Captain, president, trustee, life member, referee – there is not much in golf Michael Rees hasn’t done.
His exceptional commitment to the game has seen the 76-year-old recognised with a prestigious England Golf gong.
The Gerald Micklem Award – named in honour of the former English Amateur champion and Walker Cup player – was set up in 1990 by the governing body and annually recognises those unsung individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to further the interest of amateur golf in the country.
And Rees has made quite the impact in the game. At his club, Rookery Park, in Lowestoft, he was captain in 1989 and 1994 and served as president from 2001 to 2003.
He was a trustee for more than 20 years, is an honorary life member, and is the current competitions and handicap chairman.
A former president of Suffolk Golf Union in 2010/11, and first team captain in 2012, he is also the County’s chief referee and rules adviser and remains a board member.
But there is more. Rees has been an England Golf Tournament Panel referee for many years and has officiated at R&A, DP World Tour, and Ladies European Championships.
And he’s also been a member of the England Golf Competitions Working Group and a Rules School tutor – taking on rules evenings for counties and clubs.
Michael Rees: ‘I hope I can continue to keep doing what I love’
Rees, a former auctioneer and wholesale fish merchant, received his award at England Golf’s AGM, and said: “I can’t believe it. I thought I was getting asked to provide a rules evening!
“I’d like to thank all the various Suffolk secretaries and South East Secretary Martin McDermott, he’s been so helpful. There are so many great people doing so many great things for the game. For me, I’ve basically got an award for something I like doing!
“My roles have given me the chance to visit some lovely places around the country and meet some super people. The season never stops, I just love it.
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“My wife Sandra has to put up with me being away all the time. My daughter is an ex-county player, her fiancée is a PGA Pro, so all my wife gets is golf all the while! She knows the rules of golf by default!”
Talking about his best moments in the game, Rees added: “I once enjoyed a two on a par 5 which was special, and captaining Suffolk at the Men’s County Finals for the first time ever was a proud moment.
“From a refereeing perspective, I’ve officiated at every level except The Open. I’ve done Open Qualifying, DP World Tour events – they’re all special and when I was put forward to do The R&A TARS exam in 2012 by England Golf, I couldn’t believe it. They’ve all been wonderful experiences.
“One event that stands out for me was a Champion of Champions event at Woodhall Spa where Tommy Fleetwood missed a two-footer on the last hole. It went to a play-off and I remember Tommy eventually won it, claiming the trophy in the dark!”
Asked about what’s next, Rees said: “I hope to be doing what I’m doing now. I am the current Championship Chairman of the South East Group and would like to continue. While I’m fit enough, I hope I can continue to keep doing what I love.”
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