Six PGA Professionals arrived at the Midland Manchester Hotel as finalists in the centenary England Golf Awards, sponsored by FootJoy, earlier this week.
The evening’s celebration honoured 100 years since the English Golf Union was founded at the very same venue, as well as recognising the excellent achievements of clubs, volunteers and professionals during the last twelve months.
PGA Professional Nicola Bennett (Bush Hill Park Golf Club) secured the Diversity and Inclusion Champion award, thanks to her commitment to bringing women and children from diverse communities into the game of golf.
Bennett said: “It means a lot to me because I feel fuelled to continue to grow, to evolve and to do more of what I'm doing. I hold a lot of gratitude just to be recognised. I really want to thank my ladies and Brendan from the Golf Foundation because he allows me to be forward thinking and really takes into consideration everything that I want to do.”
Speaking on what she’s been working on over the past year, Bennett said:
“I've gone into schools in North London in abundance, I go into SEN schools and I make a conscious effort to go into schools that aren't very privileged to give them the opportunity. I've seen kids build confidence and become better all-round individuals. Plus, I hold so much gratitude that I've been able to build a community, a platform and a safe, emotional place for women to evolve, be the best versions of themselves and participate in a game they never thought they would ever do. Historically, we haven't had that many women in the game and to be able to grow it is just the best feeling internally.”
Alex MacGregor (Addington Court Golf Club), took the title of Participation and Development Coach of the Year, despite facing stiff competition from fellow PGA Professionals Alastair Spink (Fynn Valley Golf Club) and Paul Creamer (Blacknest Golf and Country Club).
MacGregor said: “It's a great feeling to win this award and thanks go out to all the people that I've worked with throughout the years - the volunteers, The PGA, England Golf - that have helped me achieve this. This past year, I’ve tried to go out into the community even more, run school festivals, trained volunteers, and taken golf into South and East London into different football academies to try and get more clubs in more hands and get people loving the game that we love ourselves.”
Speaking on the importance of increasing participation, MacGregor continued:
“I know the benefits that golf can bring to people - it's got some stereotypes that we need to break out of the game but if we can get people playing golf, loving it, understanding the mental benefits, the social, the well-being it can bring you, as well as the competitive challenge, then it's going to be all the better for the golfing environment and their own environment as well.”
PGA Professionals Molly Moore (Reigate Hill Golf Club, pictured with Alistair Spink) and Meghan Hopkins (3 Hammers Golf Academy) were shortlisted in the Women and Girls’ Trailblazer category but on the night lost out to the Jersey Ladies Golf Development Group.
The culmination of the ceremony saw 12 industry greats be inducted into the Hall of Fame, including PGA Members Alison Nicholas, Dame Laura Davies, Sir Nick Faldo, Luke Donald and Peter Alliss.
For all the details on the winners from the evening, visit England Golf here.
