PGA professional James Erskine has been recognised at the 2025 President’s Awards with the prestigious Sir Henry Cotton Award for outstanding service to junior golf.
Based at Dumfries & County, James has devoted two decades to growing the game across southwest Scotland, coaching more than 10,000 children and creating a new academy facility with a 4-bay range and 4-hole short course.
Reflecting on his journey, James told Golf Foundation Nick Dougherty:
“I grew up in a sparse area with poor facilities and little coaching. I made it my mission to change that. Over the last 20 years, I’ve delivered coaching at 23 of 24 local clubs, and seeing kids now play the game – that’s the greatest reward.”
James’ efforts have helped produce national champions and more than 20 PGA professionals, but his philosophy remains rooted in grassroots growth:
“It’s not about the tour players – it’s about giving kids the gift of golf and helping them belong to clubs. If we don’t grow the game, we don’t have golf’s future.”
His award cements his reputation as one of the UK’s most passionate advocates for grassroots development.
