PGA Member Ivan Oliver was the recipient of a special Golf Foundation award as the national charity celebrated its 70th anniversary with a golf day at London Golf Club.
The awards paid tribute to those individuals and organisations who have made an impact on growing the game at a junior level.
Five awards were distributed, with the name of each reflecting Golf Foundation leaders from the past – including Charles Harrison and Stephen Proctor, who sadly both passed away in the last 12 months, and who both had a huge influence over the Foundation’s journey to where it is today.
Oliver was presented with the Charles Harrison Award for ‘Introducing tens of thousands of young people to golf’.
"I feel extremely honoured to receive The Charles Harrison Award from The Golf Foundation," said Oliver.
"I would like to say a huge personal thank you to The Golf Foundation for all their support over the past 12 years, during this time we have delivered golf to thousands of children in over 100 schools in north and east Yorkshire.
"An additional personal thank you to all the golf clubs, schools sports partnerships, county sport partnerships, local primary and secondary schools and college's, and the very committed individuals who have kindly contributed to develop golf for young people. Our projects have enabled thousands of children to enjoy the game of golf."
The team at Baysgarth Academy in North Lincolnshire won the Stephen Proctor Award for ‘Making golf inclusive to all young people’.
Elsewhere, the Sir Henry Cotton Award for ‘Meritorious service to junior golf over a sustained period’ went to David Warren, Tilly Garfoot was named winner of the Dinah Oxley Young Spirit of Golf Award for her ‘Outstanding impact as a junior’ and the Junior Club of the Year accolade went to Great Torrington.
Afterwards, Sky Sports presenter Nick Dougherty was unveiled as the organisation’s new President, before The PGA introduced some historic memorabilia to the attendees, including original Open medals from the mid-20th Century.
“It’s great to see first-hand the impact that these individuals and organisations have had in their local areas,” said Dougherty.
“The game needs grassroots superstars, and the chance to celebrate them here today is such an honour for me, and for the Golf Foundation. All these winners, all those nominated, and all those who work on growing the game make a huge impact in our sport – thanks to all of them.”
