Suffolk’s Michael Rees has been presented with England Golf’s 2024 Gerald Micklem Award, recognising his exceptional commitment to golf in various roles across the sport.
Named in honour of the former English Amateur champion and Walker Cup player, the Gerald Micklem Award was set up in 1990 and annually recognises those unsung individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to further the interest of amateur golf in England.
Rees has made quite the impact in the world of golf in England, particularly at his local club where he has been Club Captain at Rookery Park (Lowestoft) in 1989 and 1994, before becoming President from 2001-2003. He has also been a Trustee for over 20 years, and is an Honorary Life Member, currently occupying the role of Competitions & Handicap Chairman.
At County level, Rees was President of Suffolk Golf Union in 2010/11 and First Team Captain in 2012 when Suffolk made it to the County Finals for the first time ever. He is also a Chief Referee and Rules Adviser and remains a Board Member, while he was President of the South East Group from 2017-2019 and currently occupies the role of Championships Chairman and Chief Referee.
Rees’ commitment to the game doesn’t stop there. He has been a Tournament Panel referee for many years and has also officiated at The R&A, DP World Tour and Ladies European championships. Furthermore, he has been a member of the England Golf Competitions Working Group and a Rules Schools tutor within England (including Guernsey) and undertakes informal rules evenings for counties and clubs.
Upon receiving his award at the England Golf AGM on April 24, the former auctioneer and wholesale fish merchant said: “I can’t believe it. I thought I was getting asked to provide a rules evening! I’d like to thank all the various Suffolk secretaries and South East Secretary Martin McDermott, he’s been so helpful. There are so many great people doing so many great things for the game. For me, I’ve basically got an award for something I like doing.
“My roles have given me the chance to visit some lovely places around the country and meet some super people. The season never stops, I just love it. My wife Sandra has to put up with me being away all the time. My daughter is an ex-county player, her fiancée is a PGA Pro, so all my wife gets is golf all the while! She knows the rules of golf by default!”
Talking about his best moments in the game, Rees added: “I once enjoyed a two on a par 5 which was special, and captaining Suffolk at the Men’s County Finals for the first time ever was a proud moment. From a refereeing perspective, I’ve officiated at every level except The Open. I’ve done Open Qualifying, DP World Tour events – they’re all special and when I was put forward to do The R&A TARS exam in 2012 by England Golf, I couldn’t believe it. They’ve all been wonderful experiences.
“One event that stands out for me was a Champion of Champions event at Woodhall Spa where Tommy Fleetwood missed a two-footer on the last hole. It went to a play-off, and I remember Tommy eventually won it, claiming the trophy in the dark!”
Asked about what’s next for the 76-year-old, he added: “I hope to be doing what I’m doing now. I am the current Championship Chairman of the South East Group and would like to continue. While I’m fit enough, I hope I can continue to keep doing what I love.”