Golf courses across the UK have been told they must close immediately after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new national lockdown last night. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN

GOLF clubs have been told they must close with immediate effect after the UK Government announced a complete national lockdown on Monday night.

Golf clubs, golf facilities – both indoor and outdoor – and driving ranges will be required to close during the new full lockdown. Coaching will not be permitted the government has confirmed.

Golf retailers will be able to operate a click-and-collect service where goods are pre-ordered, and either collected off the premises – or delivered.

England Golf  – as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf, along with other leading industry bodies – said today it was extremely disappointed by the news.

The group has made a strong case in recent months to keep golf open during the national lockdowns – and under the regional tier system introduced in the autumn.

An England Golf spokesman said: “It is with great regret that we share this news with you.

“But please be assured we will continue to make the case for golf to reopen whenever possible.

“England Golf’s website and social channels are being updated regularly, and we will communicate any new information as soon as it is available.” the spokesman added.

Full UK government guidance and details of the national lockdown in England can be found here.

The first lockdown which forced the UK’s near 2,000 golf clubs was announced at the end of March.

Clubs in England were allowed to re-open with certain restrictions in place, while clubs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland came back into play at later dates after the devolved governments in the Home Nations managed their restrictions differently.

*The All Party Parliamentary Group for Golf (APPGG) consists of MPs and Peers from any political party working with industry bodies during the COVID-19 crisis.

The group is chaired by North Warwickshire MP Craig Tracey. The industry is represented by: American Golf; The Belfry; British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGA); British Golf Industry Association; England Golf; Golf Club Managers’ Association; Golf Ireland; Golfing Union of Ireland; Irish Ladies’ Golf Union; IMG; Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA); Ping; The R&A; Scottish Golf; Syngenta; UK Golf Federation; Wales Golf.

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Sam Horsfield’s record reads win, Missed Cut, win after he claimed the Celtic Classic at Celtic Manor – beating Thomas Detry by two shots. Pictures by GETTY IMAGES

SAM Horsfield made European Tour history claiming his second win at the Celtic Classic.

The Tour’s Manchester-born star who grew up in Florida became the first player to win, miss a cut, and then win again in the space of three weeks at three different tournaments.

A delighted Horsfield said: “It was pretty crazy. My goal this weekend was to have no bogeys and I was able to do that.

“I made a huge putt on 17 to keep that alive. I just played solid all week, really. To have a nice cushion coming into the last was nice.

“I never really felt nervous or felt uncomfortable, maybe because I was in this situation a few weeks ago.

“On 15, we decided to lay-up and I could have gone for that green. It’s the perfect three-wood number but there is so much trouble around that green.

“The birdie on 14 was huge because it gave me that option. If you’re one ahead, I think you go for that.

“But making that putt on 14 and then giving myself a pretty easy decision on the tee.

“Then I just sort of brought it home,” added Horsefield, who was certainly more composed speaking after his win then he had been two weeks earlier when winning the Hero Open at the Forest of Arden.

Horsfield had fired a superb 64 in Friday’s second round to close the gap on the leaders before Syme’s spectacular 63 on Saturday gave him the overnight lead.

Sam Horsfield was a shot behind Scot Connor Syme going into Sunday’s final round

Lightning delay can derail Sam

THE 23-year-old started the day one stroke behind young Scot Connor Syme.

But they were level after the 2017 Walker Cup player dropped a shot at the first at Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course.

Horsfield – tipped for the top by Ian Poulter some seven years ago – made consecutive birdies on the third and fourth.

Sam then birdied the seventh. But the players then had a two-hour delay as lightning closed in at the home of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

After the restart Horsfield parred the next six holes before his fourth birdie of the day on 14^th.

And he parred his way home to sign for a bogey-free 67 and an 18-under par total.

Horsfield moves to the top of the UK Swing Order of Merit, securing a place at next month’s US Open.

He will be joined by the other top 10 players on the UK Swing Rankings at Winged Foot at the conclusion of next week’s ISPS Handa Wales Open.

Horsfield is also guaranteed a share of £250,000 as part of the European Tour’s Good for Golf initiative.

The top 10 on the rankings after the ISPS Handa UK Championship at The Belfry in two weeks’, will share the money to donate to charities of their choice.

Connor Syme was happy with third place despite having a chance to win his maiden title

Syme settles for spoils as good run continues

JUST as at the Hero Open, Belgium’s Thomas Detry finished runner-up to Horsfield – having also posted a four-under par, bogey-free round.

Sharing third place were 2016 Ryder Cup player Thomas Pieters, Middlesex’s Andrew “Beef” Johnston and Syme.

It was Pieters first start since the resumption of the 2020 Race to Dubai.

Syme, who played in the Walker Cup against the likes of Cameron Champ, Scottie Scheffler and USPGA Champion Collin Morikawa, said: “It was another good result.

“I’ll have a couple of days away and play next week. My goal is to get in that top 10 for the US Open.

“It’s given me a step towards that. It’ll hurt for a couple of days, but it’s a good week.

“If someone offers you third at the start of the week, no matter the circumstances, you’ll take it.

“I’ll build on that and hopefully have a good week next week on the same course,” said the 2016 Australian Amateur Champion.

Syme’s sole win in the pro ranks came in last year’s Turkish Airlines Challenge on the Challenge Tour.

The 25-year-old from Kircaldy finished 14th on the Road to Mallorca Order of Merit to earn his full card.

Pieters who recently became a father, said: “It’s always a bit testing with your caddie, getting the numbers right.

“We did an okay job this week. It’s nice to start after five months off with a top 10. We had a bit of a slip up yesterday but still, happy overall.

“My caddie said if I go two-under through the last four then he’ll buy me dinner tonight. So I get free dinner.

“At the beginning of the day when it was a bit warmer, my grips were still slippery. I had a lot of trouble this week, I don’t know why.

“I’ve never really had that much trouble with it. After the restart helped me because it was colder and I could grip it and I felt a lot more at ease.

“I hit a lot better golf shots,” said Pieters, who has four European Tour wins under his belt, having won the NCAA US college title in 2012.

•For full results in the Celtic Championship, click here.

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Dr Haruhisa Handa (left) has agreed that his International Sports Promotion Society – ISPS Handa – will sponsor both the European Tour’s Wales Open and new UK Championship.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

TWO of the European Tour’s new UK Swing events are going to be sponsored by ISPS Handa – the International Sports Promotion Society.

The Wales Open and the new UK Championship will both be played under the ISPS Handa umbrella after being announced as the events official partner.

The partnership aligns with the UK Swing’s ‘Golf for Good’ initiative, which has become the cornerstone of the season which has had to be rearranged as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

ISPS Handa has been a long term supporter of the European Tour – including Challenge and Senior events – believing in the “power of sport to unite communities and inspire hope.”

The ISPS Handa Wales Open is set to take place at Celtic Manor, in Newport, from August 20-23, after a six-year gap since the philanthropic had previously supported the event for three consecutive years.

It is a timely return to the south Wales resort, as this year also marks the 10th anniversary of Europe’s dramatic victory against the United States in the 2010 Ryder Cup at the same venue.

The UK Swing will conclude with the inaugural ISPS Handa UK Championship at The Belfry, from August 27-30.

The Sutton Coldfield venue is steeped in Ryder Cup history, having played host to four contests. Europe triumphed in two – 1985 and 2002 – while the US won in 1993.

The 1989 match ended in a 14-14 tie but Europe retained the trophy after Tony Jacklin’s team’s historic first victory on US soil at Muirfield Village, in 1987.

In 2002, future captain Paul McGinley holed the winning putt on the 18th after a big upset in the Sunday singles.

The European Tour’s final UK Swing event will take place at The Belfry, in the West Midlands, where Europe won the Ryder Cup for a third time out of four matches played there, in 2002

Golf a sport for all says ISPS Handa

THE European Tour and ISPS Handa have collaborated in raising the profile of golf as an accessible sport for all through ISPS Handa’s long-term support of global golf initiatives.

Founder and chairman Dr Haruhisa Handa said: “ISPS Handa is honoured to partner with the European Tour on the ‘UK Swing’, which celebrates the return of professional golf in the UK while championing the Tour’s new ‘Golf for Good’ initiative.

“This charitable emphasis aligns with our belief that sport has the power to inspire hope and unite communities. In today’s climate, this seems more important than ever.

“We applaud the European Tour CEO Keith Pelley and his team on this inspiring leadership, and are delighted to partner with the talented golfers  in what we are sure will be a much-welcomed encouragement to golf, to the economy and to communities in the UK.”

Mr Pelley said: “We are delighted to have the support of Dr Handa and his team for the ISPS Handa Wales Open and ISPS Handa UK Championship, our final two events in the new UK Swing.

“Dr Handa is a pioneer in promoting innovation and inclusivity in the game of golf and we are thrilled to have his knowledge and commitment during these unprecedented times.

“As honorary ambassador of the ‘Golfers with Disability Programme,’ Dr Handa’s long-term support of golf globally is well-known and we appreciate the support he has shown to our players, our Tour and to the golfing communities in which we play.”

The ‘Golf for Good’ initiative, launched at the Betfred British Masters, will culminate in £500,000 from the European Tour being distributed equally between charities based in Britain.

All European Tour tournaments from July until December will form part of the Tour’s new ‘Golf for Good’ initiative, which aims to give back in three key areas:–
▪ Supporting communities where the European Tour plays
▪ Rewarding true heroes, such as front line workers
▪ Promoting the many health benefits golf offers.

Both tournaments will be broadcast live to more than 490 million homes in more than 150 countries each week, generating in excess of 2,200 global broadcast hours for each event.

Under the European Tour’s health strategy, as well as creating a secure bubble for players and officials at each event, spectators will be absent during the UK swing because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Lee Westwood says he has been playing Close House virtually every day for the last three to four months preparing for the Betfred British Masters which he will host this week.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

FORMER World No. 1 Lee Westwood enters the week not only as tournament host but also as one of the favourites to take the Betfred British Masters at Close House.

The Ryder Cup legend claimed his 25th European Tour win earlier this season at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

It also meant he can boast victories across four decades on tour.

The 47-year-old is the first player to host the Betfred British Masters twice following his first stint in 2017.

And has one eye on another double this week – winning the event for the second time – he won in 2007 when it was played at The Belfry.

Hosting duties will take on a very different complexion now for Westwood, with stringent health and safety measures in place at Close House, near Newcastle Upon Tyne.

No fans will be present because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Westwood said: “Hosting has been very different. There has been nothing to do on site with sponsors and fans, which has been a shame.

“We’re trying to keep numbers to a minimum on site. We’ve taken all precautions. It’s up to us to be very careful.

“From what I’ve witnessed people are sticking to it by the letter. The testing procedures are very thorough.

“Everyone on site who has been through it can only have found it impressive.”

Westwood: I have never felt better

THE evergreen Englishman is delighted to be back playing competitively for the first time in five months.

Westwood has been on a strict health regime and has never felt fitter, so he will be a force to be reckoned with at his home course.

The Ryder Cup veteran, who now lives close to Close House, said: “The golf course is in great condition once again. Probably better than the last time we hosted the Betfred British Masters.

“It’s a better time in the calendar for the golf course. The greens are quicker, fairways are immaculate.

“As long as the weather co-operates, we should have a great week.

“I would like to get off to another good start this year. The last time I had a long break and played was in Abu Dhabi.

“So the break didn’t do me too much harm there. I’ve played this golf course a lot, especially over the last three or four months.

“When the courses opened up myself and my son Sam were out here nearly every day either practising or playing.

“This is certainly the fittest I’ve felt, without a doubt. There was a period over lockdown where I didn’t play much golf for five or six weeks.

“So I got myself into the gym and worked hard and continued once I started playing golf again. I’ve been pretty busy with it over the last five months.”

Pepperell pepped up his fitness

EDDIE Pepperell, who won this event in 2018, has also benefited from a health kick during lockdown in the UK.

The Frilford Heath member is feeling “quietly confident” upon his return.

Pepperell and Westwood spoke out in favour of remaining in Europe to play the UK Swing – rather than heading to the USA for the World Golf Championship in Memphis before playing the USPGA at San Francisco’s Harding Park.

The 29-year-old Oxfordshire-based pro said: “I don’t know what to expect this week. I think I’ll play very well or pretty bad.

“I don’t imagine there will be a lot in the middle. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and practising so I feel it will go one of two ways.

“It doesn’t really stay in the middle when I do that,” said Pepperell, who won his second European Tour title when the British Masters was held at Walton Heath two years ago.

“I’m quietly confident, seeing quite a lot of nice stuff. It’s not a place I like to be, I actually prefer to be worried the day before – that tends to make me focus a little more.

“I think, ironically, given the circumstances and playing with no crowds, it almost might make me doubly intent on focusing hard.

“I know I’m going to have to play well, but also stay immersed in some way in the golf,” added Pepperell, who has the vastly experienced Micky Duran on the bag.

“I think that will be important for me. I’m quietly hopeful but I don’t know what to expect,” added the former England amateur international.

Kinhult enjoyed less restrictions in Sweden

MEANWHILE defending champion Marcus Kinhult is another player feeling comfortable with his game, having enjoyed plenty of practice over the past four months.

The Swede said: “I’m excited to go out again and compete. It’s been just over four months, so it should be fun and I’m looking forward to the week.

“It’s so different now with all the restrictions because of COVID, so I don’t feel the defending champion part as much – more trying to get into the new routines and everything.

“It’s nice to be defending but at the same time it’s a new course and everything is new.

“I just saw that I’m playing with Lee Westwood so that will be fun.

“I’ve just been back home in Sweden in my house. Sweden has had a different approach to coronavirus.

“So we’ve been living not quite like normal, but close to normal. We’ve been playing golf and we’ve been OK.

“So I’ve kind of enjoyed the four months,” added Lee, who moved to Newcastle to Worksop, where he played amateur golf for Nottinghamshire, and England.

•Follow live scoring by clicking here.

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uropean Tour chief executive Keith Pelley revealed no player will lose their Tour card in 2020 when he announced the new playing schedule including a UK Swing of six events

EUROPEAN Tour chief Keith Pelley has guaranteed no players will lose their playing rights as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc with its international schedule in 2020.

So any player who was inside the top 110 on the Order of Merit at the end of the 2019 season, will keep their cards for 2021, regardless of where they finish on the 2020 Race to Dubai.

As a result, the European Tour Qualifying School will not take place in November – along with the stage one and two qualifiers in September, October and November.

There will also be no automatic promotion from the Challenge Tour – the top 15 on the Race to Mallorca Order of Merit would normally earn their European Tour card for the following season.

The Challenge Tour’s schedule has also been dramatically curtrailed with the first six European-based tournaments between May and July either postponed or cancelled.

But the European Tour chief executive has reassured players they will reward any “exceptional” performances on either the European and Challenge Tours in 2020.

The exact details of any such rewards will be announced by the European Tour Tournament Commitee, said Mr Pelley.

Pelley added: “While the intention remains to crown a new Race to Dubai Champion on December 13, as part of the changes to the end of the 2020 season caused by the impact of COVID-19, the European Tour’s Tournament Committee recently agreed that all members’ 2020 categories, and their ranking within that category, will be retained in 2021 – with related playing rights being protected to the absolute maximum possible in the 2021 season.”

There will also be no minimum number of tournaments that need to be played in 2020 to guarantee membership for next year, he added after a unanimous vote by the powerful Tournament Committee, which includes players’ representatives as well as European Tour officials.

Pelley added: “We recognise that when we resume playing golf, each player’s circumstances will be different.

“We therefore do not want to put anyone in a position whereby they feel they have no choice other than to play in certain events in order to protect their livelihood.

“Similarly, the feeling was that it was not fair to disadvantage any member who might want to play in an event but who might not be able to due to ongoing travel restrictions.

“Therefore, in consultation with our Tournament Committee, it was agreed preserving their exempt status for 2021 was the fairest solution in these unprecedented times.”

EUROPEAN TOUR CREATES NEW ‘UK SWING’ WITH SIX EVENTS

Pelley thanks sponsors for support

THE European Tour chief went out of his way of praising the hosting venues and sponsors of four of its biggest Rolex Series events in helping to create the new UK Swing announced today.

Keith Pelley said: “Since the suspension of our 2020 season in early March, we have taken a measured approach in reassessing our schedule – informed every step of the way by our medical advisers and government guidance.

“We have consistently said that safety is our absolute priority and that is why we are announcing our resumption in two months’ time – supported by a comprehensive health strategy, which has been led by our medical team.

“Without question we have had to think differently about the remainder of our 2020 season which is reflected in today’s announcement.

“As golf’s global tour, diversity is ordinarily one of our biggest strengths. But in this instance it has become one of our biggest challenges.

“Initially, therefore, based on the expert guidance we received, playing in clusters, in one territory, is the best option in terms of testing, travel and accommodation.

“I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank Betfred, Close House, Marriott, the Forest of Arden, Hanbury Manor, Celtic Manor Resort and The Belfry for sharing our vision for this ‘UK Swing.’

“We look forward to returning to tournament play in July with this innovative stretch of six events.

“As well as getting golf going again for our players, our broadcasters, our stakeholders and our millions of fans around the world, these new events will also enable us to give back during these unprecedented times, building on some of the community support already given by our players over the past few months.

“I also want to pay tribute to Rolex, BMW, Aberdeen Standard Investments, the Scottish Government, Nedbank, Sun International and DP World, for their continued commitment to the European Tour, which allowed us to move four hugely important tournaments into new dates later in the year.

“Not only did they show flexibility, they also showed understanding of the current global situation and we are truly fortunate to have them as partners of the European Tour,” added Keith Pelley.

The European Tour will return to action at Close House, with the Betfred British Masters, from July 22-25. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

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The 10th hole on the Brabazon Course at The Belfry has seen plenty of drama in both European Tour and Ryder Cups.

THE owners of regular Ryder Cup venue The Belfry have pledged to donate to chairty their entire green fees from the first day it is able to reopen after the COVID-19 lockdown ends.

The golf course near Birmingham – which has three different courses including the Brabazon, which staged four Ryder Cups between 1985 and 2001 – was set to host more than 30 charity golf days during 2020.

But due to the coronavirus pandemic, fundraising activities and other planned donations have been cancelled or postponed.

The donations from the resort’s green fees will be given to a variety of good causes.

The charities that will benefit from the generous gesture include cancer research, heart, kidney and Parkinson’s, plus children’s charities, hospitals and hospices.

Trusts that support ex-sportsmen will also benefit along with The Belfry’s own two nominated charities for 2020 – the Matt Hampson Foundation and LoveBrum.

Belfry sales director Katie Niland said: “We want to share some positivity and support during what is an exceptionally challenging time for many charities, who rely on donations to survive and show our support for the amazing work they do.

“At The Belfry, we have the pleasure to host many charity golf days a year, so we want to take this opportunity to give something back so they can continue to help those who need it most.

“We therefore really want the first day we open the courses to count.

“The Brabazon, PGA National and The Derby will all be available to play and there will be some fun opportunities out on the courses to donate further, so whether you are a beginner, amateur or pro golfer, it’s sure to be a great day for some truly fantastic causes.”

The 54-hole complex at Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, could host hundreds of golfers and has packages for 36 holes, including one night’s stay at the on-course hotel priced from £119.

As well the Brabazon, which also hosted the last four B&H International tournaments on the European Tour, the Dave Thomas-designed PGA National, which opened in 1997, has staged the PGA Seniors Championship on the European Seniors Tour twice.

As well as the newer inland links styled PGA National, the other course at The Belfry is the Derby – a more gentle parkland layout, which was designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, and opened in 1977.

A good turn out on the first day of golf after the lockdown ends, could raises thousands for the charities chosen by The Belfry team, who won English Golf Resort of the Year at the World Travel Awards, in 2018.

•To find out more about green fees and golf packages visit the The Belfry website.

Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team at The Belfry in 2002 with captain Sam Torrance holding the famous trophy after beating the USA. Picture by STUART FLETCHER

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Frilford Heath’s Eddie Pepperell says he still has not hit the heights so far this season that produced two wins in 2018. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

EDDIE Pepperell will defend a European Tour title for the first time in his career as he tees it up at the Betfred British Masters at Hillside Golf Club tomorrow (Thursday).

The Englishman won last year’s British Masters at Walton Heath, his second title of the 2018 season, and has arrived at Hillside in a confident mood, hoping to emulate his achievement last year.

Pepperell, who hails from Abingdon and grew up playing golf at Drayton Park, said: “It’s a shame I missed Qatar, but certainly being back in England is nice, and the first time playing Hillside, as well.

“I played nine yesterday on the back nine, and good to see it for the first time.

“Yeah, good draw, as well, playing with Thomas (Fleetwood), and Stevie (Gallacher), of course,” said the Frilford Heath member.

“I’m curious to see how I feel tomorrow. I’m expecting to feel quite relaxed, but I might not.

“It certainly felt a bit strange coming back this week having not been in Europe for ages, and just being in a completely different environment and getting used to that, when you come back here, it just feels quite strange.

“There may be a bit of getting used to that tomorrow, but I feel quite relaxed, and as always — well, I try to always focus very hard on my game, so that’s occupying my mind.

“My game certainly feels closer than it did on the Wednesday of British Masters last year. That was terrible that day.

Fleetwood to host Betfred British Masters

“The way things can change, I never like to feel too confident on a Wednesday because it doesn’t last.

“I don’t know what to expect from my game. I know there’s a bit of weakness at the moment in there somewhere.

“But I feel like around this course with the conditions, I can skirt my way around that and manage to shoot four good scores.

“This week I’m quietly confident I guess you could say, but I don’t feel like I’ve played well at all this year.

“I haven’t swung the club as well as I have last year and the year before that,” said Pepperell.

“So to have done what I’ve been able to do so far over the span of a year, I’ve made the most of it, and that’s a positive.

“So if I can find some form swinging like that, then I’m pretty confident I’ll come out this year better than last. Yeah, quiet optimism.”

Pepperell will tee it up in the first and second rounds alongside this year’s tournament host Tommy Fleetwood.

The 28-year-old, who grew up in Southport, which will host the 2019 British Betfred Maseters, began his week with victory in the first Hero Challenge of the season at Princes Dock in Liverpool on Tuesday night.

The pair will be joined by Scotland’s 2019 Hero Indian Open winner Stephen Gallacher.

Lee Westwood set for his 18th start

MAKING his 18th appearance in the British Masters is former World No. 1 Lee Westwood, who hosted the tournament at Close House, in 2017.

After a four-year absence from the winner’s circle, Westwood won his 24^th European Tour title at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, in November.

The Nottinghamshire ace, who now lives in Newcastle arrives at Hillside hoping to add a second British Masters crown to his trophy cabinet.

The “Worksop Wonder” won the event in 2007 at The Belfry, and the 46-year-old has previous form at Hillside, winning The Pines Trophy at the Lancashire links, as an amateur in 1990.

Westwood said: “I’m coming back to somewhere that I’ve played well in the past and a golf course that I enjoy playing and a tournament I enjoy playing.

“So it’s always nice to play in England in front of the English and British fans,” said the veteran of 10 Ryder Cups.

“There’s been some great winners here in the past. Seve is a past winner and Greg Norman a past winner, so two heroes of mine growing up, and players I’ve wanted to emulate.

“I’ve been a host a couple years ago. I saw the other side of it, how a tournament is run and what goes into it.

“I’ve got a great appreciation for what goes into running the British Masters and others, and now I get to play in the British Masters,” added Westwood.

“It’s always been played on some great venues and always attracts a great field and great fans that really seem to enjoy coming to this tournament and supporting it.”

•For live scoring from the first round of the Betfred British Masters click here.

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Lansberry (left) received his England Golf Coach of the Year Award from Richard Maxfield, chief executive of The PGA

BIRMINGHAM’S Aaron Lansberry puts the fun into golf for hundreds of youngsters – and it’s won him the England Golf Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by The PGA.

Lansberry, from Hatchford Brook Golf Centre, was recognised last night at the England Golf Awards 2019, sponsored by adidas Golf.

More than 400 guests at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel applauded him for the way he inspires youngsters to enjoy their golf and keep coming back for more.

The judges were bowled over by his passion for the game which creates a genuine love of golf among his hundreds of young pupils. “His impact on growing the game goes above and beyond his role as a coach,” they said.

Lansberry, who was also a finalist last year, said: “It’s lovely to win, it’s the cherry on the cake and it backs up all the hard work we do.”

He is supported by a team of five teenage volunteers who help him deliver sessions and by his girlfriend, Kirsty Wise.

In particular, she works with him on a new rewards system, which recognises both golf and life skills – and which was also a finalist for last night’s Innovation Award.

The youngsters are recognised with hand-made badges, which they wear proudly on their golf hats – and the couple are kept busy making them. “The kids are crazy for them, they’re bonkers for them!” said Lansberry.

The key to his success is fun and he’s always searching for new games to add enjoyment to his lessons. He trawls the internet and checks out other sports for ideas.

Lansberry said: “The kids are there for their leisure and they want as much fun as possible and to improve their golf at the same time.”

It’s a winning formula. One group of seven youngsters have been attending sessions since 2011 – and that’s typical. “Our retention rate is about 97 per cent,” added Aaron, who admits he also gets a lot from the sessions.

“It’s rewarding, it’s great. Some of those kids who’ve been coming for eight years now play for the county and at regional level. Others are just really passionate about playing, some aren’t particularly brilliant but they just love playing golf,” he said.

“As far as I’m concerned that’s job done. They’ve got a hobby, something they really enjoy, they’ve made some good friends and everyone is happy. I feel lucky.”

The runners-up were:–

• Philip Akers from The Belfry, Warwickshire
• Stuart Disney from Mendip Golf Club, Somerset
• and Mark Johnson from Styal Golf Club, Cheshire

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