Winners announced for 2023/24 #FJTHANKSAPGAPRO campaign

07/02/2024

FootJoy and The PGA are delighted to announce Adam Harnett and Anna Smith as the winners of this year’s #FJThanksaPGAPro campaign, an initiative that celebrates PGA Members who have gone above and beyond in their local community.

The campaign was launched again in 2023 for a third consecutive year and invited golfers to nominate their PGA Professionals by sharing stories of how they have both inspired and supported them whilst playing the game.

Harnett, who is based at Blacknest Golf & Country Club, has been described as creating an environment that is the cornerstone within their local golfing community. “Adam is one of the best coaches I have ever worked with,” said one nominator, Stewart Womersley.

He added: “Adam understands that everyone is different and works to ensure that any changes needed to your game ultimately are going to work for your game and not require you to have the sporting abilities of some of the best golfers in the world. Adam always makes himself available and runs a programme that is flexible and accessible to everyone which is much needed in an age when work life balance is difficult enough as it is.”

“As a PGA Professional and coach, I eat, sleep and breathe coaching, so to be recognised by others is a real honour,” said Harnett. “A big thank you to FJ and The PGA as this campaign really shows all PGA Professionals how appreciated they are and that their efforts and dedication do not go unnoticed.”

Smith, based at the London Golf Club, received nominations for her passion in trying to grow the women’s game. She helped introduce new females to the sport by creating an academy and a golf tour. “Anna has brought together ladies that would never have contemplated playing golf and the camaraderie is growing daily,” said nominator Linda Streat.

“She has created a ladies academy at Darenth Valley Golf Club and the enthusiasm amongst the ladies is fantastic. Anna rightly deserves recognition for a fantastic achievement which is totally as a result of her commitment, dedication, passion and personality.”

Smith said: “What a wonderful surprise. Huge thanks to my lessons who voted for me and to the FJThanksaPGAPro campaign.

“Thank you to FootJoy who have supported me through college, the Ladies European Tour and my time as a PGA coach.”

The winners were selected by a combined FootJoy and PGA panel, with the two winning pros earning themselves a brand-new iPad. The two runners-up, Thomas Wharnock (Norwood Park) and James Wood (Sudbury), will both receive a pair of personalised MyJoys. In addition to this, two randomly selected participants who took the time to nominate their pros will also be rewarded, with them both receiving a FootJoy waterproof suit.

Commenting on the success of the campaign, Robert Maxfield, PGA Chief Executive, said: “We have been amazed by the number of golfers nominating their PGA Professionals again this year.

“The campaign represents what is a really important collaboration with one of our Principal Partners, FootJoy, and underlines the critical role PGA Professionals play in helping and supporting people of all ages, genders and abilities in taking up golf or improving their game.

“The FootJoy and PGA panel had a difficult decision to make when considering all of the fantastic nominations, and in addition to the two winners I’d like to pay tribute to all those PGA Professionals who were nominated for the tremendous work they do in developing the game.”

Russell Lawes, FJ Brand Director, said: “FootJoy acknowledges the importance and influence PGA Members have in their local community. To see that for a third-straight year the campaign encouraged more than 1,000 golfers to come forward and nominate their chosen professional was incredible to see.

“It was a difficult decision to only pick two winners, however after reading through the nominations, the panel unanimously agreed that Adam and Anna were deserving victors. I would like the opportunity to once again thank all those who took the time to nominate and recognise their PGA professional in this year’s campaign.”