The Young Ambassadors – supported by England Golf and the Golf Foundation – have appealed for help from the golfing public to nominate future winners of their ‘Hero’s Handshake’ award.
The award recognises young people in golf who show commitment and dedication to the game and who help support others by promoting a positive image of the sport.
It is not about winning trophies, but rather a way of thanking those individuals who champion the game. It rewards those golfers who display a positive attitude and generosity of spirit when helping others celebrate even the smallest of achievements.
Nominations for future awards can be made via the Young Ambassadors social media channels on Twitter and Instagram.
To contact the Young Ambassadors via Twitter search for @GolfAmbassadors and discover them on Instagram at ‘getgolfing’.
Ali Jodiyawalla from the Young Ambassadors programme said: “The Hero’s Handshake project has been key in recognising young people in golf who are doing amazing things to help grow the game and highlight the positive impact it can have on people’s lives!
“We hope it tells young golfers that we value not only the winners, but also the role models in golf that are showing how fun the sport can be for young people of all backgrounds.
“Now we need the help of club professionals and golf club members to help us identify the next group of heroes.”
The Young Ambassadors – a group of dedicated young people aged between 12 and 21 – have so far made virtual awards to four winners in 2020.
In April, Toby Heath from Northampton Golf Club was stunned to receive recognition from his peers for the work he did in running online bingo nights for 70 people as he helped relieve the problems of social isolation during lockdown.
Will Beddington from Sandiways Golf Club was the winner of the award in May after his fundraising exploits in auctioning off a signed Tommy Fleetwood hat helped raise money for the NHS. On top of that, Will’s home challenges helped friends get involved in fun activities while golf courses were closed.
The third winner of the year was Emilia Lynsdale from Horsham Golf Club. Emilia was a positive force during lockdown in keeping fellow golf club members entertained and providing them with off course challenges.
Sam Dunkley – playing out of Kingsthorpe Golf Club – is the most recent winner.
Sam has shown great courage and determination whilst battling leukaemia and on his recent return to golf shot a nett 60. During his break from the game, Sam never lost his love for golf and was eager to get back on the course.
The Hero’s Handshake started in 2019 and there are six awards made every year.
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, awards for 2020 have been made via social media rather than at a golf club presentation ceremony.
To nominate an outstanding young person who deserves to be recognised for their positive promotion of golf then please get in touch with the Young Ambassadors via their social media channels detailed above.
