London Golf Club head PGA professional Paul Stuart has received PGA Fellow status in recognition of more than three decades of coaching, leadership and service at the Kent venue.
Stuart has spent 32 years at the 36-hole club in Ash, where he now leads the London Golf Club Academy. The PGA named him among a small group of professionals awarded Fellow status this year through its Excel framework.
The quarterly award recognises PGA members who have shown sustained expertise and professionalism throughout the golf industry, including coaching and management. It is one of the highest distinctions available to a PGA professional.
Stephen Follett, chief executive of London Golf Club, said: “Few people have had the impact on the London Golf Club that Paul has. For more than 30 years, he has helped shape the club, inspired colleagues and PGA professionals. Paul has continually looked for ways to improve the experience for members and guests. PGA Fellow status is a fitting recognition of an exceptional career, and everyone at the club is delighted to see Paul receive this honour.”
From tournament player to academy leader
Stuart joined London Golf Club in 1994, the year the venue officially opened. He earned England honours in 1995 before competing on the European Challenge Tour in 2000, later concentrating on a coaching career that now extends beyond 25 years.
Known for his short-game expertise, Stuart oversees the club’s tuition team and has mentored many of the PGA professionals who have worked at the venue. His current responsibilities also include corporate golf events, pro-ams and the club’s weekly Free Lesson Friday series.
His work was recognised regionally in 2019, when he received the PGA South Region Coach of the Year award.
Josh Moses, director of operations at London Golf Club, said Stuart’s influence could be seen in the academy’s development and the professionals he has supported.
“Paul’s career is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through dedication, leadership and a genuine passion for the game. The success of the academy, the number of PGA professionals he has mentored, and the lasting impact he has made at The London Golf Club speak for themselves. We are all incredibly proud of his achievement,” Moses said.
Stuart’s tournament work
Stuart has also worked behind the scenes as London Golf Club hosted major tournaments. He was closely involved in preparations for the European Open in 2008 and 2009, followed by the Cazoo Classic in 2021.
Ross Fisher won the 2008 European Open at the club, while Christian Cévaër took the title in 2009. The venue later staged the 2014 Volvo World Match Play Championship, won by Mikko Ilonen, as well as Legends Tour events and the Kipp Popert World Invitational.
The Club
The club has two par-72 courses. The members-only Heritage measures 7,208 yards from the back tees, while the 7,005-yard International is open to visitors. Its practice provision includes a 330-yard driving range, two bunkers and separate chipping and putting greens.
The facility was designed by 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus and opened in July 1994. Its first major occasion was a Charity Challenge Skins Match on The Heritage featuring Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tony Jacklin, with Ballesteros winning.
The London Project plans further expansion
Stuart receives the award as the club pursues further international golf events. The London Project proposes a new hotel, spa, leisure facilities and improved sporting infrastructure, with the aim of turning the property into a broader golf and leisure destination.
London Golf Club is also bidding to host the Ryder Cup in either 2031 or 2035. Stuart’s experience across coaching, academy operations and tournament delivery will support the club as those plans progress.
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Simon Bale
Simon Bale is the publisher of Golf Today. A low single-figure handicap golfer, he was previously a major shareholder and course reviewer for Top100GolfCourses.com for over a decade, starting in 2010. Through this role, he developed extensive knowledge of golf course design and architecture while playing more than 300 courses worldwide.