David and Margo Horsburgh have become the first joint winners of the Gerald Micklem Award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to English amateur golf.

Thanks to their tireless efforts at club, county, schools’ and national level spanning six decades, thousands of golfers have been able to develop a love of the game and progress in their chosen sport. On and off the course, the Horsburghs have become a much-loved and respected double act on the amateur championship scene.

Married for 57 years, their devotion to each other is matched by their dedication to English club and amateur golf, particularly in their adopted home county of Norfolk.

After being announced as winners at the 2021 England Golf AGM, the couple expressed their pride at receiving the award.“This award is not just for us as a couple, but for the many thousands of willing volunteers who do so much to help the game of golf,” admitted David who served in the Royal Air Force for 32 years. “We were really surprised when we learned we’d won the award, but so appreciative and thrilled as the list of former winners is very special.”

Margo added: “When we first started working at championships, with what was then the English Golf Union, there was a picture in the mobile office which showed winners of the Gerald Micklem award. “We were aware of it from that day, but never once thought we would win it.“It’s been a joy to be involved in golf over the years and in particular working to help the juniors make their way in the game.“We’ve done everything together as a couple. James Crampton, championship director at England Golf, always jokes that we’re joined at the hip.“Everyone knows you get two for the price of one where we’re concerned!”

David (pictured above) started his volunteer journey in 1977 as junior organiser at Lark Valley Golf and Country Club.

At the couple’s home club, Thetford Golf Club, he worked with the junior section before taking on the role as chairman of Norfolk Schools’ Golf Association.

David has also been a stalwart of the English Schools’ Golf Association.

Since 2000, he has taken on the roles of championship chairman, executive committee member, chairman (twice), president and treasurer.

England Golf has also been fortunate to call on David’s expertise both as a rules official since 1999 and member of the tournament panel from 2003 to the present date.

Despite a lifetime dedicated to helping others in the game, David still found time to play to a low handicap of five and now describes himself as a ‘moderately good hacker’.

Margo’s golfing journey began 25 years ago when she was gifted a set of clubs on her 50^th birthday and was then able to join David and their two sons on the course.

Since 1998 she has been one of the game’s unsung heroes carrying out several key roles. From 1998 until last year, her administrative skills as a PA were put to good use as secretary of the Norfolk Schools’ Golf Association.

Alongside David, Margo’s work with the English Schools’ Golf Association was also unstinting. Since 2003 she has served as assistant secretary, secretary and then, in 2015, became the association’s first woman president. For the past 18 years, Margo has volunteered alongside David as a member of the England Golf tournament panel.

The couple have also given great service to county golf in Norfolk. Margo remains secretary of the Norfolk Ladies’ County Golf Association and David was honorary secretary of the Norfolk County Golf Union between 2008 and 2012.

The couple – originally from Dunfermline in Scotland – have no intention of giving up on their volunteer work.“We hope to get back to championships this summer and meet up with so many of the good friends we have made over the years working with England Golf,” confirmed Margo.

Although they watched golfers such as Danny Willett, Matt Fitzpatrick and Bronte Law shine at junior events before turning professional, the couple’s personal highlight was the 2006 National Schools’ Team Championship at Clitheroe Golf Club (pictured above).

A team of boys – much younger than their fellow competitors – from Wymondham High School in their beloved Norfolk won the title. Margo and David were later invited to take part in a school assembly to recognise the boys’ achievement.

The Gerald Micklem Award – named in honour of the former English Amateur champion and Walker Cup player – was set up in 1990 by England Golf.

On an annual basis, it recognises those unsung individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the amateur game in England.