The 2025 Foremost Championships were met with record participation at The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel & Spa on a sunny day in June, with a thrilling six-man playoff to decide the eventual winner, Derek Watters of Gourock Golf Club, the first ever Scottish winner of the event.
Festivities commenced on the Sunday with a well-attended 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 on Monday, June 2nd, 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 Derek 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: for each birdie, £5 donations were made from both TaylorMade and Foremost, and 299 birdies resulted in almost £3,000 raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
“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.”
