The annual England Golf Performance Conference & Awards took place at Eastwood Hall in Nottinghamshire – with some the amateur game’s star coaches, volunteers and regions honoured as part of the event.
The 100-strong crowd were treated to a talk from Olympics legend and England Golf ambassador Dame Denise Lewis, while awards were presented to individuals and regions.
Boys’ Region of the Year – East
The East Region was named Boys’ Region of the Year for 2024/25 – recognising an exceptional season of consistent results, strong representation at national and international level, and a collective commitment to player development.
At the top level, Toby Peters and Ben Sessions led the way with international honours. Toby represented England at both the European Team Championships and Home Internationals, while Ben also featured in the Home Internationals and delivered a standout performance at the Spanish Boys’ Championship. Their achievements set the tone for what was a remarkable year across the entire East Regional Squad.
The region’s depth was further highlighted in the England Golf Boys’ Order of Merit – where Toby secured first place, Ben finished third, and additional East players ranked ninth, 16th and 19th. With five players inside the national top 20, the East Region demonstrated consistency and strength across the most competitive events.
Throughout the season, East Region players recorded victories at the McEvoy Trophy, South of England Boys, South East Junior, and two Faldo Series events. The squad also celebrated multiple top three finishes at prestigious tournaments including the Spanish Boys, Carris Trophy, England U18s, West of England U18s, North of England U16s, and another McEvoy Trophy. A wealth of top 10 finishes at events such as the Berkhamsted, Lagonda, Berkshire Trophy, English Amateur, Tillman Trophy and Fairhaven Trophy further underlined the squad’s consistency.
Success was shared across the squad rather than concentrated in one or two individuals, showcasing both the depth and strength of the East Region.
Under the guidance of Chris Jenkins, Paul Prebble and Will Wayland, the team also embraced innovative performance tools such as Upgame, using data and feedback to refine training and tournament preparation. This approach translated into improved on-course decision-making and measurable performance gains.
Girls’ Region of the Year – West Midlands
The West Midlands was crowned Girls’ Region of the Year for 2024/25 – recognising a season of hard work, impressive results and outstanding player development.
Throughout the year, the region celebrated remarkable progress with players achieving significant handicap improvements and standout performances on the national stage.
Among the highlights was Serafima Taylor – who won the English Girls’ U16s – and Arianna Virik –who earned two England U16 callups – showcasing the region’s ability to nurture talent ready for international competition.
Behind the success lies the dedication of Jason Davies, whose commitment to his role has been praised by players and parents alike. Supported by Ashley Jones’ encouragement and Ben Langdown’s strength and conditioning expertise, the coaching team has created a positive and high-performance environment where young athletes can thrive.
Coach of the Year – Rob Watts
Rob Watts won the 2025 Coach of the Year award after an exceptional year of dedication, expertise and impact on the development of elite golfers.
Rob’s relentless commitment to excellence has shaped a catalogue of high-performing athletes, both male and female, who have achieved success at the highest levels of the sport.
His players have celebrated victories across multiple stages, including amateur events in the UK and Europe, US college competitions, Clutch Tour, HotelPlanner Tour, Champions Tour, multiple LET titles, and an Asian Tour win.
Under his mentorship, athletes have also competed at the pinnacle of golf – with appearances at The Open, Evian Championship, US Open, and the PGA Championship.
Beyond individual success, Rob has guided England teams to remarkable achievements in 2025, securing four international victories – the Octagonal at Costa Ballena, European Nations Cup at Sotogrande, Spain vs England at La Galiana, and the Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa – alongside bronze medals at the European Team Championships in Killarney and the World Amateur Team Championship (Eisenhower Trophy) in Tanah Merah.
Volunteer of the Year – Sue Ashworth
England Golf recognised Sue Ashworth for her extraordinary dedication, kindness and commitment, which have made a lasting impact across every level of the golfing community.
For many years, Sue has given her time and energy selflessly – volunteering at club, county, regional and national level. Her tireless contributions have strengthened the player pathway, supported golfers of all ages and abilities, and set an inspiring example of what it means to be a volunteer.
A passionate advocate for junior golf, Sue has nurtured the next generation as a long-serving regional manager, ensuring young players are encouraged, supported and given every opportunity to thrive. This year, she stepped in at the last minute to lead Buckinghamshire at the Women’s County Finals, and served as welfare officer for the international team in Spain, the European Women’s Team, and the England U16s against Scotland.
In her welfare role, Sue has offered guidance, empathy and steadfast support – going above and beyond in challenging circumstances to create environments where players can perform at their best.
Through every role, Sue has shown exceptional commitment, humility and heart. Her quiet strength, generosity of spirit and unwavering empathy remind us of the profound difference volunteers make in shaping the future of the sport.
Tony Moran – Annual Award for Excellence in Coaching
Tony Moran was awarded the Annual Award for Excellence in Coaching – which recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the England Golf Performance Programme over many years.
Tony’s career exemplifies dedication, leadership and service to the game. His journey with England Golf began in November 2010, when he was appointed assistant regional coaching manager for the East Region.
Soon after, he stepped up to lead both the Boys’ and Girls’ Regional Squads, guiding young talent with commitment and care. Following five successful years in the East, Tony was appointed England A squad manager, a role he held for six years, overseeing significant success until 2021 when the Men’s National Squads restructured to incorporate more US college-based players.
Since then, he has continued to serve the England Men’s Team as an independent selector, while also volunteering for team management opportunities whenever needed. His unwavering commitment has been instrumental in supporting players and shaping the future of English golf.
This year, Tony announced his intention to step down from his selector role, marking the close of a long and fruitful career of volunteering within the England Golf Performance Programme. His legacy is defined by years of service, countless player successes and an enduring impact on the pathway.
