After missing out in the final vote a year ago, Andy Shaw from Southport Old Links is the London Pride English Golf Union Steward of the Year for 2010. 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 of London.
“I still can’t believe it,” said Andy. “I couldn’t believe it when they announced my name and I’m overwhelmed to get the title and the award.”
A panel comprising Fuller’s and EGU officials as well as the 2009 winner Clive Bailey from Devon, voted for Andy, the North Region winner ahead of the other successful regional stewards, Richard Berry from Peterborough Milton Golf Club, representing the Midlands, Dean Richardson from Ilfracombe Golf Club, the South West winner, and Tony Brown from Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club, representing the South East.
“I was disappointed not to win last year but this makes up for it. It’s such a good award to win and I’m hoping it’s going to get a lot of publicity for the club. I love my job and it’s a pleasure to go to work each day.”
The 45 year old, who has been at Southport Old Links for seven years, certainly gained some publicity for himself when he returned north.
“When we got back to the club late on Friday, there were 120 people attending the Captain’s Dinner,” added Andy. “As we entered the captain announced: ‘Please be upstanding and greet the Steward of the Year’. It rounded off a momentous day nicely.”
This is the fourth year that Fuller’s and the EGU have run the event which aims to find the club steward at the 19th hole who provides the most welcoming and enjoyable experience for golfers, be they members or visitors. This year more votes were received than ever and standards are getting higher and higher.
In their review of Andy’s achievements, the judges remarked that: “He keeps an immaculate bar and works closely with catering to make sure everything runs smoothly. It is obvious that all the staff get on well and truly respect Andy.
“With at least one major social event for members taking place each month in addition to the scheduled diary of competitions and societies, Andy is kept exceptionally busy. But we discovered his responsibilities go further than the standard steward’s duties.
“His efforts are always in aid of something special and as a result incredible donations are raised for numerous charities. As the judges watched Andy’s Sky Dive earlier this year, it was clear that for a good cause Andy will stop at nothing. He even took part in a charity run around the Southport Old Links course organised by their juniors.”
In addition to his trophy, Andy wins two tickets for a day’s play at a Lord’s Test Match, with two nights accommodation at a Fuller’s hotel.
Andy’s success was not only a personal triumph but secured yet another national title for Lancashire in a season that has brought so much success to the North West.
The London Pride EGU Steward of the Year is part of a five year deal between Fuller’s and the EGU which supports amateur golf and provides greater recognition to clubs and their members.
Fuller’s London Pride www.fullers.co.uk