Thursday, December 26, 2024

PGA unveils latest Excel designation awardees

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The final PGA Excel awardees for 2024 have been announced by the PGA, with Leicester Golf Centre’s Anders Mankert becoming the latest to join the exclusive group of PGA Members with Master status.

The PGA has unveiled 10 new awardees, who have each earned new designations within their Membership categories of Professional, Coach and Manager.

Master Professional
Anders Mankert – Teaching Professional & Golf Centre Owner at Leicester Golf Centre

Advanced Fellow Professional
Mark Roberts – Director of Golf at Queenwood Golf Club, Surrey
Scott Clelland – Technical Manager at Wilson Golf

Advanced Fellow Coach
Mark Govier – Tour Coach at Altus Performance

Fellow Manager
Damian MacPherson – Director of Golf at Royal Private Affairs, Saudi Arabia)

Fellow Coach
Stuart Brewer – Head Coach at Stuart Brewer Golf Academy
Jordan Massey – Specialist Putting Coach at Torque Golf

Advanced Professional
Joe Brazil – Teaching Professional at N1 Golf
Neil Curtis – Teaching Professional at Greetham Valley Golf Club, Leicestershire
Nick Taylor – Golf Academy Director at Raevo Golf Club, Russia

Anders Mankert, who becomes the 65th PGA Member to achieve Master status, said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling – one that hasn’t quite sunk in yet. To be recognised as a Master Professional by your peers and The PGA is very special. As I look down the list of Master Professionals, there’s plenty of my own idols in there so it’s a tremendous honour to be part of those elite names.

“To those that are considering embarking on the PGA Excel framework, I would absolutely advise to do so as it will only improve you as a professional and you will stand a far better chance when looking to impress potential employers. Separation is now key within the golf industry. You have to be able to stand out from the rest and new designations show an above-and-beyond skillset.”

Mark Roberts, Director of Golf at Queenwood Golf Club, who has now achieved Advanced Fellow status within the PGA Manager category, said: “I am delighted to achieve Advanced Fellow status and I’m continually proud to be part of The PGA. To have my skills and impact on golf recognised and awarded is a great feeling. 

“I’ve always felt it’s important to learn and develop, not just to compete with peers, but to bring more value to my role, my club, and the members I serve. As an employer myself, when looking for new staff to join the team, I will be swayed by someone who has any recognition by The PGA, including PGA Excel. It shows the right work ethic, approach to their role and their outlook on learning and continuous development. To recognise this as a PGA Member puts you in a great position to make a positive impact on the game.”

Jordan Massey, Specialist Putting Coach at Torque Golf, who has achieved Fellow status, said: “I put a lot of time into improving as a PGA Professional and as a putting coach and this is a great reward for the hard work. 

To anyone considering PGA Excel, I would say the process it’s the simplest it’s ever been. For CPD accreditation and beyond, there’s so many resources available now within PGA Learn that can assist with your progression. Once you start, you will become obsessed with learning, like I did. 

“Part of the reason I’m so driven to continue to learn is being surrounded by top coaches every day at Torque golf. We are all striving to improve as a team and as a facility and we all push each other every day to reach our goals.”

Commenting on the fourth batch of awards for 2025, Tristan Crew, PGA Executive Director – Membership, said: “Congratulations to the 10 PGA Members who have earned their new designation, a testament to their unwavering commitment, hard work and dedication to professional growth in the industry.

“PGA Excel is not just an opportunity for personal and professional recognition – it’s a powerful way to elevate the game itself. By pursuing PGA Excel, you can demonstrate your own expertise, and you can also elevate your personal reputation and that of the facility in which you operate.”

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