The PGAs of Europe 2013 Annual Gala Awards presented six awards to individuals that have made incredible contributions to the game, to the Profession and to the PGAs of Europe at the ceremony that took place last week in Portugal’s Algarve region.
The Association’s flagship Annual Congress event provides an opportunity for delegates from across the 39 national PGAs that make up the PGAs of Europe to attend seminars, workshops and meetings to share information, knowledge and experience.
As is tradition, the Annual Congress culminates with the Annual Gala Awards Dinner, once again supported by Rolex, and allows individuals to be recognised for their contributions and achievements within the game.
Headlining this year’s Awards Dinner was Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Alison Nicholas. Her incredible achievements during a long playing career, and more recently in her captaincy role at the Solheim Cup and now as a PGA Professional Coach, made her the ideal candidate to receive such an honour from the Association.
Former CEO of the PGA of America, Joe Steranka, was honoured with the Christer Lindberg Bowl in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the game and commitment to growing the game both in his homeland and around the globe.
The 5-Star Professional Award went to Vice-President of the PGA of Germany and former PGAs of Europe Board Member, Guido Tillmans, in recognition of his contributions to many aspects of the Profession such as his time in the administration of the game, in his business ventures and his coaching exploits.
PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Professional and coach to Solheim Cup rookie star Charley Hull, Lee Scarbrow, took the John Jacobs Teaching & Coaching Award title this year for excellence in coaching, whilst PGA of GB&I Fellow Professional, Gillian Burrell, received the President’s Award for Golf Development to recognise her efforts in developing the grass roots game in Ireland.
Long-time friend of the Association and former MD of Golfsmith Europe, Doug Poole, received the Special Recognition Award to mark a substantial career in the game a great amount of which was spent as a partner of the PGAs of Europe and friend to all those involved.
The Awards Dinner is also an opportunity to formally present the victorious International Team Championship team with their trophy and this year, after a 22-year drought, the Dutch team of Robin Swane, Ralph Miller, and Nicolas Nube took the title just down the road from the Congress at Onyria Palmares.
The PGAs of Europe would like to thank all the delegates, speakers, guests, ITC competitors, as well as the host staff and sponsors, for helping make the event a tremendous success.
For more news from the 2013 Annual Congress and Gala Awards, visit the Annual Congress Hub Page (http://eur.pe/11EGYgM)