Michael Rees of Suffolk has been honored with England Golf’s prestigious Gerald Micklem Award for his exceptional dedication and contributions to the sport of golf. The award, named after the former English Amateur champion and Walker Cup player, was established in 1990 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to furthering the interest of amateur golf in England. Rees has made a lasting impact in the world of golf, particularly at his local club Rookery Park, where he has served as club captain, president, trustee, and currently holds the role of Competitions & Handicap Chairman.
In addition to his roles at Rookery Park, Rees has also made significant contributions at the county level. He served as President of the Suffolk Golf Union and First Team Captain when Suffolk made it to the County Finals for the first time ever. Rees is also a Chief Referee and Rules Adviser, a member of the England Golf Competitions Working Group, and a Rules Schools tutor within England and Guernsey. He has officiated at various prestigious championships, including The R&A, DP World Tour, and Ladies European championships.
Rees was presented with the Gerald Micklem Award at the England Golf AGM and expressed his gratitude for the recognition. He credited the support of various individuals and organizations, including the Suffolk secretaries and South East Secretary Martin McDermott. Rees highlighted the enjoyment he derives from his roles in golf, noting that he has had the opportunity to visit beautiful places and meet wonderful people through his involvement in the sport. Despite his busy schedule, Rees expressed his passion for golf and his desire to continue contributing to the game he loves.
As a 76-year-old, Rees shows no signs of slowing down and has ambitious plans for the future. He currently serves as the Championship Chairman of the South East Group and hopes to continue in this role as long as he is physically able. Rees’ family is also deeply involved in golf, with his daughter being an ex-county player and her fiancée a PGA professional. Golf has become a central part of his family life, with his wife even picking up knowledge of the rules by default due to their constant discussions about the sport.
Rees’ dedication to golf is truly remarkable, as evidenced by his extensive involvement in various capacities within the sport. His passion for golf shines through in his commitment to serving as a referee, advisor, and tutor, as well as his leadership roles at both the club and county levels. The Gerald Micklem Award is a well-deserved recognition of Rees’ contributions to amateur golf in England, and it serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for the game. As he looks to the future, Rees remains determined to continue his valuable work in the golfing community and leave a lasting impact on the sport he holds dear.
