More than 450 guests attended Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast last night for the Queensland Golf Industry Awards.

The evening recognised the achievements of those from the PGA of Australia Queensland Division, Golf Managers Association Queensland (GMAQ), Golf Queensland as well as the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Queensland (GCSAQ).

David Delahunty, Head Professional at Emerald Golf Club, was a popular winner taking home the Coca-Cola QLD PGA Club Professional of the Year.

"It is such an honour to be receiving this award and share this success with the many other individuals across all the industry who work so hard to make golf strong in this state," said Delahunty.

"It’s so positive to see all of the representatives of the golf industry celebrate as one share in all of our achievements, not just individually."

The GCSAQ recognised the talents of City Golf Club superintendent, John Halter, awarding him the Superintendent’s Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication to the exemplary presentation of the golf course for the past six QLD PGA Championships, as well as significant course changes via the club’s master plan. 

The GMAQ Manager of the Year was awarded to Keperra Golf Club’s Gavin Lawrence, who has worked diligently to place the golf club in an extremely strong financial position, well exceeding the expectations of it’s members. Gavin has also been instrumental in creating a business partnership with Valspar Paints after club member John Senden won the Valspar Championship on the PGA TOUR.

"Although I am honoured to win this award, our results as a club are a team effort and knowing I have a strong leadership team underneath I am confident the Keperra Golf Club is in a strong position for the future," said Lawrence.

Redcliffe Golf Course received the GMAQ Golf Club of the Year award for being a focal point of the community and keen supporter of the golf industry.

GMAQ President Aaron Muirhead commented on Redcliffe’s dedication to the local community.

"We are proud to have a golf club as such an active and well respected organisation within the community and we congratulate the management and board of the Redcliffe Golf Club for their efforts," said Muirhead. 

One of most anticipated awards of the night was the QLD Golf Industry Services to Golf Award, where Australian Professional Peter McWhinney was recognised for his lengthy commitment to golf over the past 35 years.

Since completing his PGA Traineeship in 1980, McWhinney has been a high profile Professional before he turned his focus to giving back to the game through his tenure on the QLD PGA Divisional Committee form 2003.

For 10 years, McWhinney held the position of Tournament Chairman and was Deputy Chairman for five years, now McWhinney continues to commit his time to the game in his current position as Chairman of the National Disciplinary Committee for the PGA.

Throughout the evening Queensland’s leading amateurs were also recognised for their achievements.

Golf Queensland’s Karis Davidson secured both Junior Female Amateur of the Year and Female Amateur of the Year following success in both Junior and Open events, while the Male Amateur of the Year award went to Taylor McDonald for the second consecutive year.

The title of PGA Teaching Professional of the year was awarded to Chris Gibson for his commitment to his students who range from beginners to Tour Professionals, club golfers, women and juniors.  

Gibson’s willingness to learn both formally and from his fellow peers, not to mention using the latest technology, has provided his students with the opportunity to better understand their golf games.

"To be recognised amongst many other talented Professionals that are also dedicated to the teaching profession is very rewarding, but to be receiving this award is truly humbling," said Gibson.

"Seeing each of my students improve is extremely satisfying and continuing to improve by ability to assist them is something that I am very passionate about," added Gibson.

The evening also saw 26 PGA Trainees graduate to Full Vocational Members and were recognised for their dedication in achieving their goal of becoming the next generation of PGA Professionals.

Trainee Captain Phil Covill captured the thoughts of all of those who received their graduation certificates.

"Our PGA Traineeship sees many people influence us, both directly and indirectly, giving us the depth of knowledge and experience to help grow and promote the game of golf,"

"PGA Members, mentors, golf clubs members, as well as our friends and family are all a big part of the journey and for that we are truly grateful," said Covill.
  
Award Winners:

QGI Supplier of the Year Award – Coca-Cola Amatil
QGI Junior Program of the Year Award – Victoria Park Golf Complex
Golf Queensland Club Super Volunteer of the Year – Laurel Opray
GMAQ Golf Club of the Year Award – Redcliffe Golf Club
GMAQ Manager of the Year Award – Gavin Lawrence
GMAQ Board Member of the Year Award – Arthur Dixon
GMAQ Staff Member of the Year Award – Sue Briese
PGA QLD Club Professional of the Year  – David Delahunty, Emerald Golf Club
PGA QLD Teaching Professional of the Year – Chris Gibson
PGA QLD Trainee of the Year – Matthew Douglas
PGA QLD Tournament of the Year – Bartons/ BMD Wynnum Pro-Am
PGA QLD Metropolitan Tournament of the Year – Southport Pro-Am
PGA QLD Regional Tournament of the Year – City of Mackay Open
PGA QLD Legends Tournament of the Year – Bargara Legends Pro-Am
GCSAQ Toro Superintendents Apprentice of the Year – Graeme Eaton, Lismore Golf Club
GCSAQ Living Turf Superintendents Achievement Award – John Halter, City Golf Club
2014 PGA IGI Excellence in Education Award – Shane Heath