Ana Browne has been named the winner of the Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by Caddy Comps, at the 2026 England Golf Awards - recognising her remarkable dedication to making golf more inclusive, welcoming and joyful for everyone who steps onto the course.
Her story is one of extraordinary resilience. Just five years ago, Ana underwent a life‑saving double lung transplant due to cystic fibrosis. Golf became a vital part of her physical and emotional recovery, offering strength, purpose and connection.
Today, despite ongoing health challenges, she devotes countless hours to helping others discover the same sense of possibility the sport gave her.
As co‑founder of Ladies Can Golf, Ana has created a supportive pathway into the game for women of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. She plays a hands‑on role in shaping events that are flexible, confidence‑building and fun, ensuring every participant feels welcome from the moment they arrive. Her warmth and encouragement have inspired many beginners to take their first steps into golf.
Ana also volunteers with The Golf Trust, supporting programmes for young people with autism. Her empathy, patience and understanding help participants grow in confidence and enjoy success on their own terms.
From being unable to walk for more than three minutes, to completing 18 holes with the help of a buggy, and ultimately representing Great Britain at the World Transplant Games, Ana’s journey is a powerful reminder of golf’s ability to transform lives.
By sharing her experience openly, she champions the message that golf is truly for everyone — and her impact across the communities she supports is nothing short of inspiring.
Ana said: “I am incredibly honoured to have won this award. I wasn't expecting it. There were so many wonderful people in the room, it was quite emotional and I couldn't really speak!
“My most rewarding part about volunteering is watching people take their first swing, building the confidence. I've absolutely loved working with different types of people. We do range work. We go onto the course. Everybody gets together. It's about having fun and seeing everybody laughing and connecting, making friends.
“I'm going to create more opportunities, safe places. Just get everybody together on a social basis for the moment so everybody can try golf. I think that's what's missing. We want everyone to try golf, and love it. They will. And then just continue playing. I never could have imagined this.”
Today, despite ongoing health challenges, she devotes countless hours to helping others discover the same sense of possibility the sport gave her.
As co‑founder of Ladies Can Golf, Ana has created a supportive pathway into the game for women of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. She plays a hands‑on role in shaping events that are flexible, confidence‑building and fun, ensuring every participant feels welcome from the moment they arrive. Her warmth and encouragement have inspired many beginners to take their first steps into golf.
Ana also volunteers with The Golf Trust, supporting programmes for young people with autism. Her empathy, patience and understanding help participants grow in confidence and enjoy success on their own terms.
From being unable to walk for more than three minutes, to completing 18 holes with the help of a buggy, and ultimately representing Great Britain at the World Transplant Games, Ana’s journey is a powerful reminder of golf’s ability to transform lives.
By sharing her experience openly, she champions the message that golf is truly for everyone — and her impact across the communities she supports is nothing short of inspiring.
Ana said: “I am incredibly honoured to have won this award. I wasn't expecting it. There were so many wonderful people in the room, it was quite emotional and I couldn't really speak!
“My most rewarding part about volunteering is watching people take their first swing, building the confidence. I've absolutely loved working with different types of people. We do range work. We go onto the course. Everybody gets together. It's about having fun and seeing everybody laughing and connecting, making friends.
“I'm going to create more opportunities, safe places. Just get everybody together on a social basis for the moment so everybody can try golf. I think that's what's missing. We want everyone to try golf, and love it. They will. And then just continue playing. I never could have imagined this.”
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