Paisley Golf Club Head Professional Andy Carlton walked off with the top award at an emotional TGI Golf Awards Night at Marriott Worsley Park.
On an evening that saw tears from a number of award winners it was Carlton who claimed the Partner of the Year award, while PING took home the Supplier of the Year gong.
The 29-year-old, who has been Pro at Paisley for four years, topped a vote by his fellow Partners of TGI Golf – Europe’s leading golf retail services group, owned by PGA Professionals – seeing off the challenge of fellow nominees Carl Bianco (Woking) and Nathan Stead (Shipley).
He said: “I’m truly overwhelmed to pick up this award, I must be one of the youngest Pros within TGI Golf, so to be recognised by guys with far more knowledge and experience than me is amazing.
“When I first became a PGA Professional four years ago I joined the group, but didn’t know too much about it. However, it has proved to be the best business decision I ever made. In a difficult industry it’s amazing to have their support, we simply couldn’t do what we do without it.”
PING walked away with the top supplier award of the evening, pipping Galvin Green and FootJoy to Supplier of the Year.
John Clark, PING Managing Director, said: “It says something about the whole company and everyone in it to win this award, everyone in the office will have a big smile on their face when I get back.
“As a brand PING is about product, service and quality, that’s what you have to touch to win awards like this, we’re great supporters of green grass pros, that’s where are roots started and that’s where they’ll stay so we thank every TGI Partner for their support.”
There were six more winners at the gala awards event, which was preceded with a special message from Race to Dubai and FedEx Cup winner Henrik Stenson, who wished all the nominees good luck.
Simon Fletcher of Morecambe Golf Club walked away with the Pro Shop of the Year award, Mark Daubney of Wetherby was crowned Most Improved Business while Stuart Williamson of Clydeway Golf Performance Centre won New Partner of the Year.
In the Partner Suppliers category the results from TGI Golf’s comprehensive annual Supplier Survey were used to crown award winners.
Galvin Green was Apparel Supplier of the Year, while Titleist won Hardware Supplier of the Year and the Callaway X Hot Driver was the Product of the Year.
Eddie Reid, TGI Golf Managing Director, added: “Congratulations to all of our award winners. There were some emotional guys on the stage collecting awards and that goes to show just how much it means to our Partners and the high esteem in which the Suppliers hold TGI Golf.
“Congratulations to our main winner Andy Carlton, who has had a tremendous 2013, throwing himself full tilt at everything we have to offer, helping him to increase his turnover and margin.
“Like all our Partners he strives to make himself a better businessman, actively promoting his brand every day.”
TGI Golf Partnership www.tgigolf.com