Walker gets top coaching award

Yorkshire’s Graham Walker has been honoured with England Golf’s Coaching Achievement Award for his many successes with the national men’s squad.

Walker (left), who is based at The Oaks Golf Club and has been the squad’s lead coach since 2011, was recognised at the England Golf Awards gala dinner.

“This is a massive achievement for me and I’m immensely proud,” said Walker. “I love working with the players and getting them to improve to become the best they can be.”

Steve Parrish (right), chairman of England Golf’s Performance committee, presented the award and said: “Graham has made a tremendous contribution to the success of our English players over many years.

“He has been an outstanding role model for his fellow professional coaches and set excellent standards in work ethic, coaching programmes and motivation of our players.”

With Walker as coach, the England men’s team successes have included winning European gold and bronze medals, the European Men’s Challenge Trophy, the European Nations Cup, twice; and the Home Internationals.

He has also worked individually with players such as Danny Willett, coaching him to become world number one amateur and a European Tour winner; Paul Waring, the European Tour player; Garrick Porteous, who became British Amateur champion before turning professional; and Holly Clyburn, a winner on the Ladies European Tour.

Walker also invests in fellow teaching professionals, helping them to improve their coaching skills and to develop their careers.