New Zealand's best golf clubs, facilities, and people in the wider golfing industry have been recognised at the 2021 National Golf Awards for their outstanding work and contributions to the sport and its wider community.

The National Golf Awards is the industry's chance to celebrate the dedication, commitment, and excellence displayed across the whole golf community.

The awards were presented at Golf New Zealand's annual conference in Christchurch last month.

Golf New Zealand chief executive Dean Murphy says that in 2021, the golf industry once again faced Covid-19 challenges - yet has come through stronger and with more participation than ever before.

"Golf New Zealand is immensely proud of how the sector navigated through these challenges, and is happy to see golf thriving again - highlighted by a 12-year membership high, and sustained by a catalogue of all the great stories we hear from golf clubs across Aotearoa week-in, week-out."

Nine awards were given to various people, golf clubs, and facilities around the sector, encompassing aspects of golf in New Zealand.

See a full list of winners below:

Club of the Year Award: Geraldine Golf Club

The most sought-after accolade is the Club of the Year Award, presented to a club which not only demonstrates excellence but also has an outstanding record of achievement across all aspects of its operations.

"Geraldine Golf Club is a small club of 200 members that punches way above its weight class and deserves the prestigious award. The club has made changes to its board structure and is now financially stable," says Dean Murphy.

"The club is now a vibrant facility that encourages participation, and engages positively with the community - enriching the lives of Aorangi people through golf."

Leadership in Golf Award: Chris Davies

The Leadership in Golf Award is presented to a leader who not only inspires others, but also drives meaningful improvement or change for the betterment of golf.

"There is no denying that Remuera Golf Club general manager Chris Davies is an inspirational leader. Through his leadership, his golf club engages and inspires the community to participate in golf," says Dean Murphy.

"The club's facilities are open to the public, and Chris has led the development of new innovative facilities that encourage golfers to participate in a social and fun environment – debunking the typical golf stereotype that it's an exclusive sport for the rich.

"With the public eye looking closely at the club, Chris Davies continues to prove his golf club is a valuable community asset."

Golf Administrator of the Year Award: Linda Suddaby

The Golf Administrator of the Year Award is presented to an administrator serving the sport at club, regional, or national level, who has made an outstanding contribution to the growth, success, enjoyment, or profile of the game in their administrative role.

"Working from Dunedin, Linda Suddaby has been nothing less than an unsung hero for Golf Southland for the past 13 years, and embodies everything a great golf administrator should be, and more - constantly working far longer than the 20 hours a week she's required," says Dean Murphy.

"Linda recently retired as Administration Officer for Golf Southland, and she's undoubtedly leaving the district in a better place than when she found it."

Volunteer of the Year Award: Lloyd Blakie

This award is presented to a volunteer who is not only inspirational in their commitment to their organisation but contributes outstandingly to the game. Golf is lucky to have many volunteers investing time and energy back into the game.

"The contributions of Riverton Golf Club's Lloyd Blakie stood out in 2021. He is at the heart of this small golf club at the bottom of the South Island," says Dean Murphy.

"Lloyd has been a member for 36 years and has been on the committee for 21 years. Lloyd spends an average of three days per week volunteering at a club which relies on its members helping out. He's supported the green staff by implementing a greens plan and has several other projects on the go."

Community Coach of the Year Award: Mickey Huriwaka

The Community Coach of the Year award is presented to a volunteer who successfully contributes to the growth of participation in an enjoyable, engaging, or innovative manner.

"Mickey Huriwaka is the junior convenor and a committee member at Opotiki Golf Club, and through his passion and love of golf, he inspires participation in the small Bay of Plenty town. This passionate golfer is constantly going above and beyond for young golfers in the region, even driving them to and from golf local golf tournaments.

"Mickey started the Rangatahi Junior Golf Development Programme, which has grown to approximately 40 people - with participation growing month by month.

"Mickey's passion for supporting young people became abundantly clear three years ago when he transported six youth and supported six others at the NZ Maori Golf Championships in Taupo - where he organised the group's accommodation, meals, post-round activities, and took them to the NZ Maori Golf Association Awards Evening."

Huriwaka says it's an honor to win the award.

"I was really surprised.

"Golf itself is such a good social networking opportunity, and it teaches a lot of the young ones a lot about themselves which is why I love teaching young kids about a sport that I love. When I found out, I was really touched. I actually thought people were pulling my leg and that it wasn't true. It's very humbling to be recognised for doing something that I love."

Professional Coach of the Year Award – Andrew Henare

Along with developing one of the top junior golfers in New Zealand, Napier Golf Club pro' Andrew Henare has developed and grown one of, if not the, largest junior development programme in the country.

Every Sunday morning, Andrew has 60 – 70 junior golfers out on the practice facilities and golf course at the Napier Golf Club - not only passing on his knowledge but also motivating kids to become better people through golf.

"Andrew also passionately promotes golf through school visits, has an incredible love for the game, and inspires participants to be the best that they can be. Isn't that what it's all about - helping raise funds for juniors to travel to the New Zealand Junior Championships and provincial events. He's an amazing all-round life coach."

Environment Club of the Year – Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club

The Environment Club of the Year Award recognises the golf club and its superintendent, who demonstrate excellence and leadership in environmental stewardship. The purpose of the award is to improve the environmental management of golf course facilities in New Zealand.

The award also serves to initiate industry self-regulation, and improve public confidence in turf and amenity environmental management, while simultaneously identifying leaders in environmental stewardship within the golf course environment.

At the Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, superintendent Mark Hooker has integrated environmental factors into golf course operations and business decisions – setting high environmental targets and standards, and achieving them.

"Mark has taken Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club well above and beyond the judging criteria – particularly in the aspects of water, chemical, fertiliser, turf, waste, energy, education and nature management," says Dean Humphrey.

"Mark and the club continue to support and enhance integrated pest management strategies by their commitment to training and awareness programmes, in conjunction with identifying and improving pollution prevention strategies and initiatives."

Golf Event of the Year – The Fox Fishing & Golf Festival

Held at Waihi Beach in summer, The Fox Fishing & Golf Festival is hosted by leading New Zealand professional golfer Ryan Fox and combines fishing prowess, golfing skill, and plenty of bragging rights.

Teams are treated to an entertaining, all-inclusive event with Foxy and his celebrity fishing boat skippers featuring such Kiwi sports legends as double Olympic rowing gold medallist Eric Murray, former All Blacks coaching guru Wayne Smith, and former Blackcap cricketers Neil Wagner and Mark Richardson.

"Funds raised from the event went specifically back to the local Waihi Beach community - with proceeds being shared between the Waihi Beach Coastguard and Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services. Last year's The Fox Fishing & Golf Festival raised $47,000 for the charities, adding to the $24,000 raised in the inaugural year," says Dean Humphrey.