Over 80 guests gathered at The Bramshaw and Bell Inn in Hampshire on Wednesday night (December 7) to celebrate the impact of women in the golf industry at the inaugural Women in Golf Awards.
The night of celebration shone a spotlight on every corner of the industry, with the six award winners coming from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including a greenkeeper, WPGA members and industry legends.
The biggest award of the night, for Inspirational Achievement, went to Vicky Cuming, Head of Golf Clients at IMG, in celebration of her remarkable career.
Summarising Vicky’s contribution to the golf industry, Nicole Wheatley, co-founder of the Women in Golf Awards, said: “Over the last 30 years, Vicky has managed Ryder Cup captains and players, Major winners, a Solheim Cup winning captain, a dame and a few sirs along the way. In addition, Vicky is a tireless champion of the women’s game and gives up her time as mentor to help future generations realise their own potential. For so many women in the room on the night and throughout the industry, Vicky represents what can be achieved. She has shown that there are no glass ceilings. Just opportunities.”
On receiving her award, Vicky said: “I’ve never really been aware of barriers, but I would say that when I started I couldn’t have sat in a room full of women working in the industry – so we have made some progress. It’s a great time for women’s golf and for women’s sport and I feel that all of us have a responsibility that golf keeps up with those other sports. Let’s make sure this becomes an annual event. It’s so important for us to keep supporting each other. What a brilliant group of women we all are, so let’s keep doing what we’re doing!”
“This has been a phenomenal evening,” added Wheatley. “I feel quite overwhelmed by the response from the room and thoroughly inspired by the people I have met tonight. Our winners are all excelling in their respective areas of the industry, but most significantly every award winner we have heard from tonight is committed to making golf better for the women who play the sport, or the women who have chosen golf as a career.”
Ben Blackburn, co-founder of the Women in Golf Awards, added: “I have no doubt that this event will become a significant date in the calendar for men and women alike. I have been privileged to be here tonight and it’s clear that The Women in Golf Awards can play an important role in attracting the best female talent to golf and in nurturing our future leaders, many of whom were in the room tonight.”
2022 WOMEN IN GOLF AWARD WINNERS
Venue of the Year: Highwoods Golf Club, East Sussex
Women’s Initiative: The R&A Women’s Leadership Development Programme and Project Ukraine
Trailblazer: Lucy Sellick, Head Greenkeeper, Wenvoe Castle Golf Club, Wales
Brand of the Year: Surprizeshop
Unsung Hero: Emma Booth, Winchester Golf Academy
Inspirational Achievement: Vicky Cuming, VP Golf at The IMG Group