Nominations are now open for the 2023 Women in Golf Awards, and the award organisers are delighted to announce the full list of award sponsors from across the world of golf.
This pan-industry-support reflects a shared commitment to acknowledging the contribution women are making to the sport, and in creating a platform where their success can be seen and celebrated to inspire future generations.
By supporting the awards, the sponsors are all contributing to a specially created Women in Golf fund that will ensure that women at every stage of their career can afford to access the event in August.
There will be ten Women in Golf Awards presented, including two new awards, when the 2023 ceremony gets underway at Walton Heath Golf Club on the evening of August 8.
“The industry’s response to the awards has been phenomenal,” commented Ben Blackburn, co-founder of the awards. “Nicole and I are incredibly excited to see this event grow so quickly and are inspired to make sure that the awards continue to represent every level of the game. There is so much to look forward to as we head to Walton Heath next month.”
Nominations can be made in the following 10 categories:
Female PGA Coach of The Year sponsored by The PGA
Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive at The PGA said: “We are delighted to be supporting the first Female PGA Coach of the Year award, helping to shine a light on the amazing work done by hundreds of female PGA Members across the UK and Ireland. There is still much work to do in increasing participation among women and girls, but this a great initiative that will help to raise awareness of golf. PGA Members are at the very heart of the game and the first port of call for anybody thinking of taking up the game.”
The Unsung Hero sponsored by England Golf
Richard Flint, Chief Operating Officer of England Golf, remarked: “We are very proud to support the Women in Golf Awards. There are more women than ever working in employed and volunteer roles across the industry and their commitment and passion is inspiring. As sponsors of the Unsung Hero category, we want to recognise the contributions that can sometimes go unnoticed but are fundamental to the sport. I for one cannot wait to hear their stories.”
Women’s Initiative sponsored by PING
Lisa Lovatt, Managing Director, PING commented: “We are delighted to put our name to the Women’s Initiative of the Year award as it’s an accolade that aligns perfectly with our dedication to progression and equality in golf. PING has been at the forefront of ladies’ golf for many years, having been the driving force behind the introduction of the Solheim Cup which we are proud to continue to support. We believe golf truly is a sport for all, and we wish the best of luck to all of the nominees who will have deservedly earned their place at the Women in Golf Awards 2023.”
Women in Turfcare sponsored by BIGGA
Sami Strutt, BIGGA Chief Operating Officer, said: “BIGGA is proud to support the Women in Golf Awards and we are delighted to this year introduce an award for those who have led the way for women working in turfcare – whether greenkeepers, scientists or other industry experts. A signatory of the Women in Golf Charter, BIGGA itself has a diverse, multi-gender workforce and is keenly aware of the vital role women play in the success of the sport, from elite professionals through to those working – often literally – at a grassroots level.”
The Rising Star sponsored by Players First
Amelia Lewis, UK Regional Manager at Players 1st added: “At Players 1st, we strongly believe in supporting events across the industry, especially those that showcase and celebrate the achievements of some incredible individuals and initiatives that are really making an impact across golf. As a Women in Golf Charter signatory, Players 1st are extremely proud to be involved with the Women in Golf Awards, and privileged to be sponsoring the Rising Star Award. As a new category in this years awards, we are sure that the winner will go onto inspire others within the industry and beyond.”
Venue of the Year sponsored by Women & Golf
Kim Wild, Chairman of Women & Golf, said: “The team at Women & Golf are delighted to be involved once again with the Women in Golf Awards. More and more women are realising that the golf industry is one where their skills can be utilised to enhance not only their personal goals but that of the industry – one that is inclusive, diverse and rewarding. These awards will applaud these women for their contributions so far and encourage more to consider the golf industry in their career path.”
Brand of the Year sponsored by The British Golf Industry Association
Martin Wild Chairman of the BGIA, commented: “The BGIA are delighted to extend our sponsorship support to the 2023 Women in Golf Awards. We applaud Nicole Wheatley and her team for their work in highlighting the widening roles women are playing across the whole spectrum of golf, many of whom work for brands that are members of the BGIA. This brilliant platform will undoubtedly help retain and attract the wonderful female talent out there to the golf industry.”
International Woman of the Year Award sponsored by Perry Ellis International
Helen Willsmer, EMEA Brand Director for Perry Ellis remarked: “Perry Ellis International, which globally operates and owns brands such as Callaway Apparel and Original Penguin respectively, is proud to be sponsoring The 2023 Women In Golf Awards through the International Women category specifically. Sponsoring this award and category made perfect sense based on our alignment with and endorsement of women’s sport – especially in golf. We recognise the role that each and every woman plays in business and sport and want to celebrate their success and achievements.”
The ballot for tickets is also now open and is available through www.womeningolfawards.com.