The 2025 Foremost Head Professionals’ Championships and the Foremost Assistant Professionals’ Championship both enjoyed record participation at The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel & Spa earlier this month.
Festivities commenced on June 1 at the Head Professional Championships with a buffet dinner and networking evening, drawing 75 professionals and Foremost staff — the largest turnout in the event’s history. This marks the third consecutive year of record attendance, a testament to the event’s growing stature.
The competitive action began early the following day, with a 140-player field starting from 7.30am across a two-tee format. Another excellent field teed it up in great weather, taking the opportunity to network with other members and Foremost staff, while taking advantage of the prize fund that is paid down to 40th place.
Simon McGreal of Bradfield College took full advantage and claimed the Senior title, underscoring his consistency and excellence at the event. Derek Watters of Gourock Golf Club emerged as the first ever Scottish winner of the Head Professional Championship after an intense six-man playoff. Watters secured the win on the second playoff hole with a spectacular greenside bunker par save, cheered on by his two sons, one of whom, Callum, was caddying for his dad.
“The support of TaylorMade and the Foremost staff make this trip a must,” said Watters. “It is a long way for us to travel down from Scotland and the Foremost team always make it worthwhile, it is one of the best events I play in. The Foremost Championships is always circled on my calendar each year, and I am excited to come back next year. As a TaylorMade partner, I appreciate their help each and every day and more so at events like these. It’s really nice to get this one over the line, and the fact my sons were there with me made it extra special.”
TaylorMade elevated the experience with a dedicated social area and bar, a BBQ, complete with music, darts, and even cornhole, which provided an engaging atmosphere that encouraged spectatorship during the dramatic playoff. The event also contributed to a meaningful cause, with almost £3,000 raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, after TaylorMade and Foremost donated £5 each for every birdie made – of which there were 299 in total.
“We’re delighted to celebrate another incredible week at The Oxfordshire”, commented Andy Martin, Managing Director of Foremost Golf. “A massive thank you to the Foremost support team for another smooth week, and our headline sponsors TaylorMade for their charitable donations and incredible support for this event.”
Foremost Assistant Professionals’ Championship
The Foremost Assistant Professionals’ Championship also broke attendance records, with a full 144-player field gathering at The Oxfordshire.
The tournament saw an emphatic win for Reece Samson (Kingswood Golf Centre), whose dazzling 6-under 66 saw him finish three shots ahead of Ian Ridgeway (Competitive Edge) and Ben Hall (Rushcliffe Hall). He earned a £1,000 prize, and a full staff playing commitment from Callaway for 2026, including a full bag and a year’s supply of golf balls.
For the first time, the women’s event was held within the Assistant Professionals’ Championship, with Parc Golf Club’s Jordan Ryan taking the title with a two-over-par 74, which saw her finish T16 in the overall combined event.
Event sponsor Callaway joined Foremost in their charitable endeavours once again, donating £10 per birdie to the Alzheimer’s Society, resulting in a £2,440 contribution from the event.
“Huge congratulations to Reece and Jordan for their respective wins”, commented Ian Melham, Head of Membership Services at Foremost Golf. “The core of what we do at Foremost comes down to support, and the incredible turnout for this event coupled with Callaway’s input as headline sponsor made for a fantastic showing at The Oxfordshire. We’re excited to do it all again next year!”