Finalists named for Coach of the Year

The shortlist of four finalists for the Coach of the Year accolade at the England Golf Awards 2018 has been revealed.

Phil Akers (The Belfry, Warwickshire), Aaron Lansberry (Hatchford Brook Golf Centre, Warwickshire), Anders Mankert (Cosby Golf Club, Leicestershire) and Matthew Turnock (Mottram Hall Golf Club, Cheshire) are all in the running to be named Coach of the Year.

All four coaches were selected by a judging panel following a record-breaking number of entries for the awards, which aim to shine the spotlight on the fantastic achievements in golf in England by volunteers, coaches, clubs and counties.

The PGA will sponsor the Coach of the Year Award, which aims to identify a PGA Professional whose passion and commitment helps grow the game.

All four nominees had to demonstrate how they inspire new players, support existing golfers and realise the ambitions and potential of promising talent. Coaches also had to show how they have developed their own skills, as well as new ideas and initiatives.

England Golf Chief Executive Nick Pink said: “We were thrilled by the number and quality of nominations we received and delighted that so many people are helping us to tell golf’s great stories to the wider community.

“Our finalists are all outstanding and we are looking forward to highlighting their successes at our gala dinner and to applauding our winners.”

The winners will be announced on February 22, 2018 at an Awards dinner at the Royal Lancaster London where eight awards in total will be handed out.

Tickets for the black-tie gala dinner cost £85 per person and include drinks on arrival and a three course meal with half a bottle of wine. For more information about the England Golf Award and for list of categories and sponsors click here.