Shirley Golf Club has been crowned Club of the Year at this year’s England Golf Awards, hosted by Mark Chapman at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.
The Warwickshire golf club received the award in recognition of its outstanding commitments to inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement.
Shirley Golf Club’s ‘Golf for Disabled Children’ (GFDC) project has provided free coaching to over 100 SEND children from local schools every week for more than 20 years. Funded entirely by member donations and the annual GFDC Golf Day, this initiative has helped introduce countless young people to the game in a supportive, welcoming environment.
The club’s sustainability efforts have also been a standout feature of its success. Following an ecology report, dead trees removed from the course were handcrafted into outdoor seating and donated to a local forestry school, enabling outdoor learning for children.
Meanwhile, the launch of Shirley’s Greener/Eco Golf Network in 2024 has brought together local clubs, residents, and communities to collaborate on wildlife conservation and sustainability initiatives. The club has also provided free conference space to support education on these vital topics.
Shirley Golf Club’s ‘Golf for Disabled Children’ (GFDC) project has provided free coaching to over 100 SEND children from local schools every week for more than 20 years. Funded entirely by member donations and the annual GFDC Golf Day, this initiative has helped introduce countless young people to the game in a supportive, welcoming environment.
The club’s sustainability efforts have also been a standout feature of its success. Following an ecology report, dead trees removed from the course were handcrafted into outdoor seating and donated to a local forestry school, enabling outdoor learning for children.
Meanwhile, the launch of Shirley’s Greener/Eco Golf Network in 2024 has brought together local clubs, residents, and communities to collaborate on wildlife conservation and sustainability initiatives. The club has also provided free conference space to support education on these vital topics.
Shirley’s focus on health, wellbeing, and inclusivity has also seen it welcome over 160 new members in the past 12 months. To enhance membership benefits, the club has formed partnerships with local gyms, financial advisors, and wellbeing organisations, offering discounts and incentives that promote physical and mental health. Additionally, new flexible membership categories have been introduced to attract a wider range of golfers across different age groups.
A dedicated Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion position has also been created within the club’s Management Committee, ensuring that inclusivity remains a core priority. Shirley’s ongoing commitment to charitable work has also made a significant impact, with nearly £100,000 raised for good causes.
Beyond its community and sustainability work, Shirley’s growing reputation in competitive golf continues to flourish. In 2025, with the club set to host national tournaments, including the Midlands Closed Amateur Championship and the Junior European Open Qualifier.
Accepting the award, Aneil Chauhan, General Manager, from Shirley Golf Club said: “This is great recognition for the work they've done for many years. We have a fantastic team, with some amazing volunteers, so this is amazing.
"We continue to run the Golf for Disabled Children weekly and we have over 100 children taking part. It's amazing to see them turn up, full of energy, really happy and if we can continue you that in the future, it will be fantastic.
"We've also got a sustainability committee, who are looking to become net zero by 2023, so there's a lot do, but it's an exciting time. It's our 70th year so we'll certainly have a party for the membership to celebrate this win!"
A dedicated Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion position has also been created within the club’s Management Committee, ensuring that inclusivity remains a core priority. Shirley’s ongoing commitment to charitable work has also made a significant impact, with nearly £100,000 raised for good causes.
Beyond its community and sustainability work, Shirley’s growing reputation in competitive golf continues to flourish. In 2025, with the club set to host national tournaments, including the Midlands Closed Amateur Championship and the Junior European Open Qualifier.
Accepting the award, Aneil Chauhan, General Manager, from Shirley Golf Club said: “This is great recognition for the work they've done for many years. We have a fantastic team, with some amazing volunteers, so this is amazing.
"We continue to run the Golf for Disabled Children weekly and we have over 100 children taking part. It's amazing to see them turn up, full of energy, really happy and if we can continue you that in the future, it will be fantastic.
"We've also got a sustainability committee, who are looking to become net zero by 2023, so there's a lot do, but it's an exciting time. It's our 70th year so we'll certainly have a party for the membership to celebrate this win!"
ENDS
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org