England Golf has announced that Philip Woodcock, of Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club, has formally accepted the invitation to become England Golf president elect in 2027 and president in 2028.
Philip’s appointment recognises more than five decades of exceptional service to the game, during which he has shaped junior development, strengthened county structures, and championed safe, welcoming environments for golfers across Yorkshire and beyond.
Philip’s lifelong connection to golf began at Scarborough North Cliff, inspired by his grandfather’s link to the club’s former president, Sir Meredith Whittaker, who kindly gave him a seven-iron. He then spent hours in a field next to the golf course learning how to play.
He was entranced by the game’s charm and, as a gifted junior, he joined the club’s junior section, won the Junior Cup in 1970, and went on to achieve a single-figure handicap. His passion for the sport quickly evolved into a deep commitment to volunteering and leadership.
Elected to the club committee at just 30, Philip served Scarborough North Cliff from 1984-1997 across the handicaps and house committees, becoming club captain in 1994. As junior organiser for 34 years, he transformed the junior section into a structured, thriving programme with its own elected captain, committee and AGM. He also introduced the Golf Foundation’s Passport Scheme, creating a clear pathway from academy coaching to junior membership.
Philip’s contribution to junior golf is widely recognised. Working with the Golf Foundation from 1989-2013, he raised more than £26,000 through raffles and charity competitions. In 2014 he received the Sir Henry Cotton Award for Meritorious Service to Junior Golf, alongside honorary life membership of the foundation – an honour he continues to cherish.
Across Yorkshire, Philip is particularly well known for his leadership in junior development. As junior development officer for the East Riding Union, he established a comprehensive coaching and playing pathway, and supported county teams throughout the mid-2010s.
His influence expanded further when he joined the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs executive in 2015, becoming boys’ chairman and manager the following year. Under his guidance, the Yorkshire boys’ team enjoyed remarkable success, reaching six England Golf Boys’ County Finals and securing national titles in 2017, 2018 and 2024. The team also dominated the Northern Counties Boys’ League in 2024 and 2025, winning against all five opposing counties.
Philip’s commitment to safeguarding has been equally significant. His leadership enabled Yorkshire to become the first county in England to achieve SafeGolf accreditation, and he continues to champion safe, positive environments for young golfers across the region.
Since 2020, Philip has served as England Golf boys’ regional manager for Yorkshire, supporting the development of players who have progressed to US scholarships, national squads and elite amateur competition. Several golfers he has mentored – including Dan Bradbury, Alex Fitzpatrick, Sam Bairstow, Ben Schmidt and Josh Berry – are now competing on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
In 2024, Philip was elected president of the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs, a role he fulfilled with pride, representing the county across the Northern Counties and promoting the game at every level.
Away from golf, Philip enjoyed a 37-year career with Barclays Bank, latterly as a small business manager in Malton. He served as a business advisor and board member for The Prince’s Trust (now King’s Trust) from 1990-2008, receiving the Mentor of the Year Award for Yorkshire and Humberside in 2002. He has also held roles with Business Link and the Scouting Association.
Speaking about his appointment, Philip said: “I am absolutely delighted in accepting the appointment as president elect of England Golf for 2027. I must thank the past presidents and board for this incredible honour, for which I am deeply grateful. I am looking forward to assisting Patrick Cunningham in his year of presidency along with continuing to promote our great game, a game I have loved since those early days of starting out with that trusty seven-iron!”
