Leaderboard - The Authority for Golf Online

Our Courses

Chart Hills, Golf Course in Kent Dale Hill, Golf Course & Hotel in Ease Sussex Sandford Springs, Golf Course in Hampshire The Oxfordshire, Golf Course & Hotel in Thame, Oxfordshire Leaderboard Golf Centre, Driving Range and Pro Shop in Reading

Rory and Darren Recognised at Laureus Awards

Written by  Andrew Wild on Tuesday, 07 February 2012
Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke had their 2011 achievements recognised on Monday night at the Laureus World Sports Awards in London, amongst a stellar crowd of the world's top sportspeople.

McIlroy's eight stroke victory at the US Open earned him the Breakthrough of the Year award for his first major title, which came only two months after a complete breakdown at the Masters and made him the second youngest player to win one of golf's biggest events.

His 43 year-old compatriot was awarded the Comeback of the Year title for his victory at Royal St George's, which was also his first major title and his 20th attempt at the Open.

Receiving the award from Gary Player, an emotional Clarke reflected on his difficult personal life since his wife Heather lost her battle to cancer.

“It was a long time getting there. You battle on, you battle on and my chance came along," he said.

“I’ve had a tough time in my personal life but I’ve been lucky. Sport gives us opportunities to battle on and shine through. I’ve met a wonderful lady in my life, Alison, and I’ve come through the other side.”

Meanwhile the World Sportsman of the Year award went to Novak Djokovic, making it the sixth time in eight years that the jury had given this accolade to a tennis player.
Rate this item
(0 votes)
Andrew Wild

Andrew Wild

Andrew manages all aspects of Sandford Springs including Food and Beverage, Golf, Finance and Memberships.

Andrew originally met the Chairman, Paul Gibbons, when he was an assistant Golf Pro at Reading Golf Club 28 years ago.

Interestingly, 15 years later Andrew was giving Paul a series of lessons, during which he mentioned there was a club in Hampshire which was up for sale. After going to visit the club, Mr Gibbons ended up buying Sandford Springs. 

Andrew joined the company a couple of years later and six years on, he became the General Manager at the club they had first discussed all that time ago.

Andrew has a deep passion for the game of golf, which aids his enthusiasm in all his endeavours at Sandford Springs. Aside from playing, he enjoys simply being around the golf club and takes a great interest in looking after his members.

He believes that the atmosphere at Sandford Springs is second to none and finds it such a pleasure to be involved with the club that, in his own words – "Sometimes it doesn't even feel like work".

Social Profiles

Leave a comment

Make sure you enter the (*) required information where indicated.
Basic HTML code is allowed.

Great guides

Latest News

Terrific top tens

Interesting interviews

Search

Leaderboard TV

Twitter @Leaderboard