The R&A announced on Wednesday the creation of the Spirit of Golf Award, a new accolade that will annually recognise those who best represent the spirit of golf worldwide. The first name on its roll of honour is Adam Scott, recognised for his enormous contribution to the growth of the sport, his role as an international ambassador and the example he has set on and off the course for more than two decades.
The award, which will be presented on Wednesday evening at Royal Birkdale, has been created to recognise those who embody the values, behaviours and traditions that define golf. It will not be reserved exclusively for professional players or amateurs, nor will it be granted solely for sporting merits, but for the global impact that an individual—or, in exceptional cases, a team or organisation—has had on the sport.
The distinction also arrives in a particularly symbolic week for Scott. The Australian will compete this week in The 154th Open, where he will reach 101 consecutive majors, a streak that began in 2001 and that allowed him to reach the century last June at the US Open. Only Jack Nicklaus had previously achieved such a milestone.
At almost 46 years old —he turns 46 this Thursday—, Scott remains one of the most respected figures on the global tour. Champion of the Masters in 2013, the first Australian to wear the Green Jacket, a former World Number One and winner of 32 professional tournaments around the world, his legacy goes far beyond the results.
“It is an honour to be the first recipient of the new R&A Spirit of Golf Award“, Scott said after learning the news. “As someone who has devoted his whole life to golf, it means a lot to receive recognition for my impact on the sport worldwide, not only from a competitive point of view but also for having upheld values that are part of the essence of golf”, he added.
The Australian also referred to another major milestone of his career. “I have hugely enjoyed playing 100 consecutive majors. It has been a privilege and it is something I will never take for granted. I look forward to continuing that run this week at Royal Birkdale during The Open“, he said.
The Chief Executive of The R&A, Mark Darbon, explained the purpose of this new recognition and the reasons that led to choosing Scott as the first recipient.
“We are delighted to present the R&A Spirit of Golf Award to recognise service and impact on golf on a global scale. It celebrates the importance of the spirit of the game by honouring an individual who reflects the values, behaviours and traditions of golf“, he said.
Darbon also emphasised that Scott “has been a magnificent ambassador for the sport and has had a very positive impact on golf worldwide”. “He is the professional par excellence and has always shown integrity, respect and passion for the game, as well as contributing to golf continuing to connect with an ever-broader audience”, he added.
The R&A believes that the combination of that exemplary career and the recent achievement of reaching 100 consecutive majors makes Scott a “more than deserving inaugural winner” of an award that is intended to endure and to highlight those who best represent the spirit of golf.
