Samantha Hudson is the new Fuller’s London Pride Golf Steward of the Year. Samantha, from Swaffham Golf Club in Norfolk, is a steward who is literally prepared to go the extra mile for her club. She’s planning to run a marathon this year to raise funds for their charity.
She was named as the 2014 winner of England Golf’s top title for golf club stewards at a presentation lunch at The Counting House in London.
Samantha, the South East regional winner, claimed the national honour ahead of challengers from the country’s other three regions: Midlands winner, David Guest of Halesowen Golf Club, Worcestershire; North winner, David Prior of Blackley Golf Club, Lancashire; and South West winner, Kevin Brown of Sherborne Golf Club, Dorset.
Samantha wins a two-night stay in a Fuller’s Hotel, as well as advertising space to promote her club in the local Press, and a certificate and trophy.
Her reaction to her victory was ecstatic: “Wow!” she said. “This means the world to me, I can’t think of anywhere better to work. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me and especially to thank my team. I couldn’t do it without their backing and their support. This is for everyone who helps run the clubhouse and who also goes the extra mile.”
Swaffham’s 2014 captain, Gordon Halewood, was one of the first to congratulate her. “This is wonderful news for an amazing lady,” he said. “Sam is the life and soul of the social side of the club, she’s so bubbly and an excellent organiser.”
Sam and the other regional winners all received their trophies from England Golf Chief Executive, David Joy, and from Richard Fuller, Fuller’s Corporate Affairs Director, who commented: “We are delighted to be involved with the England Golf Steward of the Year competition.
“Good hospitality is the cornerstone of any great golf club and it is fantastic to see the best being recognised in this way. There’s not much in life that’s better than an above par beer, a below par round of golf, and a great host to serve one and help you celebrate the other.”
David Joy told the finalists: “I congratulate you all for the great work you are doing. I know you are going above and beyond and it’s no surprise that the golf clubs represented today are all growing. When you have a very active and successful steward it’s equally likely that you have a committee or owner who is right behind them.
“Our relationship with Fuller’s is one of our longest partnerships and impacts not only those who work in clubs but the club golfer as well. We are working together to retain the best of our traditions and culture while modernising to meet the needs of today’s golfer and consumer.”
England Golf www.englandgolf.org
Fuller’s London Pride www.fullers.co.uk
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