Articles before countries and some more cases

[Infinity]

Dear All,

I have a couple of questions, both about articles.

1. How to write country names, when in brackets: with or without articles
I.e.: Mr. John Smith (... UK), Mr. A. Wane (... USA)
Is it a mistake to write (the USA), (the UK), (the Netherlands), etc.?

2. How to formulate the following:
Prize "For (...) outstanding contribution to..."
Should it be "a", "the" or "zero" article"?

Thanks a lot for your comments in advance!

[Bennevis]

Those countries do require articles in front of their names, but I feel the definite article can be omitted in your context (in brackets).

As far as your second item, you DON'T need an article there.

[Infinity]

Dear Bennevis,
thank you so much.
Does "can be omitted" mean that there is no mistake if it is still written?

[Bennevis]

Dear Bennevis,
thank you so much.
Does "can be omitted" mean that there is no mistake if it is still written?

With the articles it will look heavy.

[Tdol]

Those countries do require articles in front of their names, but I feel the definite article can be omitted in your context (in brackets).

So do I.

[Infinity]

Tdol,
thanks.
What about the second question?

[Tdol]

No need- it sounds better without to me.

[Infinity]

Thanks!