Club Professionals win big at Foremost awards

It was a night to remember for four Foremost members as they scooped coveted accolades at the retail and marketing group’s annual awards dinner.

Held at Stadium MK – home of Milton Keynes Dons FC – the Golf Industry Awards Dinner was hosted by well-known Scottish BBC sports broadcaster, Andrew Cotter, as attendees celebrated the success of the Foremost group’s member professionals and suppliers.

In front of a packed house of leading members of the golf industry, awards went to Bradley Rowntree (Breakthrough Professional of the Year), Gareth Jones (Elite Marketing Programme, Professional of the Year), Alex Blown (Assistant Pro of the Year) and Niall McGill (Professional of the Year).

The most prestigious award of the night, McGill’s accolade recognised his exemplary work as an ambassador for the Foremost group at his home facility, Noah’s Ark Golf Centre, in Perth.

A member of Foremost for more than a decade, Niall has consistently supported the group’s services and initiatives, fully utilising the range of retail and marketing opportunities that Foremost offers.

Alex Blown, meanwhile, was named Assistant Pro of the Year for his excellent work at Kent-based North Foreland Golf Club.

In addition to running the junior section of the club, he has organised family taster days, has a full coaching diary and has taken two separate groups of members on coaching trips to Spain and Turkey.

Speaking about Blown’s achievements, North Foreland Golf Club Head Professional Darren Parris said, “Alex is fundamental to my business and I couldn’t wish for a better right-hand man.”

Also taking home an award on the night, Gareth Jones beat off stiff competition to win the EMP Pro of the Year accolade thanks to his impressive achievements at Sandiway Golf Club, in Northwich.

Jones has been a long-term supporter of Foremost’s digital Elite Marketing Programme, has grown his business year-on-year, and has consistently supported all elements of the programme – from retail campaigns through to promoting his coaching business.

Joining the roster of winners at the event was Breakthrough Pro of the Year Bradley Rowntree, from Richmond Golf Club, who has recently made the leap from Assistant to Head Professional.

He has made an immediate impact at the club; the shop is immaculately presented with excellent attention to detail and clear retail department, and, like Jones, he has fully embraced Foremost’s EMP.