Andrew Whitelaw has become just the fourth-ever PGA Master Manager in the latest round of PGA Excel awardees.
Whitelaw, the chief operating officer and general manager of Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, which hosted May’s PGA Championship, has also managed at Portmarnock and in the Middle East over the course of his illustrious career to date.
“This is an extremely proud moment for me after so many years in the industry,” Whitelaw said. “Having started my journey in Scotland at Glenbervie Golf Club and travelled around the world, working at some amazing properties, it feels great to be recognised with this award.
“There being only four Master Managers and only 69 Master Members makes the achievement feel even more significant considering how many talented members we have in the organisation.
“I grew up in the Far East in my early childhood before moving back to Scotland and I think that experience abroad formed my desire to travel throughout my career. Each move to a new country happened because an opportunity arrived that felt more interesting than the last, and because I have always been more motivated by what I might learn in a new environment than by what I might consolidate in a familiar one.
“There is a risk in that approach, you give up security and continuity each time but looking back every one of those moves accelerated my development in ways that staying would not have. I suspect I would have had a perfectly respectable career without going abroad but I do not think I would have had this one.”
PGA Excel awards are presented quarterly, with The PGA recognising 11 new awardees in total, who have earned designations within the Membership categories of Professional, Coach and Manager.
The following PGA Members have achieved a new PGA Excel status:
Master Manager – Andrew Whitelaw – Overseas – COO & General Manager at Aronimink Golf Club
Advanced Fellow Manager
Philip Henderson – Overseas – Managing Director at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club
Stuart Disney – West – Golf Club Manager at Mendip Golf Club
Advanced Fellow Coach
Stuart Brewer – Midlands – Teaching Professional at Stuart Brewer Golf Academy
Andy Griffiths – Overseas – Founder & Lead Coach at Mr Mallorca Golf
Joe Brazil – Overseas – PGA Advanced Senior Professional at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
Sally Hinton – North – Senior PGA Teaching Professional at Close House Golf Club
Fellow Professional
Craig Donnelly – Scotland – Director of Golf at Craig Donnelly Golf Ltd
Daniel Harrison – Overseas – Head Professional at Hong Kong Golf Club
Fellow Coach – Nick Drane – Scotland – Director of Golf at Loretto School Golf Academy
Advanced Coach – Jude Hobbs – Overseas – Senior PGA Golf Professional at Emirates Golf Club
Tristan Crew, Executive Director – Membership, said: “Congratulations to all PGA Members who have achieved a new PGA Excel designation. These awards recognise the commitment, expertise and professionalism they demonstrate across coaching, management and the wider golf industry.
“This quarter is particularly significant as Andrew Whitelaw becomes only the fourth PGA Master Manager and the 69th PGA Member ever to achieve Master status. This exceptional accomplishment reflects the leadership, expertise and impact Andrew has demonstrated throughout his distinguished career.
“It is fantastic to see Members continuing to progress through the PGA Excel framework, showcasing their achievements and striving for the highest professional standards. I would encourage every PGA Member to explore the opportunities it offers for personal growth, career advancement and professional recognition.”