1.04pm 19th March 2025 - <a href="https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/training-and-education/">Training & Education</a> <br>The <a href="http://www.pga.info">PGA of GB&I</a> has announced the first PGA Excel awardees of 2025, with four PGA Members achieving Advanced Fellow status and 12 others earning designations within the membership categories of Professional, Coach and Manager.<br>The following PGA Members have been recognised in the following categories:<br><strong>Advanced Fellow Professional</strong><br />Paul Booth – General Manager, Troon International – Al Hamra Golf Club<br />Nicky Lawrenson – Owner and founder of Nicky Lawrenson Golf and Women in Golf & Business<br><strong>Advanced Fellow Manager</strong><br />Paul Wilson – Managing Director, Laguna Phuket, Banyan Group<br><strong>Advanced Fellow Coach</strong><br />Neil Harvey – PGA Lecturer, The PGA National Training Academy<br><strong>Fellow Professional</strong><br />Gary Dingwall – Head Teaching Professional & Golf Operations Manager, Royal Dornoch Golf Club<br />Jason Dransfield – Golf Operations Supervisor, Heswall Golf Club<br />Richard Swords – Head Professional, Golf & Country Club Basel<br><strong>Fellow Coach</strong><br />Mark Heinemann – Head Professional, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club<br />James Jankowski – Putting Coach, JJ Golf<br />Mark McGeehan – Head Teaching Professional, McGeehan Golf<br><strong>Advanced Professional</strong><br />Danny Spillane – Club Manager, Rothley Park Golf Club<br />Matthew Jacques – Assistant Professional, Paul Anderson Golf Ltd, Berkshire Golf Club<br />Guy Wills – Head Professional, Fulford Golf Club<br />Andrew Blunt – Head Professional, Seaham Golf Club<br />Maria Efimenko – Director of Golf, Pestovo Golf & Yacht Club<br><strong>Advanced Coach</strong><br />Harry Smith – PGA Professional, Cowdray Park Golf Club<br><br><br>Each awardee has been recognised for their impact and achievements within the industry. Through the PGA Excel framework, they have showcased their expertise which will now enhance their professional reputation and demonstrated their impact to employers and the wider industry.<br>Nicky Lawrenson is one of four individuals to earn Advanced Fellow status — a recognition that reflects her career trajectory since her time on the PGA training programme, where she placed third in the Trainee of the Year Awards.<br>“It was great news to receive Advanced Fellow status. I was delighted and very honoured,” she said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have had the support and guidance of some great people and mentors who have been instrumental throughout various stages of my career, including my early years, which has served as a great stepping stone for my future.”<br>In an ever-evolving industry where progression is key to maintaining high standards, PGA Excel provides a clear model for recognising and rewarding professional development. Lawrenson highlights its impact: “I believe PGA Excel can play a significant role in career progression and recruitment. It enables employers to recognise individuals who have invested in their development and are ambitious to progress their career. It raises standards and, in turn, enhances the overall golfer and facility experience.”<br>Lawrenson — who furthered her coaching career at The Emirates Golf Club in Dubai under leading Tour coach Peter Cowen — has been a driving force behind ‘<a href="https://wigb.co.uk">Women in Golf & Business</a>.’ She sees her new designation as a reinforcement of her mission.<br>“I have a great passion to support and champion women in embracing the wider benefits that golf can offer, professionally & personally. This led to the development of ‘Women in Golf & Business’- with a mission of positive change, impact, empowerment, greater inclusivity, and believing what’s possible both on and off the golf course.’’<br>Neil Harvey, PGA Coach and Lecturer at the PGA National Training Academy, also received Advanced Fellow status. Reflecting on what it means to his own coaching journey, he said: “In a role where developing clients and students has always been my focus, this is a nice moment for me to reflect on my own personal journey, and it makes me proud to be recognised by The PGA. I’ve always been committed to continuous learning, and this designation reinforces my professional status, providing evidence of industry expertise, achievement, and learning.<br>“I believe I’m in a unique position, which only a handful of coaches have enjoyed. The exposure to academic research and the need to defend my position as a coach in my lecturing role, combined with my own workplace experience, provides me with constant opportunities to reflect on my own practice.<br>“It also demonstrates how The PGA values personal development, learning, and achievement for its Members and staff. I’ve enjoyed a huge amount of support during my coaching-to-lecturing transition, and this is a recognition of a positive working environment at The PGA, as well as my own achievements.”<br>Tristan Crew, the PGA’s Executive Director – Membership, commented: “Congratulations to the 16 PGA Members who have achieved their new PGA Excel designation. This recognition highlights their impact, achievements, and dedication to continuous professional development. <br>“The PGA Excel framework provides a platform for Members to showcase their expertise, enhance their career prospects, and elevate industry standards. It’s great to see so many awardees in the first quarter of 2025, and we encourage all Members to engage with PGA Excel as a valuable tool for professional development and career advancement.”<br>The Loop, the newly formed PR and Marcomms agency, has unveiled its initial client list of 18 social media influencers and creators which cover a wide range of content niches in the game.<br>Faced with the challenges of sandy soil and bunker erosion, Kings Lynn Golf Club in Norfolk has employed synthetic bunker experts EcoBunker to meet their ongoing maintenance challenges. Now in the third phase of a 40-bunker renovation project, the team and members at Kings Lynn are already enjoying the benefits that the EcoBunker system brings […]<br>Golf Ireland is to launch a new campaign aimed at helping golfers and clubs fully understand the World Handicap System.<br><a href="https://twitter.com/home?status=https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/training-and-education/pga-unveils-latest-excel-awardees-2/" rel="noopener" data-via="eGolfBusiness" data-hashtags="GolfBusinessNews">Share on Twitter</a> <br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/training-and-education/pga-unveils-latest-excel-awardees-2/&title=PGA+unveils+latest+Excel+Awardees&source=GolfBusinessNews.com" rel="noopener">Share on LinkedIn</a><br>GolfBusinessNews.com (GBN) is for the many thousands of people who work in the golf business all around the world.<br>We cover the full range of topics both on and off the course. 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