One of the winners on the night Deputy Head Greenkeeper at The Belfry, Anna Nilsson who was celebrated for her commitment to encouraging more women and girls to take up a role in turfcare, as well as her own passion and expertise.
Anna beat off strong competition from Wendy O’Brien Course Manager at Beaverbrook and Course and Estate Manager Sophie Bulpitt. Jim Croxton, CEO of the British and International Greenkeeper’s Association and sponsor of the Turfcare category was on hand to present Anna with her award.
Anna is an extremely talented greenkeeper whose course bears testament to her unwavering dedication, expertise and passion all of which has helped to secure the return of the British Masters to The Belfry in 2025. Anna is also dedicated to inspiring future greenkeepers, coaching students and visiting schools to talk to children about working in the industry. Anna’s encouragement is making a huge impact on everyone she meets and her success is inspiring young women to take up a career in Turfcare.
“Our judges were so impressed to learn about the efforts Anna makes to speak to schools and mentor young greenkeepers. She really is making a huge impression on the industry and I am delighted she has won this award,” commented awards founder Nicole Wheatley. “By sharing and celebrating the success of women working on golf I truly believe that we can attract more women into the industry. Golf is male dominated, but there are no limits to the success that women can have as the barriers that may have existed in the past are long gone.”
Now in its third year, the awards showcase the work of women from across all sectors of the industry and provide an important platform that inspires more women to consider a career in golf. On the night, BBC sport presented Katherine Downes presented awards in 10 categories, spanning all areas of the industry.
The 2024 winners are:
· Unsung Hero, sponsored by England Golf – Di Stock, Chief Referee, Hampshire Ladies Golf
· Brand of the Year, sponsored by The British Golf Industry Association – The Grove
· International Woman, sponsored by Perry Ellis - Karen Lunn, CEO WPGA Tour Australasia and Chair of Australian Golf Industry Council
· Women’s Initiative, sponsored by PING - Bishop's Stortford Golf Club 'Blue Course', Barbara Tucker
· Women in Turfcare, sponsored by BIGGA - Anna Nilsson, Deputy Head Greenkeeper of the Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry
· Women PGA Professional, sponsored by TGI Golf Partnership - Sarah Bennett
· Women’s Leadership, sponsored by the GCMA - Becca Hembrough, England Golf Performance Manager (Female Golf)
· Rising Star, sponsored by Club Car - Molly Pavey, Group General Manager Bramshaw Golf Club and Paultons Golf Centre
· Special Award – Trailblazers - Fiona Womack, Bishop Stortford GC and Sharon Eales Royal Birkdale GC
· Special Award – Inspirational Achievement - Adele McLean, Managing Director TGI Golf