In pursuit of enhancing my professional reputation and increasing awareness of my work, I actively seek opportunities to participate in industry competitions.
Recently, I applied for the Sport Forum Awards, where I achieved third place in the sports media category, and for the Siemens Media Awards, where I was shortlisted the previous year.
During these experiences, I often reflect on the profound impact that such recognitions can have on my overarching goals.
This contemplation was further inspired by the news that Close House Golf Club has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Members Club of the Year 2025 category at The Golf Course Awards.
This acknowledgment follows the club’s remarkable victory in winning the Junior Golf Programme of the Year award in 2024.
The Golf Course Awards, established recently, held its inaugural ceremony in 2024, specifically focusing on the regions of Great Britain and Ireland.
While the prestige of this accolade is most significant within that geographical area, its potential for international recognition is bound to grow.
The Golf Course Awards stands poised to become a beacon of excellence within the golfing community. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on the 4th December 2025.
Close House Golf Club investments
With more than 800 members, Close House Golf Club has become a thriving hub for golf in the North East, delivering over 50 exclusive members’ events annually and investing heavily in facilities.
Recent developments include a £500,000 driving range extension and a forthcoming bunker refurbishment program, both shaped directly by feedback from the club’s annual membership survey.
Close House Golf Club conducts a comprehensive annual membership survey featuring 60 detailed questions, covering everything from course conditions and dining to communications and overall satisfaction.
Insights from this survey form the foundation of development planning each year, ensuring the club stays aligned with members’ evolving needs and expectations.
The organization places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and providing pathways into the sport of golf. Its Academy, supported by a team of PGA professionals, offers opportunities tailored explicitly for juniors, beginners, and women.
Moreover, Close House Golf Club implements a school’s coaching program, in collaboration with PING, which provides complimentary lessons to over 2,000 children annually.
This initiative creates a critical pathway into the game and encourages club membership.
In addition to its golfing initiatives, Close House hosts an engaging social calendar designed to involve families thoroughly.
Events such as the annual Family Fun Day in August and the spectacular fireworks display in November foster community engagement, reinforcing Close House’s reputation as a genuine community-oriented club.
The organization is also affiliated with several prominent figures in the sport.
Attached Tour Professional and former World No. 1 Lee Westwood has represented the club with pride since 2012.
TIP: Selecting the right professional award
Selecting the ideal professional award for your business is a powerful strategic choice — the right award can elevate your reputation, draw in clients, and inspire your team.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make an impactful decision:
Start with why you want the award. Different awards serve different purposes:
- Brand credibility: Look for nationally recognized or industry-specific awards.
- Employee motivation: Choose awards that highlight teamwork or workplace culture.
- Marketing and visibility: Target awards with strong media partnerships or public voting.
- Investor or client trust: Seek awards judged by credible panels or industry experts.
Don’t chase generic “business excellence” awards if your niche awards carry more weight in your sector. Avoid: “Pay-to-win” schemes or awards that prioritize entry fees over merit.
Consider ROI and ask yourself these questions:
- What’s the entry fee or time cost?
- What visibility, networking, or credibility benefits will a win bring?
- Can you leverage the nomination (even without winning) in PR or social media?
Sometimes, being shortlisted is just as valuable as winning. I also get positive feedbacks thanks to being shortlisted at the 2024 Siemens Media Awards.
Choose awards that let you highlight what you do best:
- Innovation → Innovation or technology awards
- Customer service → Service excellence awards
- Community impact → CSR or sustainability awards
- Leadership → Entrepreneur or management awards
Rather than applying sporadically, create a yearly plan:
- Shortlist 3–5 key awards aligned with your strategic goals
- Track deadlines, criteria, and required evidence
- Gather supporting data (KPIs, client feedback, impact metrics) throughout the year
Once you’re nominated or win:
- Promote it in press releases, social media, and your website
- Share the news internally to boost morale
- Use it in sales decks and investor materials