A PGA professional who went back to school to deliver golf to hundreds of youngsters has come top of the class by winning a national award at the BMW PGA Championship.

Matthew Conner, from the Snainton Golf Centre, received the Golf Foundation’s Sinclair Award from former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher at its annual awards ceremony at Wentworth on the eve of this week’s European Tour flagship event.

Conner, who began giving free lessons in school off his own back, pipped a record number of nominations for the accolade in which the leading golf charity salutes an outstanding achievement by a PGA professional.

Golf Foundation chief executive Mike Round reeled off a list of Conner’s achievements including working with both the Scarborough and Filey and Ryedale and Whitby School Sport Partnerships, which has helped him take golf to 70 primary and 10 secondary schools.

In addition, the 29-year-old, who is a former high jump champion and talented rugby player, has worked with disabled children and has run regular coaching and competitions for juniors.

Conner, a past PGA Rookie of the Year, admits to being absolutely passionate about coaching which prompted his decision to bring golf to local schools.

“I bought myself some Tri-Golf and Golf Xtreme equipment and then just phoned up some local schools and asked if they wanted some free coaching,” he said.

“At first I think they might have been a little reluctant but all the kids were so enthusiastic that it’s really taken off especially since School Sports Partnership got involved.

“As a coach as well as improving players in terms of technique I just want to inspire other people to play golf.”

Conner says there’s no great secret to his approach. “I just try to make the learning as fun and relaxed as possible,” he said.

Round said: “This award shows how important PGA pros are to the success of the many Golf Foundation projects in the local community.”

l A maximum field of 29 teams teed off in the Centenary Pro Am at Malton & Norton Golf Club, with the pro results seeing Chris Hanson of Woodsome Hall GC renew his love affair with Malton with a gross score of 67. Hanson had won the North Region Pro competition last Septem-ber with 66 and 67 gross scores.

Meanwhile, Malton club captain Vic Thornton achieved a hole in one at the par three second hole.

l Allan Hall was the winner at the second golf day held by the Grapes, Ebberston, at Filey GC.

Hall returned 35 points in the stableford competion. Chris Beale won nearest the pin and Paul Johnson the longest drive, while Lynne Hall was the leading lady player.

Prizes were donated by Alan Brearley of the Grapes, Tate Smith of Malton, John Metcalfe and Allan Hall. Lynne Hall said: “Thanks to Ruby Turnbull and Filey Golf Club for hosting such an enjoyable event. Another golf day will be held in the autumn.”