The team from Ulverstone in northern Tasmania – captained by Head PGA Professional Darren Spencer – fired 57 off the stick to catapult themselves into the lead of the Mixed draw in sunny conditions on Tuesday morning.

“It all just clicked for us today,” said Spencer who has played in The Scramble every year since its inception, but who is making his first appearance in a Mixed Championship Final. “There was no particular strategy, we all just got out there and had a heap of fun.”

Responsible for the day’s major highlight as well, the Ulverstone boys had an eagle on the par-4 third hole, as the team’s two highest handicappers combined for a moment to remember.

Avoiding water down the entire right side, they found the shortest way home to kickstart their charge up the leader board.

“Our 36-marker found the fairway and then our 34-handicapper put it in the hole from 80 meters,” laughed Spencer. “I couldn’t believe it but it was certainly a very special moment.

“We are all just here for a good time and suddenly we are at the top end of things, so hopefully we can go well again tomorrow.”

Playing the back nine in just 28 shots was enough for the Tasmanians to secure a lead of 1.9 strokes ahead of the team from Brisbane River Golf Club. Incidentally, the Queenslanders fired the day’s best gross round of 56, to enter the clubhouse at -20.3

It was a day for low scoring, as three of the Mixed teams finished at better than 20-under par after handicap adjustments, impressing Tournament Director, Broc Greenhalgh.

“It’s certainly some of the best scoring we’ve seen in the first round for a little while,” he said. “It’s not uncommon for teams to go low once they know the course, but the quality out there today was outstanding.”

On the Women’s side of the draw, Lucindale Golf Club were the best of the bunch; the South Australians posting an imposing 17.2-under par to lead by 0.7 of a shot ahead of Coffs Harbour.

Captained by Craig Davis, they were in control right the way round, shooting 31 on each nine to finish with 62 off the stick.

“It was just such a fantastic day out on the course in wonderful conditions,” said Davis who is based at Mt Gambier’s GolfnMore. “The team all played really well, we have gelled superbly and we are just loving being up here.

“It’s a privilege to be their Adopt-A-Pro this week. I get to Lucindale throughout the year for some coaching and club-fitting so to spend time with them out here is fantastic.

Davis has a deep connection to The Scramble, having played in his first more than fifteen years ago, before working plenty of Championship Finals during his time at Twin Waters. Now on the other side of it again, he recognises just how valuable it is to incorporate PGA Professionals into the event.

“I think it’s vital. It’s a different environment and important to engage with the people you work with every day in a more relaxed and casual basis,” he said. “It’s a great way to make friendships and develop a stronger connection.”

Tight at the top in the Women’s draw, Lakelands Country Club sit just 0.2 of a shot adrift after the first round. The Western Australians shot 59 off the stick to come in at 17-under. Set to be hotly contested for the remainder of the week, Coffs Harbour are only a further half shot back after an opening 16.5-under par.

The Scramble Championship Final continues tomorrow, as teams fight to make the cut. In the Mixed field, the top ten teams after tomorrow will play for glory on Thursday, with the top three in the Women’s draw set to battle it out on the final day.

For a full leader board, click HERE

For more information on The Scramble Final, click HERE

His dedication to this cause saw him named Victorian Management Professional of the Year for 2022.

We chatted with Brett about his time in the game and specifically as a PGA Professional.

Who got you into the game?

“I remember my uncle arrived to Australia from England and he was a golfer. He took me out for my first game at our local course – Melton Valley Golf Club when I was about seven or eight. My dad then took up the game and we played Melton and Gisborne together. I have basically spent every day on a golf course since then, be it working or playing.”

What advice would you give a new PGA Professional?

“Learn everything about the game early on. From there, then you can be the best you can in one particular area; coaching, retail, fitting, management – whatever you want to do. If you are one of the best, you will always have work opportunities arise.

What motivates you every day?

“I just enjoy seeing golfers enjoy their round and experience at the club. Particularly new golfers coming through our various programs. A good result every month with the profit/ loss statement is certainly motivating, too!”

How do you think we can make the game more accessible/ enjoyable for more people?

“I think overall, the main golfing bodies are on the right track and we have got a lot better as an industry lately. We have to keep promoting the game on more than a club membership/ competition basis. Someone who hits balls at a driving range/ mini golf/ one-club golfers are all golfers too. social players and non-members need to be treated well so they want to keep playing.”

What is your favourite golfing memory?

“Playing the 1997 Vic Open. My one and only tour event, I played as an amateur and pre-qualified. Although I missed the cut at Victoria Golf Club, it was fantastic to be a part of it with Allenby, Ogilvy, Baddeley, Lonard and all of them out there on course in a real tournament atmosphere. I Thought it would be one of many, but I took a career change a year later.”

What would you serve at the Masters Champions Dinner?

“Yorkshire pudding or eye fillet steak.”

What’s your favourite part about being a PGA Professional?

“The opportunity to work in any facet of the industry to stay fresh. You can manage a club, coach, work in retail, even play in great events if you want to. There are lots of great people all sharing a passion for the game and the logo is a great way to gain respect in the industry.”

What do you never go to work without?

“My mobile phone, how sad!”

Their contributions spanning coaching, management and business operations, PGA Membership Manager for Tasmania and Victoria, Luke Bower, was pleased to honour them last night.

“Our PGA Professionals do such great work right around the country,” said Bower. “It is always a special night when we get the chance to celebrate them and to recognise the wonderful work that they do for our industry every day.”

Head Professional at Kingston Beach, Daniel Gawley was named Tasmania Club Professional of the year.

Ever since assuming the role at Kingston Beach, Gawley has worked hard to ensure an optimal experience for members and guests, having entirely revamped the club Pro Shop to streamline operations. To that end, he has established a number of partnerships with key business suppliers to meet and exceed the needs of the club. Also passionate about growing the junior game, he has managed to attract and retain increased numbers to the club’s MyGolf programs over the last twelve months.

In his role as Development Manager for Golf Tasmania, Simon Weston has passionately grown the game, ensuring that golf is as strong as ever in the Apple Isle. His hard work rewarded with receipt of Management Professional of the Year; Weston’s work spans the entire industry. Significantly, his engagement with the state’s 68 golf clubs has promoted modernisation, with a significant focus on increased sustainability. Moreover, he continues to facilitate increased participation through nationally recognised programs such as MyGolf and Get into Golf.

A passionate promoter of golf across all societal demographics, Adam Holden of Tasmania Golf Club was named Coach of the Year – Game Development. Dedicated to delivering programs to adults and juniors alike, Holden regularly travels to regional Tasmania to deliver MyGolf and Get into Golf programs; helping other clubs to increase their playing numbers and members. His hard work producing tangible results, there have been more than 200 new golfers register to Tasmania Golf Club as a result of his programs. Additionally, Holden works to deliver the game to teenagers in schools, promoting a message that golf is a sport that delivers all-encompassing life lessons.

Nick White, also of Tasmania Golf Club, continues to deliver a premium coaching offering, recognised with his receipt of Coach of the Year – High Performance. Having worked with Mackenzie Wilson for a decade, he has seen her become one of the leading amateurs in the state. Such is Wilson’s success, she became the first female Tasmanian to play college golf in the US, to go along with her title of Tasmania Amateur Champion in 2020.

The national award-winners each having excelled in their own categories, they stood out in exceptionally strong fields of nominees.

General Manager of the PGA Membership and Education Department, Geoff Stewart praised all winners and thanked them for their ongoing service to the game.

“PGA Professionals are the heartbeat of golf in Australia,” he said. “Every day they help golfers to love the game and form an enduring connection to the sport.

“Our award winners have done a fantastic job right throughout the industry and it is great to have the chance to honour them and their contribution tonight.”

For his outstanding service as Director of Golf at the thriving Brisbane Golf Club, Joe Janison was named PGA National Club Professional of the Year.

Janison’s wide-ranging role sees him responsible for the management of all aspects of the club’s golf operations, as he delivers exceptional customer service and member experience. Having overcome extensive challenges, including course closures due to floods, Janison helped Brisbane Golf Club to achieve profound financial and non-financial success throughout 2022.

Driving increased junior and female participation, increased corporate days and even a member-travel experience service, Janison’s willingness to innovate ensures an outstanding offering for everyone at the Brisbane Golf Club.

By putting a premium on the relationship he has with the club’s thriving membership, Janison actively seeks feedback through regular surveys and member-engagement sessions. Ultimately, he credits this people-focussed approach for his success in the role.

“Our customer service standards are all about doing the small things exceptionally well,” Janison said. “This includes how we welcome members, our product knowledge and how we can help to resolve any problems that may arise.

“Together we can achieve excellence in everything we do.”

For the second year running, Grant Field of Pelican Waters Golf Club was named PGA National Coach of the Year – High Performance. Long-term coach of Cameron Smith, Field has helped Smith to remarkable success in 2022.

Headlined by a maiden Major championship victory at the 150^th Open Championship, Smith climbed as high as No. 2 in the world rankings throughout the year.

Under Field’s guidance, Smith also broke new ground in golf, as he shot a PGA Tour record of 34-under par to start the year with a win at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. Making the most of his good form, the Queenslander followed it up with victory at THE PLAYERS Championship in March.

Additionally, Field is playing a driving role in helping to shape the next generation of Australia’s best players. Coach of Jed Morgan, who broke through to claim victory at the 2021 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, Field helped Morgan to enjoy a consistent season; the twenty-two-year-old winning the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.

“I am very honoured to have the chance to coach some of Australia’s best golfers,” said Field. “Their outstanding performances allows me to promote the game further to a wider range of audiences.

“I am fortunate enough to spend a lot of time around a number of high-level coaches, so it is great to be immersed in that high-performance environment.”

Meanwhile, Des Shearer’s receipt of PGA National Management Professional of the Year comes three years in to his second five-year plan at Bunbury Golf Club.

Having already overseen the completion of key projects including an irrigation system upgrade, the introduction of an online golf retail store and the development of a membership retention program, Shearer continues to ensure Bunbury can offer a premium experience for all members and guests.

To that end, Shearer has driven profound growth in the number of rounds and competitions played, as well as total membership numbers, as golfers are attracted by the range of offerings and incentives he has instituted. Determined to offer a great service to non-golfers as well, Shearer has expanded the food and beverage offering at the club, to benefit the entire community.

“Innovation and strategic development have positively impacted on member and guest services at the club,” explained Shearer. “Everything we have done that has been successful will continue to grow in the future for the benefit of our members and the community.”

For John Collins of Brookwater Golf and Country Club, a tireless dedication to grow the game has been duly recognised with his receipt of PGA National Coach of the Year – Game Development.

Particularly prominent in junior golf, Collins runs a range of programs, both at Brookwater and with local partner schools. Together, these have seen him work with more than 5,000 juniors in a twelve-month period.

An outstanding contribution, he has also brought more than 400 women into the game through his Ladies Get Into Golf clinics. Conducted on Sundays to maximise exposure, Collins tailors his offering to ensure players of varying abilities leave with a sense of achievement and enjoy their time on the golf course.

“I strive to create a pathway where those who have never played before can move through all facets of the game and form an enduring relationship to golf,” Collins explained.

“Success for me is seeing many of my students continue playing the game and knowing that I was able to play a part in starting them on their journey.”

Tuesday also saw the celebration of Australia’s PGA Professionals working overseas; Duc Pham named the inaugural PGA of Australia International Member of the Year for his work growing the game in Vietnam.

Duc works in partnership with the Vietnam Golf Association to ensure that national training programs are developed and delivered so that the country has enough competent coaches to meet rising demand. An outstanding initiative, the program has certified more than 80 coaches since November 2021.

Additionally, Duc’s own success as a coach has seen him run free junior clinics designed to promote engagement and passion in Vietnam’s next generation. To that end, he also held a role as coach of the Vietnam National Golf team at the South East Asia Games.

Conscious of the role he can play as a PGA Professional, Duc is pleased to see golf becoming more and more popular in Vietnam.

“Vietnam is still developing a passion for golf, but it is certainly a fast-growing industry,” he said. “I believe that with the right programs we can develop better players and better coaching.

“It is one step at a time and golf in Vietnam has an exciting journey ahead.”

Tuesday night also provided the chance to honour the best of our PGA Associates, as Mitchell Smith from Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, was named PGA Associate of the Year.

Smith, a third year Associate, was the standout recipient of the award this year, as he blends outstanding playing ability with particularly impressive academic results.

Smith is currently placed tenth nationally on the Titleist Footjoy Performance Rankings with an adjusted average of -0.36 and ranked ninth nationally in academics.

Due reward, Training Manager for the PGA of Australia, Stephanie Jamieson was pleased to see him recognised on Tuesday.

“Mitchell is a true role model for all Associates and a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.”

PGA Professional Tybin Lawson was also recognised for his outstanding contribution to junior golf, named MyGolf Deliverer of the Year.

Lawson’s tireless dedication to junior golf over a number of years continues to help golf flourish on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula.

“For me, it’s all about getting numbers into the game,” he said. “I love to help get juniors into the sport and it is always heartening to see growing participation numbers through our programs

“I don’t do it alone, and I want to recognise the work of our whole team, this award is for them.”

PGA awards winners’ list:

Greg Norman Medal: Cameron Smith

ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year: Dimitrios Papadatos

SParms PGA Legends Tour Player of the Year: Andre Stolz

Margie Masters WPGA Tour Player of the Year: Hannah Green

PGA of Australia National Coach of the Year – High Performance: Grant Field

PGA of Australia National Coach of the Year – Game Development: John Collins

PGA of Australia National Club Professional of the Year: Joe Janison

PGA of Australia National Management Professional of the Year: Des Shearer

PGA of Australia International Member of the Year: Duc Pham

PGA of Australia National Associate of the Year: Mitchell Smith

MyGolf Deliverer of the Year: Tybin Lawson

The Open Day also featured the Women in Golf Careers Showcase, which comprised two panel discussions, as panellists who are thriving in their own careers in golf shared their experiences and advice, as well as a vision for the future of women in the industry.

General Manager of the PGA Membership and Education Department, Geoff Stewart, was pleased to welcome crowds to the Learning Hub, confident that the inaugural Open Day will be a positive step to help bolster the golf industry workforce.

“Everyone in attendance can be confident that they have taken the right first step towards working in golf,” he said. “There are plenty of opportunities in golf and we are so pleased to share that and promote that message.

“At the Golf Learning Hub, we can help you no matter what you want your career in golf to look like. The Open Day was a wonderful chance to promote our various programs and help clarify the idea that a career in golf is a viable, rewarding and very real career choice.”

Prospective students took the chance to learn about the PGA Institute – the PGA’s own Registered Training Organisation – as well as the Membership Pathway Program to become a certified PGA Professional and even had the chance to have a hit on the brand-new TrackMan simulators as part of the PGA Academy.

As guests chatted to past and present students, the PGA’s RTO Manager, Suzanne Burns was glad to share the message of the PGA Institute.

“It was wonderful to welcome so many attendees who were keen to hear about the various offerings at the PGA Institute,” she explained. “From our Diploma of Golf Management course, to more business and golf-specific programs, we really do have something for everyone.

“Our graduates are best-placed to thrive in a career in golf and that message really resonated with those in attendance.”

Later in the day, Head of Women and Girls Engagement at Golf Australia, Tiffany Cherry facilitated the Women in Golf Careers Showcase. A wonderful opportunity for our panellists to promote a career in golf for all of the women and girls in attendance, the Showcase was a highlight.

“I want to thank all of our panellists for their insights and well-considered advice,” said Cherry who is passionate about empowering women to thrive in golf.

“The recurring theme across both panels was that we need to continue to increase exposure to the game to girls and young women starting out in their careers, as well as let women of all ages know there is a career option for them.

“As an industry, we are making massive strides in the right direction and it is so important that we continue to build on the great work we are doing.”

The Open Day and Showcase was made possible thanks to the funding of the Victorian Government and was also proudly supported by Holmesglen Institute, Callaway and Acushnet.

A livestream recording of the Women in Golf Careers Showcase will be available shortly.

Due recognition, we chatted with Jamie about his time in golf, as well as some of his ideas for the future of the game.

Who or what got you into golf?

“I got into golf as my father played and I was very intrigued by the sport and wanted to play. At the time Greg Norman was world number 1 and also a very big influence and motivating factor for myself.

What advice would you give to a new PGA Professional?

“It’s really important to think outside the square; the world is evolving very quickly as is our industry, so we need to move with that or be left behind. Don’t be afraid of hard work, a bit of travel and remember the areas of our PGA profession that clubs and facilities really rely on us for; being our coaching, club fitting and club repair skill sets.” 

What is your coaching philosophy?

“My general coaching philosophy is to provide information to students that suit their situation, their body type, lifestyle, and ability to play or practice regularly or not. My technical philosophy is setting up golfers with the best possible posture for them and then creating a balanced use of body and arms in their swing resulting in the best possible consistency and rhythm.”

How do you think we can make the game more accessible and enjoyable for more people?

“I think a lot of the time, appropriate facility access is the key to true growth of the game. A lot of beginner golfers require a facility they are comfortable with on all levels to build trust in themselves. Often, we push competition play on some people too early and need to allow some time for them to develop their skills and confidence.”

What is your favourite golfing memory?

“Winning a Foursomes event together with my father on a golfing trip to Loxton in my teenage years. We shot even par and everything went right that day!”

What would you serve at the Masters Champions Dinner?

“Coffin Bay Oysters for entrée and a premium Australian BBQ for main.”

What is the best part about being a PGA Professional?

“I get to live my passion every day.”

What do you never go to work without?

“The will to make a difference and put a smile on the face of golfers!”

PGA Professionals are here to help everyone on their golfing journey. To find your local Professional, click HERE