Woolley Park-based Evie Sanderson was one of the big winners as outstanding individuals, clubs and initiatives were honoured at the 2026 England Golf Awards.
Evie won the Young Person of the Year Award, supported by Golf Foundation – celebrating her outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact at Woolley Park Golf Club and across the wider golfing community.
A hugely respected junior ambassador for both Woolley Park and England Golf, Evie is at the heart of her club’s junior section.
Her commitment to supporting others is evident in everything she does. She organises and runs junior competitions, guides new and less confident players on the course, and creates a warm, inclusive environment where every young golfer feels welcome.
Evie is also an accomplished competitor, collecting numerous junior and adult trophies and proudly representing her club in Leeds and District competitions, the ladies’ team, the Northern Regional Golf team, and friendly fixtures for the rabbits.
Her passion for encouraging more girls into golf has made her a powerful and relatable role model. Her influence also extends well beyond playing. Evie helps administer the Junior Eclectic, designs her own events to keep younger players engaged, supports Junior Academy sessions, and assists at the Junior Open booking desk.
She is known for her thoughtful ideas, creativity, and unwavering willingness to help. Even when not selected for matches, she embodies true sportsmanship – cheering on teammates, helping with handicaps, and offering encouragement wherever it’s needed.
“It’s really, really special to me to win this award,” said Evie. “It was quite unexpected; I didn’t think I’d ever get this recognition.
“I’ve been doing a lot of work around inclusivity and encouraging more juniors to start playing, and providing them with role models so that they continue to play throughout their junior years.
“In the future, I’d love to become a role model bigger than just my club – in a wider community, maybe county-wise, and just make people aware of the work that we do and what it takes to become a role model to others.
“My proudest achievement so far is joining the Young Ambassador team with England Golf and the Golf Ambassadors to change perceptions in golf and promote junior golf throughout the country.”
Asked about what she’ll do with the trophy, Evie added: “I’ve got a nice golfing wall in my bedroom. It’s got a nice golfing triangle on, that’s got all golf balls on, so I think it’ll sit just perfectly on there and I’ll look at it daily.
“It’s been an incredible experience. I never ever thought I’d be standing here. The people I’ve met tonight are some really incredible people and they’re very, very inspiring.”
Evie was one of 13 winners at this year’s awards – which were hosted by TV presenter Chris Hollins at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel.
Public nominations were accepted for nine of the awards, with a panel of 50 judges from across the golf industry and media selecting the final winners.
The Young Person of the Year, Tournament Venue of the Year, and Performance of the Year awards were judged by England Golf’s championships and performance teams respectively.
A special Lifetime Service Award was awarded to the family and friends of the late David Lodge, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the game, while eight new inductees were welcomed into the England Golf Hall of Fame.
Each winner received an engraved glass trophy and a gift hamper to mark their achievements and lasting influence on the sport.
The award winners were:
Club of the Year, sponsored by Insured Health – The Club at Mill Green
County of the Year, sponsored by Citation – Cheshire Golf Ltd
Tournament Venue of the Year – Luffenham Heath (Carris Trophy)
Women in Golf Charter Club Award – Henbury Golf Club
Facility of the Year, sponsored by Howden – Need Golf Centre
Sustainability Project of the Year – Redbourn Golf Club
Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by CaddyComps – Ana Browne
Young Person of the Year, supported by Golf Foundation – Evie Sanderson
Participation & Development Coach of the Year, sponsored by Your Golf Travel – Mark & Lisa Shervill
Respect in Golf Award, sponsored by 54 – Bedfordshire County Golf
Women & Girls’ Trailblazer – Ladies Can Golf
Lifetime Service Award, sponsored by DotGolf – David Lodge
Performance of the Year – Lottie Woad
The Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 were: John Ball, Pamela Barton, David Marsh MBE, Janet Melville, Justin Rose MBE, Karen Stupples, Joyce Wethered, and Peter Wilson.
