Scott Parker, Steward at Buckingham Golf Club has been named The London Pride EGU Steward of the year 2011.
He was declared the winner and presented with his prizes at a special end-of-season lunch, hosted by Fuller’s Beer Company at The Counting House in the City ofLondon.
“I’m speechless,” he said. “This is unbelievable. Listening to the quality of the other regional winners, I thought they had more credence for winning than me.”
A panel comprising of Fuller’s and EGU officials as well as the 2010 winner Andy Shaw from Southport Old Links Golf Club voted for Scott, the South East Regional winner ahead of the other successful regional stewards, Yvonne James from Rugby Golf Club, representing the Midlands, John O’Donoghue from Portmore Golf Park, the South West winner and Simon Ward, Wilmslow Golf Club, representing the North.
“I can’t thank everyone at the club enough for their support and encouragement,” added 40 year old Parker. “Two years ago I was out of work and doing a part-time job in a pub. Then a past captain of Buckingham said there was a job going that I might like and that was that.”
Watched by his smiling fiancée Kelly, Parker added: “The club gave me a massive opportunity and it has led to this. I can’t believe it.”
The London Pride EGU Steward of the Year is a joint initiative run by the English Golf Union (EGU) and Fuller’s London Pride and aims to reward the steward providing the most outstanding service and welcoming experience for the golfer at the 19th hole. Now in its fifth year, the competition has received a record number of initial nominations, with standards of candidates exceptional, making judging harder than ever. The final candidates were judged on their level of commitment, as well as their innovation and standard of service and presentation.
In review of Scott’s achievements, the judges remarked, “It is clear what an asset Scott is to Buckingham Golf Club. The atmosphere created by him and his team is so welcoming to everyone involved or visiting the club, with many of the members coming to consider themselves as not just customers, but friends as well.
“Not only this, but it is unmistakable how committed, dedicated and passionate he is about every aspect of his work, with welcoming words and humble attitude nothing is too much trouble and this is why we are delighted to be awarding Scott as the London Pride EGU Steward of the Year 2011.”
In addition to his trophy, Scott takes away with him two tickets for a day’s play at a Lord’s Test Match, with two nights accommodation at a Fuller’s hotel.
David Spencer, Brands Marketing Manager for Fuller’s London Pride, said: “Fuller’s London Pride and the English Golf Union have been working together for five years on the Gold Medal, Winter Warmers and the Steward of the Year award and it’s all about high standard, quality and service with a smile that makes people want to come back.
“We’re delighted to see the standards of the competition getting higher and higher each year and the event becoming more popular with the number of clubs involved increasing by 50%.”
Craig Wagstaff, Finance Director of the EGU, added: “This award is all about someone who makes a difference at the 19th hole. There are some extraordinary men and women behind the bars at clubs and Fullers and the EGU congratulate everyone that has been nominated this year.
“It is a rewarding and mutually pleasant arrangement we have with Fuller’s and we are extremely grateful in the current economic climate to have them on board.”
The London Pride EGU Steward of the Year is part of a five year partnership between Fuller’s London Pride and the EGU to support clubs and members throughout the country and recognise the importance of amateur golf in the development of the game as a whole.
Buckingham Golf Club www.buckinghamgolfclub.co.uk
Fuller’s London Pride www.fullers.co.uk
Image saved Steward of the year
Picture from left to right – David Spencer, Brands Marketing Manager, Fuller’s, Scott Parker, London Pride EGU Steward of the Year 2011 and Craig Wagstaff, English Golf Union Finance Director. Copyright Ben Fisher.