TWO of Hampshire’s longest-serving golf administrators were left feeling chipper after picking up the amateur game’s first ever prizes in the East Hampshire Sports Awards.

The awards were set up by the local authority five years ago and Liphook Golf Club’s Barry Morgan, who has stepped down after three years as Hampshire Golf president, received the Service to Sport Award.

The retired sergeant-major served as Liphook’s secretary back in 1989, before becoming the county golf union’s secretary when Keith Maplesden, also of Liphook, stood down in 2006.

In his time as president, Barry has witnessed a string of successes by both the county and its many young stars. These included Harry Ellis, who became the youngest ever English Amateur Champion at just 16, breaking Sir Nick Faldo’s record in 2012, and Neil Raymond who won the Brabazon Trophy back to back – the first such winner in some 50 years.

Hampshire reached the English County finals twice during his presidency – and for the fifth time in nine years.

Much of the county’s success has been achieved through its junior programme which has been overseen by Blackmoor’s John Moore over the last four years.

And having succeeded Barry Morgan as county president in December, John Moore picked up the Official of the Year award, recognising the junior manager’s efforts which has seen Hampshire U18s reach the English Boys finals three times out of the last four years.

Both golfing officials are in contention for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Awards, which take place in Winchester in a fortnight.