Reeves awarded top PGA honour

Mark Reeves’ diverse career as a PGA Professional and his work in golf management in particular has resulted in him attaining the Association’s highest honour, the status of Master Professional.

As a result, the 52-year-old joins a distinguished band that includes Pete Cowen, coach of 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson, and John Stirling, one of the founders of the modern day PGA Training Programme.

“The PGA brand and qualification has tremendous heritage and symbolises a person of proven integrity,” said Reeves, who won a cheque signed by Jack Nicklaus following his first victory as a professional in 1983.

“It brings with it trust and respect from leaders and peers and carries an exclusive status worldwide. 

“It’s always nice to be recognised and on this occasion I am humbled to join a list of industry peers that I greatly respect.”  

Reeves began his PGA career as head professional at Basingstoke Golf Centre, Hampshire, in 1988 before taking on his first golf club management position at nearby Dummer Golf Club.

On turning 30, Reeves decided to move abroad and worked at Hong Kong Jockey Club for the next 13 years.

A corporate role with the Haichang Group followed in 2008 and he is currently director for the BRG Group in Vietnam, heading up its golf and property sectors as well as PR and marketing.

Reeves has also worked with some of the world’s leading golf course design firms, helping in the creation of 14 courses, including two in Hanoi and another in Danang.

Reeves also played a key role in the opening of Vietnam’s first Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy and endeavours to employ PGA Professionals whenever possible.

David Colclough, head of coaching and sport science at The PGA, commented: “It was recognised by the APAL Council that Mark has had an outstanding career to date in the business management of golf, in particular across Asia, where he has clearly gained the trust, and received the recognition, of a range of international and local business leaders alike. 

“His career path demonstrates once again that with a PGA qualification behind you, the world is your oyster, and continuing to develop skills sets after you qualify can lead to great things.”

Other recent APAL Council recommendations to the Board of Directors are:

Advanced Fellow: Gillian Burrell (Carr Golf Centre) and Dylan Ross (Dylan Ross Golf).

ABOVE - Dylan Ross attain his status of PGA Advanced Fellow Professional by PGA CEO Robert Maxfield at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida.

Fellow Professional: Johnny Foster (Greenacres), Tom Gillespie (Kendleshire), Mark Henderson (Golftec SE Asia), Neil Holman (Torbay), Richard Hughes (Coalville), Noel Rousseau (Wycombe Heights) and Russell Warner (Heidental).

Advanced Professional: Gavin Abson (West Lancashire), Thomas Davies (Golf Arena), Ben Emerson (Bowood Hotel), Alan Fleming (University of Highlands), Scott Graham (Montgomerie), Christopher Hattersley (Kingsway Golf Club), Aaron Holtom (East Midlands Golf Academy), Keith O’Neill (Sligo Golf Club), Stuart Smith (Thetford Golf Club), Darren Turner (Ingrebourne), James Verrall (Haywards Heath).