AN EVENING TO REMEMBER: The 2026 England Golf Awards
By Sheila Hunter - WPP Elevate
There are evenings that stay with you long after the last applause fades, and the 2026 England Golf Awards at The Manchester Deansgate was very much one of them.
Hosted by TV presenter Chris Hollins, the event welcomed over 450 guests for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and celebration. From the sparkling drinks reception through to the final award of the night, the room buzzed with warmth, pride, and a genuine love of the game.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presence of Dame Denise Lewis – Olympic gold medallist, TV presenter, and England Golf Ambassador – championing the organisation's 'Game Changers' initiative to inspire a new generation of golfers and drive greater diversity and inclusion across the sport. In person she is every bit as warm, purposeful and inspiring as you'd hope and her passion for making golf more accessible and welcoming to everyone came through in every word she spoke. She is exactly the kind of figure this sport needs at the forefront.
Hosted by TV presenter Chris Hollins, the event welcomed over 450 guests for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and celebration. From the sparkling drinks reception through to the final award of the night, the room buzzed with warmth, pride, and a genuine love of the game.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presence of Dame Denise Lewis – Olympic gold medallist, TV presenter, and England Golf Ambassador – championing the organisation's 'Game Changers' initiative to inspire a new generation of golfers and drive greater diversity and inclusion across the sport. In person she is every bit as warm, purposeful and inspiring as you'd hope and her passion for making golf more accessible and welcoming to everyone came through in every word she spoke. She is exactly the kind of figure this sport needs at the forefront.
Across the night, 13 category winners were announced each representing a powerful story of dedication, innovation, and impact. These weren't just trophies being handed out; they were moments of long-overdue recognition for people who pour their hearts into golf every single day, often without ever seeking the spotlight.
Nine of the awards were nominated by the public, with a panel of 50 judges from across the golf industry selecting the final winners. That means real people, in real communities, took the time to say: this person matters. That felt deeply human.
Among the highlights was the Volunteer of the Year award, won by Ana Browne, and the Young Person of the Year going to Evie Sanderson – a reminder that the future of this sport is in remarkable hands. The Women & Girls' Trailblazer award, taken by Ladies Can Golf, drew one of the loudest cheers of the night, and rightly so.
Nine of the awards were nominated by the public, with a panel of 50 judges from across the golf industry selecting the final winners. That means real people, in real communities, took the time to say: this person matters. That felt deeply human.
Among the highlights was the Volunteer of the Year award, won by Ana Browne, and the Young Person of the Year going to Evie Sanderson – a reminder that the future of this sport is in remarkable hands. The Women & Girls' Trailblazer award, taken by Ladies Can Golf, drew one of the loudest cheers of the night, and rightly so.
A special Lifetime Service Award was presented to the family and friends of the late David Lodge, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the game. It was a genuinely moving moment, a room full of golf lovers united in gratitude for someone who gave so much.
Eight new members were also inducted into the England Golf Hall of Fame. Among them were Justin Rose, Joyce Wethered, Karen Stupples and John Ball. Hearing their stories told aloud in that grand setting was a reminder of just how rich and storied this sport's history truly is.
Being there as part of the World Privilege Plus family made the evening feel especially meaningful. World Privilege Plus is proud to be the exclusive benefits and
Eight new members were also inducted into the England Golf Hall of Fame. Among them were Justin Rose, Joyce Wethered, Karen Stupples and John Ball. Hearing their stories told aloud in that grand setting was a reminder of just how rich and storied this sport's history truly is.
Being there as part of the World Privilege Plus family made the evening feel especially meaningful. World Privilege Plus is proud to be the exclusive benefits and
discount partner for England Golf members, giving the very people celebrated that night, and the hundreds of thousands who play the game across the country, access to savings and rewards that make everyday life that little bit better. It felt right to be in that room, surrounded by the dedication and passion that makes golf such a special community.
If you've never been to an event like this, put it on your list. It isn't just a night out for golfers. It's a celebration of community, resilience, and what happens when people give generously of their time for something they love. I left feeling genuinely inspired and that doesn't happen every evening.
As an England Golf member, did you know you have access to exclusive discounts and benefits through World Privilege Plus? Explore everything available to you via England Golf Members Benefits.
If you've never been to an event like this, put it on your list. It isn't just a night out for golfers. It's a celebration of community, resilience, and what happens when people give generously of their time for something they love. I left feeling genuinely inspired and that doesn't happen every evening.
As an England Golf member, did you know you have access to exclusive discounts and benefits through World Privilege Plus? Explore everything available to you via England Golf Members Benefits.
