Open Championship Lunch: Golf Industry Honours Two Long-Standing Figures

The Stephen Proctor Golf Industry Lunch is one of the most important annual events for the industry. Held at Hillside Golf Club on the Wednesday before the Championship commenced, this was the 41st Golf Industry Lunch at The Open – originally started by Sports Marketing Surveys and Stephen Proctor.

John Bushell, Managing Director of Sporting Insights, said:

“The prestigious Golf Industry Lunch provides the perfect opportunity to network and discuss the state of the game and industry. This year, however, was a very special anniversary for two industry stalwarts - Bob Smith and Martin Wild. The ex-Chair and current-Chair of The BGIA were both celebrating their 50th year working at The Open. Bob and Martin started at Royal Birkdale in 1976, with Bob inside the ropes caddying for David Graham and Martin, aged 18, in his first role working for Petron Golf.

“The two men have had inspirational careers across leading golf brands in apparel and hardware and it was a special and joyous occasion to celebrate with them. In recognition of this half century, the industry gave them both a quality leather golf bag with their name and ‘Golf Industry Legend’ engraved on the ball pocket.

“The golf industry is unique in how the brands, federations, industry bodies and agencies all mix, united by the respect that we all share because of golf. Whilst the 154th Open Championship will be remembered for many things, celebrating industry friends such as Bob Smith and Martin Wild is sure to be the highlight.”

Martin Wild, Chair of the British Golf Industry Association (BGIA), said:

"The Golf Industry Lunch is always one of the highlights of Open Championship week, and it was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout from across the industry. It really is the who's who of golf, so to be recognised alongside Bob Smith in front of so many friends and colleagues was a genuine honour. It was an unexpected and very special moment that I'll remember for a long time."

Bob Smith said:

"I've been fortunate to spend my whole career in an industry I've loved and to have shared so many of those years with good friends and colleagues. It was a great surprise to receive this recognition and I'm very grateful to everyone who made it such a memorable occasion.”