The PGA has announced its first Excel awardees of 2026, including Bedlingtonshire’s Mark Sanderson, who has achieved fellow manager status.
The awards are presented quarterly and in the first announcement of 2026, The PGA recognised 15 members who have earned designations within the categories of professional, coach and manager.
Tristan Crew, executive director – member services at The PGA, said: “Congratulations to each member who has achieved their new PGA Excel designation in 2026. This recognition reflects their commitment to excellence, their impact within the industry, and their dedication to ongoing professional development. The PGA Excel framework provides members with a valuable platform to demonstrate their expertise, strengthen their career opportunities, and contribute to raising professional standards across the industry. It’s encouraging to see so many members achieving designations early in the year, and we urge all PGA members to explore PGA Excel as an important pathway for professional growth and the growth of the game.”
The full list includes:
Advanced fellow coach
Richard Sheridan – Overseas – director of instruction at Stanford University
Alex Buckner – South – teaching professional and tour player Alex Buckner Golf LTD
Fellow professional
Anthony Moore – Overseas – head PGA professional at Royal Bays Golf Club
Frank Holly – Ireland – PGA professional at Hogs Head Golf Club
David Pocock – Scotland – head professional at Portlethen Golf Club
Fellow manager
Brian Gibson – Overseas – general manager at Absolute Golf Services
Mark Sanderson – North – club manager at Bedlingtonshire Golf Club
Fellow coach
Alex Vezey – South – golf coach at Alex Vezey Golf
Peter Lockley – Midlands – academy director at Norwood Park Golf Course
Advanced professional
Kevin Garwood – West – head professional and academy manager at Ferndown Golf Club
Peter Mitchell – Scotland – head professional at PJM Golf Coaching & Custom Fitting Ltd
Advanced coach
Radu Cirtina – Overseas – golf coach at Minthis Hills Golf Club
Gavin Young – Ireland – PGA professional at Ballyneety Driving Range
Hannah Bowen – West – head professional at Hannah Bowen Golf
Myles Cunningham – Scotland – assistant professional at Gullane Golf Club
