KAREN LUNN WINS INTERNATIONAL WOMAN AT THE 2024 WOMEN IN GOLF AWARDS

A sparkle of women – and men - came together at Foxhills in Surrey on Thursday night to celebrate a year of incredible achievements by women in the golf industry at the 2024 Women in Golf Awards.  One of the winners on the night was CEO of WPGA of Australia, Karen Lunn, who was awarded International Woman of the Year in recognition of the tremendous impact she has made on women’s golf and the wider golf industry across her impressive career.

Karen beat off strong competition with nominations coming in from around the globe.  The finalists in her category were Australian Carrie Edwards-Britt, CEO of MGI Golf and Nina M Luppino Officer of Strategic Development, Women's Golf Association of New Jersey USA.  Unfortunately, Karen was unable to receive her award from sponsor Perry Ellis in person but Helen Willsmer Director of Golf Apparel EMEA was able to speak to her over zoom to give her the great news. 

From Tour player to CEO of the WPGA - golf around the world owes huge gratitude and respect to Karen.  As CEO of the WPGA Tour of Australasia, Karen has significantly raised the profile of Australasian women's professional golf, while also fostering golf at every level in the country.  Notable career highlights include steering the then Australian Ladies Professional Golf to a collaborative alliance with the PGA of Australia,  creating the Women's Professional Golf Tour Australasia which offered more opportunities for fledging and developmental players.  In 2022 Karen became the first woman to chair the Australian Golf Industry Council, a forum to help organisations and businesses throughout the golf industry unite on initiatives, strategy and policy.  

“Karen has made such an incredible mark on the world of golf and is a deserving winner of this year’s International Woman category” commented awards founder Nicole Wheatley. “So many women we meet have incredible stories that have rarely been heard.  By sharing them we hope to inspire women working in golf, but also to play our part in dispelling the myth that women are somehow held back in the golf industry. As the awards demonstrate, it’s simply not the case.”

Now in its third year, the awards showcase the work of women from across all sectors of the industry and provide an important platform that inspires more women to consider a career in golf.  On the night, BBC sport presented Katherine Downes presented awards in 10 categories, spanning all areas of the industry. 

The 2024 winners are:

• Unsung Hero, sponsored by England Golf – Di Stock, Chief Referee, Hampshire Ladies Golf
• Brand of the Year, sponsored by The British Golf Industry Association – The Grove
• International Woman, sponsored by Perry Ellis - Karen Lunn, CEO WPGA Tour Australasia and Chair of Australian Golf Industry Council
• Women’s Initiative, sponsored by PING - Bishop's Stortford Golf Club 'Blue Course', Barbara Tucker
• Women in Turfcare, sponsored by BIGGA - Anna Nilsson, Deputy Head Greenkeeper of the Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry
• Women PGA Professional, sponsored by TGI Golf Partnership - Sarah Bennett
• Women’s Leadership, sponsored by the GCMA - Becca Hembrough, England Golf Performance Manager (Female Golf)
• Rising Star, sponsored by Club Car - Molly Pavey, Group General Manager Bramshaw Golf Club and Paultons Golf Centre
• Special Award – Trailblazers - Fiona Womack, Bishop Stortford GC and Sharon Eales Royal Birkdale GC
• Special Award – Inspirational Achievement - Adele McLean, Managing Director TGI Golf