Robinson and Kenyon receive England Golf awards

PGA Professionals Steve Robinson and Phil Kenyon were recognised with awards at the England Golf coaching conference. 

Robinson, who led the England women’s team to back-to-back European Championship wins, was named Coach of the Year 2017 for the second year in a row at an awards evening at Woodhall Spa on Tuesday night.

In addition to masterminding the England women’s successful defence of their European title, Robinson coached the Yorkshire boys’ and women’s teams to victory in their respective English County Championships. Between them the two teams have now won 13 English County Championships while being coached by the Yorkshireman. 

The highly-respected head professional at Sandburn Hall Golf Club in York has also been nominated as High Performance Coach of the Year award at the forthcoming 2017 UK Coaching Awards.  

“I’m very humbled by it all,” said Robinson. "Everyone likes to be valued for what they do and I am fortunate to work in an organisation with some first class people who have given me great support and with players who have given their all. I couldn’t do it without the belief of the players.”

He also paid tribute to his fellow coaches in the women’s game, adding: “Their contribution is so valuable as well. At the end of the day it’s Team England.” 

Top putting coach Phil Kenyon (pictured right) received the Award for Excellence in Coaching, in recognition for years of service to the England men and boys’ squads.

Kenyon is now concentrating on his professional portfolio, which includes Race to Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick. 

Kenyon, who is based at Formby Hall in Lancashire, was unable to attend the Awards dinner at Woodhall Spa, but he did send a video message to guests, describing the award as the ‘icing on the cake’. 

He remarked: “It’s a great honour to receive this award and it’s above any expectation I had when setting out with England Golf. The experiences I have had and the work I’ve enjoyed over recent years has really been reward enough.” 

“I’ve worked with some really class young people and it makes the job so rewarding to see them go on and achieve their goals in life.” 

Robinson and Kenyon's awards were announced together with recognition for Wendy Lodder, the Volunteer Manager of the Year from the East Region U18 Squad.

Photo of Steve Robinson courtesy of Leaderboard Photography