I’ve extensively written about women‘s role in golf. I believe it is equally vital for women to be adequately represented in the operation and management of golf clubs.
For years, I have proudly supported and contributed – as a country ambassador & golf industry influencer – to the Women’s Golf Day initiative.
I have learned about the Women in Golf Awards and believe that this initiative is crucial in advancing the goals we strive to achieve.
Supporting such organizations can foster greater recognition and opportunities for women in the golfing community.
2024 Women in Golf Awards – Winners
The awards organizers collaborated with Colt McKenzie McNair and Bernhard Academy to promote women in golf. In spring 2025, finalists and sponsors will unite for a valuable networking and educational day at PING HQ (UK).
Winners were celebrated across 10 inspiring categories.
Unsung Hero, sponsored by England Golf – Di Stock, Chief Referee Hampshire Ladies Golf
Di’s selfless commitment to women’s golf within Hampshire over the past 36 years, amassing a conservative estimate of 550 voluntary days refereeing alone, is astounding.
She has been County Handicap Advisor since 1988, ran the County Inter-Club knock-out competitions for 5 years, was County President for 3 years, and has selflessly given her time to referee county and other national amateur events, including the Curtis Cup, for 27 years.
Brand of the Year, sponsored by the BGIA – The Grove
The Grove has developed a culture and brand that values women. Over 49% of its workforce are women, and 75% of the senior leadership team are female.
From hosting the Rose Series to its golf recruitment campaigns, the brand’s investment in women, both on and off the course, has created an inclusive culture that enables more women and girls to maximize their potential at all levels of the industry and through the sport itself.
International Woman, sponsored by Perry Ellis – Karen Lunn, CEO of WPGA Tour Australasia and Chair of the Australian Golf Industry Council
From Tour player to CEO of the WPGA – golf around the world owes enormous gratitude and respect to Karen. As CEO of the WPGA Tour of Australasia, Karen has significantly raised the profile of Australasian women’s professional golf, while also fostering golf at every level in the country.
Notable career highlights include steering the then Australian Ladies Professional Golf to a collaborative alliance with the PGA of Australia and creating the Women’s Professional Golf Tour Australasia, which offered more opportunities for fledging and developmental players.
In 2022, Karen became the first woman to chair the Australian Golf Industry Council, a forum that helps organizations and businesses in the golf industry unite on initiatives, strategies, and policies.
Women’s Initiative, sponsored by PING – Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club ‘Blue Course’, Barbara Tucker
When Barbara Tucker was Lady Captain in 2014, she created The ‘Blue Course’ program as an innovative solution to address the myriad of issues that prevented & discouraged women from learning golf and joining the golf club.
The ‘blue course’ has significantly shorter tees, offers group lessons, offers free use of facilities, and hosts social events and rules seminars alongside experienced golfers.
Ten years later, Barbara’s Blue Course can be credited with providing an influx of new members, which has ensured that the ladies’ section continues to thrive.
The current ladies’ section treasurer, secretary, competitions secretary, and lady captain are all Blue Course alumni.
Women in Turfcare, sponsored by BIGGA – Anna Nilsson, Deputy Head Greenkeeper of the Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry
Anna is a highly talented greenkeeper whose course bears testament to her unwavering dedication, expertise, and passion. These qualities helped secure the return of the British Masters to The Belfry in 2025.
Anna is also dedicated to inspiring future greenkeepers, coaching students, and visiting schools to discuss working in the industry with children.
Her encouragement greatly impacts everyone she meets, and her success inspires young women to pursue careers in Turf Care.
Women PGA Professional, sponsored by TGI Golf Partnership – Sarah Bennett
Sarah Bennett is one of the UK’s most recognized figures in women’s golf. Throughout her 34-year pro career, she has dedicated herself to golf’s growth, focusing on inclusion and bringing more women into the game.
Sarah has been Essex Girls’ Head Coach since 2012. She has also worked in a voluntary capacity for the WPGA and on the PGA Executive Committee and was recently PGA Captain, becoming only the second woman to hold that post.
She is a familiar sight at The Open where she has delivered coaching in the SwingZone for over 10 years.
Women’s Leadership, sponsored by the GCMA – Becca Hembrough, England Golf Performance Manager (Female Golf)
Over the past 10 years, Becca has led England to become Europe’s most successful women’s golf team. In 2022/3, she championed the development of a new strategy for England Golf Performance, which is already bearing fruit.
In 2024, one of her players was ranked world No. 1 – a first for an English amateur golfer.
All three female teams won a medal in the European Team Championships (gold for U18s), and four players were named for the Curtis Cup, which beat the USA.
Becca has also demonstrated leadership through the Project Ukraine program, which has had a massive impact on the golf world.
Rising Star, sponsored by Club Car – Molly Pavey, Group General Manager Bramshaw Golf Club and Paultons Golf Centre
In two years, Molly has quickly risen through the ranks to become the General Manager at Bramshaw Golf Club and its sister venue, Paultons Golf.
Molly has been instrumental in bringing Girls Golf Rocks and Golf Rookies to the group, and both venues have signed the Women in Golf Charter under her stewardship this year.
Molly was one of only three recipients of the ECEF’s Young Managers Bursary in 2024, which allowed her to continue to grow and learn.
Molly has also joined the Hampshire Ladies Board as Governance Director demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the game.
Special Award – Trailblazers – Fiona Womack and Sharon Eales
Fiona and Sharon have developed a scientific model representing a paradigm shift in golf course design. For many women (and men), the shortest tees are still too long and often not in a great position.
This means that many women do not enjoy the same experience on the course as men.
Their model creates a scaled version of the courses that the architect wanted every golfer to play, incorporating the same experiences, using the same clubs for the same shots, and tackling the same hazards with fewer yards involved.
This new approach has attracted interest from leading golf course architects, including Tom Mackenzie, the R&A’s Handicap Committee, the WHS Operations Committee, and various governing bodies.
Special Award – Inspirational Achievement – Adele McLean, Managing Director TGI Golf
This year, nearly two decades after joining TGI Golf, Adele McLean accepted the role of Managing Director and looks to continue building on the success TGI Golf has enjoyed over the last 40 years.
Her journey from the driving range to heading up the UK and Ireland’s leading golf retail services business is nothing short of inspirational.
Her appointment was celebrated widely by women and men across the industry, who recognized her incredible impact on the business.
She demonstrates to other women what can be achieved when there are no glass ceilings.