GOLF MONTHLY AWARDS 2021

We consider an unusual, exciting and positive year in golf and pick out the best bits from the professional and amateur games

- FERGUS BISSET

It’s been another strange and challenging year in almost every aspect of life, with sacrifices and compromises required across the board. Golf hasn’t been unscathed – events have been cancelled, crowds reduced, tourism has been hit and, as in other industries, equipment has been in short supply.

But, despite these issues, 2021 can be viewed as an exciting and positive year for golf. Figures from Sports Marketing Surveys, England Golf and other bodies involved in the administration of the game show participation and membership numbers continue to look healthy, with people returning to, and taking up, golf as the pandemic runs its course.

In the competitive game, 2021 was a bumper season with Majors, Olympics and Solheim, Ryder, Curtis and Walker Cups all producing compelling and exciting stories.

We’ve seen heroes and villains, controversy and sportsmanship, and age-defying and groundbreaking performances.

In the amateur game, the rollout of the World Handicap System and grassroots initiatives like iGolf have provided scope for debate. But, with teething issues being ironed out and initial concerns allayed, it’s clear the game’s governing bodies have our sport pointed firmly in the right direction to capitalise on the game’s revival by encouraging more to play.

Elsewhere, clubs, courses and equipment manufacturers continued to make improvements to enhance the playing experience for golfers of all abilities.

In adversity, golf has shown its mettle in 2021. Here, we acknowledge some of the year’s most significant moments and achievements.