The PGA is delighted to announce 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 Marah Country Club
Fellow Professional
Ashley Dart – Retail Manager, Swinley Forest Golf Club
Katie Rule – In Person and Online Coach, Rule Performance
Martyn Brown – Head Professional, Wollaton Park Golf Club
Fellow Coach
Oguzhan Kucuk – Head Coach, Klassis Golf & Country Club
Matthew Rees – Director of Golf, MTR Golf Performance
Advanced Coach
Connor Thomas – Teaching Professional, Arabian Ranches Golf Club
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.
“Congratulations to all seven Members on earning their new PGA Excel designation,” said Tristan Crew, PGA Executive Director – Membership.
“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.”
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.
“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,” he said.
“Seeing so many notable professionals still have the self-motivation to go on and achieve a higher status within The PGA is a real credit to the individual and the Association.”
Also, amongst the seven Members to earn a new status is newly awarded Fellow Coach, Matthew Rees.
Reflecting on his award, he said: “For me, it demonstrates a commitment to excellence, development and bettering yourself so that you can give more to your customers.
“I want to become the best I can so that I can help my golfers become the best they can be, and this highlights my commitment to that – it’s a standout recognition.
As Director of Golf at MTR Golf Performance, he believes PGA Excel could be a deciding factor for those that employ PGA Members.
“It’ll only help you when applying for new roles,” he said.
“For a recruiter, it could be a really tough decision between candidates and PGA Excel can be what makes you stand out. If there are a significant number of applications and you’re applying as a Fellow Coach – or any other designation – that could be the difference.”
Katie Rule, In-Person and Online Coach at Rule Performance also earned Fellow status. She explained the impact of recognition through the framework and her experience completing the assessment.
“It’s amazing news. I love working through PGA Excel as you work really hard within the career you choose and you’re able to showcase that,” she said.
“The assessment is categorised into elements, which really helps highlight the areas where you’ve achieved success and that makes it easy to clearly demonstrate that.
“I’m so excited to tell my clients. It’s important for them to know that I’m still trying my best as a coach and gaining recognition through PGA Excel is only going to help with that. It’s great for them to know that, because ultimately, I want to help them to the best of my ability.”
Now a PGA Advanced Professional and Teaching Professional at Arabian Ranches in Dubai, Connor Thomas spoke about the value of PGA Excel for professionals working abroad.
“First and foremost, it’s important to me – It’s an honour,” he said.
“The PGA is a prestigious brand worldwide, and it’s opened the door for me to work overseas. Even after completing my training years ago, I still feel part of the Association, and I continue to work within it whether that’s through CPD courses or PGA Excel applications. I’m always trying to move up the ladder.
“When I’m attending seminars or working at events like The Open SwingZone, I see many coaches with different PGA statuses. It’s great to see that progression exists, and I’m proud to be part of that group.”
For those considering completing the PGA Excel application, Connor has one key piece of advice:
“Treat it like a piece of work that you’re proud of. It’s not just a checklist. There are four submission deadlines each year, so I planned around one and worked towards it. Take your time, check it thoroughly, and don’t rush it.”
Ready to take the next step? The self-assessment takes just 5 minutes to complete. Click here to get started.
Click here to read more from Tristan Crew about the importance of PGA Excel to golf industry.
