More than 200 of the finest venues, teams and individuals from many of the leading resorts and clubs across the UK and Ireland descended on the iconic Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on February 29th, 2024, as 59club UK recognised their very best customer service providers of 2023. 59club’s prestigious accolades are determined by scores collected from their impartial mystery shopping audits, which evaluates the experience afforded to guests, club members and prospective members all in accordance with 59club’s objective benchmarking criteria.
With awards spanning 18 categories, that recognise service excellence across all areas of the hospitality business — including management, sales, service, operations, retail, spa, golf course, plus food and beverage — 59club continue to honour the very best performances regardless of venue size, scale and profile, by segmenting the main individual accolades into three categories based on a venues average green fee rate.
Will Hewitt, general manager of 59club UK, commented: “There are many factors which impact the ability to deliver great service consistently, and it is therefore essential that we celebrate those who go above and beyond to look after their members and guests. It is hugely satisfying to see a number of first-time award winners and nominees, but I also have deep admiration for the venues and individuals whose names are up in lights year-after-year, clearly illustrating their passion and commitment for what they do.”
The flag was flying high for Ireland after both Ballybunion and Mount Juliet collected the coveted and highest prized title of the evening; namely the “Ultimate Member Club” and “Ultimate Resort” of the year respectively, with Eddie Devane adding to Mount Juliet’s success after being named one of the Food and Beverage Managers of the Year.
Multiple winner: The Belfry, saw Chris Reeve named Golf Manager of the Year; Angus Macleod, Greenkeeper of the Year, and Chris Rippon made it a hat-trick for the resort when he collected the Leading Golf Sales Experience award.
Branston Golf and Country Club enjoyed a double-dose of celebrations after both their Leisure Membership Team & Golf Membership of the Year claimed the Team of the year crystalware.
Jack Heginbotham and Glenn McNaughton both of Long Ashton Golf Club claimed the Golf Retail Manager and Food and Beverage Manager of the Year award respectively — McNaughton retaining his crown for an incredible fifth consecutive year.
Meanwhile, Ian Orrell and his team at Wychwood Park were also celebrating after winning Golf Manager and Golf Operations Team of the Year.
Special mention must be reserved for Matt Aplin, Golf Course Manager at Goring and Streatley, who fought off incredibly fierce competition to be named a Greenkeeper of the year for an astounding sixth consecutive year.
The ceremony culminated with the presentation of 59club’s Gold, Silver and Bronze Flag Designations — The ultimate recognition for clubs and resorts who strive to deliver the best facilities and service offering to their members and guests. In addition to 59club’s UK & Ireland Awards Event, the global Customer Service Management Specialists, will host six additional ceremonies during 2024 — which started in the UK, before heading off to Europe, MEA, Asia, USA and Canada, before finally finishing their annual celebrations in Australia — as 59club continue uniting the world of golf and hospitality around their commitment to deliver customer service excellence.
