Malton and Norton Head PGA Professional Michael Brooks walked away with the inaugural TGI Golf Partner of the Year Award at the group’s Gala Awards Dinner, staged at the Marriott Worsley Park.
The 41-year-old scooped the top award of the night as Europe’s leading golf retail services group, owned by PGA Professionals, honoured its top performing Partners and Suppliers at the event, which was attended by some of the leading names in the golf industry, including PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones.
Brooks saw off tough competition from a number of his peers after a thorough selection process, which saw TGI Golf take into account the views of its Retail Consultants, Head Office staff and Partner Suppliers.
Upon receiving his award, Michael said: “It’s such an honour to be the first person to win this award. It’s been a difficult year but the help we get through the group is invaluable. Quite often you can’t see the wood for the trees, which is where people like Ian Martin (TGI Golf Senior Retail Consultant) come in and help with a fresh pair of eyes and a wealth of retail experience.”
FootJoy claimed the coveted Supplier of the Year award for the second year running following another outstanding performance in the TGI Golf Partnership Suppliers’ Survey.
EMEA Sales & Marketing Director Richard Fryer collected the award and paid tribute to the TGI Golf Partners and the group as a whole.
He said: “This award has been voted for by a network of more than 400 TGI Golf Partners, so to come out on top is testament that we are doing something right and we’re delighted to have won this award two years in a row.”
Other award winners included Alex Keighley, Huddersfield Golf Club, who was New Partner of the Year; James Erskine, Portpatrick Golf Club, took the award for Most Improved Business, while Prestwick Golf Club Pro David Fleming was awarded Pro Shop of the Year.
Galvin Green took the award for Apparel Supplier of the Year, while PING walked off with the Hardware Supplier of the Year award. TaylorMade’s RocketBallz picked up the Product of the Year award.
Eddie Reid, TGI Golf Managing Director said: “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an award and to all the winners.
“These days when business is extremely tough and there are many obstacles it is amazing to see people still working hard and persuing retail excellence.
“There was a lot of competition for all the awards and a strict selection criteria in place for the winners to get through to be crowned, so they are thoroughly deserving of their honours.
“The Partner of the Year award was a very tough one to pick, so extra praise must go to Michael. He supports the group by participating in many events and runs a very well stocked shop. He regularly seeks advice from our Retail Consultants and is always on hand to help his fellow TGI Partners and PGA Professionals alike. He is a credit to his profession.”
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