Greenkeeping's leading ladies honoured on eve of Women's Open
One of greenkeeping's most influential women and a rising star were celebrated as turfcare took centre stage at the second annual Women in Golf Awards held at Walton Heath Golf Club on the eve of the AIG Women's Open.
One hundred women and men from across the world of golf gathered at Walton Heath for the awards, hosted by LET Access Player Nicola Bennett. The winners came from all sectors of the industry and ranged in age from 20 to 83, showing the amazing contribution that women make at every stage of their careers.
Ahead of the awards evening, a team of BIGGA members who are supporting the Walton Heath greenkeepers for the duration of the event were recognised. After answering a couple of questions, the greenkeepers were given a loud round of applause and then, having been up since 3am, were allowed to head off for some much needed rest and recuperation.
The Women in Turfcare award sponsored by BIGGA went to Amanda Dorans of Loch Lomond. Amanda has spent her career championing sustainability and has undertaken extraordinary work that has extended far beyond turf management and golf courses. Her Irvine to Girvan Nectar Network has been taken on by Scottish Wildlife Trust and is inspiring similar projects across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Lydd's assistant greenkeeper Daisy Starling won the Rising Star award sponsored by Players 1st. Although still an apprentice member of BIGGA, Daisy has shown incredible commitment and passion for a role that she originally had to Google the definition of when she first joined.
International Woman of the Year Award sponsored by Perry Ellis International went to Singapore-based Karen Proctor who, during her 20-year career, has dedicated her time to supporting intiatives that help others address the gender imbalance in the industry and break boundaries.
"What a night!" said Nicole Wheatley, co-founder of the awards. "I feel like we have met some future industry leaders this evening. To see them shine on this stage gives me a huge sense of pride and confidence that golf continues to move in the right direction. I have no doubt that the guests have gone away inspired, motivated and with joy in their hearts, just as I have."
The ballot for the 2024 Women in Golf Awards ceremony is now open and available through the website www.womeningolfawards.com
The Women in Golf Awards is an annual event celebrating the significant contribution that women, past and present, continue to make to the golf industry. The awards bring together women at all stages of their careers, from every sector, shownig the diverse nature of roles women hold in the industry.
BIGGA Women's Open support team
- Beverly Blair, Southwick Park
- Victoria Cavinue, Harborne
- Tiffany Mills, Ryston Park
- Laura Sayer-Hall, Wallasey
- Melissa Winkworth, Goring & Streatley
- Kimberley Yeldham, Flempton
- Chloe Gallagher, The Wynyard
- Wendy O'Brien, Beaverbrook
- Caroline Munro, Bonar Bridge & Ardgay
- Sophie Bulpitt, Hoddington Estate
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