Irish eyes were smiling at the TGI Golf Awards staged at Trump Turnberry this week as Stephen Hamill from Lisburn Golf Club collected the Partner of the Year award for 2021.
The Irishman, known affectionately as ‘the Iceman’ among his peers, was saluted in front of a packed ballroom as the awards returned following a pandemic-enforced hiatus last year.
Leading figures from the golf industry attended the event where both PGA Professionals and suppliers are recognised for their achievements over the course of the year.
On collecting his award, Stephen said: “The standard of Pro Shops and Partners among the group is exceptionally high – I am so humbled to win this award. A big thank you to TGI Golf as they’re always there to support us as Partners. They’ve always been there to help our businesses. Over the last few years they’ve supported me both in the business and outside of it, which has really helped. Some of the best memories we’ve had in golf have been courtesy of TGI Golf, they have created a family feel among the Partners and I appreciate everything that family has done for me.”
Kevan Whitson from Royal County Down Golf Club received a standing ovation as he collected the Ian Johnston Lifetime Achievement Award, introduced in honour of the former MD and Chairman who passed away late last year. The award recognises those Partners who have excelled and shown great longevity in their profession.
Rob Macey of Norwood Park claimed the Pro Shop of the Year award, while Ashley Pheasant and the team at Dundonald Links won the Marquee Pro Shop of the Year.
David Fleming of Prestwick Golf Club picked up the Most Improved Business of the Year award, while Surbiton’s Peter Roberts was New Partner of the Year.
There was also a special Partners’ Partner of the Year award given to Robert Nicol of Broker One Insurance who has gone above and beyond to assistant Partners with insurance over the course of the pandemic.
The supplier awards, which are decided upon by the TGI Golf Partners through the group’s annual Supplier Survey, saw PING collect a sixth Partner Supplier of the Year award, while also winning the Product of the Year gong for its G425 range.
TaylorMade, who have been out of the winners’ circle since 2013, picked up the Hardware Supplier of the Year award, while FootJoy retained its Apparel Supplier of the Year crown.
Lisa Lovatt, PING General Manager, said: “To win the very prestigious award of TGI Partner Supplier of the Year is a huge honour for us and will mean a great deal to everyone at Ping Europe for the incredible effort they have put in during a difficult period. We are very humbled that the TGI Partners voted for us but also extremely grateful for the support they have all shown us over the past two years and beyond. We are very focused and working incredibly hard on further improving our service levels and hope this will help us earn the continued support of everyone in the TGI Golf Partnership.”
Eddie Reid, TGI Golf Managing Director, said: “It has been an especially difficult 18 months for everyone involved in the golf industry with the uncertainty caused by the start of the pandemic, followed by the boom when we returned. Congratulations to all of our winners, this year’s awards could have been given to every single Partner and Partner Supplier for the amazing work they’ve done, so to walk off the stage with an award this year is extra special.”