PGA Members were among those celebrated at the 2026 England Golf Awards as individuals, clubs and organisations were recognised for their contributions to growing the game.
The annual awards highlight work throughout golf at every level from volunteers and grassroots initiatives to clubs, counties and coaches who are helping to make the sport accessible, sustainable and inclusive.
One of the evening’s standout honours was Club of the Year, which was awarded to The Club at Mill Green.
The club is driven by a commitment to accessibility and social impact, removing barriers with graduated membership, removal of joining and bar levy fees, and a relaxed dress code. PGA Professionals Darren Cain, Gary Walsh and Luke Roberts are part of the team helping to drive progress.
“It’s incredible, really. We came here with low expectations. We weren’t really expecting to win, but it’s incredible to be acknowledged for all of the hard work and for the people that have put so much effort in over the years to get us to where we are today,” Walsh said.
Pictured: Representatives from The Club at Mill Green
Luffenham Heath Golf Club was also recognised on the night, winning Tournament Venue of the Year for hosting the prestigious Carris Trophy.
PGA Members Nick Cunnington and Thomas Sharpe, alongside four PGA trainees, were part of the team involved in delivering the event.
“It kind of means everything to us. It reflects all of the hard work that not only myself and the team have put in, but the 100-plus volunteers that we had who put tireless amounts of work into the event.” Sharpe said.
Pictured: Representatives from Luffenham Heath
Coaching was recognised through the Participation & Development Coach of the Year, which was awarded to Mark and Lisa Shervill of Lilleshall Hall Golf Club.
“To win this award means the world. Getting the recognition for what we do obviously is a great honour, but it’s more than the award. I mean, every day that I coach, it’s a passion, it’s a purpose, and it’s just a great thing to be able to share with everybody that I do help coach, and everybody at the golf club who supports us through our journey,” Shervill said.
Pictured: Mark and Lisa Shervill
Other awards also highlighted the growing importance of sustainability and inclusion in golf.
Redbourn Golf Club received the Sustainability Project of the Year award, with PGA Members Louis Downie, James Sawford, Beth Sellars and Robin Cheng involved in the project.
Meanwhile, Henbury Golf Club was recognised with the Women in Golf Charter Club Award, where PGA Professional Jamie Cundy and two trainees have supported initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for women and girls within the club.
Cheshire Golf Ltd was given the County of the Year Award, while Need Golf Centre, co-founded by James and Sophie Need, won Facility of the Year for encouraging a fun environment that welcomes beginners, families and children.
Ana Browne was honoured with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Browne co-founded Ladies Can Golf and has devoted countless hours to helping others discover the game, despite ongoing health challenges stemming from a life-saving double lung transplant due to cystic fibrosis just five years ago.
Pictured: Volunteer of the Year Ana Browne
Ladies Can Golf also won the Women & Girls’ Trailblazer Award, while Evie Sanderson was named Young Person of the Year – a hugely respected Junior Ambassador for Woolley Park and England Golf.
Bedfordshire County Golf was given the Respect in Golf Award, which recognised its leadership in bringing mental health awareness and support into the golf community.
David Lodge was honoured with the Lifetime Service Award, having served Fairhaven Golf Club for over 50 years, and being a respected leader, volunteer and ambassador for the game in the Fylde golf community.
Performance of the Year went to Lottie Woad who was ranked as World No.1 Amateur for much of last season. She won the Irish Open still as an amateur, then triumphed at the Scottish Open on the LPGA Tour in her debut event as a professional.