Mickey Walker and Bernard Gallacher have received The PGA’s most prestigious honour in recognition of careers that have married success on tour with the traditional calling of a club professional.
Walker’s addition to a select group that, as well as Gallacher, currently comprises Tony Jacklin, Doug Smith, Neil Coles and Sir Nick Faldo, makes her the first Women’s PGA member to be awarded the accolade.
The 69-year-old, who was appointed the professional at The Warren Golf Club, Essex, in 1987 is one of three women to attain PGA master professional status. That appointment was preceded by a successful playing career which included two Curtis Cup appearances, back-to-back Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship victories in 1971 and 72, plus six tournament wins on both the Ladies European and LPGA tours. She also chaired the Ladies European Tour Board and was appointed captain of the European Solheim Cup 1990, a role she performed four times before focusing on coaching and media work while still working as a club pro.
Gallacher, who has just completed two years as PGA captain, has experienced a similarly successful and varied career after turning pro in 1967. He was the Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year in 1968, accumulated more than 20 tournament victories in his career, played in the Ryder Cup on eight occasions and captained the team in 1991, 93 and 95.
