Thursday night at Foxhills, the stars weren’t just above us—they were right in the room. A dazzling array of women—and I might add a few men—gathered to celebrate the phenomenal achievements of women in the golf industry at the 2024 Women in Golf Awards.
Now in its third year, this event doesn’t just hand out trophies; it shines a spotlight on the remarkable contributions women are making across all sectors of golf. It’s a driving force inspiring more women to consider a career in this great game.
In a move as exciting as sinking a 30-foot putt, the awards organizers announced a new collaboration with Colt McKenzie McNair and the Bernhard Academy.
Come spring 2025, all finalists and sponsors will converge at PING HQ for a networking and educational day designed to elevate their careers—not just on the fairways, but in every facet of the industry.
“Many of the barriers that faced me and my predecessors have been demolished, so now is a great time to start to better understand what our future leaders need,” said awards founder Nicole Wheatley. “This educational day will work both ways.
We want to provide the 24 finalists with valuable leadership training, but also find out how they think golf can attract more talented women, like them, to work in the industry.”
The evening was expertly hosted by BBC Sport’s Katherine Downes, who presented awards across ten categories spanning every corner of the golf world.
And the winners are:
Unsung Hero, sponsored by England Golf Di Stock, Chief Referee Hampshire Ladies Golf
Di Stock isn’t just a referee; she’s the heartbeat of women’s golf in Hampshire.
Over 36 years, she’s amassed an estimated 550 voluntary days of refereeing. That’s not counting her tenure as County Handicap Advisor since 1988, her time running inter-club knock-outs, serving as County President, or lending her expertise at national amateur events like the Curtis Cup. If dedication had a name, it would be Di Stock.
Brand of the Year, sponsored by the BGIA The Grove
The Grove isn’t just a golf club; it’s a culture that champions women. Nearly half its workforce is female, with 75% of its senior leadership team being women.
From hosting the Rose Series to innovative recruitment campaigns, they’re investing in women both on and off the course, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
International Woman, sponsored by Perry Ellis Karen Lunn, CEO WPGA Tour Australasia and Chair of Australian Golf Industry Council
Karen Lunn has worn many hats—from touring pro to CEO—and she’s worn them all with style.
As CEO of the WPGA Tour of Australasia, she’s elevated women’s professional golf Down Under and nurtured the game at every level.
She orchestrated the alliance that birthed the Women’s Professional Golf Tour Australasia, offering more opportunities for emerging players. In 2022, she broke new ground as the first woman to chair the Australian Golf Industry Council.
Women’s Initiative, sponsored by PING Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club ‘Blue Course’, Barbara Tucker
Barbara Tucker saw the hurdles women faced in golf and didn’t just talk about them; she built a bridge over them.
As Lady Captain in 2014, she launched the ‘Blue Course’ program—shorter tees, group lessons, free facility use, social events, and rule seminars with seasoned golfers.
Ten years on, her initiative has been the wind beneath the wings of the ladies’ section, bringing in new members and future leaders.
Women in Turfcare, sponsored by BIGGA Anna Nilsson, Deputy Head Greenkeeper of the Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry
Anna Nilsson doesn’t just maintain courses; she crafts masterpieces. Her dedication has helped secure the return of the British Masters to The Belfry in 2025.
Beyond the greens, she’s sowing seeds for the future, mentoring students and inspiring young women to consider a career in turfcare. Her impact is as profound as the pristine fairways she oversees.
Women PGA Professional, sponsored by TGI Golf Partnership Sarah Bennett
If you’ve spent any time in UK women’s golf, chances are you know Sarah Bennett—or at least the impact she’s had.
With 34 years as a pro, she’s been a relentless champion for making the game more inclusive and helping it grow.
Whether she’s coaching Essex Girls, serving on the PGA Executive Committee, or stepping into the history books as just the second woman to become PGA Captain, Sarah’s dedication is as impressive as the legacy she’s building.
Women’s Leadership, sponsored by the GCMA Becca Hembrough, England Golf Performance Manager (Female Golf)
Over the past decade, Becca Hembrough has turned England’s women’s golf team into Europe’s powerhouse. In 2024, under her strategic eye, one of her players reached World No. 1—a first for an English amateur golfer.
Her teams clinched medals across the board in the European Team Championships, and she had four players in the victorious Curtis Cup team.
Her leadership extends beyond trophies; her Project Ukraine initiative has made waves in the golf world.
Rising Star, sponsored by Club Car Molly Pavey, Group General Manager Bramshaw Golf Club and Paultons Golf Centre
In just two years, Molly Pavey has ascended to General Manager at not one but two golf venues.
She’s brought programs like Girls Golf Rocks and Golf Rookies into the fold, signed the Women in Golf Charter, and even snagged a prestigious ECEF Young Managers Bursary in 2024. Molly’s not just rising; she’s soaring.
Special Award – Trailblazers Fiona Womack and Sharon Eales
Fiona and Sharon didn’t just think outside the box; they redesigned it. They’ve developed a scientific model for golf course design that levels the playing field—literally.
Their approach reimagines course design by creating scaled versions that let all golfers face the same challenges with yardages tailored to their abilities.
It’s a groundbreaking idea that’s already turning heads among leading architects and governing bodies.
Special Award – Inspirational Achievement Adele McLean, Managing Director TGI Golf
After nearly 20 years with TGI Golf, Adele McLean took the reins as Managing Director, breaking barriers and inspiring so many along the way.
From her early days on the driving range to leading the UK and Ireland’s top golf retail services business, her journey is nothing short of remarkable.
This isn’t just a career milestone for Adele—it’s a powerful reminder of what women can accomplish in the golf industry when limits are left behind.
The 2024 Women in Golf Awards weren’t just about honouring individual successes—they highlighted a growing movement that’s transforming the golf industry.
By the end of the evening, one thing was obvious: the future of golf is brighter, more inclusive, and being driven by extraordinary women. If that’s not something to celebrate, I don’t know what is.
