Lifetime award for golf pioneer Ian Bonser

Ian Bonser was described as a golfing ‘pioneer’ as he was presented with his award, recognising his career in the sport which spans more than 30 years as well as his contribution to the community.

The complex, at Coven, near Wolverhampton, was last year named the Golf Facility of the Year in the American Golf Awards and Bonser’s latest accolade is the latest in a string of honours for the par three course and driving range.

After receiving the award at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, the 57-year-old said: “This is a fabulous day for me personally, but also for everyone who has worked with me at 3 Hammers.

“I have made it my life’s work to make golf fun, affordable and friendly and I am incredibly proud that England Golf has recognised the success we have had in achieving those objectives on a day-to-day basis.”

He added: “This is a real honour, but although this is a Lifetime Service Award there are still so many things that I want to do at 3 Hammers.

“My team and I will always be looking for ways to improve so that we can offer the very best golf experience for people of all ages.

“Golf is a fantastic sport, which I have played since I was 11 years old, which is why I am so intent on giving as many people as possible the chance to play and experience the wonderful world of golf.”

England Golf chief executive Nick Pink paid tribute to Bonser at the awards, adding: “Ian is a pioneer."

“He is passionate about golf and has made an incredible impact at a local and national level, which is why we are delighted to present him with our Lifetime Service Award, the work 3 Hammers does in the local community makes a huge difference to people’s lives and Ian is an inspiration to those around him as well as the wider golf industry.”

The 3 Hammers complex takes golf to around 3,500 youngsters in schools and community groups and has more than 200,000 visitors each year.