It is with a heavy heart that the PGA of Australia advises the passing of one of its stalwarts, Paul Rak OAM, this weekend following a long battle with cancer.

Paul’s recently received an Order of Australia in the Queens Birthday Honours for his services to golf, an award that is testament to his dedication and vision in the industry during his career.

During his 14 years at the helm at Kingston Heath and his seven years as General Manager at Royal Melbourne, Paul was a doyen of the golf club industry and rose to the highest of heights based on ability, dedication and hard work. 

PGA Chief Executive Brian Thorburn said Paul would be deeply missed by the industry and the PGA membership.

"The game is in a much better position due to Paul Rak. Golfers and PGA Professionals from all around the world have been the beneficiaries from Paul’s great work," he said.

"On behalf of the PGA and the Membership, our thoughts and sympathies are with the Rak family at this difficult time," he added.

Royal Melbourne Head Professional Bruce Green who has known Paul since 1965 when they were both caddies, said he would miss his great friend and colleague.

"Paul has always had a great connection with PGA Members and Trainee’s and he loved working with the PGA helping to ensure the PGA Tour of Australasia tournaments (and others) at Royal Melbourne were world class."

"Paul created a blue print in Private Golf Club management that took us into the modern era and he was a great mentor for many," Green said.