The life-changing impact of golf on young people was celebrated in style at Wentworth Club as the Golf Foundation President’s Awards 2025 took centre stage during the week of the BMW PGA Championship.
Hosted by Golf Foundation President Nick Dougherty, the annual awards recognised six inspiring winners – across schools, clubs, community projects, young leaders and fundraisers – who are helping to make golf more inclusive and accessible for the next generation. Those who are living the Golf Foundation values day in and day out, and inspiring so many others.
More than 120 people gathered for the celebration, where they were welcomed by Dougherty alongside Golf Foundation CEO Brendon Pyle and Chair Steven Day.
“Golf is more than a game,” Dougherty explained. “It’s a way of building resilience, confidence and community. These winners are grassroots heroes who show that golf can inspire young people from every background. They are the future of the sport.”
The evening shone a light on a diverse range of achievements. Bristol & Clifton Golf Club was celebrated as Junior Club of the Year, with juniors Ronan and Scarlett themselves taking to the stage alongside club organisers. Junior Captain Ronan summed up the club’s ethos simply: “Golf is more than just about the sport – it’s about the friends and experiences you have at the club.” His words echoed the club’s wider commitment to inclusion, where SEND children, Tiny Tots, GolfSixes and GolfNines players all feel at home in a thriving section of 152 juniors.
Community was also at the heart of the Lincolnshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, which won Community Project of the Year. Working with the Golf Foundation, PING and Golfway, the project has given thousands of children on free school meals the chance to try golf for the first time. Project Officer Sarah Tyrrell said: “At our last event, 200 children turned up and wanted to try every activity. More and more are now saying golf is their favourite sport – something they’d never normally get the chance to play.”
The Sir Henry Cotton Award, celebrating a lifetime of achievement and dedication to growing the game, went to PGA Professional James Erskine, whose dedication to junior golf in southwest Scotland has seen more than 10,000 children introduced to the game and over 20 of his pupils go on to become PGA professionals. Reflecting on his career, James said: “It’s not about producing tour players – it’s about giving kids the gift of golf and helping them belong to clubs. If we don’t grow the game, we don’t have a future.”
Youth leadership was also recognised through the Young Spirit of Golf Award, given each year to celebrate the legacy of the great Dinah Oxley. This year’s winner Chloe Saunders is a former Young Ambassador, now a teaching assistant. Chloe has introduced golf into her own school through the Unleash Your Drive programme while continuing to volunteer nationally, and she has also been open about the impact golf has had in overcoming her own mental wellbeing challenges off the course. “The best feeling,” she said, “is hearing a pupil say ‘Miss Saunders taught me golf.’ Knowing I’ve made a difference is incredible.”
That same Unleash Your Drive programme was also at the heart of the School of the Year Award, which went to Upton St Leonards Primary in Gloucester. Deputy Head Andy Lewis reflected on the school’s journey: “Probably 50 out of 60 children would never have picked up a golf club if not for this programme. Golf taught them patience, perseverance and how to learn from mistakes – skills they can use in the classroom and in life.”
The evening closed with the presentation of the Gus Payne Fundraising Award, which went to the Royal Automobile Club. In just three years, RAC grew its junior section from five to 150 members while also raising significant funds to support the Golf Foundation’s programmes – after the men’s and women’s captains Donald Davie and Julie Clark saw the Golf Foundation in action, they nominated us as their combined charity of their year at the helm, and they went on to raise an incredible £25,000. RAC Captain Donald said: “We’ve all benefited from golf – this was our chance to give something back. The response from our members was incredible.”
The President’s Awards formed part of a landmark week for the Golf Foundation at Wentworth, where the charity was proud to be the Official Charity of the BMW PGA Championship. Thousands of families engaged with the Foundation’s activities in the Championship Village, while the Awards themselves highlighted the grassroots heroes ensuring golf continues to thrive at every level.
“This week has shown the full power of golf,” said Brendon Pyle, Golf Foundation CEO. “From world-class professionals inspiring fans on the course, to grassroots champions inspiring children in schools, clubs and communities. Our award winners remind us that the future of the game is bright, inclusive and full of opportunity. Thanks to everyone who came, everyone who lives our values, and congratulations to all our worthy winners.”