The following PGA Members have been recognised in the following categories:
Advanced Fellow Professional
Paul Booth – General Manager, Troon International – Al Hamra Golf Club
Nicky Lawrenson – Owner and founder of Nicky Lawrenson Golf and Women in Golf & Business
Advanced Fellow Manager
Paul Wilson – Managing Director, Laguna Phuket, Banyan Group
Advanced Fellow Coach
Neil Harvey – PGA Lecturer, The PGA National Training Academy
Fellow Professional
Gary Dingwall – Head Teaching Professional & Golf Operations Manager, Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Jason Dransfield – Golf Operations Supervisor, Heswall Golf Club
Richard Swords – Head Professional, Golf & Country Club Basel
Fellow Coach
Mark Heinemann – Head Professional, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
James Jankowski – Putting Coach, JJ Golf
Mark McGeehan – Head Teaching Professional, McGeehan Golf
Advanced Professional
Danny Spillane – Club Manager, Rothley Park Golf Club
Matthew Jacques – Assistant Professional, Paul Anderson Golf Ltd, Berkshire Golf Club
Guy Wills – Head Professional, Fulford Golf Club
Andrew Blunt – Head Professional, Seaham Golf Club
Maria Efimenko – Director of Golf, Pestovo Golf & Yacht Club
Advanced Coach
Harry Smith – PGA Professional, Cowdray Park Golf Club
Each awardee has been recognised for their impact and achievements within the industry. Through the PGA Excel framework, they have showcased their expertise which will now enhance their professional reputation and demonstrated their impact to employers and the wider industry.
Nicky Lawrenson is one of four individuals to earn Advanced Fellow status — a recognition that reflects her career trajectory since her time on the PGA training programme, where she placed third in the Trainee of the Year Awards.
“It was great news to receive Advanced Fellow status. I was delighted and very honoured,” she said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have had the support and guidance of some great people and mentors who have been instrumental throughout various stages of my career, including my early years, which has served as a great stepping stone for my future.”
In an ever-evolving industry where progression is key to maintaining high standards, PGA Excel provides a clear model for recognising and rewarding professional development. Lawrenson highlights its impact: “I believe PGA Excel can play a significant role in career progression and recruitment. It enables employers to recognise individuals who have invested in their development and are ambitious to progress their career. It raises standards and, in turn, enhances the overall golfer and facility experience.”
Lawrenson — who furthered her coaching career at The Emirates Golf Club in Dubai under leading Tour coach Peter Cowen — has been a driving force behind ‘Women in Golf & Business.’ She sees her new designation as a reinforcement of her mission.
“I have a great passion to support and champion women in embracing the wider benefits that golf can offer, professionally & personally. This led to the development of ‘Women in Golf & Business’- with a mission of positive change, impact, empowerment, greater inclusivity, and believing what’s possible both on and off the golf course.’’
Neil Harvey, PGA Coach and Lecturer at the PGA National Training Academy, also received Advanced Fellow status. Reflecting on what it means to his own coaching journey, he said: “In a role where developing clients and students has always been my focus, this is a nice moment for me to reflect on my own personal journey, and it makes me proud to be recognised by The PGA. I’ve always been committed to continuous learning, and this designation reinforces my professional status, providing evidence of industry expertise, achievement, and learning.
“I believe I’m in a unique position, which only a handful of coaches have enjoyed. The exposure to academic research and the need to defend my position as a coach in my lecturing role, combined with my own workplace experience, provides me with constant opportunities to reflect on my own practice.
“It also demonstrates how The PGA values personal development, learning, and achievement for its Members and staff. I’ve enjoyed a huge amount of support during my coaching-to-lecturing transition, and this is a recognition of a positive working environment at The PGA, as well as my own achievements.”
Tristan Crew, the PGA’s Executive Director – Membership, commented: “Congratulations to the 16 PGA Members who have achieved their new PGA Excel designation. This recognition highlights their impact, achievements, and dedication to continuous professional development.
“The PGA Excel framework provides a platform for Members to showcase their expertise, enhance their career prospects, and elevate industry standards. It’s great to see so many awardees in the first quarter of 2025, and we encourage all Members to engage with PGA Excel as a valuable tool for professional development and career advancement.”
