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West Australian Minjee Lee has been crowned the Greg Norman Medal winner for a record third time at the 2023 PGA Awards held at Brisbane City Hall on Tuesday night.
A two-time winner on the LPGA Tour in 2023, Lee beat out the strongest field of contenders in the award’s nine-year history, including reigning Fortinet Australian PGA Championship winner Cameron Smith, and Minjee’s younger brother, Min Woo Lee.
The PGA Awards also celebrates the extensive contribution of PGA Professionals who have achieved great success in their own endeavours throughout the industry, with Cameron Smith’s coach and Director of Coaching at Queensland’s Pelican Waters Golf Club, Grant Field, named PGA National Coach of the Year – High Performance, for the third year in a row.
There was a second win in succession for The Brisbane Golf Club with Asha Flynn taking out the PGA National Coach of the Year – Game Development while another Queenslander, Darren Richards from Nudgee Golf Club, was named the PGA National Management Professional of the Year.
Director of Golf at Concord Golf Club, David Northey received the award as the PGA National Club Professional of the Year, Declan McCollam, General Manager of the Prestige Golfshire Club in India was named PGA of Australia International Member of the Year and Seb Howell, from The Coast Golf Club in Sydney, was honoured as MyGolf Deliverer of the Year.
After an extended layoff at the start of the year, Minjee Lee’s results were initially underwhelming but when she found form, the 27-year-old refused to look back. She dispelled any thoughts of a form slump with a playoff loss to Jin Young Ko at the Cognizant Founders Cup and was top 20 in each of her subsequent seven starts.
She briefly dropped outside of the top 10 in the world rankings before responding with her ninth LPGA Tour victory at the Kroger Queen City Championship. Three weeks later, Lee registered win No.10 at the BMW Ladies Championship in Korea to climb back to No.4 in the world.
PGA of Australia CEO, Gavin Kirkman, said that in a hot field, Lee’s third Greg Norman Medal was just reward for another exceptional year.
“Minjee continues to represent Australian golf in the best way possible,” Kirkman said.
“To now have 10 wins on the LPGA Tour – including two major championships – at such a young age establishes Minjee as one of our greatest golfers of all time.
“And yet, I am sure there is much more to come.
“Given the success our golfers have enjoyed throughout the world this past year, I commend the judges on what must have been a very difficult decision to pick between such worthy candidates.”
Kirkman also commended the PGA Professionals who were recognised for their outstanding contributions throughout the industry over the past 12 months.
“Our PGA Professionals are at the core of how golfers experience our game and they have contributed significantly to the strong position we currently find ourselves in as an industry,” Kirkman added.
“From juniors to beginners, high performance pathways and the delivery of our services at golf facilities around the country, our PGA Professionals are ensuring that those who engage in golf have a great experience each and every time.”
A chance to celebrate Australian golf’s highest achievers both on and off the golf course, the PGA Awards also serves as the official launch of the 2023 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, to be played at Royal Queensland Golf Club, starting on Thursday.
The judges for the Greg Norman Medal were PGA of Australia Chair Rodger Davis, WPGA Tour Life-Member Karrie Webb, WPGA Tour President Julia Boland, PGA Life Member Peter O’Malley and PGA Board member Ian Baker-Finch.
Judging of the Greg Norman Medal is based on a combination of objective and subjective criterion, with the panel taking many factors into consideration, including results and rankings.
There were more winners on the night with three-time winner David Micheluzzi taking out the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year, Grace Kim awarded the Margie Masters Player of the Year and Queenslander Andre Stolz claimed the PGA Legends Tour Player of the Year for the second year running.
PGA awards winners’ list:
Greg Norman Medal: Minjee Lee
Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year: David Micheluzzi
PGA Legends Tour Player of the Year: Andre Stolz
Margie Masters WPGA Tour Player of the Year: Grace Kim
PGA of Australia National Coach of the Year – High Performance: Grant Field, Director of Coaching, Pelican Waters Golf Club, Qld
PGA of Australia National Coach of the Year – Game Development: Asha Flynn, Assistant Professional, The Brisbane Golf Club, Qld
PGA of Australia National Club Professional of the Year: David Northey, Director of Golf, Concord Golf Club, NSW
PGA of Australia National Management Professional of the Year: Darren Richards, General Manager, Nudgee Golf Club, Qld
PGA of Australia International Member of the Year: Declan McCollam, General Manager, Prestige Golfshire Club, Bengaluru, India
MyGolf Deliverer of the Year: Seb Howell, The Coast Golf Club, NSW
Cam Smith ticked off a bucket list item for a Brisbane Broncos fan on Tuesday morning, and now the Queenslander has turned his attention towards a fourth Fortinet Australian PGA Championship title.
Spending the morning in a mowing competition with close mate Marc Leishman at Suncorp Stadium, home of the Broncos, Smith headed for Royal Queensland to refamiliarise himself with the layout where he won his third Kirkwood Cup last year.
Bad weather halted practice rounds on Tuesday afternoon, however, Smith knows the Mike Clayton redesigned course well, and the Australian PGA has been his happiest hunting ground as a professional.
“I’ve been quite fortunate at this event. It’s been nice to me,” the 2017, 2018 and 2022 champion said. “I’ve managed to get a couple of them so far.”
Beyond his familiarity with the course and trophy, Smith’s chances of joining Robert Allenby and Norman Von Nida as a four-time winner, are further enhanced by his recent good form around the world.
Twice a winner on the LIV Golf League in 2023, the 150th Open champion was runner-up a fortnight ago at the Hong Kong Open on the Asian Tour, before the world No.18 took a break to go fishing on the Great Barrier Reef ahead of the PGA and next week’s ISPS HANDA Australian Open.
“It’s been good lately. Lots of kind of consistent stuff with the golf game, so looking forward to getting back out at home and hopefully get another Kirkwood Cup,” said Smith, who is in pursuit of Billy Dunk (five) and Kel Nagle (six) as the Australian PGA’s most prolific winner.
Mixing talk on his beloved rugby league and golf Tuesday – including an admission that the Broncos’ Grand Final loss meant his iPad received some tough love – Smith spoke highly of those trying to deny him a fourth win in his home state.
“Another great field this week. Scotty’s back, Leish is back… it’s a great field and hopefully the fans love it,” he said.
Planning to remain in Brisbane and take some time off from golf until the end of January, Smith isn’t on holiday mode just yet, with the chance to join the four-time winners of the PGA Championship followed by his quest to claim the Australian Open for the first time.
On record speaking of his desire to win his national Open, Smith’s fortnight of competitive golf at home also has important connotations for his schedule next year, the Paris Olympic Games squarely in his sights after representing his country in Tokyo.
“Definitely want to be there, 100 per cent,” Smith said of the Olympics.
“I know the criteria, I don’t know if that can change, but I’ve got these couple of events here and probably four more looks again in the majors.
“Hopefully it can keep that ranking up and wear the coat of arms on the chest again, it’s pretty special.”
Open to the idea of playing more in the new year if he needs to chase world ranking points, Smith’s first preference is to play well at home, something that has become par for the course for him at the Australian PGA Championship.
“These couple of events down here can do plenty for me,” he added.
David Micheluzzi has overcome a seven shot deficit early in the final round to stage an incredible come-from-behind win the 2023 Vic PGA at Moonah Links.
After a break-out season last year, winning three times and claiming the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, his latest win further outlines Micheluzzi as one of the most exciting emerging Australian talents.
Recording a final round four-under 68 to finish on a total of 14-under, Micheluzzi edged out Ben Eccles by a solitary stroke. His latest win not without some hiccups along the way.
The Victorian started the day six shots behind Kazuma Kobori, and after a double bogey on the second, he found himself even further behind.
Bouncing back quickly, Micheluzzi birdied his next three holes, and as he edged closer, Kobori finally slowed.
At the turn, Kobori’s six-shot lead was gone, the Kiwi and Micheluzzi tied at the top, with Eccles in the group ahead making moves of his own.
After four bogeys, Kobori’s first birdie came at the par-5 13th keeping hope of a first Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia win alive, but three more bogeys coming in put an end to his chances. Kobori’s impeccable golf in the first three rounds, in just his second tournament as a professional, showing why the young Kiwi is going to be a force to be reckoned with in future events.
As Kobori struggled coming home, Micheluzzi added four more birdies against a solitary dropped shot, with a bogey at the par-4 15th signalling the end of Eccles’ charge and yet another trophy for the man known as Micha’s mantlepiece.
This win particularly special in his home state and in front of friends and family. Something Micheluzzi has been dreaming of since he was a child.
“I’m stoked with how everything went, and yeah to have friends and family here just tops everything,” he said.
“The putter got so hot, it’s probably the best I’ve putted in quite a long time.”
His Order of Merit win from last season has gained Micheluzzi DP World Tour status for next year, but performing well in Australia is still high on his priorities.
“I wanted to come back and play a couple of events, especially before Aus PGA and Aus Open,” he said.
Playing with Kobori on Sunday, Micheluzzi had nothing but praise for the rookie professional.
“He’s so good … that’s definitely not the last time you’ll see him, he can only grow, he’s a great kid.”
Next week’s Fortinet Australian PGA Championship will be Micheluzzi’s first event as a DP World Tour player, with the next two events on the Australasian calendar co-sectioned with the circuit, and on current form he’ll definitely be one to watch.
With a lot of the focus on Micheluzzi and Kobori in the final group, Eccles had his chances to move up the leaderboard, however, his runner-up finish this week coupled with his win at the WA PGA last month moves him to the top of the Order of Merit standings.
“I’m really proud of how I got myself into the mix, and I holed a few good putts coming in which I’m really proud of,” he said.
“I spoke to my coach yesterday and we just said, ‘Keep moving forward’, and that’s kind of been the message all season really.
“Two big weeks coming up, so again it’ll be the same sort of message just keep moving forward.”
In the amateur teams event, Konrad Ciupek and partner Sang Jun Lee took home the trophy with a score of 35-under-par, with amateur Lee’s hole-in-one at the par-3 17th a crucial factor in their success.
Praising the conditioning of the courses this week during his acceptance speech, Micheluzzi will surely be excited by today’s announcement that the Vic PGA will be headed back to Moonah Links for another three years.
Full scores HERE.
The PGA of Australia and Golf Australia announce industry conference to help shape the future of Australian Golf.
Golf in Australia is booming. With more than 3.2 million people playing some form of golf, the future has never been brighter for our sport.
To ensure the entire golf industry takes advantage of this boom, Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia are working together to deliver a combined event for the entire industry to help shape the future of the sport.
The Golf Summit is an innovative golf thought leadership conference that will connect and inspire the diverse range of PGA Professionals, golf clubs and facilities and organisations across the industry to help shape the future of Australian Golf.
SAVE THE DATE – 16 – 17 October | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This is the destination to meet other golf business professionals, expand your knowledge through learning from world-class industry leaders, be inspired by new ways of thinking and develop the tools to improve performance, whatever your role in the industry.
“As the golf industry continues to grow, we are seeing both the number and variety of roles our PGA Members successfully fulfilling increasing every year, and the Golf Summit 2024 will provide everyone in the industry the opportunity collaborate, network and learn,” explained PGA General Manager – Membership and Education, Geoff Stewart.
“PGA Member delegates will have the opportunity to hear from a variety of world class presenters across multiple streams to complement their expanding roles within the industry.”
The social and networking event will bring together delegates, industry leaders and partners in a welcoming and relaxed environment to foster the connections that ensure engagement continues well beyond the event.
With over 700 expected to attend – the Golf Summit is not to be missed.
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW – Golf Summit
Looking to exhibit or showcase your products to the golf industry? Exhibitor partnership opportunities will be available soon. Please reach out to Matt McBain – [email protected] for more information.
Who will be there?
We welcome everyone involved in the golf industry and beyond – including a collection of global and domestic leaders:
Find out more here http://www.golfsummit.com.au
Callaway Golf, an industry leader in golf equipment design, performance, and innovation has joined the growing list of organisations to partner with all three of Australian golf’s national bodies – Golf Australia, the PGA of Australia and WPGA Tour of Australasia.
Whilst Callaway has long been a partner of all three organisations, this new three-year agreement extends this commitment further and sees Callaway become the first golf equipment partner to undertake an Australian Golf partnership.
This new agreement will include an official partnership with both the men’s and women’s professional tours; the ISPS HANDA Australian Open; the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship; The Athena and other future tournaments.
Callaway will also provide investment into the PGA Women in Golf Scholarship Fund which was launched late 2021 with the goal of increasing the number of female golf professionals and growing female leaders within the golf industry in Australia.
On the amateur and community side of the sport, which continues to experience record-setting participation numbers, Callaway Golf will continue as a partner of the PGA’s long-running Scramble teams event and has linked with junior golf community program Tee Mates which encourages kids to have fun and go play.
Callaway Golf will also be a major partner of the golf industry’s leading national event, the Golf Summit, in 2024.
PGA of Australia Commercial Director Michael McDonald said Callaway Golf was providing a long-term commitment that underpinned the growth of the game in Australia.
”Callaway Golf has been a wonderful supporter of Australian golf for many years and a great supporter of both PGA Member and industry initiatives with our highly skilled PGA Professionals, who are at the forefront of promoting and growing golf in the places that we play.” he said.
“With this new agreement, they are taking their long-term commitment to the next level by becoming the sixth partner overall to sign an Australian Golf Partnership, this is a great show of support and confidence in the sport across professional and amateur golf.”
Golf Australia General Manager Commercial Anthony Everard said: “Callaway Golf shares our purpose in the Strategy for Australian Golf – to have more Australians playing more golf and discovering and enjoying all the benefits of being a golfer.
“This new partnership supports juniors who are starting off in the sport, hopefully beginning a lifetime in the game, through to our elite professionals and major Summer of Golf events which are the front window of Australian golf.”
WPGA Tour of Australasia CEO, Karen Lunn said “We are delighted to be able to add a quality brand like Callaway Golf to our portfolio of sponsors.
“We have worked closely with the team at Callaway Golf on both The Athena and the Women’s Golf Network over the last three years, and it is really exciting for us to be able to expand our relationship across all areas of the WPGA Tour.
“Collaborating closely with the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia on commercial opportunities is proving to be a game changer for the women’s arm of professional golf in Australia, and we are thrilled to welcome Callaway Golf as the first golf equipment partner to undertake an Australian Golf partnership.
Matt Meredith Managing Director of Callaway Golf South Pacific said: “Callaway Golf are proud to be an official partner of Golf Australia, the PGA of Australia and the WPGA of Australia, and to collaborate with their teams on outstanding events and initiatives to continue the great progress the game is making.
“Callaway Golf has a proven history of supporting golfers of all abilities and backgrounds all over the world.
“Being able to contribute to both amateur and professional male and female golfers all together is testament to the great work Australia is doing bringing the game together.
“We look forward to many more years supporting the sport we all love and the benefits it provides to all of us that play”.
ABOUT CALLAWAY GOLF
Callaway Golf is the leading manufacturer of premium golf clubs, balls, performance gear and accessories worldwide. Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, Callaway pushes the limits of performance and creates demonstrably superior products designed to make every golfer a better golfer. For more information, please visit www.callawaygolf.com.au
The coveted Golf Club of the Year was just one of five awards bestowed upon Nudgee Golf Club at the 2023 Queensland Golf Industry Awards at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday night.
A total of 460 guests from all areas of the golf industry gathered to celebrate the year’s best performers and another impressive year of growth for the game of golf in Queensland.
Cameron Smith’s coach, Grant Field, was again acknowledged as the Coach of the Year (High Performance) while The Brisbane Golf Club’s Asha Hargreaves was named Coach of the Year (Game Development).
But it was a night of celebration for Nudgee Golf Club in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
In addition to receiving the Golf Club of the Year, Nudgee General Manager Darren Richards was named PGA Management Professional of the Year, outgoing president Paul Rigby received the Board Member of the Year award, recently departed Assistant Superintendent Scott McComas received the Assistant Superintendents Recognition Award and Course Superintendent Peter Culross won the Superintendents Environment and Safety Excellence Award.
Given what the club and its members have had to endure for the past decade with the compulsory acquisition of 10 per cent of its land for the widening of the Gateway Motorway and subsequent construction of two new golf courses, Richards said it was recognition that everyone at the club played a part in.
“Tonight caps off what has been a period of great transition for Nudgee Golf Club in a way we could not have imagined,” said Richards.
“Our members have been extremely patient as the Nudgee Golf Club Board navigated a challenging time that has, ultimately, given us two new golf courses and enabled us to become the home of the Queensland PGA Championship.
“I am proud to accept my award as PGA Management Professional of the Year but I am even more proud of Paul Rigby being acknowledged as Board Member of the Year, the Recognition Award given to our former Assistant Superintendent Scott McComas and for Peter Culross receiving the Superintendents Environment and Safety Excellence Award.
“It is through their tireless efforts and the contribution of every single staff member that Nudgee Golf Club can proudly accept our recognition as Golf Club of the Year.”
Another club to leave with multiple awards was Oxley Golf Club.
Known for its innovative ways in which it has engaged not only its golfers but members of the community, Oxley General Manager Aaron Muirhead received the Distinguished Manager Award and Course Superintendent Glenn Beauclerc the recipient of the Superintendents Achievement Award.
Justice Bosio and Quinn Croker were named Female and Male Amateur Golfer of the Year respectively and journalist David Newbery’s four decades of contribution to the coverage of golf saw him receive the Services to Golf honour.
Award winners
2023 PGA Queensland Coach of the Year – High Performance: Grant Field
2023 PGA Queensland Coach of the Year – Game Development: Asha Hargreaves
2023 PGA Queensland Club Professional of the Year: Christopher Graham (Ocean Shores CC)
2023 PGA Queensland Management Professional of the Year: Darren Richards (Nudgee GC)
2023 Tournament of the Year: Wynnum Pro-Am
2023 Metropolitan Tournament of the Year: Redcliffe Pro-Am
2023 Regional Tournament of the Year: Rockhampton Pro-Am
2023 Legends Tournament of the Year: PNG Senior Open
2023 Golf Course Turf Apprentice of the Year Award: Ethan Vickery (Rowes Bay GC)
2023 Golf Course Assistant Superintendents Recognition Award: Scott McComas (Nudgee GC)
2023 Superintendents Achievement Award: Glenn Beauclerc (Oxley GC)
2023 Superintendents Environment and Safety Excellence Award: Peter Culross (Nudgee GC)
2023 Superintendents Industry Recognition Award: Darryl Edwards (Burleigh GC)
2023 Golf Club Staff Member of the Year: Suzanne Walker (Twin Waters GC)
2023 Golf Club Board Member of the Year: Paul Rigby (Nudgee GC)
2023 Golf Club of the Year: Nudgee Golf Club
2023 Distinguished Manager Award: Aaron Muirhead (Oxley GC)
2023 Male Amateur Golfer of the Year: Quinnton Croker
2023 Female Amateur Golfer of the Year: Justice Bosio
2023 Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year: Sarah Hammett
2023 Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year: Harry Takis
2023 Volunteer of the Year: Rob Bailo (Maleny GC)
2023 Golf Club of the Year (Under 400 Members): Bulimba Golf Club
2023 Golf Supplier of the Year: CPR Group
2023 Services to Golf Award: David Newbery
2023 Junior Golf Program of the Year Award: Keperra Country Golf Club
Photos: Kurt Thomson
Laidback, easy-going party vibes will be coming to golf courses and facilities around Australia thanks to a new collaboration between the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia, and Southern Comfort.
Southern Comfort will become the exclusive Brown Spirits provider of the PGA of Australia, Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and Golf Australia, and the fourth partner to undertake a joint Australian golf partnership which enables brands a simple pathway to partner with Australian Golf’s professional and amateur organisations across a wide range of assets.
The three-year partnership will focus on celebrating and growing the social side of golf, which continues its rapid growth throughout the country.
“This partnership is focused on recruiting new adult players to the game and breaking down barriers for those who may find golf intimidating,” said Oscar Barton, Senior Brand Manager of Southern Comfort.
“It’s also an exciting opportunity to bring Southern Comfort’s ‘King of Leisure Sports’ ethos to the national stage.
“If you can play with a can in hand then Southern Comfort will be there, celebrating easy going sports and good times with mates.
“This partnership offers fans across the nation looking for an oncourse refreshment or a round after their game the opportunity to reach for a SoCo.”
As part of the programming, Southern Comfort Twilight Rounds will be coming to golf courses and facilities across the country this summer.
A perfect social mix of casual golf and refreshing drinks with friends, Southern Comfort Twilight Rounds will be accessible to players of all skill levels, offering a laidback golf experience where the focus is more on good times with friends and less on the scorecard.
From November through to March Twilight Rounds will be available at a variety of golf facilities, including golf courses, mini-golf centres, driving ranges and simulators.
Additional partnership programming will include Southern Comfort activations at Australian golf’s two major tournaments, the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship and the ISPS HANDA Australian Open.
The “Southern Comfort Party Shack” will be located on the liveliest and noisiest hole on the PGA Tour of Australasia, the PGA Championship’s Party Hole at Royal Queensland, which takes place from November 23-26.
Whilst at the Australian Open, Southern Comfort will a roaming activation at The Australian Golf Club.
PGA of Australia Commercial Director Michael McDonald said: “We are excited to have Southern Comfort become part of Australian Golf through a variety of fan-focussed collaborations.
“Twilight Rounds will be open to all and less structured than traditional golf events and will embody the fun, casual side of golf which is increasingly attractive to our newer golf-loving audience.
“The addition of the Southern Comfort Party Shack to the PGA Championship will also further enhance the experience for fans on the party hole, which has doubled in size for 2023, and will offer eight different hospitality suites, new grandstand seating and a dedicated free public precinct.”
Golf Australian General Manager of Commercial Anthony Everard expanded further on the partnership: “Part of our Strategy for Australian Golf is to invite more golfers into the game and to create great golf experiences for everyone who participates.
“More than ever before, golf fans are seeing the game as a fun way to spend quality time with good mates, and that’s where Southern Comfort comes in.
“What they want to achieve perfectly aligns with this vision and we look forward to working with their team to bring their ideas to life.”
More information:
Southern Comfort Party Shack tickets link: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=PGACLUB23
Follow Southern Comfort on Instagram: @southerncomfortau
The Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) has today unveiled a report that reveals golf provides $3.3 billion in total annual benefits to the Australian community, economy and environment.
The 2023 Community Benefits of Golf in Australia report was commissioned by the AGIC, comprising the key national bodies of the golf industry in Australia, including the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and the WPGA Tour of Australasia,
It was conducted by SGS Economics & Planning and details the wide-ranging and sizeable benefits of golf through quantified data and a robust methodology.
Headlining the report’s findings are the $3.3 billion in total annual benefits of golf; the growing and deepening participation in all forms of golf; and golf’s estimated annual household expenditure of $10.3 billion.
It also shows that 37 percent of adult Australians – a total of 7.23 million people – say they have visited a golf facility as a non-player.
The health benefits of golf are highlighted by the fact Australian golfers walk 280 million kilometres annually, or the equivalent to more than 7000 laps between the Earth and our moon.
On-course golfers are also happier than those who don’t get outdoors to play the game, rating 7.1 percent higher in subjective health and wellbeing compared to non-round golfers.
“Golf is big, it is different and it is changing, and this report quantifies that statement while providing the necessary, and enlightening, data to help change the perception of golf,” WPGA Tour of Australasia CEO and AGIC Chair Karen Lunn said.
“Golfers are happier and healthier because of this great game, and they are providing significant benefits to their communities and the wider Australian economy and environment through their participation.”
The benefits outlined in the report are partly created by the 3.5 million Australians who play a form of golf – 2.2 million on course, 1.3 million off course – across 1603 places to play around Australia.
These numbers make golf one of the country’s largest participation sports.
Golf’s contribution to the Australian economy is valued at $394 million for businesses and $122 million for industry workers, while the best example of sport’s huge economic impact is the $336 million of benefits provided via golf tourism.
Annually, 1.6 million domestic overnight trips are made by Australians, and another 150,000 international tourists visit, for the purpose of golf, with their spending covering items such as green fees, food, accommodation, and transportation.
“We know golf is huge in Australia and this report provides all the evidence,” PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said.
“For the PGA, golf is a sport that provides a livelihood to our members through employment and running businesses where customer experience is of the highest priority.
“But golf is much more than that as this report explains – its social benefits, health benefits and environmental benefits are enormous.”
The report shows an additional 166,000 Australians would be considered physically inactive without golf, saving the health system $49 million, and the physical health benefits for all golfers total $423 million.
Meanwhile, through the physical exercise, social interaction and time in natural landscapes, the annual mental health benefit derived from golf is calculated at $439 million.
“The health benefits of golf are well established, including reduced risk factors for several chronic illnesses. This report adds to other academic research with detailed findings on just how beneficial golf is to the Australian community,” Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said.
“Golf is different and getting bigger, and with this data showcasing its benefits we hope this continues to encourage more people to engage with our sport, experience our places to play and experience improved health and wellbeing.”
Like every element of society, a key focus for golf in the current day and moving forward is how the game interacts with and helps the environment.
The Community Benefits of Golf in Australia report details an annual environmental benefit of $890 million created by golf.
These benefits include water filtration and purification, flood and stormwater protection, carbon sequestration, urban cooling and significantly higher biodiversity than public parks.
Clearly outlining the significant detail of these benefits, and more, the Community Benefits of Golf in Australia is available at golf.org.au and it is hoped will serve as valuable resource to the industry and reference point for broader conversations about golf and its place and value in for Australian community.
“This report has been a significant undertaking for the Australian Golf Industry Council and it will prove to be of high value moving forward,” Lunn said.
“Golf as a game, lifestyle and its facilities as community hubs, shares undeniable and substantial benefits to Australia and the details found in the report show that in a way and depth that has never previously been available.”
The Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) was established in 2006 as a group comprising the key national bodies of the golf industry in Australia, designed to work together for the common good of the game and the industry.
The AGIC includes representatives from PGA of Australia, Golf Australia, WPGA Tour of Australasia, Australian Sports Turf Managers Association, Australian Sporting Goods Association, Golf Management Australia and Society of Australian Golf Course Architects.
Rising star of Australian golf, Cam Davis, has locked in both of his country’s majors – the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane and ISPS HANDA Australian Open in Sydney – to his end-of-year schedule.
A sensational against-the-odds winner of the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in 2017 when he was just 22 years old and ranked outside the top 1000 in the world, Davis has produced another strong year on the US PGA TOUR in 2023.
His seven top-10 finishes include a tie for fourth at the US PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club, his best finish in his young major championship career to date.
Continuing on from a strong second half of the PGA TOUR’s 2022/23 season which saw him play in the end-of-season FedEx Cup Playoffs, Davis recently finished equal third at the Fortinet Championship in California to boost his Official World Golf Ranking to a career-high of 44.
Davis confirmed today that he would contest the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland from November 23-26 – where he was tied for seventh in 2022 – before heading home to Sydney for a shot at a second ISPS HANDA Australian Open title at The Australian and The Lakes golf clubs from November 30-December 3.
“It’s always enjoyable to come back home and to be part of the Summer Golf in Australia,” Davis said.
“I have great memories of The Australian and going back there, as well as The Lakes, for the Open is something I’m very much looking forward to.
“Last year’s PGA Championship at Royal Queensland had great crowds, with a huge vibe. I’m sure with the field that’s being assembled, it’ll be a fun event to be part of again in November.”
PGA of Australia CEO, Gavin Kirkman said: “Cam is a rising star in world golf and undoubtedly will be a player to watch in our two Aussie majors. In recent weeks, he’s climbed back inside the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking and reached a career-high so he’ll be bringing some good form back home for the Australian PGA and Australian Open.”
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said: “Cam’s victory at The Australian back in 2017 was one of the best by a young Australian competing in their national open championship. We’re delighted he will be back this year, playing in front of family, friends, and a passionate home crowd in Sydney. He’s had a terrific year and there’s no reason why he can’t top it off by taking out the Stonehaven Cup.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: “The Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane is set to be a massive drawcard for locals and visitors this summer.
“With more than 62,000 fans participating in last year’s event, we expect the impacts off the green to be felt across the city, delivering millions in economic support to local Brisbane restaurants, hotels and tourism experiences.”
As well as being highlight tournaments on the PGA Tour of Australasia, the two Aussie majors will be co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour and form part of the start to the 2023/24 Race to Dubai schedule.
Tickets for both the ISPS HANDA Australian Open and Fortinet Australian PGA Championship are available now at Ticketek.
Today marks a new dawn for the PGA Tour of Australasia, with Australian investment management firm Challenger signing on as exclusive naming rights partner – its first partnership in Australian sport.
The breeding ground for Australian golf’s champions and home tour of our current superstars will now be known as the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.
The new three-year partnership forms part of a wide-ranging Australian Golf collaboration, with Challenger also becoming a partner of Golf Australia, the WPGA Tour of Australasia, PGA Legends Tour, and Golf Management Australia.
The partnership will also play an important role in promoting golf across Australia’s local communities, cities and internationally while continuing to elevate professional golf across the wider region.
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said the partnership with Challenger represented a union of shared values and a commitment to fostering growth and innovation.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Challenger and look forward to achieving our joint goals over the next three years,” he said.
“We will be focused on offering even greater opportunities for our aspiring golf professionals to hone their skills and achieve their dreams, as well as creating captivating golf events across Australasia.
“This partnership is another great example of the Australian Golf Strategy generating opportunities for our sport with quality brands.”
Challenger is Australia’s leading retirement income brand, playing an important role helping Australians achieve financial security for a better retirement.
Challenger Managing Director and CEO, Nick Hamilton said: “Challenger is delighted to partner with the PGA of Australia, WPGA and Golf Australia.
“With over nine million passionate golf fans in Australia, and a sport of choice for over 45s, this partnership represents an exciting opportunity to showcase our brand and retirement credentials as we focus on taking a broader stance in retirement.
“The partnership also aligns with Challenger’s commitment to supporting Australia’s communities, investing at the grass roots to ensure that talented players can thrive at the highest level.
“We look forward to bringing this partnership to golf fans, customers and the wider community.”
In addition, Challenger will also be a part of some key vocational PGA Member initiatives to increase their connection with the highly skilled PGA Professionals, who are at the forefront of promoting and growing golf at the club level.
The full Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia schedule for 2023/24 will be announced tomorrow.
The Challenger PGA Tour of Australia will visit six Australian states and territories in 2023/24, as well as New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Eight Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia events will be played in the lead-up to the end of the year, including the two Aussie majors – the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship and the ISPS HANDA Australian Open. As well as an increased events schedule for 2023-24, the Tour features live broadcasts of almost all tournaments via Fox Sports and Kayo, with Nine and Nine Now also simulcasting the two Australian majors.
Challenger Limited (Challenger) is an investment management firm focused on providing customers with financial security for a better retirement. Challenger operates a fiduciary Funds Management division, an APRA-regulated Life division and an APRA-regulated authorised deposit-taking institution. Challenger Life Company Limited (Challenger Life) is Australia’s largest provider of annuities.
About the PGA of Australia
The PGA of Australia is a not-for-profit Member-based organisation representing both Tournament Professionals and the Club Professionals who form the cornerstone of the industry, working in golf facilities throughout Australia and overseas. Our PGA Members play an integral role in servicing more than 1.5 million Australians who hit the fairways each year. The PGA of Australia also owns and manages the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia which is a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours.
