The PGA of GB&I has announced the latest PGA Excel awardees for 2025, with seven members earning a new designation through the framework.
Each quarter, PGA Excel recognises PGA Members who have made a significant and sustained impact in the golf industry, within their category of PGA Professional, Coach or Manager. The framework enables members to gain a recognised status and elevate their careers across the golf industry, based on their dedication to improving their professional standards.
This quarter, seven PGA Members have achieved new designations:
Advanced Fellow Manager
Elliott Gray – General Manager, Tanah Merah Country Club, Singapore
Fellow Professional
Ashley Dart – Retail Manager, Swinley Forest Golf Club, Berkshire
Katie Rule – In-Person and Online Coach, Rule Performance
Martyn Brown – Head Professional, Wollaton Park Golf Club, Nottingham
Fellow Coach
Oguzhan Kucuk – Head Coach, Klassis Golf & Country Club, Turkey
Matthew Rees – Director of Golf, MTR Golf Performance
Advanced Coach
Connor Thomas – Teaching Professional, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, UAE
Each of the seven PGA Members has submitted documented evidence through PGA Excel to demonstrate professional excellence, career development and a commitment to continuous improvement, which has enabled them to earn a new status that reflects their career achievements.
Tanah Marah Country Club General Manager – and now PGA Advanced Fellow Manager – Elliott Gray, reflected on the wider meaning of progression and why it’s so important.
He said: “I’m delighted. I will now go on and attempt the Master status. It’s a great legacy to have, especially when there’s so many PGA Members all over the world and only 66 have gone on to become Masters. PGA Excel is definitely a yardstick. For me, as a General Manager, it’s great when I see someone well developed further enhancing their skill set regardless of their level, title or status.”
Tristan Crew, PGA Executive Director – Membership, said: “Congratulations to all seven Members on earning their new PGA Excel designation,” said “These awards are a testament to their dedication and the significant impact they continue to make within their roles, helping to advance the industry as a whole.
“It’s incredibly valuable to be recognised with a higher designation – whether that’s in coaching, custom fitting, management, retail, or a combination of roles. As more Members engage with the framework, its value continues to grow, providing an even clearer benchmark for the best professionals in golf.”