For many years the Golf Foundation has presented awards to talented young golfers. This year the efforts of those who have made a significant contribution to grass roots junior golf have been recognised through the introduction of the four new President’s Awards.
New awards have been named after some of the Foundation’s past presidents: Bernard Gallacher OBE (1996 to 2001), Brig. Gen. A.C. Critchley CMG CBE DSO (1952 to 1963), “Laddie” Lucas CBE DSO DFC (1963 to 1966) and J.Burroughs OBE (1969 to 1977) which chief executive, Mike Round, believes to be particularly appropriate in the Foundation’s Golden Jubilee year. “This Golden Jubilee year provides us with an opportunity to look back at our achievements and remind ourselves of the individuals who helped to make it all happen. Naming these awards after our past presidents creates a permanent link between the Foundation as it was in the early days and the Foundation into which we have evolved.”
The full list of award winners is as follows:
SIR HENRY COTTON AWARD
(Presented to an individual who has demonstrated meritorious service to junior golf for a sustained period.)
2001 Winner: Mr W P Murray
For many years Bill Murray was the referee for the Golf Foundation Age Group Championships and the School Team Championships including the International Final. He has been involved in junior golf at a national level through his positions within the English Golf Union and at the local level through his county association. He is still heavily involved with junior golf on the Foundation’s Council and the North East of England Development Project.
THE GALLACHER AWARD
(Presented to an individual or individuals who, as a direct result of their efforts, have made a significant impact in the development of grass roots junior golf.)
2001 Winners: Mrs R Robertson and Mrs M McCall
Mrs Ruth Robertson and Mrs Mhari McCall have been instrumental in setting up golfing opportunities for the children at Springfield Primary School, including the establishment of an after school club. They have also initiated a project in Linlithgow that specifically aims to attract more girls into the game.
THE CRITCHLEY AWARD
(Presented to a major partnership project that, through co-ordinated effort, has made a significant impact in the development of grass roots junior golf.)
Winner: Extra Golf Project (North East of England)
Thanks to the funding from One North East and Sport England a major project was launched with the implementation co-ordinated by a partnership involving a wide range of local and county organisations. In a relatively short space of time 59 individuals were qualified as Tri-Golf Activators and 13 as Junior Golf Leaders. As a result of this project in less than a year well over 7,000 children were able to experience golf for the first time.
THE “LADDIE” LUCAS AWARD
(Presented to a local development initiative that has created access opportunities within a particular facility or locality.)
Winner: East Lothian Junior Golf Project
The East Lothian Junior Golf Project is a strong local partnership involving representatives from local golf clubs, the council, the local schools and the constabulary. An agreed structured development plan is being implemented using The Open Championship at Muirfield as a focal point.
THE BURROUGHS AWARD
(Presented to an individual who has made particular progress in golf in the face of adversity.)
Winner: Mark Ellison
Mark (17) has been playing golf in school for three years and despite learning difficulties will be representing Northern Ireland at the National Special Olympic Games in July 2002 at Level 2 – the first competitor from Northern Ireland ever to compete at this level.
THE GUS PAYNE AWARD
(Presented to the Golf Club that has raised the most amount of money to support the Golf Foundation’s activities and initiatives.)
Winner: Heyrose Golf Club
In 2001 the Captain of Heyrose Golf Club, Mr John Breeze, selected the Golf Foundation as his chosen charity and during the year he and his members raised an incredible £7,332.50 through a variety of events and activities.
The awards were presented by past president and former Ryder Cup Captain, Bernard Gallacher.
The Golf Foundation www.golf-foundation.org