Special Award for Mark Johnson
Styal Golf Club professional Mark Johnson was celebrated at the Golf Foundation President’s Awards for his 25 years of work in junior golf.
He was presented with the Sir Henry Cotton Award, named after the founder of the Golf Foundation, for all that he has achieved since 1999.
The award was part of the President’s Awards at Wentworth Club, hosted by Nick Dougherty as part of a fantastic week at the BMW PGA Championship.
Honouring the Sir Henry Cotton Award
For more than a quarter of a century, Johnson has continually developed the junior programs at the Manchester-based club. It is now known as one of the finest junior golf programs available in the North West, shown by parents and children travelling large distances to be part of it.
His willingness to help children of all backgrounds and abilities was highlighted in his nomination. For example, he has helped one boy with autism now for almost three years and made a massive difference to that boy’s life, helping him develop more resilience, concentration, confidence, and happiness, whilst becoming a very good golfer at the same time.
He has changed that boy’s life and made a positive difference to the lives of so many more children as head of the junior programs at Styal Golf Club since 2000.
Inclusive Junior Golf Programs at Styal Golf Club
“Having been playing golf at many clubs for 35 years,” his nomination added, “I have met many great people who have done a lot for grassroots golf, but nobody has come close to doing as much as Mark, and he does it with compassion and skill and whilst making sure everyone has a great time!”
Johnson has built a junior program since 2000 that is really inclusive, involving competitions and lessons for children of all levels (including GolfSixes League and his Junior Ryder Cup), work with schools and other clubs, and specific lessons for girls. He devotes so much time to ensuring that children have a program that suits them and that they are having fun with.
Both because of the junior programs he has built and his ability to offer something tailored to every child’s needs, he has introduced so many children to the game who would not otherwise be playing and who will now enjoy golf for their whole lives.
A Career That Changes Lives
“It’s special,” Johnson said upon receiving the Sir Henry Cotton shield and trophy at Wentworth Club, where he also received a donation towards his great work.
“A lot of the time it can be a thankless task, even if the smiling faces at the end of the day are great, so it’s nice to be acknowledged, and it is really appreciated.
“Seeing the life skills the youngsters have developed over my time doing this has been amazing, and I’ve lost count of how many kids I’ve seen come through our programs and go on to a career in golf, as well as becoming doctors, lawyers, and working in all areas of life. That’s an amazing feeling!”
