MANCHESTER, ENGLAND | It says everything about the feel-good atmosphere at the 2023 England Golf Awards that the winner of the Lifetime Service category, sponsored by Global Golf Post, was not basking in glory the morning after his triumph at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, well deserved though it was.
Instead, David Phillips of Saltford Golf Club in Bristol was thinking of new projects having been inspired by the example of his fellow winners on a night that celebrated the entire breadth of the game, from elite performers to selfless volunteers.
A breakfast of champions, then, for the 70-year-old who was honoured for his outstanding commitment to the progression of junior golf in the community during the past 36 years. In putting his name forward, the club wrote: “The Junior Section has been moulded by a gentle-man who has made service to young people his mission and purpose in life ... and whose dogged determination has created and sustained a centre of excellence where all children are welcomed and encouraged.”
Upon receiving the award, Phillips first thought of his closest ally. “I couldn’t achieve half of what I do without my wife Barbara’s support,” he told presenter Clare Balding, adding with a wry grin: “It’s very time consuming.”
Later, in conversation with GGP, he also said: “This is about many other people, not just me. I’m thinking of the many club committees who supported the vast majority of our requests, Dave Owen, and my friend Bob Perkins who introduced me to the club in 1986 and who led the juniors before me. He’s in his mid-80s now and still helps when he can.”
Also, a committee member for the Bristol and District Junior League, Phillips still has notebooks detailing the exploits of a 36-handicap youngster by the name of Chris Wood who within 13 years would twice finish top five in the Open Championship.
It is a story that demonstrates the heights a young golfer can climb, and Phillips relishes the success of juniors who have gone through his own ranks. Saltford has produced many club professionals. Matt Stanford represented GB&I at the 1993 Walker Cup, and current member Dewi John represents Wales at amateur level.
But he is also passionate about what others might deem small wins. “Seeing a 4-year-old get a TriGolf ball in the air for the first time, the smile on his face, that's a huge moment for him,” Phillips said. “Everything is an achievement for somebody.”
Asked if any one moment stands out from his four decades of service, Phillips offered up a junior tour tale from many years ago. “We were playing Dudsbury GC in Bournemouth – foursomes in the morning, singles in the afternoon. They were one short, but there was a lad with a high handicap on the range. I suggested we see if he fancied playing. He was a little reluctant for the foursomes, but you know what? He was the first to put his name down for the singles. I don’t recall his name, but I do remember his excitement and the fun he’d had. I often think of him. Maybe it led to many happy times on the golf course. I hope so.”
With that, this indefatigable character was looking ahead again. Among the other winners of the night were the Muslim Golf Association (Diversity and Inclusion Champion), Emily Horsted (Young Volunteer of the Year) and Seckford GC (Club of the Year).
Motivated by their good deeds, Phillips was particularly taken with Seckford’s dementia golf project and wondering how it might be replicated. Some folks never stop.
Matt Cooper