Bob Lacey was named the winner of England Golf’s Volunteer of the Year award at Wednesday’s England Golf Awards, hosted by Mark Chapman at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.
The Surrey volunteer received the award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to junior golf within the county.
Bob has been the driving force behind the Surrey Rookie Tour, JAGS events, county championships, Surrey Schools competitions, and the management of the U12, U13, and U14 squads. His tireless efforts have provided more than 150 young golfers with well-organised, enjoyable, and educational experiences, helping shape the next generation of talent.
Under Bob’s leadership, the Surrey U12 and U13 squads remained undefeated, while the U14 squad claimed the Sussex Salver. Beyond results, his commitment to sportsmanship, etiquette, and respect, has fostered an environment where players thrive both on and off the course. His end-of-season prizegiving, attended by over 250 players and families, is recognised as a highlight of the junior golf calendar.
Described by many as humble, patient, and endlessly enthusiastic, Bob has earned the admiration of players, parents, and volunteers alike. His hands-on approach - personally planning and attending every event, welcoming players and mentoring future champions - has made an immeasurable impact on junior golf in Surrey.
Accepting the award, Bob said: "This is absolutely amazing and I had no expectations to win this award. The most rewarding part of it is seeing junior amateur golfers develop not only as golfers, but as people.
“The likes of Lottie Woad, who is now the world amateur number one, she started with me when she was nine years old, and Kris Kim started with me when he was eight, but there are many junior golfers who have come through our Rookie Tour who have gone on to the US College system and turned professional. It’s fantastic that so many have taken golf as their career, and, if they haven’t taken it as a career, they have still benefited from what the Rookie Tour has provided to them in terms of interpersonal skills and general personal development.
“I watched Lottie at the Curtis Cup last year, she’s a member at my club Farnham and it’s fantastic she’s putting as much back into Junior Golf as she's taken from it. When I first knew Lottie, she had a handicap of 54, when she left at aged 14, she had a handicap of 2. I still feel part of her journey, which is brilliant.
“My Rookie Tour season starts on April 8 and this trophy will be sitting there for all to see at Farleigh Golf Club. It’s going to be great year. I can probably name five or six that I think will be the next Lottie quite easily and they’re all under 14.
“If there weren't volunteers within golf junior golf, then there wouldn't be the opportunities available to the players and that's what's most critical, giving the players the opportunity to get out there to play in a competitive environment outside of their home club and to develop as people, as golfers, and to develop friendships and generally just become the best person they can possibly be.”
Bob has been the driving force behind the Surrey Rookie Tour, JAGS events, county championships, Surrey Schools competitions, and the management of the U12, U13, and U14 squads. His tireless efforts have provided more than 150 young golfers with well-organised, enjoyable, and educational experiences, helping shape the next generation of talent.
Under Bob’s leadership, the Surrey U12 and U13 squads remained undefeated, while the U14 squad claimed the Sussex Salver. Beyond results, his commitment to sportsmanship, etiquette, and respect, has fostered an environment where players thrive both on and off the course. His end-of-season prizegiving, attended by over 250 players and families, is recognised as a highlight of the junior golf calendar.
Described by many as humble, patient, and endlessly enthusiastic, Bob has earned the admiration of players, parents, and volunteers alike. His hands-on approach - personally planning and attending every event, welcoming players and mentoring future champions - has made an immeasurable impact on junior golf in Surrey.
Accepting the award, Bob said: "This is absolutely amazing and I had no expectations to win this award. The most rewarding part of it is seeing junior amateur golfers develop not only as golfers, but as people.
“The likes of Lottie Woad, who is now the world amateur number one, she started with me when she was nine years old, and Kris Kim started with me when he was eight, but there are many junior golfers who have come through our Rookie Tour who have gone on to the US College system and turned professional. It’s fantastic that so many have taken golf as their career, and, if they haven’t taken it as a career, they have still benefited from what the Rookie Tour has provided to them in terms of interpersonal skills and general personal development.
“I watched Lottie at the Curtis Cup last year, she’s a member at my club Farnham and it’s fantastic she’s putting as much back into Junior Golf as she's taken from it. When I first knew Lottie, she had a handicap of 54, when she left at aged 14, she had a handicap of 2. I still feel part of her journey, which is brilliant.
“My Rookie Tour season starts on April 8 and this trophy will be sitting there for all to see at Farleigh Golf Club. It’s going to be great year. I can probably name five or six that I think will be the next Lottie quite easily and they’re all under 14.
“If there weren't volunteers within golf junior golf, then there wouldn't be the opportunities available to the players and that's what's most critical, giving the players the opportunity to get out there to play in a competitive environment outside of their home club and to develop as people, as golfers, and to develop friendships and generally just become the best person they can possibly be.”
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