Germany-based Andrew Limb has become the latest recipient of the John Barnett Memorial Trophy for his services to Welsh golf.
The award commemorates Barnett, a staunch supporter of professional golf in Wales who captained The PGA from 1997-99 and was head professional at Royal St David’s, Harlech, for many years.
Limb, who follows Ian Woosnam in winning the award, is the head pro at Bad Mergentheim Golf Club and has been working in Germany for the past 26 years.
However, that has not prevented him from making the annual trip to his homeland to play in the Asbri Welsh National PGA Championship.
“I’ve missed just one in 44 years,” said Limb, who hails from Neath and began his PGA career in the north of the country at Maesdu Golf Club, Llandudno.
“I worked with Harry Smith there and then I was lucky enough to get the job at Lindrick as an assistant,” he recalled.
“I stayed there for about eight years and played on the European Tour and in North Region events before getting the pro’s job at the Phoenix Golf Club, Rotherham.
“Unfortunately, it was when the steel strike was on, and it got very difficult. Then about 26 years ago I managed to get a job on the continent in Germany and have been there ever since.”
The 63-year-old has subsequently acquired dual nationality, German and British, but he has not forgotten his Welsh roots nor Barnett.
“My Welsh heritage is from my parents – both came from Neath, and I moved to Sheffield with them when I was four,” he added.
“I always love coming back to south Wales, especially round the Porthcawl area and the Gower Peninsula.
“And I always admired John as a golfer and as a fellow Welshman. He was a credit to the sport, a real competitor and I’m very proud to win the award named after him.”
CAPTION: Andrew Limb (right) received the John Barnett Memorial Trophy from PGA Captain Sarah Bennett (left) during this year’s Asbri Welsh National PGA Championship at Machynys Peninsula Golf Club.
