The 14th Annual 59club Service Excellence Awards held at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on February 29th, 2024, was a remarkable evening that prominently showcased service excellence in the UK and Ireland’s leading resorts and clubs. With over two hundred exceptional venues, teams, and individuals in attendance, the evening was dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging outstanding contributions in the hospitality industry.
These prestigious awards are achieved through impartial mystery shopping audits conducted by 59club UK, evaluating the guest, club member, and prospective member experience based on strict benchmarking criteria. Recognizing service excellence across various aspects of the industry, the awards cover 18 categories including management, sales, operations, retail, spa, golf course, and food and beverage, all done regardless of the venue’s size, scale, or profile.
Will Hewitt, General Manager of 59club UK, commended the winners, recognizing the significant achievement of consistently delivering great service. He expressed his satisfaction at the number of first-time award winners and nominees, while also acknowledging the enduring commitment and passion of those who continue to shine year after year.
Among the accomplished winners, Ballybunion and Mount Juliet from Ireland particularly stood out, winning the titles of “Ultimate Member Club” and “Ultimate Resort” of the year, respectively. Eddie Devane of Mount Juliet was also acknowledged as the Food and Beverage Manager of the Year.
The Belfry secured multiple wins, with Chris Reeve named Golf Manager of the Year, Angus Macleod as Greenkeeper of the Year, and Chris Rippon claiming the Leading Golf Sales Experience award.
Branston Golf and Country Club celebrated success as their Leisure Membership Team and Golf Membership of the Year emerged victorious as the Team of the Year. The Long Ashton Golf Club also rejoiced, with Jack Heginbotham and Glenn McNaughton being recognized as Golf Retail Manager and Food and Beverage Manager of the Year, respectively.
Wychwood Park’s Golf Manager, Ian Orrell, and his team were awarded the titles of Golf Manager and Golf Operations Team of the Year. Additionally, Goring and Streatley’s Matt Aplin was named the Greenkeeper of the year for an outstanding 6th consecutive year, an impressive achievement.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of 59club’s Gold, Silver & Bronze Flag Designations, serving as the ultimate recognition for clubs and resorts consistently delivering outstanding facilities and services to their members and guests.
Looking ahead, 59club is set to host six additional ceremonies in 2024, continuing their mission to unite the world of golf and hospitality around their commitment to deliver customer service excellence.
For a full list of award winners from the 2024 Service Excellence Awards, please visit https://www.59club.com/.