EWGA President Ann Irvin has been appointed an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to women’s golf
“It came as a complete surprise,” said Ann. “It’s extra special because it comes in my term as President and it’s lovely for me and lovely for the association.”
Ann enjoyed a superb playing career as one of England’s top amateurs and has since been a selector for both England and Great Britain & Ireland. She became EWGA President last year.
She has also been president and captain of Lancashire and is an honorary member of her county; of her home club, Royal Lytham & St Annes; and also of Lytham Green Drive Golf Club.
Ann took up golf in her teens and went on to become English champion in 1967 and ’74 and British champion in 1973. She was a key member of national and international teams over a 15-year period.
She was in four Curtis Cup teams between 1962 and 1976 and was selected for a fifth, but injury prevented her from taking up her place. She played for GB&I in eight Vagliano Trophy matches against the Continent of Europe, and on five occasions was in the winning team. She twice helped Great Britain to win the Commonwealth Tournament.
Ann played for England in 11 Home Internationals – the team won 10 times – and six European team championships, winning a gold medal on three occasions.
Ann’s playing career came to an end in 1977 because of back problems. She remained involved with golf for some years, as Lancashire county captain in 1979 and as GB&I captain in the World Amateur Team Championship of 1982. After a break from the game she returned as Lancashire president from 2002-04 and then accepted a role as a national and international selector.
Elsewhere in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List Rob Holt, formerly Chief Executive of Ryder Cup 2010 Ltd., and Lee Westwood were appointed OBE for services to golf.
English Women’s Golf Association www.englishwomensgolf.org