Peter Dawson, the outgoing chief executive of The R&A, the governing body for golf, was presented with a special Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 HSBC Golf Business Forum on Tuesday evening.

Dawson has been at the helm of affairs of The R&A since taking over from Sir Michael Bonallack in 1999, and has announced his decision to step down from the post in 2016.

During his reign, Dawson played a key role in resolving various issues with the sport – whether it be the case of technology overpowering the game, the anchored putting debate, increasing the commercial success of The Open Championship, or helping golf become an Olympic sport again.

The award was presented by Italian golfer, Matteo Manassero, in recognition of his outstanding contribution, achievement and leadership in both the game and business of golf.

“It is an honour and a thrill to receive it in front of so many people involved with golf, and in love with it,” said Dawson. “I have loved every moment of it. After joining the R&A, I knew there was something different about it. The industry I worked before, it was very competitive and everyone was trying to bite your leg off, but here, I have had so much support.”

Past winners include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Greg Norman, as well as owner of Mission Hills in China, the late Dr. David Chu, former European Tour chief executive Ken Schofield and Troon Golf’s Dana Garmany.