Foremost Golf, the U.K’s largest retail and marketing services group, has announced the winners of its prestigious Foremost Golf Industry Member Awards for 2018. The group’s member awards recognise some of the most dedicated and hard-working Foremost member professionals and are awarded based on a thorough and transparent point-scoring criteria.
Pat Smith, from Kidderminster Golf Club, in Worcestershire, received the most coveted award; The Foremost Professional of the Year.
Commenting on his award, Smith said: “Winning this award means everything to me, and I could not have done it without the hard work and support of my team. To be recognised as Professional of the Year really shows that we are moving in the right direction and all our hard work has paid off.”
As an extremely proactive Foremost member, Smith supports the Elite Marketing Programme (EMP) and approved partner suppliers as well as taking a leadership role within the group by presenting at member workshops.
Andy Martin, Foremost Managing Director, commented: “Pat is a worthy winner, as a team player and real ambassador for the group we are delighted that he is a Foremost member.”
EMP Professional of the Year was awarded to Andrew Richardson from Blackpool North Shore Golf Club.
“It’s a great achievement, which means even more to me having finished second the last two years, and something I’m very proud of,” said Richardson. “Really embracing Foremost’s EMP services, like the newsletter and video monitors, has been a crucial part of our business, keeping our members informed and engaged with the shop.”
A strong group supporter for a number of years, Richardson has consistently produced the highest quality content for his golf club members through the use of the EMP platform.
“Andrew is a top professional who goes above and beyond for his members and customers and is fully deserving of this accolade,” continued Martin. “He has fully engaged with the new EMP Premium, embracing the latest additions and array of services to great effect.”
Andrew Earlam capped off a fantastic year at Saddleworth Golf Club in Lancashire by winning Breakthrough Professional of the Year, an award which recognises members that have recently made significant improvements to their business.
In 2018, Earlam modernised and expanded golf services to his community by opening a state-of-the-art performance studio and fully utilising EMP to engage with customers and promote his new facility.
“I’m absolutely delighted to win the award, it’s not something I expected to get after just two years here at Saddleworth, but it’s a great reward,” he said. “I’ve worked really hard to build up the membership and earn the trust of the club and committee, so I’m excited about what the next 12 months will bring.”
Martin commented: “Andrew is fantastic role model for any up-and-coming PGA Professional entering our trade. What he has been able to accomplish in 2018 has been incredibly impressive, I have no doubt he will continue to progress in 2019.”
For more information on Foremost, visit grip.foremostgolf.com or follow @ForemostGolf
If you are interested in joining Foremost, please contact Leanne Spence on 01753 218 891 or email leanne@foremostgolf.com