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The PGA of Australia and Holmesglen Institute are opening up more opportunities for students to pursue a career in the business of sport as the next significant step in their innovative partnership.
The Australian-first PGA Institute, established at the prestigious Sandhurst Golf Club in Melbourne’s south, has a range of courses for students keen to pursue or develop careers in the golf industry.
Now the partners are announcing an automatic eligibility pathway to allow students who complete the Diploma of Golf Management to proceed to a Bachelor of Sports Business.
Students have two options – attending the PGA Institute on-campus at Sandhurst for 12 months followed by two-and-a-half years at Holmesglen; or undertaking two years online study with the PGA Institute and then two-and-a-half years at Holmesglen.
The Institute offers dedicated golf business training in an integrated and effective golfing ecosystem. Through the Hub collaboration, Holmesglen is delivering accredited courses in Sports Turf Management and Hospitality Management between its Glen Waverley campus, Zest training restaurant and Sandhurst. A tourism course is also available.
All courses, which are nationally accredited and endorsed by the PGA, provide practical training, industry placement and a focus on the golf industry, which employs over 25,000 people in Australia.
PGA General Manager – Membership and Education, Geoff Stewart, said: “We are proud of our partnership with Holmesglen Institute, Victoria’s largest TAFE, to provide an unrivalled golf education offering for our industry now and into the future.
“Our team at the PGA Institute, which is the number one location for people seeking a career in golf, is excited about this development in our collaboration with Holmesglen which will offer students the opportunity for further education that can benefit their careers not only in golf but the broader sporting industry.”
Andrew Williamson, Executive Director, Holmesglen Institute, said: “The relationship between Holmesglen Institute and PGA Australia – through the PGA Institute – continues to evolve.
“This new pathway initiative again works to the complementary strengths of both partners to provide a high-quality educational outcome for students. As with all PGA Institute activities, the Diploma of Golf Management to Holmesglen’s Bachelor of Sport Business pathway is securely underpinned by excellent industry connections, ensuring that graduates are highly sought after as they start their sporting careers.”
For more information on study programs and enrolment, click here.
Global sportswear leader adidas has signed a historic partnership to unite the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and WPGA Tour of Australasia under one apparel and footwear partnership.
A major partner of the PGA of Australia and PGA Tour of Australasia since 2019 and WPGA Tour since 2020, adidas has now extended its partnership for a further three years to include Golf Australia and become the first joint apparel and footwear partnership in the Australian Golf partnership family.
The Australian Golf partnership with the iconic sports brand adds to a strong commitment to golf which includes sponsorship agreements with 22 current Australian professionals and elite amateur golfers, including LPGA Tour star Grace Kim.
As well as being the new naming rights partner for the Australian Amateur Championship, which will be held in Melbourne in 2024, the adidas partnership with Australian Golf includes the Australasian PGA and WPGA Tours; Australian PGA Championship; Australian Open (from 2024); The Athena; the Womens Golf Network; a range of other tournaments; and broadcast/digital engagement opportunities to both fans and PGA members.
PGA of Australia Commercial Director Michael McDonald said adidas’ alignment with Australian Golf was a great win for our sport.
“The PGA of Australia has had a great relationship with adidas and achieved some wonderful outcomes as a result of the supportive way they work with the golf industry and our PGA Members. Their engagement with golf fans has also been outstanding and it’s exciting that this will now grow to include Golf Australia,” he said.
“They have become the first of our existing partners, and the third partner overall, to become a major partner with all three national golf bodies which is a great show of support and confidence in the game at professional, elite amateur and club golf levels.
“As well as being a partner in our Summer of Golf, we will continue to work collaboratively with adidas to increase their connection with the highly skilled PGA Professionals, who are at the forefront of promoting and growing golf at the club level.”
Golf Australia General Manager Commercial Anthony Everard said: “The team at adidas love golf, are committed to helping us achieve our goals and their focus on sustainability and inclusivity aligns closely with our Strategy for Australian Golf.
“They are keen to do more with us on the grassroots and community side of the game, which continues to experience a participation boom, while continuing to contribute to the renewed interest we are seeing with professional golf.”
Darryn Lowe, General Manager of adidas Golf Pacific, said the global sports manufacturer was excited to continue its investment in golf through the Australian Golf partnership.
“This is a landmark moment for the adidas brand and a partnership that we are extremely proud of. As the Most Progressive Brand in Golf, we have a responsibility to lead from the front and in partnership with the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and WPGA Tour of Australasia, we know we will be able to bring this vision to life.”
“We are excited to deepen our commitment and connection to the game of golf, PGA Professionals and golfers of all ages and abilities through our Australian Golf partnership.”
WPGA Tour of Australasia CEO Karen Lunn said: “Adidas are incredible supporters of women’s golf and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with one of the world’s most inclusive brands.”
The Golf Australia, PGA of Australia and WPGA Tour of Australasia events teams and workforce will be fitted out by adidas.
A holed flop shot helped James Conran to storm home over his final nine holes to win the $25,000 Southport Pro-Am on the Gold Coast.
Conran, who learnt the game in Orange and went on to become a member of the NSW men’s amateur squad, shot a 5-under 66 to finish two shots ahead of veteran Tour pro David Bransdon in the latest event on the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series.
The tricky Southport layout, short in length by modern standards but protected by an array of water hazards, stood up well as a test for the professionals, with only 13 players in the 59-strong field breaking par.
Conran, 24, pocketed $4490 for his victory.
HOW THE WINNING ROUND UNFOLDED
Conran turned in even-par after an opening nine holes that featured birdies at the 12th and 13th and his only slip-up of the day, a double-bogey at the 18th.
He then played the front nine at Southport in just 31 strokes, including a run of four consecutive birdies from the third to the sixth. The highlight was a flop shot that he holed from behind the green at the par-four fourth.
WHAT THE WINNER/S SAID
Conran said: “The flop shot (at the fourth) had very little chance of coming off but somehow it did and just gave me more confidence to finish off with a few more birdies on five, six and eight. The greens were true and a very nice surface to putt on which helped me see a few putts go in early and I kept it up for the rest of the day.”
LEADERBOARD RUNDOWN
65: James Conran
67: David Bransdon
68: Kyle Michel, Andrew Campbell
NEXT UP
The adidas PGA Pro-Am Series heads up the M1 to the $12,500 TruHealth Solutions Windaroo Lakes Pro-Am on Wednesday.
Photo: Southport Golf Club General Manger Bernadette Lance, James Conran and Southport Golf Club Golf Operations Manager Phil Wolvaardt
Two days in Toowoomba proved to be very profitable for Brad Burns, who claimed his second victory in as many days on the Darling Downs at the Provincial Distributors Legends Pro-Am at City Golf Club.
Twenty-four hours after sharing the win with Marcus Cain at Toowoomba Golf Club’s SParms PGA Legends Tour event, Burns successfully defended his City title by firing a 2-under-par 68.
It looked like Richard Backwell, who is a past winner and former club champion at City was going to blitz the field being -5 through eight holes. However six late bogeys put a halt to his chances.
In a tie for second place were Murray Lott and Peter Jones, two shots back.
Best of the morning scores were Bryan Milligan, Nicolas White and Michael Craig with +2 (72)
HOW THE WINNING ROUND UNFOLDED
After beginning his afternoon round on the 15th hole, Burns was 4-under through his opening six holes.
He was 5-under for the day before a late run of bogeys at the 11th, 13th and 14th threatened to ruin his back-to-back bid.
WHAT THE WINNER SAID
Burns said: “It is that kind of course where there are birdies but just as may holes where you need to be spot on or there can be trouble, particularly with some of those pin positions.”
“I had two late bogeys and though may have blown it but it was good enough.”
LEADERBOARD RUNDOWN
68: Brad Burns
70: Murray Lott, Peter Jones
71: Christopher Taylor, Richard Backwell
NEXT UP
Wynnum Golf Club will host the Peter King Memorial Legends Pro-Am on Monday with the likes of Peter Senior, Peter Lonard and Paul Gow vying for their share of $30,000 prizemoney.
The Vic Open will be back at its home at 13th Beach Golf Links on the Bellarine Peninsula for an 11th year in 2024 with the tournament dates locked in for February 1-4.
A player and fan favourite, the tournament which includes titles for women, men, and all abilities will be part of the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and WPGA Tour of Australasia.
The Beach course and the Creek course at the superb seaside facility, near the town of Barwon Heads, will host men and women competing for equal prizemoney on the same courses at the same time, with $420,000 on offer for each event.
The 2024 Vic Open will also coincide with the Victorian Inclusive Championship for golfers with a disability and the Australian Wheelchair Golf Championship will return for its third year.
WPGA Tour of Australasia CEO Karen Lunn said the Vic Open was a major highlight on the Tour’s calendar.
“Our players love coming back to 13th Beach every year and competing in front of the wonderful galleries who turn out to enjoy seeing the women’s and men’s tournaments, plus the all abilities, contested side by side,” she said.
“We’ve had some fantastic winners of the women’s title since the Vic Open came to 13th Beach, including three major champions in Minjee Lee twice, Hannah Green in 2022 and then a former world number one in Jiyai Shin earlier this year.”
PGA Tour of Australasia Tournament Director Nick Dastey said the Vic Open would be a key event on the second half of the 2023/24 Tour calendar.
“The Vic Open has established itself as a major feature of our schedule and 13th Beach has played a huge role in its ongoing success,” Dastey said.
“Our men and women again get the chance to play on two of Australia’s best golf courses. The hospitality we receive each year is first class and the locals really embrace having us visit them each summer.”
Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Ben Carroll: “The Vic Open remains an important tournament for our golf superstars, and it’s fantastic that it will return to the sparkling Bellarine Peninsula next February.
“We know how much this tournament means to the local community and hosting it at 13th Beach will encourage fans and visitors alike to experience all this beautiful region has to offer.”
Chair of 13th Beach Golf Links Grant Phelps said: “The Vic Open has now become a permanent fixture on the Bellarine and 13th Beach.
“We absolutely love hosting the Vic Open. Our community really gets behind it and so many friendships have been formed because of the event.”
In 2024, 144 men and a minimum of 90 women will start out in the first round, with the top 35 men and 35 women and ties making it through to Sunday.
The Vic Open is part of an exciting summer of golf in Australia that includes the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, the ISPS HANDA Australian Open and the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sports.
The 2023/24 season resumes with the NT PGA in August.
RECENT VIC OPEN CHAMPIONS
WOMEN
2023: Jiyai Shin (Korea)
2022: Hannah Green (Australia)
2020: H.Y. Park (Korea)
2019: Celine Boutier (France)
2018: Minjee Lee (Australia)
MEN
2023: Michael Hendry (NZ)
2022: Dimi Papadatos (Australia)
2020: Min Woo Lee (Australia)
2019: David Law (Scotland)
2018: Simon Hawkes (Australia)
The R&A and USGA have proposed a Model Local Rule (MLR) that gives competition organisers the option to require use of golf balls that are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf.
The MLR is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf.
The proposal notice was sent to golf equipment manufacturers on Tuesday, following the Equipment Rulemaking Procedures established by the governing bodies in 2011. Manufacturers and golf stakeholders can provide feedback until 14 August 2023. If adopted, the proposal would take effect in January 2026.
Golf balls that conform to the MLR must not exceed the current Overall Distance Standard (ODS) limit of 317 yards (290 metres, plus three yards tolerance) at modified Actual Launch Conditions (ALC) with a clubhead speed of 127mph and based on a calibration set-up for 11 degrees and 37 revolutions per second (2,220rpm) as part of this proposal.
All other balls, including those typically used by recreational golfers with lower swing speeds, would continue to be tested using the existing ALC values (120mph, and a calibration set-up of 10 degrees and 42 revolutions per second – 2,520rpm). The current ODS limit of 317 yards will remain unchanged and would be applied to both testing set-ups.
Over the past 20 years hitting distance has increased on average by around one yard per year and the modified testing set-up in the proposed MLR is expected to reduce hitting distance by 14-15 yards on average for the longest hitters with the highest clubhead speeds.
“At the core of our proposal is a desire to minimise the impact on a flourishing recreational game,” said Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A.
“We believe the proposed Model Local Rule will help us move forward in a way that protects the inherent qualities of the sport and reduces the pressure to lengthen courses. This is an important issue for golf and one which needs to be addressed if the sport is to retain its unique challenge and appeal.”
“Hitting distances at the elite level of the game have consistently increased over the past 20, 40, and 60 years,” added Mike What, CEO of the USGA.
“It’s been two decades since we last revisited our testing standards for ball distances. Predictable, continued increases will become a significant issue for the next generation if not addressed soon.
“The MLR we are proposing is simple to implement, forward-looking and does so without any impact on the recreational game.”
The governing bodies have consulted closely with the golf industry throughout the Distance Insights project, which commenced in 2018 but has been of continual study over at least the last two decades. This is the fourth formal feedback period to be opened in the last five years, in addition to continuing stakeholder engagement across the game, including golfers, fans, competition organisers, equipment manufacturers, golf course owners, superintendents, architects and others.
The R&A and USGA set out to address the long-term trend of increased hitting distances and course lengthening that they believe threaten golf’s long-term sustainability and undermines the core principle that a broad and balanced set of playing skills should remain the primary determinant of success in golf.
The findings of extensive research by the governing bodies into distance (along with the supporting research and data) were set out within the Distance Insights report into the Implications of Hitting Distance in February 2020 under two key themes: the pressure on courses to continue to lengthen and ensuring that distance did not become predominant in the balance of skills required in golf.
The report also found that the overall trend of golf courses becoming longer has adverse consequences, including by increasing the cost and time to play, limiting the advancement of sustainability efforts and reducing the challenge of courses – in some cases creating a risk of them becoming obsolete.
The 2022 Annual Driving Distance Report reports a four per cent average year-over-year increase in hitting distance across all seven tours, with all but the Japan Golf Tour and LPGA Tour reporting the longest values on record. The Korn Ferry Tour recorded the highest annual hitting average across all tours in 2022, at 307.8 yards.
The Champion Golfer of the Year, Cameron Smith, has added to his glittering list of accomplishments in 2022 by being named the Male Athlete of the Year at the AIS Sport Performance Awards in Sydney on Thursday night.
More than 350 guests attended the black-tie gala event to celebrate the incredible achievements of Australian athletes, coaches, leaders and volunteers over the past 12 months across Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports.
An Olympic representative in Tokyo in 2021, Smith took his game to new heights this year in what will stand as one of the great seasons in the glorious history of Australian golf.
Starting with a record-setting victory at the PGA TOUR’s Sentry Tournament of Champions in January, Smith claimed THE PLAYERS Championship, delivered one of major golf’s greatest ever finishes to win the 150th Open at St Andrews, won in just his second start on the LIV Golf tour and capped it all with a spectacular homecoming where he claimed a third Fortinet Australian PGA Championship title at Royal Queensland last month.
The 29-year-old was recognised not just for his on-course accomplishments but for becoming one of the greatest role models and mentors within Australian golf, highlighted by his willingness to give back to the game and Guinness World Record attempt for the largest golf lesson ever given alongside his long-time coach Grant Field.
Coming on the same day as the launch of Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy and the Win Well initiative – won for the first time by the Victorian Institute of Sport – Smith’s overall contribution to golf was a key factor in his award.
“Our judges also considered behaviours of sportsmanship, fair play, respect and integrity, broader contributions such as role modelling and leadership, and achievements beyond the sporting arena, like community involvement, academic and vocational achievements. It’s important to recognise and reward these qualities in our successful athletes,” said Australian Sports Commission CEO, Kieren Perkins OAM.
2022 ASPAs Award Winners
Male Athlete of the Year: Cam Smith, Golf Australia
Female Athlete of the Year: Jessica Stenson, Athletics Australia
Female Para-Athlete of the Year: Emily Petricola, AusCycling
Male Para-Athlete of the Year: Ben Tudhope, Snow Australia
Coach of the Year: Peter McNiel and Kate Blamey, Olympic Winter Institute of Australia
Emerging Athlete of the Year: Donnell Wallam, Netball Australia
High Performance Program of the Year: Athletics Australia
Award for Leadership: Petria Thomas, Commonwealth Games Australia
Team of the Year: Women’s Rugby 7s, Rugby Australia
Community Engagement Award: Kyle Vander-Kuyp, Athletics Australia
Win Well Award: Victorian Institute of Sport
Sport Volunteer of the Year Award: Nicole Williams, Cricket Australia
The PGA of Australia has made changes to its board with long-term director James Erskine stepping down after a significant contribution to the Board of Directors.
Erskine will be replaced by former Coca-Cola Amatil boss Alison Watkins, who is the second woman to join the PGA of Australia board, while Ian Baker-Finch has been elected Deputy-Chair.
Baker-Finch will play a support role in global relations and has been identified as the successor to Chair Rodger Davis who will see out his second three-year term as chair in May, 2024.
During his time on the board as an independent director, Erskine helped PGA member directors navigate through a period of significant change in golf following a change of Chief Executives in his first year in 2010, through to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent resurgence in the game.
PGA of Australia Chair Rodger Davis honoured Erskine for his contribution to the game of golf whilst on the PGA board.
“James’ expertise in event management, commercial partnerships and in particular broadcast has been invaluable to the PGA of Australia,” he said.
“James has also been and remains an advocate for collaboration in the golf industry, reflective in the advancements in relationships locally with Golf Australia and the WPGA Tour of Australasia, but also internationally as the PGA of Australia has begun its second five-year term of a strategic alliance with the DP World Tour and a thriving relationship with the PGA TOUR.”
Erskine said he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the game.
“It was a privilege to serve on the PGA board, and it’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 12 years since Craig Parry and Peter O’Malley approached me about the role,” Erskine said.
“I’ve loved golf since I was five-years old as a member of Royal Birkdale, and I hope that the PGA of Australia is in better shape than it was when I started. If I’ve been part of that achievement, it’s all been worthwhile.
“Historically, Australia has punched way above its weight in professional golf and continues to do so following the recent success of Cam Smith and Minjee Lee, and I’m sure golf in this country will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Erskine’s successor, Watkins, brings an abundance of commercial experience having served as Group Managing Director at Coca-Cola Amatil, Chief Executive Officer of ASX listed agribusiness GrainCorp Limited, CEO of Berri Limited and Managing Director of Regional Banking at ANZ.
Having previously held non-executive director roles at ANZ Banking Group Limited, Woolworths Limited and Just Group Limited, Watkins is currently a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Board, a non-executive Director of CSL Limited and Wesfarmers Limited, Chancellor of the University of Tasmania and a director of The Centre of Independent Studies.
Davis said the directors were excited to welcome the exceptional business experience of Watkins to the PGA of Australia board in such an exciting time for golf, and spoke highly of Baker-Finch’s appointment.
“Alison is a fantastic addition to our board with brilliant leadership experience that has grown across a variety of industries, and we can’t wait for her to contribute to the growth of golf in Australasia to ultimately benefit our 2,000 plus members,” he said.
“Ian is one of the most respected figures in Australian golf, his passion for the sport is second to none and we are pleased that he will be using his talents to continue to grow the PGA of Australia.
“Ian will have a renewed focus on supporting our international golf relationships as we continue to play a critical role in golf’s global eco-system, and by being elected to the Deputy-Chair role, this experience will hold him in good stead should he wish to stand for Chair at the appropriate time.”
Stephen Hutchison will continue in his role as Chair of the Vocational Members Council, while Rodger Davis will continue as Chair of the Tournament Players Council.
PGA of Australia Board: Rodger Davis (Chair), Ian Baker-Finch (Deputy-Chair), Alison Watkins, Carole Brownlee, Josh Madden, Paul Lappin, Richard Lazar, Stephen Hutchison.
Australia’s best golfers and a sprinkling of the elite of the DP World Tour have converged on Brisbane for the 2022 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship.
All four days of the championship will be broadcast live on Channel Nine’s 9Gem and 9Now, Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Spark Sport in New Zealand.
The PGA of Australia will accompany that coverage with a live blog from start to finish all four days where we will keep you up to date with live scores, insights from the course and selected highlights.
Broadcast times AEST
Round 1: LIVE 11am–4pm on 9Gem, 9Now, Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Spark Sport
Round 2: LIVE 11am–4pm on 9Gem, 9Now, Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Spark Sport
Round 3: LIVE 11am–4pm on 9Gem, 9Now, Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Spark Sport
Round 4: LIVE 11am–4pm on 9Gem, 9Now, Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Spark Sport
Australian PGA Championship social media handles
Instagram: @pgaofaustralia, @pgatouraus
Facebook: PGA Tour of Australasia, PGA of Australia
Twitter: @pgaofaustralia
Hashtag: #AusPGA
Karen Lunn has made history by becoming the first-ever woman to chair the Australian Golf Industry Council.
Lunn, who is also Chief Executive of the WPGA Tour Australasia, was elected this week to the role.
She replaces Gavin Kirkman, Chief Executive of the PGA of Australia, who served two terms over four years at the helm of the all-encompassing industry body.
“I’m very honoured,” said Lunn. “To represent the whole of the industry is an honour. We’re seeing collaboration through the industry and it’s great to be a part of that, and it’s really good timing.
“Everyone in the sport including all the organisations that sit within the AGIC will play an integral part in delivering the Australian Golf Strategy. It’s an exciting time and I’m proud to take on the
role.”
Lunn said there was symbolism in the appointment.
“The strategy has such a strong focus on women and girls’ participation, knowing that the industry hasn’t done so well in that space before, so it is significant,” she said.
“Any time that a woman takes on a role when they haven’t taken on before, it’s significant, and that’s not lost on me either. I’m honoured that the rest of the organisations in the AGIC, who are all represented by men, have put their trust in me to do the job.”
Kirkman said Lunn was an obvious choice in a time when the industry was promoting inclusiveness for the sport.
“She’s there because she’s the best person to do the job,” he said. “It’s about her input and her knowledge and her experience. We’re delighted that Karen has seen fit to take this on and we’re sure she’ll do an excellent job.”
Lunn is a former touring professional who played in Europe (1985-2013), on the LPGA Tour (1994-2002) and in Asia (1998-2005), serving on the LET board of directors for 14 years including a 10-year stint as chair as well as chair of the players’ council.
A 10-time winner in Europe, the high point was her 1993 British Women’s Open victory.
She has been CEO of the WPGA (and its forerunner, the ALPG), for nine years.
Lunn said the industry had seen how it needed to move forward with the publication late last year of the Australian Golf Strategy, a roadmap for the future compiled by the full golf industry.
“The work that we’ve done has shown us that there is a lot of work to be done,” she said. “We’re all very aware of that. But there are resources allocated to the areas that need to be focused on.”
The AGIC was formed in 2006 to help unite the golf industry in Australia, and includes representatives from the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA), Golf Australia, Golf Management Australia, PGA of Australia, WPGA and the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects (SAGCA).
