TGI PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARD HEADS ACROSS THE SOLENT

The prestigious TGI Golf Partner of the Year award is heading across The Solent as Shanklin & Sandown PGA Professional Peter Hammond takes the award back to the Isle of Wight.

There was also a hat trick of awards for PING who took home the Supplier, Hardware and Product of the Year awards, all of which are voted for by Partners through TGI’s annual Supplier Survey.

Hammond, a TGI Golf Partner for more than 20 years was crowned at the group’s awards night, held at The Belfry this year, during the group’s two-day Business Conference. He saw off competition from fellow nominees Peter Hanna (Lurgan), Darren Arber (Halifax West End) and David Ross (Royal Aberdeen).

Peter said: “I’m truly humbled to win this award in the company of so many great PGA Professionals, there's some real classy guys in this group. I have to say a huge thank you to my A team, including Sarah, my wife and accountant and Chris my number one assistant. A huge thank you too to the team at TGI Golf for all their hard work in making the TGI Partnership the best partnership in golf.”

Leading figures from the golf industry attended the event where both PGA Professionals and suppliers are recognised for their achievements over the course of the year.

Lee Sutherland from Ron McLeod’s Golf Shop based at Monifieth Golf Links claimed the Pro Shop of the Year award, while Gavin Abson and his team at West Lancs Golf Club won the Marquee Pro Shop of the Year.

James Crawford of Waterlooville Golf Club picked up the Most Improved Business of the Year award, while Lindsay Boyd (Donaghadee Golf Club) was New Partner of the Year.

There was also a special presentation to outgoing TGI Golf Managing Director Eddie Reid, who the group surprised with the Ian Johnston Lifetime Achievement Award, given to a figure who has gone above and beyond for the group over many years.

Eddie said: “For once I’m absolutely speechless, I don’t know how the team have kept this from me. I have loved every minute and every second of my life at TGI and I am handing over to a team who are champing at the bit to get going to move it forward and take it to the next level as we celebrate our 40^th year. The Partners have made it all worth it there is nothing more gratifying than going into a retailer who wants to learn, wants to get better who wants to move their business forward.

“Thank you to all our suppliers who we have worked so closely with over the years to help our Partners and our businesses move forward.

“Thank you very much for this award and congratulations to all the winners and nominees this year and for everyone’s hard work in pulling this event together.”

The supplier awards, saw Peter Millar join PING in the winners’ circle as they collected Apparel Supplier of the Year.

Dave Fanning, PING Marketing Director, said: “The team of engineers at Phoenix will be very proud of this award along with all the staff at PING. We are passionate about product, passionate about retail.

“When we first started working with TGI Golf more than 20 years ago I remember the word ‘trust’ being used and that is how our businesses have worked successfully together for so many years, we trust each other and work very closely together to do the most professional job we can.”

TGI Golf Award Nominees 2023:

Partner Supplier of the Year: Callaway, Peter Millar, PING, TaylorMade, Wilson

Hardware Supplier of the Year: Callaway, PING, TaylorMade, Titleist, Wilson

Apparel Supplier of the Year: Callaway Apparel, Glenmuir, Peter Millar, Under Armour

Product of the Year: Callaway Paradym Range, PING G430 Range, TaylorMade Stealth 2 Range, Titleist TSR.

New Partner of the Year: Lindsay Boyd (Donaghadee GC); Graeme McDougall (The Bishopbriggs GC); Paul Rawlinson (Barrow GC); Richard Smith (Rookery Park GC).

Most Improved Business of The Year: James Crawford (Waterlooville GC); Donal Gleeson (Old Conna GC); Richard Gordon (Belleisle GC); Martyn Stubbings (Seaton Carew GC).

Pro Shop of the Year: Ian Benson (Hindhead GC); Lee Brotherhood (Olton GC); Lee Sutherland/Gordon McLeod (Ron McLeod's Golf Shop); Bernard Quigley (Naas GC).

Marquee Pro Shop of the Year: Gavin Abson (The West Lancashire GC); Celtic Manor Golf Resort; Jameson Golf Links (Portmarnock Resort); Nairn Golf Club.

Partner of the Year: Darren Arber (Halifax West End GC); Peter Hammond (Shanklin & Sandown GC); Peter Hanna (Lurgan GC); David Ross (Royal Aberdeen GC).