After listening to feedback, Golf Ireland have announced the return of the Golf Ireland Club Volunteer of the Year Awards with some fantastic new updates.
This year, the awards have expanded to include five categories that recognize the incredible contributions of volunteers across Ireland. From fostering inclusivity and junior development to championing sustainability and service excellence, these awards aim to celebrate the passionate individuals who are driving positive change in our golf communities.
The Golf Ireland Club Volunteer Awards acknowledge the selfless work being done at the grassroots level to make golf a more accessible and progressive sport for all. This year, the categories include Junior Development, Level Par (for advancing women’s participation), Disability and Inclusion, Sustainability, and Excellence in Service.
Golf clubs can now nominate their outstanding volunteers via online nomination forms. Multiple nominations from clubs are welcome, and nominees will be considered for both regional and national recognition. Finalists will be announced at regional AGMs, with the overall award winners revealed at the Golf Ireland AGM awards ceremony later this year.
Golf Ireland CEO, Mark Kennelly, praised the volunteers, saying:
“Our volunteers are the heart of every golf club, and the work they do is absolutely invaluable. The expansion of these awards reflects our commitment to recognizing the outstanding efforts being made at the local level to ensure golf is inclusive, sustainable, and enjoyable for all. We look forward to celebrating these individuals and the vital role they play in the success and future of the sport in Ireland.”
Clubs are encouraged to nominate volunteers in any of the five categories. These include the Level Par Award, recognising efforts to promote gender equality in golf; the Disability and Inclusion Award, honouring those who support individuals from marginalized groups; the Sustainability Award, celebrating projects that contribute to environmental or economic sustainability in golf; the Junior Development Award, focusing on contributions to under-18 programs; and the Excellence in Service Award, which recognises exceptional volunteer service in clubs.
Nominations close on Monday, 19 November 2024. Full details, terms, and conditions can be found on the Golf Ireland website. For more information or queries, please contact: volunteerawards@