One hundred women and men from across the UK golf industry gathered at Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey last night (August 8) for the 2nd annual Women in Golf Awards, which were hosted by PGA Professional Nicola Bennett.
The winners came from all sectors of the industry and range in age from 20 to 83, showing the contribution that women make at every stage of their careers.
Nicole Wheatley, co-founder of the awards, said: “What a night! I feel like we have met some future industry leaders this evening. To see them shine on this stage gives me a huge sense of pride, as well as confidence that golf continues to move in the right direction. I have no doubt that the guests have gone away inspired, motivated, and with joy in their hearts, just as I have.”
The 2023 Women in Golf Award winners are:
Female PGA Coach of The Year (sponsored by The PGA)
Sally Hinton of Close House Golf Club in Newcastle won the award of her commitment to growing women’s and girl’s golf.
Unsung Hero (sponsored by England Golf)
Maureen Clarke of Sherwood Forest Golf Club won this award for her 40-year commitment to golf, with volunteering roles in rules, handicapping and junior golf at club, county and national level.
Women’s Initiative (sponsored by PING)
The Women’s Initiative award was won by Yvonne Brooke, founder of The Ladies Golf Lounge, a 10,000+ social community of women golfers.
Women in Turfcare (sponsored by BIGGA)
Amanda Dorans of Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland, who has been a champion of sustainability for the last 15 years.
Rising Star (sponsored by Players First)
Daisy Starling, Lydd Golf Club’s Assistant Greenkeeper, won The Rising Star award in recognition of her appetite, commitment, and passion for a role she had to look up on the internet for a definition for when she joined.
Venue of the Year (sponsored by Women & Golf)
Burham & Berrow Golf Club in Somerset won this award in recognition of delivering multiple initiatives linked to its R&A Women in Golf Charter pledges.
Brand of the Year (sponsored by The British Golf Industry Association)
Women’s apparel brand Pure Golf won this award in recognition of the brand’s products, service and commitment to empowering women golfers.
International Woman of the Year Award (sponsored by Perry Ellis International}
Singapore-based Karen Proctor won this award in recognition of a 20-year career dedicated to supporting initiatives that help others address the gender imbalance in the industry and breaking boundaries in the region.
Trailblazer Award
Emma Whitlock, Country Secretary at Sussex County Golf. Emma has transformed SCG since being elected to the role, including advocating for girls to take part in the boys’ competitions, introducing sustainable practices, and trialling mixed events. She is one of only two women to hold a Country Secretary role and is the youngest person to do so in the UK.
Inspirational Achievement
The final award of the evening was given to the founder members of the Ladies European Tour. The award recognised the bravery they showed in giving up their amateur playing rights, the passion that they brought to the game, their camaraderie and commitment to inspiring others to take up the sport. Founder Member Denise Hastings, WPGA Chair Sarah Bennett and PGA Director Tracey Loveys were in attendance and accepted the award on their behalf.
The ballot to attend the 2024 Women in Golf Awards ceremony is now open and available through www.womeningolfawards.com.