Nottinghamshire volunteer recognized for decades of service to amateur and junior golf in England
Maureen Clarke of Nottinghamshire has been awarded the prestigious Gerald Micklem Award by England Golf, recognizing her remarkable dedication to amateur golf over more than five decades.
Presented at the England Golf Annual General Meeting at Woodhall Spa Golf Club on April 23, the award celebrates Clarke’s lifelong efforts in developing junior golf, officiating tournaments, and promoting the game at all levels.
“It’s an absolute privilege to win this award,” Clarke said. “I’ve had a wonderful time visiting beautiful courses, meeting lovely people, and having fun along the way.”
A Legacy of Volunteerism and Leadership
Clarke began playing golf in 1968, quickly lowering her handicap and competing in county-level teams during the 1970s. Her passion soon extended beyond playing, as she became Junior Organiser for the Nottinghamshire County Ladies’ Association in the early 1980s, laying the foundation for her long-standing involvement in junior golf development.
She went on to serve in numerous roles with the former English Ladies’ Golf Association (ELGA), helping organize training, competitions, and rules education across the Midlands and nationally. Clarke played a key part in creating enduring junior competitions, including the Midlands Divisional Champion of Champions and County Scratch Matches, both of which still run today.
Trailblazer in Rules and Officiating
A qualified rules official since 2003, Clarke became a respected figure in tournament officiating. She served as Chief Referee for England Golf events and was the first woman to represent England Golf as a referee at The Open following the ELGA merger—an achievement she described as her “proudest moment.”
She also taught golf rules through interactive demonstrations and seminars, delivering over 50 talks after the 2019 rules changes. Clarke’s teaching and officiating work supported grassroots golf, with donations from her events benefiting junior girls’ development in Nottinghamshire.
Deep Roots in Club and County Golf
Clarke has been a member of Sherwood Forest Golf Club for 57 years, where she’s held multiple committee roles and was named an honorary member in 2012. She has also contributed to her county association, serving as County Captain, President, and a Midlands Divisional representative.
Her contributions have earned her several recognitions, including the Women in Golf Unsung Hero Award in 2023 and Midland Golfer’s Golf Achiever of the Month.
After 20 years on England Golf’s Tournament Rules Panel, Clarke retired in 2022, concluding her officiating career at the English Boys’ Championship held at her home club.
Her story stands as a testament to the power of volunteerism in shaping and sustaining amateur golf in England.
