Fleetwood, Hall, PING honoured at Golf Awards

The inaugural Golf Awards by American Golf were staged at the Belfry last night.

The awards, voted for by the British public, picked out Tommy Fleetwood and Georgia Hall as UK and Ireland Players of the Year, and PING as Brand of the Year.

Fleetwood, world number 16, has enjoyed two victories and a fourth at the US Open this season.

“It means so much that it’s been voted for by the public,” he said “I’ve been able to get back to form this year with the support of my friends, family and the fantastic team around me, and to now have the public recognise all the hard work is really special.”

Hall has climbed to third in the European Tour order of merit, with three top five finishes and a fourth at the Open. She also clinched two important points at the Solheim Cup.

The Golf Game Changer award went to PGA Master Professional Alasdair Barr for his work and development of golf worldwide, and his involvement with Services charity On Course Foundation.

Barr has worked with the R&A and PGA to take golf to some of the most disadvantaged communites in the world.

“I’ve been a PGA Professional for 50 years and coached a World No.1 in Luke Donald but the past 5 working with On Course Foundation has been the most satisfying,” he said.

“Just yesterday I was working with a guy who had PTSD and hadn’t left the house for 15 months. By the end of the day he was laughing and having fun. I’ve had people tell me that golf is the only reason they get up in the morning and that On Course Foundation has made them feel that they’re not alone. This award is more about the members of On Course than me. Without them I wouldn’t have the chance to get such enjoyment out of passing on the game I love. The only downside is that people know I do this for free and it doesn’t do any good for my reputation as a Scotsman!”