Women’s Golf Day announces Inspire Action Award winners and new week-long format

Women’s Golf Day (WGD) has announced the winners of the 2022 Inspire Action Awards. This year’s awards reflect the international reach of WGD with winners from North America – Mark Gore, SVP golf operations at Invited Clubs; Canada – Shannon Cole, vice president brand marketing at RBC; Scotland – Iona Stephen, TV presenter; and Spain – Finca Cortesin. 

The awards, which were announced during the PGA Merchandise Show, are presented annually and acknowledge the important role that these individuals and organisations play to engage, empower and support women and girls through golf. 

WGD founder Elisa Gaudet also announced that WGD 2023 will be a week-long celebration for the first time, offering locations the chance to host an event on any day from May 30, the same date as WGD’s PALOOZA digital event, through to WGD’s birthday on Tuesday June 6. 

Iona Stephen, who has been working with The R&A to create engaging content around golf and health, was able to accept her award in person from Elisa. She said: “I’m flattered to receive this award and am glad if my platform in golf has inspired just one person to take up sport or one woman to feel like she too can enjoy this wonderful game.  As a female working in the golf industry, with a platform, I know my voice and actions matter. I hope to keep spreading the message of how welcoming golf can be, the community it offers and how, in fact, life enhancing it can be. We all have to use the voice we have, and I have more work to do.”

Vicente Rubio, president of Fina Cortesin, which will host this year’s Solheim Cup and is long-time supporter of Women’s Golf Day, said: “Finca Cortesin is extremely proud to have been presented with an Inspire Action Award by Women’s Golf Day. Providing equal opportunities in the game of golf to women and girls has always been a key focus for the resort since it opened, and to me personally. As the host venue for this year’s Solheim Cup, we are dedicated to creating a lasting legacy in the region. Our aim is to improve the accessibility for women at all levels in the sport, both on and off the course, through our ongoing commitments made to The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter, as well as the three Spanish Ladies European Tour professionals that we currently sponsor on tour.”

Shannon Cole, vice president, brand marketing at RBC, added: “I am honored to receive Women Golf Day’s 2023 Inspire Action Award and to be recognised among past and current recipients who have made a meaningful impact on the golf industry and advancing women golfers. RBC was thrilled to announce a partnership with WGD last year, launching the inaugural and inspiring WGD RBC Toronto event. I am proud to continue collaborating with WGD this year, moving the needle on our shared vision to champion women in sport.”

To find out more about Women’s Golf Day and what benefits your registration entitles you to visit www.womensgolfday.com/register