Evie Sanderson has been named the winner of the Young Person of the Year award, supported by the Golf Foundation, at the 2026 England Golf Awards - celebrating her outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact at Woolley Park Golf Club and across the wider golfing community.
A hugely respected Junior Ambassador for both Woolley Park and England Golf, Evie is at the heart of her club’s junior section.
Her commitment to supporting others is evident in everything she does. She organises and runs junior competitions, guides new and less confident players on the course, and creates a warm, inclusive environment where every young golfer feels welcome.
Evie is also an accomplished competitor, collecting numerous junior and adult trophies and proudly representing her club in Leeds and District competitions, the Ladies’ Team, the Northern Regional Golf Team, and friendly fixtures for the Rabbits.
Her passion for encouraging more girls into golf has made her a powerful and relatable role model.
Her influence extends well beyond playing. Evie helps administer the Junior Eclectic, designs her own events to keep younger players engaged, supports Junior Academy sessions, and assists at the Junior Open booking desk.
She is known for her thoughtful ideas, creativity, and unwavering willingness to help. Even when not selected for matches, she embodies true sportsmanship—cheering on teammates, helping with handicaps, and offering encouragement wherever it’s needed.
Evie said: “It's really, really special to me to win this award. It was quite unexpected, I didn't think I'd ever get this recognition.
“I've been doing a lot of work around inclusivity and encouraging more juniors to start playing, and providing them with role models so that they continue to play throughout their junior years.
“In the future, I'd love to become a role model bigger than just my club. So in a wider community, maybe county-wise, and just make people aware of the work that we do and what it takes to become a role model to others.
“My proudest achievement so far is joining the Young Ambassador team with England Golf and the Golf Ambassadors to change perceptions in golf and promote junior golf throughout the country.”
Asked about what she’ll do with the trophy, Evie added: “I've got a nice golfing wall in my bedroom. It's got a nice golfing triangle on, that's got all golf balls on, so I think it'll sit just perfectly on there and I'll look at it daily.
“It's been an incredible experience. I never ever thought I'd be standing here. The people I've met tonight are some really incredible people and they're very, very inspiring.”
Evie’s warmth, positivity, and selflessness make her an exceptional ambassador for the sport. Her award recognises a young leader whose commitment is inspiring a new generation of golfers.
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