Yorkshire golf: Bondhay's Jenny Davies honoured by England Golf with top award

Davies, the junior organiser at Bondhay, was presented with the award at Thursday night’s England Golf Awards at Lord’s. The runner-up was Simon Bacon, of Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire.

The awards shone the spotlight on great moments and achievement at all levels of English golf and Davies was honoured alongside Olympic champion Justin Rose, Masters champion Danny Willett, of Sheffield, and Solheim Cup player Charley Hull, as well as other players and heroes from the grass-roots game.

“I’m part of a phenomenal team and I’m accepting this for all volunteers,” said Davies, who was featured in a specially filmed video. “It’s the strength of volunteers which makes golf such a great sport.”

She was a founder member when Bondhay opened 25 years ago and, although she likes to keep a low profile, volunteers widely in the club and is also the vice-chairman.

Her passion is for the junior section, which she revived four years ago, using her skills from a 40-year career as a PE teacher – and her enthusiasm for family golf.

When Davies first joined the club she involved her daughters, Jo and Becky; now Becky and her husband, Justin, are the club professionals and closely involved with the juniors.

Davies's enthusiasm, coupled with support from other members, has created a section that has around 30 members playing on the main course and a flourishing group of beginners on the par-3 course.

“There’s so much satisfaction in seeing the development of skills and also the growing confidence and ability to mix with people. It’s fantastic to be able to witness that,” she said.

"The youngsters get excellent opportunities, both at home and away. Masters champion Danny Willett was a member of the club as a junior and has worked with Bondhay and two other local clubs to run Wee Willetts, offering a par-3 golf tour to youngsters without handicaps. Danny attends an annual presentation, most recently turning up in his green jacket and accompanied by Sky, BBC and ITV – to the delight of the youngsters.

"Bondhay is also one of six Dukeries clubs, which play off in a competition for juniors with handicaps."

At home, one of the highlights of the year is Junior Week, featuring five days of competition, with each main course event mirrored on the par-3 course.

But Davies does not just focus on the juniors – she introduces their parents to golf as well and provides time for the adults to play at the end of junior competitions.

Bonday ladies’ captain Pat Crabtree commented: “She’s wonderful, it’s not just the juniors, it’s the whole club.”