SANDBURN Hall's Steve Robinson has won England Golf's prestigious Coach of the Year award.

The highly-respected head professional has enjoyed a spectacular 2016, inspiring the England women’s team to become European champions for the first time in 23 years.

Victory was particularly sweet for lead coach Robinson because his teams have been involved in bronze medal play-offs in the previous three years, but had left the championships empty-handed on each occasion.

His players included Bronte Law, who has just turned professional after a stellar amateur career when she was ranked second in the world, played in three Curtis Cup teams, won the Annika Award as the top US college player and was European amateur champion.

She sent a message when he was presented with his prize at England Golf's coaching conference. Law said: “The gold medal represents all Robbo’s work as a coach and mentor. He is not just a coach to me, he is a friend and I could not think of anyone who deserves this award more.”

The former Malton & Norton professional – who first taught Malton's European Tour star Simon Dyson – coaches the Yorkshire boys’ and women’s teams – and between them they’ve won 11 English county championships. This year, three boys from the six-strong county squad have represented England and Robinson is also the personal coach to Charlie Thornton, who won the England Golf Boys’ Order of Merit.

He summed up how he creates a winning culture by saying: “It’s all about building relationships with the players and making sure you know their vision and their mission.”

Along with Robinson, Sussex’s Alan Covey was named Volunteer Manager of the Year and Cheshire’s Alan Thompson won the Lifetime Service Award.

England Golf Performance Director Nigel Edwards said: “These are truly exceptional people who stand out for the support and encouragement they provide to our golfers, helping them to be the best they can.”