Time to recognise a golfing hero

Inspiring PGA Professionals can now be put forward for the prestigious Golf Foundation Presidents’ Awards, which will honour Britain’s unsung heroes of grass roots golf.

The annual extravaganza will recognise individuals, groups and organisations who deserve recognition for helping young people find their way in the game.

Among the accolades is the Sinclair Award for the PGA Professional of the year. Always a tightly contested affair, it was won last year by Scott Rusbridge (above).

The Essex-based Coastal Golf Academy pro was nominated after he played a key role in teaching Tri-Golf in schools.

At club level he developed the coaching programmes at Harwich GC, Frinton GC and Millers Barn, with children signing up for six-week courses that followed the Junior Golf Passport structure and encouraged further participation by joining the club.

The most prestigious award on offer is the Sir Henry Cotton Award, which recognises outstanding service in the development of young golfers over a sustained period of time.

This year’s event will be held at Wentworth, on the eve of the BMW PGA Championship in May.

Mike Round, chief executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “This is a unique opportunity for all who are closely associated with junior golf to recognise the dedication and passion that our award winners show in helping young people from all backgrounds and abilities to find a good start in golf. I am sure we will once again receive some outstanding nominations.”

Nomination forms can be downloaded here. The deadline for submissions is Friday 31 January.

To learn more about the Golf Foundation, please click here.