Heroes honoured at Golf Foundation awards

Volunteers, PGA Professionals, junior organisers and others dedicating their time to grass roots golf were celebrated at the Golf Foundation's President's Awards at Wentworth on 22nd May.

Former Golf Foundation Chairman Ken Schofield - a Guest of Honour - presented nine different awards in front of a large audience at Wentworth's Ballroom on the eve of the BMW PGA Championship.

The Golf Foundation aims to make golf more accessible to children from all backgrounds through its HSBC Golf Roots programme.

All winners fulfilled the Golf Foundation's criteria of helping to significantly advance the game in schools, communities and golf clubs.

"One of the things I love about this event is that it brings the whole of golf together to thank and celebrate the work of these unsung heroes," said Mike Round, the Golf Foundation's Chief Executive.

"This event is all about the foundations of the sport. It's about acknowledging the efforts of those whose work all too often goes unnoticed.

"All the winners have done tremendous work as part of our HSBC Golf Roots programme and I hope this inspires everybody here, and golfers everywhere, to support the Golf Foundation for the good of the game and the next generation of young players."

The Golf Foundation's Chairman, Charles Harrison, added: "It's wonderful to celebrate these amazing people who are doing so much to help the next generation of players. Their work is truly extraordinary." The President's Awards winners:

Gus Payne Award (club that raised the most money for the Golf Foundation) - Woburn Golf Club

The Bonallack Award (great schools programme) - Rushcliffe School Sport Partnership, Nottingham

The Laddie Lucas Award (best local project) - Islington Football Development Partnership

The Critchley Award (best major project) - Surrey HSBC Golf Roots Programme

The Mackenzie Award (engage with children and promote Skills for Life) - Off the Bench organisation, Lincolnshire

The Gallacher Award (volunteer of the year) - Paul Smith

The Sinclair Award (PGA Professional of the year) - Scott Rusbridge The Burroughs Award (those who support young golfers as they deal with adversity or for golfing progress made by an individual with special needs) - Lewis Eccles, 11, who is diagnosed with ASA, ADHA and Dyspraxia

The Sir Henry Cotton Award (long-term service to junior golf) - Tim Morrison