Peter Cowen (pictured) picked up the accolade for his work helping Westwood overhaul Tiger Woods at the top of the world golf rankings.

He received his award at the 2010 UK Coaching Awards.

Cowen was presented with the gong in a glittering ceremony at the Brewery, London, when he also won the High-performance Coach of the Year Award.

The coaches of England women's rugby union star Maggie Alphonsi were named winners of the Coaching Chain Award.

The honour recognises the coaches that have contributed to a sportsperson's success and can include inspiring and motivating an athlete, nurturing a talent and supporting their development.

They were named as: PE teacher Liza Burgess, first rugby coach Katie Ball, first senior club coach Amanda Bennett, first international head coach Geoff Richards, first academy coach and current international coach Gary Street and current international assistant coach Graham Smith.

Alphonsi said: "I have so much to thank all my coaches for, not only the time that they have given to me personally but also for their expertise and patience - in particular when times got tough and I was still pushing for more from them."

Elsewhere, legendary cricket coach Jack Birkenshaw won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The former England all-rounder enjoyed County Championship success in 1996 as coach of Leicestershire - their first title in 21 years - and in 1998.

Recently he helped the England women's team to silverware as assistant to head coach Mark Lane.