Sunday, 11 December 2022 : The first Women in Golf Awards took place this Wednesday at The Bramshaw and Bell Inn. During a night of celebration that shone a spotlight on every corner of the industry a broad range of recipients received awards including a greenkeeper, WPGA members and industry legends. 80 women from across the industry attended the awards dinner, which was an evening unlike any other.
“This has been a phenomenal evening,” comments co-founder Nicole 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.”
2022 WOMEN IN GOLF AWARD WINNERS
Venue of the Year: Highwoods Golf Club
Women’s Initiative: The R&A Women’s Leadership Development Programme and Project Ukraine
Trailblazer: Lucy Sellick, Head Greenkeeper, Wenvoe Castle Golf Club
Brand of the Year: Surprizeshop
Unsung Hero: Emma Booth, Winchester Golf Academy
Inspirational Achievement: Vicky Cuming, VP Golf at The IMG Group
“I have no doubt that this event will become a significant date in the calendar for men and women alike,” comments co-Founder of the Women in Golf Awards, Ben Blackburn. He continues, “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.”
The biggest award of the night went to IMG’s Vicky Cuming in celebration of her remarkable career. Over the last 30 years she 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.” In conclusion Vicky continued, “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!”