Petersfield Golf Club’s professional coach Donovan Hall has been awarded a prestigious accolade for his Operation 36 programme success.

Among 1,400 coaches in 625 locations worldwide, he has the distinction of gaining the programme’s 2022 Top 50 Coach award.

The criteria for selecting the top 50 coaches includes the number of new golfers, the use of nine-hole events, assessing golfers’ progress over a season and using social media to encourage players.

Petersfield club manager Katie Laud said: “This is a fantastic achievement and richly deserved, given Donovan’s efforts with this programme.”

Donovan, 45, launched the American-born concept that caters for junior and adult players in 2020.

This autumn, 64 golfers enjoyed his sessions.

He said: “I believe it is the most effective model for improving golfers, and it’s the most sociable and fun.”

Growing up in South Africa, Donovan represented his county at cricket and hockey before turning to golf at 15.

After 16 years as a PGA professional coach and as a PE and games teacher, he married and moved to Petersfield.

Petersfield head pro Greg Hughes then offered him a coaching position aimed at attracting new players and building a thriving junior section.

Donovan said: “I was captivated by Operation 36’s unique concept that participants play on the course right away.

“Initially, they play every hole 25 yards from the green and then move to 50 yards, 100 yards and so on.

“It has a clear road map to take players from beginners to established club golfers and beyond.

“I feel blessed to have had the full support of Greg and the club – the club’s facilities are ideal for the programme.”

Petersfield Golf Club’s 2021 junior of the year Ollie McDonald, 12, said: “I really like the format – it is a great way to meet other junior golfers.

“Donovan creates fun games to play in the lessons. I’m really grateful for his support.”

Retired headteacher Evie added: “It is a brilliant, affordable concept for teaching golf. You are in a small group so you immediately have golfing friends. 

“You are taught skills and given opportunities to practise them. Donovan is a great coach, so go for it!”