London, England: Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Secretary Karen Proctor has been named International Woman of the Year in the second annual Women in Golf Awards.

“It’s a great honour to receive this accolade,” said Proctor, who has been based in Singapore since late 2019, acting as Regional Sales Director for Textron Specialized Vehicles.

“There are still many gender imbalances in the golf industry, but I’m encouraged to see that progress is being made. There are still many barriers that need to be broken down and all of us who work in golf have a responsibility to do whatever we can to constantly improve the situation and make the golf industry more inclusive,” she added.

The first female office-bearer in the AGIF’s 12-year history, Proctor will moderate a session about Women in Golf at this month’s Asian Golf Industry Federation Danang Conference.

“It’s another opportunity for us to shine a light on the opportunities available to women in the golf industry,” said Proctor, who was unable to attend Tuesday evening’s Women in Golf Awards ceremony in London in person, but delivered a message via video.

The International Woman of the Year Award was sponsored by Perry Ellis International.

Nicole Wheatley, co-founder of the Women in Golf Awards, said: “During her 20-year career, Karen has dedicated her time to supporting initiatives that help others address the gender imbalance in the industry and breaking boundaries in the region.”

In her current role, Proctor is accountable for the sales of Jacobsen, Cushman and E-Z-GO products throughout Asia Pacific, overseeing the implementation of sales strategies, initiating new sales concepts and leading the company’s efforts to build brand awareness and increase the consideration rate of all products.

She was previously responsible for the company’s International marketing efforts.

In the Women in Golf Awards, the winners came from all sectors of the industry and range in age from 20 to 83, showing the amazing contribution that women make at every stage of their careers.

Joining Proctor as winners in the 2023 Women in Golf Awards were:

   ·Sally Hinton of Close House won Female PGA Coach of The Year sponsored by The Professional Golfers’ Association of Great Britain & Ireland in recognition of her commitment to growing women’s and girls’ golf;

   ·Maureen Clarke of Sherwood Forest Golf Club won The Unsung Hero sponsored by England Golf for her 40-year commitment to golf, with volunteering roles in rules, handicapping and junior golf at club, county and national level;

   ·The Women’s Initiative sponsored by PING was taken by Yvonne Brooke, Founder of The Ladies Golf Lounge, a 10,000+ social community of women golfers;

   ·Women in Turfcare sponsored by British and International Greenkeeper’s Association went to Amanda Dorans of Loch Lomond Golf Club, a champion of sustainability for the last 15 years;

   ·Lydd Golf Club’s Assistant Greenkeeper, Daisy Starling, won The Rising Star award sponsored by Players First in recognition of her appetite, commitment, and passion for a role she had to Google a definition for when she joined;

   ·Burham & Berrows Golf Club, who have delivered significant change at their club by delivering multiple initiatives linked to its R&A Women in Golf Charter pledges, took Venue of the Year sponsored by Women & Golf;

   ·Pure Golf was named as Brand of the Year, sponsored by The British Golf Industry Association, acknowledging the brand’s products, service and commitment to empowering women golfers;

The Trailblazer Award was presented to Emma Whitlock, Country Secretary at Sussex County Golf. Whitlock has transformed the Union since being elected to the role, including advocating for girls to take part in the boys’ competitions, introducing sustainable practices, and trialling mixed events. She is one of only two women to hold a Country Secretary role and is the youngest person to do so in the United Kingdom.

The final award of the evening was the Inspirational Achievement, which was given to the Founder Members of the first women’s professional Tour in the UK. The award recognised the bravery they showed in giving up their amateur playing rights, the passion that they brought to the game, their camaraderie and commitment to inspiring others to take up the sport.

Founder Member Denise Hastings, WPGA Chair Sarah Bennett and PGA Director Tracey Loveys were in attendance and accepted the award on their behalf.

Wheatley said: “I feel like we have met some future industry leaders this evening. To see them shine on this stage gives me a huge sense of pride, and confidence that golf continues to move in the right direction. I have no doubt that the guests have gone away inspired, motivated, and with joy in their hearts.”

The ballot for 2024 Women in Golf Awards ceremony is now open and available through the website: www.womeningolfawards.com