Durham teenager Jamie Jopling has received the first Hero’s Handshake award of 2022.
The award is presented by England Golf and the Golf Foundation’s Young Ambassadors in recognition of behind-the-scenes work carried out by young volunteers or those who champion juniors in the game.
Jamie, a member of Ramside Hall, impressed the judges with his dedication to encouraging others at his club and in speaking openly and positively about living with autism since his diagnosis at the age of four.
Through his social media accounts, 14-year-old Jamie talks about his journey in golf and highlights the challenges he faces and overcomes in a bid to encourage others to follow suit.
After being presented with a trophy and certificate to mark his contribution to the game by the Golf Foundation’s Ian Harvey, Jamie said: “I am happy and a little bit overwhelmed to have won this award. It was the best surprise… it really does make everything worthwhile.
“My aim now is to kick on and hopefully become a scratch golfer by the age of 16.”
Jamie’s coach, Ramside-based Robert Lister, said it was a pleasure to watch the youngster develop on and off the course in recent years.
Although always keen to help others, Jamie has not neglected his own practice sessions.
In 2021 he was part of the Ramside team which was crowned England Golf’s Junior Champion Club after winning the national finals at Woodhall Spa.
For more details on the Hero’s Handshake award, including how to nominate an individual for recognition, visit www.englandgolf.org/volunteering/young-ambassadors-2022/
