Awards ceremony puts spotlight on female leaders

Over 80 women came together to recognize the impact of females working across the golf industry at the inaugural Women in Golf Awards, held in the south of England this week.

The celebration acknowledged the achievements of women working across a range of professions within the industry, including turf, teaching professionals and industry executives.

Vicky Cuming, Head of Golf Clients at IMG, took home the award for Inspirational Achievement, in recognition of a career spanning 30 years.

On receipt of the 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.”

Special recognition was also given to a cohort of leading industry females taking part in The R&A’s Women in Leadership Development Programme. As part of the programme they developed Project Ukraine, an initiative helping young Ukrainian golfing talent displaced by war.

Event founder Nicole Wheatley commented: “This has been a phenomenal evening,”

 “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.”

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