Recognising Exceptional Golf Professionals: The Foremost Golf Member Awards 2023

Foremost Golf, the largest retail and marketing services group in the United Kingdom, has recently announced the winners of the prestigious Foremost Golf Industry Member Awards for 2023.

The highly respected title of Foremost Member of the Year was presented to Paul Thomas, the Head Professional at Newport Golf Club. Since 2016, Thomas has worked diligently to establish the Newport Golf Academy and has made significant advancements in the club’s practice facilities. Sharing his gratitude, Thomas stated, “I felt honoured and humbled when I was informed about winning the award. Being recognized in this manner means a great deal to me. I will always be exceedingly proud.”

Andy Martin, the Managing Director of Foremost Golf, praised Paul’s dedication and commitment to coaching, retail performance, and club operations. “Paul exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated golf professional. His unwavering commitment to coaching, retail performance, and golf club operations demonstrates his desire to consistently deliver excellence for his club,” he added.

The proactive partnership of Tim Barnes and Paul Cunningham from Hartford Golf Centre in Northwich were acknowledged as the Elite Marketing Programme (EMP) Members of the Year. Cunningham, serving as the Shop Manager, has maintained exceptional retail standards and a strong online presence, while Barnes, the Director of Golf, has embraced a forward-thinking, hands-on approach to his role. Both expressed their pride in the recognition, with Cunningham emphasizing the benefits of social media marketing and retail initiatives, while Barnes emphasized the importance of offering a variety of activities and flexible membership options for new golfers.

Chris Coles, the Head Professional at Saltford Golf Club, received the Breakthrough Member of the Year award in recognition of significant recent developments in his business. Coles, thrilled about the accolade, credited his supportive team and the shared vision with Saltford Golf Club for their success.

Ian Melham, Head of Foremost Golf’s Member Services, commended this year’s award recipients for their unwavering commitment to providing the best service for their members and clubs, acknowledging their passion and dedication.

The recognition of these exceptional professionals by the Foremost Golf Member Awards serves as a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to the sport of golf. Their unwavering commitment and passion for providing the best service for their members will undoubtedly propel their clubs forward, setting a high standard for the industry as a whole.