THE 19th hole at Evesham Golf Club is certainly a welcoming watering hole — and they even have a prestigious award to prove it.

The English Golf Union (EGU), in conjunction with London brewer Fullers, invited nominations for a competition to find the country’s ‘Golf Club Steward of the Year’.

Evesham’s extremely popular and successful steward, Tess Byrne was one of the nominees and there was great excitement at the Fladbury-based club when the EGU announced she had reached the final 12.

As part of the selection process, the two competition judges then visited the club to interview Byrne and to experience her hospitality.

Back in April, Byrne, who has been in her current role at the club for some 13 years, celebrated her 60th birthday and the extent to which she is treasured and respected by the members was reflected in the presentations and tributes she received on the day.

She was born and grew up in Evesham and, with a grandmother who ran the Royal Oak in Vine St and a grandfather who was a licensee in Sedgeberrow, she has hospitality in her genes.

After leaving college, she initially worked as a matron at Cheltenham Ladies College but moved on to run the kitchens in several Vale schools including Bredon Hill and St Egwins. Prior to coming to Evesham Golf Club, she ran The Mill at Elmley Castle.

The judges were clearly impressed with what their heard about and saw of Byrne and said they were particularly pleased to see that members of two other local clubs had nominated her.

She runs an immaculate operation at the club with excellent food, high levels of service and offering amazing value. She not only works extremely hard herself but coaches, trains and motivates her team to produce great results for the club’s members and guests.

It was no real surprise then to learn that Byrne got through to the last four in the competition and was invited to a Fullers pub in the city of London for the final awards.

She won ‘Midlands Golf Club Steward of the Year’ and was a runner-up to the overall winner from another small, friendly club, in Devon.

She received a plaque and a certificate and the judges commended her on her fine achievement. They highlighted her contribution to the general atmosphere and well-being of the club and mentioned the warm welcome she affords to visitors.

The judges stated it was clear to see and feel that Byrne is the ‘heartbeat’ of the club. Her genuine affection for the club and its members is easy to see for everyone who meets her.

A popular and deserving winner who does not push herself forward and is modest in the extreme about her achievements.

Nigel Evans, EGU chairman added, “Whether you’ve had a good or bad round, the service you receive at the 19th hole, will affect your feelings on the day, and how you feel when you leave that golf club.

“We wanted to find people who were obviously loved by their regulars, respected by their peers, and appreciated by visitors. Tessa clearly fits that bill.”