Close House-based PGA professional Sally Hinton was among the winners at the second annual Women in Golf Awards.
Sally was named Coach of the Year at the ceremony, which took place at Walton Heath ahead of the AIG Women’s Open. The winner came from all sectors of the industry and ranged in age from 20 to 83.
The winners were:
Sally Hinton of Close House was named Female PGA Coach of The Year sponsored by The Professional Golfers’ Association in recognition of her commitment to growing women’s and girls’ golf
Maureen Clarke of Sherwood Forest Golf Club won The Unsung Hero prize sponsored by England Golf for her 40-year commitment to golf – with volunteering roles in rules, handicapping and junior golf at club, county and national level
The Women’s Initiative prize sponsored by PING was taken by Yvonne Brooke, founder of The Ladies Golf Lounge – a 10,000-plus strong social community of women golfers
The Women in Turfcare award, sponsored by British and International Greenkeeper’s Association, went to Amanda Dorans of Loch Lomond Golf Club, a champion of sustainability for the last 15 years
Lydd Golf Club’s assistant greenkeeper Daisy Starling won The Rising Star award sponsored by Players First in recognition of her appetite, commitment, and passion for a role she had to Google a definition of when she joined the industry
Burham & Berrows Golf Club, which has delivered significant change by delivering multiple initiatives linked to its R&A Women in Golf Charter pledges, took Venue of the Year sponsored by Women & Golf
Pure Golf was named as Brand of the Year, sponsored by The British Golf Industry Association, acknowledging the brand’s products, service and commitment to empowering women golfers
The International Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by Perry Ellis International, went to Singapore-based Karen Proctor – who during her 20-year career has dedicated her time to supporting initiatives that help others address the gender imbalance in the industry and break boundaries in the region
The Trailblazer Award was presented to Emma Whitlock, secretary of Sussex County Golf. Emma has transformed the Union 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 county secretary role and is the youngest person to do so in the UK
The final award of the evening was for Inspirational Achievement, which was presented to the founder members of the first women’s professional tour in the UK. The award recognised the bravery they showed in giving up their amateur status, the passion they brought to the game, and their camaraderie and commitment to inspiring others to take up the sport. Denise Hastings, WPGA chair Sarah Bennett and PGA director Tracey Loveys were in attendance and accepted the award on their behalf.
“What a night,” said Nicole Wheatley, co-founder of the awards. “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, and 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 ballot for 2024 Women in Golf Awards ceremony is now open and available through the website www.womeningolfawards.com
