John Andrew, owner and chairman of Direct Golf UK, is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious title of ‘Fellow’ of the Professional Golfers Association in recognition of his contribution to the golf retail business – 30 years after first qualifying as a pro.
Andrew, chairman at the award-winning golf retailer since its formation in 1991, began his career when he turned pro at 16 and became fully-qualified – at the first attempt – at the PGA Academy, aged just 19.
The award of the title ‘Fellow of the PGA’ is given only to those professionals who have had made a visible contribution to golf, who have a history of ‘successes and achievements’ and display an ‘ongoing commitment to personal and professional development’.
Another recent recipient of this award this year is Ryder Cup legend Lee Westwood.
Andrew said: “I believe the influences you get at a young age are huge, and I put a lot of my success down to my early years of training with PGA pro Mark Pearce from Kent.
“I am a very proud member of the PGA and owe a lot to the association and the game of golf for my success and I am very proud to receive “Fellow” status in my 30th year as a PGA Pro.
“My time as a PGA Club pro gave me the building blocks to build my retail business from one wooden trolley shed to 20 nationwide retail outlets, but I’m not stopping here; I am still as enthusiastic as ever and have some very exciting plans for growth within my businesses.”
Direct Golf marketing manager, Simon Corp, added: “This is an accolade that not many PGA professionals receive but with his outstanding services to golf especially in the retail sector, John is undoubtedly one of the elite PGA professionals in the UK and worldwide.
“We’re proud of John’s achievement here at Direct Golf and I know this is something John has worked tirelessly for. He is extremely proud to have been given this status.”
Direct Golf UK has enjoyed massive growth in 23 successful years of trading. Starting with one small shop in Huddersfield, it now has 20 retail outlets nationwide and a significant portion of the web and mail-order golf market.