Staff WriterIn a nod to both tradition and tireless service, England Golf has confirmed that Patrick Cunningham will step into the role of England Golf President Elect in 2026, before donning the full presidential blazer in 2027.
For those who know the man, it’s less a promotion and more a long-overdue coronation.
A seasoned figure in English golf’s backroom engine room, Cunningham has been part of England Golf’s DNA since the late ’90s—yes, that’s pre-iPhone, pre-iGolf, and long before “golf for all” was a mission statement. But Patrick was already walking that talk.
After three decades navigating the industrial waters of construction and marine sectors, Patrick dove headfirst into the grassroots game. In 1999, he joined England Golf’s Club Services Committee and wasted no time leaving his mark—quite literally—by launching the first-ever survey for independent golfers. That data-driven dive laid the groundwork for iGolf, now one of England Golf’s most popular initiatives. Not bad for a man who prefers walking the fairways to PowerPoint presentations.
“It’s a highly honoured appointment,” said Cunningham on accepting his new role. “I would like to thank the past Presidents and the Board of England Golf for their support. I look forward to taking on this prestigious role and continuing to promote golf for all, especially juniors, who are our future.”
A single-figure handicapper with the CV of a golf tragic in the best sense of the word, Cunningham is anything but ceremonial. He’s sat on the Nominations Committee, the Sustainability Committee, and currently chairs the Voting Members—one of the most understated yet vital gears in England Golf’s machinery.
You want ceremonial? Try the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club’s 125th anniversary, where Cunningham steered the celebration ship as Chair, or Portmarnock’s 125th bash, which also bore his organisational fingerprints. And let’s not forget the Centenary Committee, where Patrick proved once again that he doesn’t just respect tradition—he curates it.
Beyond England Golf, he holds two other presidential roles: one with the Artisan Golfers’ Association—a position he’s earned after decades of involvement since 1989—and another with the National Association of Public and Proprietary Golf Clubs (NAPGC), which he took over from the legendary Peter Alliss. Those are some pretty serious spikes to fill.
If there’s a golf tournament with a left-handed division, chances are Patrick’s already won it. He’s a former World Corporate Games Scratch champion and once lifted the Amateur World Left-Handed Championship trophy back in the 1990s.
His playing record reads like the back nine of a golfing fairy tale: six course records (including a still-standing 62 off the tips at Royal Mid-Surrey), a +3 handicap in his heyday, and 21 consecutive years playing The Antlers tournament, where he finished third more often than most people finish.
He’s captained Surrey Seniors, led them to victory in the 2013 Southeast Foursomes, and has probably spent more time in spikes than most of us have in shoes.
But make no mistake—this appointment isn’t about nostalgia. As England Golf President Elect, Patrick Cunningham is a forward-thinker with a deep respect for the game’s foundations.
He’s got one foot in the past and an eye on the future, especially when it comes to the next generation.
And if you think this is just a title for the trophy cabinet, think again. With Cunningham at the helm, expect sleeves rolled up, juniors encouraged, and a presidency built not on ceremony—but on purpose.
