Double West honour for Hendriksen

Paul Hendriksen has been crowned the PGA in England and Wales (South West) professional of the year in recognition of his outstanding playing achievements in 2015.

And the 36-year-old Devon professional was also chosen by Barry Sandry, left, as the captain’s player of the year and received the Captain’s Salver as well. The awards were made at the annual meeting at Cumberwell Park.

Hendriksen, the Ivybridge Golf Club manager-pro who also teaches at Plymouth Golf Centre, enjoyed a year of unrivalled success. His first achievement was winning the Titleist & Footjoy PGA Professional Championship at Burnham and Berrow.

He represented England in the PGA of European team championships, victory in the Total Triumph Classic helped him finish third in the regional Order of Merit, and he crowned the season as a member of the PGA Cup-winning team in California that achieved the first win recorded on American soil.

Scott Godfrey (Ferndown) was honoured as West coach of the year. After winning the England amateur championship, representing England and qualifying to play in the Open at Royal St Georges in 2003, the Cornishman from St Enodoc turned to coaching.

He was involved in the development of Dorset stars Hayley Davis and Georgia Hall as well as other Ferndown youngsters and coached England Girls until he stepped down last year. He has now become head professional at Ferndown Golf Club.

Matthew Tucknott (West Cornwall) was selected as Development PGA Professional of the Year.

As director of junior development in Cornwall he has completed an impressive year introducing people into golf. He also coaches at Radnor Golf Club and Helston Golf Club and introduced more than 60 adults to golf in a year. He organised taster ‘Learn to Play in a Day’ sessions and structured weekly group coaching at each venue.

Regional secretary Kevin Hind said: “His approach has transformed the skill levels of juniors from recreational golfers into top-level players.”

Adam Frayne (Yelverton) won the Nigel Blenkarne Trophy, awarded to the leading assistant for training and achievements. The former EuroPro Tour player won the Cumberwell Park Players Championship, finished fourth in the Order of Merit and qualified for the Titleist PGA Play-Offs.

Emma Brown (Windmill Golf Academy, Bristol) won the PGA Charity Fundraiser of the Year award. She has raised more than £15,000 for various charities during her career. In 2015 she collected more than £4,000 for St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol and plans further fund-raising this year.