For over a decade 59club has set the standard for measuring and rewarding customer service excellence across the golf, leisure, and hospitality industries. In 2025, the journey reached a historic milestone with the launch of the first-ever Global Service Excellence Awards — a landmark celebration that brought together the world’s finest-performing properties and industry leaders under one roof.
Hosted at the iconic Belfry Hotel & Resort from August 25–27, the event welcomed 300 distinguished guests representing 120 venues across 22 countries, creating a truly global gathering of excellence. All accolades were determined solely through 59club’s independent mystery shopper program — the most trusted and objective global measure of sales, service etiquette, and customer experience. Every honor bestowed was a true reflection of operational brilliance and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
The celebrations opened with the presentation of the Global Manager of the Year Awards, spotlighting the industry’s most visionary leaders. These individuals exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, passion, and innovation, inspiring their teams and setting a global benchmark for service excellence. The inaugural award winners were…
Global Golf Manager of the Year: Steven Young, Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club (Canada); Global Golf Operations Manager of the Year: Franco Botha, Jumeirah Golf Estates (UAE); Global Retail Manager of the Year: Dyootiman Pal, eGolf Megastore — Al Hamra Golf Club (UAE); Global Superintendent of the Year: Mike Bush, St Mellion Estate (England) and Global Food & Beverage Manager of the Year: Jade Henderson, The Lakes Golf Club (Australia).
Simon Wordsworth, 59club Founder & CEO, said: “This landmark gathering not only celebrated the finest achievements in hospitality and club management, but also set a new global benchmark for excellence in customer service – celebrating the world’s best, today, tomorrow, and for years to come.”
