The 2017 PING Junior Solheim Cup European Captain Alison Nicholas MBE has received an honorary degree from Newman University for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of women’s sport.
Nicholas, who won the US Women’s Open, the Ladies’ British Open, the Western Australian Open and the Malaysian Open during a golfing career that spanned more than 20 years, now runs the Alison Nicholas Golf Academy in Great Barr.
She received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at Newman University’s graduation ceremony, alongside 365 other graduates from the Bartley Green based university.
“It’s indeed a great privilege to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Newman University and I am humbled to accept the award which is bestowed upon me. My thanks go to Newman University and I look forward to celebrating this honour with my family, friends and fellow graduates,” Nicholas said.
“I will continue to coach golf and give back to this wonderful game. I think that women’s sport is on the up partly because of the success of many sportswomen at the Olympic Games, which will hopefully inspire the next generation to participate in sports from a young age and into adulthood.”
Professor Peter Lutzeier, Vice Chancellor at Newman University, said: “Conferring honorary degrees is an important way for the university to recognise individuals who have not only become leaders in their field but who have also had a positive impact on society. We are proud to recognise Alison’s achievements as part of this great tradition.”
Nicholas, who was born in Gibraltar, became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1998 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for ‘Services to Women’s Golf’. She is a Life Member of the Ladies European Tour and also holds a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Professional Golfers’ Association of Europe, and in 1997 she became Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year, Evening Mail Sports Personality of the Year and Midlands Sports Personality of the Year.
