David Lodge has been honoured with the Lifetime Service Award, sponsored by DotGolf, at the 2026 England Golf Awards - recognising more than 50 years of extraordinary dedication to Fairhaven Golf Club and the wider Fylde golfing community.
A respected leader, volunteer and ambassador for the game, David served Fairhaven in almost every capacity.
He was Club Captain in 1997, Captain of the Society of Fylde Golf Captains in 2015, and was made an Honorary Member of Fairhaven in 2016 in recognition of his outstanding contribution.
His long service on the Board of Directors saw him chair every sub‑committee and take on the demanding role of Honorary Treasurer, helping to secure the club’s financial and operational strength.
David’s influence extended powerfully onto the course. He captained the Scratch Team for many years and played a central role in the Fylde Amateur Golf Scratch League for more than three decades, earning admiration across the region for his leadership, sportsmanship and integrity.
Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the creation of the Fairhaven Trophies, now one of Europe’s most prestigious junior championships. Identifying a lack of elite opportunities in the North West, he proposed a new event in 2007 and, with support from England Golf, expanded it into a 72‑hole international tournament aligned with the Lytham Trophy.
The championship has since welcomed future stars including Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Ludvig Åberg, Alexandra Peters and Sophie Lamb.
A passionate historian, David also authored The Lost Minutes, preserving Fairhaven’s early history for future generations.
David passed away in September 2025, but his legacy lives on in the tournament he built, the history he safeguarded, and the countless golfers he inspired.
He was Club Captain in 1997, Captain of the Society of Fylde Golf Captains in 2015, and was made an Honorary Member of Fairhaven in 2016 in recognition of his outstanding contribution.
His long service on the Board of Directors saw him chair every sub‑committee and take on the demanding role of Honorary Treasurer, helping to secure the club’s financial and operational strength.
David’s influence extended powerfully onto the course. He captained the Scratch Team for many years and played a central role in the Fylde Amateur Golf Scratch League for more than three decades, earning admiration across the region for his leadership, sportsmanship and integrity.
Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the creation of the Fairhaven Trophies, now one of Europe’s most prestigious junior championships. Identifying a lack of elite opportunities in the North West, he proposed a new event in 2007 and, with support from England Golf, expanded it into a 72‑hole international tournament aligned with the Lytham Trophy.
The championship has since welcomed future stars including Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Ludvig Åberg, Alexandra Peters and Sophie Lamb.
A passionate historian, David also authored The Lost Minutes, preserving Fairhaven’s early history for future generations.
David passed away in September 2025, but his legacy lives on in the tournament he built, the history he safeguarded, and the countless golfers he inspired.
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