Awards. Without Peter’s sole input and support, the club would not have met deadlines for electrical surveys, banking requirements, employment regulations and more. Every crisis has fallen to him to investigate, make recommendations, resolve and report back, and he has done this with kindness, professionalism and has saved the club money in the process. His work has meant the club is now in a period of stability, professionally and financially. This year, the club has increased its membership and visitor revenues by a big percentage. He has managed to convince members of the need to recognise the importance of visitors and societies, for its income to be sustainable. In addition, he has involved himself with social media, and part of this has involved including 52 local schools (in areas of deprivation) and promoting golf as a sport that is easier to access and inclusive to all.
Jo Taylor (Cheadle Golf Club, Cheshire)
Jo Taylor was initially appointed as the volunteer responsible to lead Cheadle’s marketing 18 months ago and as such is part of the Management Board. In that time, she has transformed Cheadle’s approach to marketing using social media and has been integral to the club delivering on its aims in 2024. One of her key achievements in 2024 includes membership growth, having generated over 150 new members, many of them new to golf club membership. She has also helped develop playing opportunities, led on key initiatives to give wider playing opportunities particularly for non-members, and set up the 7am club for those who work to play 9 holes before work. She has also set up ladies Get into Golf sessions and arranged iGolf and Night Golf evenings, while driving publicity and support for the launch of Cheadle’s junior section and Get into Golf Rookies events. She has also set up a hole sponsorship programme, while producing content for social media channels to help the club gain reach and exposure. Jo made over 200 phone calls to people who responded to the advertising campaign for new membership, and herself is an enthusiast, having started playing just over five years ago.
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Sally Benton (Eaton Golf Club, Norfolk)
Instrumental in gaining the club’s commitment to the Women in Golf Charter in 2021, Sally Benton embarked on a programme of support and activity for newcomers to golf, as well as existing members, driven by her passion for inclusion and retention. By 2024, having established a team of buddies, WhatsApp groups for newcomers, and arranged numerous coaching sessions, practice activities and social events, Sally was able to finetune by creating the Eaton Academy Programme. This involved her organising a co-ordinated programme of group coaching with the professional, and leading supervised practice sessions throughout the year. She signed up for Women on Par activities and resources in May and secured agreement for an official blue tee course. Keen to upskill her volunteers, Sally arranged activator training, and has seen a continuation of group coaching, trips to a local driving range, and inclusion in ladies social events. Throughout, she offers caring, personal advice and encouragement, supports new members to gain a handicap and to join in competitive golf, and has sourced golfing equipment and clothing to get women started. She has created a culture of fun and camaraderie which extends to the entire ladies’ section. From an initial group of six newcomers in 2021, Sally and her team now work with 41 in beginners groups, the Eaton Academy, or the new Twilight Membership category. Sally has made a significant, remarkable and long-lasting impact in her 16 years at Eaton, recently holding positions of Vice-Captain (2021), Captain (2022) Competitions Secretary (current) and Charter Champion (current). Sally is also driven to honour the memory of her close friend and fellow Charter Champion, Lyndsey Hewison, who died in February 2024. Together they spearheaded the initiatives which Sally brought to life and she is tireless in her promotion of their shared values of ‘Fun, Friendship and Great Golf’.
Hannah Morrison (Mellor Golf Club, Cheshire)
Since joining Mellor as Assistant Professional in May 2024, Hannah Morrison has had a huge impact in creating opportunities for women and juniors. She launched three successful Women Get Into Golf courses, coaching a total of 30 women in the fundamentals of the game. To strengthen the community, Hannah created a WhatsApp group where nine new academy members can arrange social meet-ups and practice sessions, creating a real sense of togetherness and connection. Hannah also introduced weekly junior coaching sessions and holiday camps, which played a key role in the significant growth of junior membership. Hannah’s dedication and passion has created a more inclusive and vibrant golfing community. At just 22, Hannah brings youthful energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for golf. She has been exceptional in her work with junior and women's coaching, dedicating herself to growing and nurturing these underrepresented sections of Mellor’s membership. Through her Women Get Into Golf courses and weekly junior sessions, she has played a key role in attracting new members and creating a welcoming, supportive environment for golfers of all ages and abilities. Her impact has been truly transformative, helping to make the club more inclusive and vibrant.
Skratch Women (London)
Skratch Women has engaged with hundreds of female golfers in the London area, making golf approachable, fun, and social, encouraging women to take part and connect with others who share an interest in the sport. Their annual calendar boasts over 35 events, including travel experiences, learning sessions, corporate events and social gatherings. Designed to accommodate golfers of all skill levels, these events foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where every woman feels comfortable and valued. In just three years, Skratch Women has guided over 100 women through structured golf learning programmes, taken over 100 women on trips abroad and introduced countless others to the sport through their popular ‘drinks and driving range’ events. By breaking down traditional barriers, Skratch Women transforms golf into a vibrant, accessible community activity. Beyond learning and playing, their initiatives inspire more women to explore the sport, creating a supportive network of players who share the joy of golf while redefining its accessibility for the modern woman. Skratch Women has over 3000 followers on social media, with 250-plus on their WhatsApp Community which launched in July 2024. Skratch Women has proven to be a highly-impactful initiative, successfully engaging women through diverse activities while capturing the interest of corporate businesses and brand partners. Collaborations with prominent names like TaylorMade, Duca Del Cosma and Travis Mathew underscore its influential role in driving change within the golf industry.
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WOMEN AND GIRLS' TRAILBLAZER
YOUNG PERSON
OF THE YEAR
George Cornall (Kenilworth and The Warwickshire, Warwickshire)
In 2024, George Cornall was Junior Captain of Kenilworth Golf Club and was offered a place as a PGA trainee on the PGA foundation degree course which he took up in October. George is a registered golfer with EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association). As a child with auditory sensory processing issues leading to mental overload and extreme anxiety, George often withdrew from sports and was in and out of school. As he evidently had good co-ordination, he tried to find a niche and came to golf on the range with one-to-one coaching. By age nine, he developed technical skills but even then, on-course golf and playing with others proved very stressful. He was selected for the county but dropped out, and it took him to age 15 to play 18 holes. By the time George had a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), his schooling had passed by so he never received a proper chance at a normal education. He played squash and hit a great golf ball, and some felt he'd be a scratch player one day, but he simply did not play on the course, and normally walked in after a few holes. Despite his lack of schooling, golf became a route – something to do. Eventually, after years, he made his breakthrough, winning his first ever medal from the white tees, then 20 times in the following year, including three medals; the Medal Cup, Order of Merit, and the Winter Series, his club's most successful player that year. Junior Opens followed in the 2023/24 season, shooting the leading score in gross and net in the county for several weeks, with his handicap coming down to 5. Newspaper articles were pinned to the wall of his old school's Special Educational Needs unit, to encourage others not to quit. George now finds himself in the position of being an ambassador at his club. Through doggedness he was able to overcome personal issues and certain barriers. As a PGA trainee, he hopes his example and ongoing golf journey can inspire, but also that his experiences can help others, and that we can develop new and better approaches to make golf more inclusive. George is currently working on new research linking neurological research in autism to sport performance.
Ruby Fox (Kenwick Park, Lincolnshire)
Ruby Fox has volunteered numerous times throughout the year in the girls’ and boys’ group coaching sessions at Kenwick Park. She was named as the Girls’ Captain for the 2023/24 season and has given her time to take up-and-coming juniors out onto the course for the first time. She effectively managed two girls’ Golf Sixes teams, in which she did the organisation and running of events. The teams had a truly successful year, coming 1st and 2nd in the league. Ruby uses her Community Golf Instructor qualification (getting it at just 16 and being one of the first 22 people to receive it in the UK) to reach out to under-privileged communities, courtesy of her work for Magna Vitae’s School’s Out programme. She actively participates in England Golf/Golf Foundation’s Young Ambassadors programme, in which her biggest achievement so far was being part of the panel of Young Ambassadors who went to a board connectivity meeting. This meeting involved board members from England Golf and Golf Foundation listening to Ruby and her fellow ambassadors’ insights, to discuss how they can work together to develop junior golf moving forwards. Ruby acts as a positive role model to not just the girls and juniors in her own club, but to all juniors across the country with the Young Ambassadors programme. She never fails to develop outside-the-box ideas when she creates the sessions. She actively challenges stereotypes by pushing not only girls to get into golf through campaigns, but works on creating a voice for all juniors. Throughout this year she has played a positive part in countless children’s lives and helped share her own passion of golf to other juniors.
Megan Grimwood (Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire)
Megan Grimwood became Junior Club Captain of Kirby Muxloe in 2024, showing her love of golf, and passing that love on to those younger than herself at her golf club. She also takes part in promoting golf through her school. For Bring it on Brum at the Masters at The Belfry, Megan led a team of adult volunteers from The R&A to deliver a golf skills festival for children on Birmingham’s Holiday Activity & Food Programme. Megan enjoyed her first year in England Golf’s Young Ambassadors programme, and was part of the first cohort of ambassadors to meet and share ideas with the England Golf and Golf Foundation board members. Through her engagement with the Young Ambassadors’ Board Connectivity Project, she is providing a voice for young people to help make golf more inclusive and accessible – currently developing a piece of work around the development of dress code recommendations for golf clubs. This project has also changed the perceptions of what young people are capable of, with positive feedback from the England Golf & Golf Foundation board members. Megan represented the Young Ambassadors programme at the Youth Sport Trust’s Sport Sector Summit, exchanging ideas with other sports, while she co-presented the Young Person of the Year award at the Golf Foundation President’s Awards, following a day at the BMW PGA Championship where she helped lead activities in the junior golf zone. Megan also assisted in the Young Ambassadors recruitment day, sharing her story, assisting the candidates, as well as assessing them and making recommendations back to the management team.
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