The Ranfurlie Golf Club has partnered with the City of Casey to offer the joys of golf to more people than ever before.
Together, they will run The Golf Day Out; an inclusive all-abilities golf day, to be held at the state-of-the-art Ranfurlie driving range on November 17. Forming part of the Southern Region Disability and Inclusion Week, the team at Ranfurlie are excited to extend their offering to as many budding golfers as possible.
Head PGA Professional, Ben Bunny will be running the day and is passionate about making golf more accessible.
“Golf is a game for all and everyone should be included,” said Bunny. “Everyone is welcome (at The Golf Day Out) to come along and give golf a go. We will have a range of drills; chipping and putting and of course getting out on to the range.”
The Ranfurlie range, located in Melbourne’s rapidly growing South East, will prove the perfect location for the day; with outstanding new facilities and having already established a strong track record in the all-abilities space.
“The golf club is all about inclusion and I have the privilege of getting to coach a lot when it comes to all-abilities,” Bunny explained. “We have actually just introduced a program where we are employing all-abilities staff, so it is such a great step forward.”
Clearly the right fit, Bunny hopes that the day can be a success and that the benefits will continue to flow for the game long into the future.
“We are so happy to be involved with the council’s inclusion week and we can’t wait to host The Golf Day Out. Hopefully it can help create increased participation in the longer term.”
Excitement shared by the team at the council, the Southern Region Disability and Inclusion Week gives all-abilities communities the chance to enjoy a range of activities, including photography, dance and gardening.
“The Southern Region Disability and Inclusion Week is a wonderful initiative for our community and we are excited to see it come to life,” said Angie Peresso, Active Communities Manager for the City of Casey.
“Golf is a great sport that can be played for life, I’m proud that clubs in our region, like the team at Ranfurlie in Cranbourne, are taking part to make it available to everyone at the all-abilities Golf Day Out.”
More broadly, The Golf Day Out is a clear indicator that golf is moving in the right direction when it comes to all-abilities.
The Australian All-Abilities Championship set to take place as part of the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in December, there is a clear commitment at the elite level and Golf Australia Senior Manager – Programs and Inclusion, Christian Hamilton is pleased to see that flowing right through to the grassroots.
“The Golf Day Out is an exciting example of what a community can achieve when they work together,” Hamilton said. “Inclusive stories like this one are shaping the future of golf in Australia.
“Golf is an inclusive sport, it is a game for everyone and can be a sport of choice for people with disability at any level,” he said.
The Golf Day Out will get underway at 10am, with activities running until 12:30, when lunch will be served.
For more information or to get involved, contact the Ranfurlie Pro Shop on 9788 8288.
A new event will close out the 2022-23 ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia season with The National Tournament to be played at The National Golf Club on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula from March 30 to April 2.
The Moonah course at The National will host the season ending tournament which will be played for a minimum $200,000 in prize money.
The new event has been locked in for three years and its first staging will finalise the Order of Merit. Players will be vying for a top-three position on the points table to gain a DP World Tour card, with the winner earning a start in the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool next July.
There are many other opportunities on offer this season with the next three players on the points list not already exempt on the DP World Tour receiving an exemption to the final stage of DP World Tour Qualifying School and the next seven receiving an exemption to the second stage of Q-School.
The top-five on the Order of Merit also receive an exemption to the final stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School with the top 6-15 players receiving an exemption to the second stage.
The numerous exemptions on offer are set to create a thrilling finale to the season and Nick Dastey, Tournaments Director for the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, is delighted to add The National Tournament to the schedule.
“The National is one of the best golf venues in the world let alone Australia and the Moonah Course will be the perfect setting to wrap up our season and confirm opportunities for our players overseas,” Dastey said.
“The change to a point-based Order of Merit this season adds an extra layer of importance to every event and it is sure to come down to a thrilling finish.
“We are very grateful to The National to be hosting and creating this three-year partnership. Earlier in the year, The National PGA Classic was played on the Gunnamatta Course to give our members further playing opportunities after our schedule had been impacted by Covid-19.
“That event was fantastic and this brand-new tournament is going to be bigger and better, and an exciting way to close out the 2022-23 season.”
Captain of The National, John d’Apice said: “After the success of the 2022 event, we are thrilled to be able to partner once again with the PGA Tour of Australasia. It’s yet another opportunity for our members to feel proud of the club to which they belong, as we host some of Australasia’s very best. We have no doubt that the Moonah Course will provide the perfect backdrop for this event and we look forward to being able to share the Cape Schanck experience with those watching around Australia, and of course, those who visit.”
See the full ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia schedule here
Named Coach of the Year – Game Development at the recent Queensland Golf Industry Awards, John Collins is dedicated to helping golfers improve every day. Our chat with Brookwater Golf and Country Club’s Teaching Professional took us to a range of places, including Monday at the Masters!
What advice would you give to a new PGA Professional?
“It is important to invest as much time/money as possible in upskilling themselves and increasing their value as an individual.”
What is your coaching philosophy?
“With no two golf swings being the same and each individual unique in their own way, I work with my students’ current attributes. The goal is to help them obtain the best possible results, understanding that every golfer’s swing has specific strengths and weaknesses. In order for my instruction to be most effective, I take into consideration the player’s body type, personality, learning style, skill level and goals.
My strengths as an instructor are my overall knowledge of the game and its technical aspects, my playing experience, my ability to communicate and being patient and understanding each student’s learning and development experience. I take pride in being able to teach a wide demographic of people – from men, women and children learning the game to the more advanced player – in a simple and easy to understand manner.”
How do you think we can make the game more accessible and enjoyable for more people?
“I think we are making some great progress with this already and COVID has helped golf immensely in terms of the number of people who have taken up the game. Things like more short courses and Pitch n Putt, where we don’t require as much land; these are great for kids learning the game and can also provide a great resource for the more advanced player as well.”
What is your favourite golfing memory?
“Spending the day at Augusta National for the Monday practice round before the Masters in 2009.”
What would you serve at the Masters Champions Dinner?
“Eye fillet steak and chips for main, with chocolate ice cream for dessert.”
What is the best thing about being a PGA Professional?
“Being able to help others achieve their goals and to see the joy that it brings them.”
What do you never go to work without?
“My Titleist backpack. It’s got all of my tools of the trade inside, including my Trackman!”
Having won Coach of the Year – Game Development in Queensland, John is now eligible to win the national award in the same category at the PGA Awards Dinner.
PGA Professionals are here to help everyone on their golfing journey. To find your local Professional, click HERE
2020 PGA National Club Professional of the Year, Joanne Bannerman gives so much to the game every day. Dedicated to helping every golfer enjoy the game, she is passionate about ensuring an enjoyable experience at Cumberland Country Golf Club.
We chatted with Joanne, to get her thoughts on the various aspects of being a PGA Professional and even a chance encounter with Bob Vokey…
What’s one piece of advice you would offer to a new PGA Professional?
“The advice I would give to a new PGA Pro is to keep on studying to improve your knowledge. Try and keep ahead of current trends as our game is always evolving. Be proud to be a PGA Professional and become the expert in your passion whether it be club fitting, coaching or club management there are so many options now you are a qualified PGA Member.”
What barriers do we still need to break down to attract new players?
“A lot of young golfers started playing the game during Covid and I believe we need to keep it a FUN environment. Golf was always thought of as an old person’s game as there were a lot of rules and regulations. If we can keep it fun, we will keep attracting new players to the game.”
What have you learnt most recently about the game?
“I spend a lot of time coaching golfers to play better golf by utilising all the latest technology but the most recent thing I am now focused on learning is controlling your mind on the golf course. I am currently doing a Flow Code Master Coach Course to help students transfer what they have learnt in the tech centre onto the golf course.”
What is the best part about your job?
“The best part of my job is chatting to the members & visitors at Cumberland, helping them improve their golf game and giving them a good experience when they are at our facility. I have met so many new people along my journey and I am fortunate to work at great club with an awesome team throughout our whole facility.”
What is the most memorable golfing experience you have had?
“The most memorable experience I have had was meeting Bob Vokey at a PGA Conference in 2019; I was lucky enough to sit on his table at a Titleist dinner and we chatted for hours. Then in 2020, I was awarded the National Club Pro of the year award which was such an honour and Bob Vokey was kind enough to send a video congratulating me on my achievement.”
To find your local PGA Professional, visit HERE
Sweet-swinging Richard Green swooped at the critical moment to win a thrilling New South Wales Senior Open at Thurgoona Country Club in Albury.
The Victorian had never led alone throughout the 54-hole event, but when his nearest rivals Jason Norris and Andre Stolz stumbled up the last, Green sensationally stood two clear.
Green crafted six birdies in a stellar closing 66, coming from four behind overnight leader Norris to win the $120,000 event, his first on the SParms PGA Legends Tour.
He played “one of the best shots of my life” to a tough pin on the long par-3 second hole to set up a birdie that kick-started his charge.
But as closing rounds often demand, the shot that mattered the most was a spectacular par-saver – and Green’s came on the 17th.
He’d finally pulled even when Norris made a bogey on the 15th but found himself over the par 4 in deepish rough and with a precariously small landing area ahead before the ball could have disappeared long and right, with his chances attached.
“It was a horrible shot to have, really,” said Green, a two-time winner this year on the Legends Tour in Europe.
“Obviously to have a preferred lie gives you a chance to get it up in the air, but it was still tough. Just so many questions about where to land it and how it would react (once it was) on the ground.
“So I just cut it up and tried to judge it without thinking too much. I just used feel and it came off, dug into the green nicely and rolled to three feet.
“I was pretty happy with that result, to be honest. To get away with par, that’s what probably won it for me in the end.”
Green put a quality roll on a birdie attempt from five metres on the last, but watched it slide by and again the destiny of the championship pivoted to Norris, still equal at 12-under.
But the Queensland-based South Australian had every golfer’s nightmare come true on the final tee.
Norris opted for a 3-wood for position, but instead of swinging through it as he had so effectively for 53 holes, he snap-hooked it out of bounds and his chance was gone.
“I haven’t done that for 30 years,” Norris lamented of his timing as the pressure applied by a wayward putter cruelly infiltrated the rest of his bag and ended in a triple-bogey seven.
“But that was just one shot and that happens. I should have been way (further) in front, but putted really badly. Whether that played on my mind or not I don’t know, but I just hit a bad shot on 18 and that’s golf.
“I holed a nice putt or two in the first six or seven holes, but then I started hitting bad putts and that threw me out a little.
“I had 19 putts on the back nine, so you don’t deserve to win doing that, whether you birdie it or triple it.”
Stolz, who had traded early birdies with Norris, at 11-under needed a birdie of his own to force a playoff.
The Queensland-based New South Welshman thought he’d given himself a chance when he hit his final approach, only for it to “fly five yards too far” and leave himself an unlikely chip from the back fringe.
“I set my target to birdie the last two after coming up short at 16,” Stolz said.
“I got the job done on 17, then I thought hit a great (approach) shot into 18, but it was just a bit of a flyer.
“That was a tough chip into the grain and it was a bit wet, so it was hard to get it to the hole, then I just missed that little (par) putt. But it was done by then.
“I didn’t play too bad early on, but I’ve been battling a few injuries and my knee hurt like hell for three or four holes there today and it just slowed me down a little in the middle (of the round).”
Stolz’s five dropped him two back to 10-under, enough for second place one clear of Norris.
But the day belonged to Green and his coach and caddie Darrell Brown.
“I didn’t really think too much about it (winning) because I thought I might have been a little too far back, but I’m absolutely thrilled to win,” said the champion, who’s about to embark on his long-held quest to play the final stages of Champions Tour qualifying school in the USA.
“Browny and I have been working really hard on my game for a long time and this is such a good confidence building thing right at the best time.
“It’s really satisfying to see our work paying off, especially against such a great field like this.”
Click here for final scores and prize money.
With only three weeks to go, the countdown is well and truly on to the inaugural PGA Golf Learning Hub Open Day on November 19.
Set to feature the Women in Golf Careers Showcase – presented thanks to support of the Victorian Government – we are thrilled to announce the first round of outstanding panellists who will be joining us on the day.
Bringing decades of experience, we are excited to announce that professional golfer Grace Lennon, Phoebe Torrance of Metropolitan Golf Club and Gerri O’Callaghan of Sandy Golf Links, have all joined the line-up as panellists.
Covering all areas of the industry, from playing professionally, golf club management and even working as a course superintendent, each of our panellists will inspire with their stories of success working in golf.
Together, they will help to lay out a path for success in the industry. Having created their own thriving careers, they are passionate about helping all women and girls understand that working in golf is not only a viable option, but a distinctly rewarding one.
RSVP using the button below to go into the running to win great prizes on the day, including a night at the Intercontinental Sorrento and a round of golf for two including a cart at Eagle Ridge!*
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said:
“This showcase taps into the wealth of experience of some outstanding female leaders in the sport.”
“I encourage young golfers keen to tee up career opportunities as players, administrators, greenskeepers and designers to take advantage of this showcase.”
“Victorians love their golf and the sport supports hundreds of jobs across the state, that’s why we’re backing more career pathways in to the industry.”
Read more about each of the panellists below:
GRACE LENNON:
“I still strive to compete when I can but am enjoying being able to assist golfers with the knowledge I have obtained in my career.”
Grace began playing golf at age 6. Thereafter, she played all throughout her school years and by age 17 had represented Australia in several different events playing alongside the likes of Minjee Lee, Hannah Green and Su Oh.
In 2013 Lennon was ranked number 17 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. She turned professional in 2014, before playing events in Asia, Europe and the USA.
In 2020, she completed her WPGA/PGA bridging course and has been coaching at the Albert Park Driving range for just over 18 months.
PHOEBE TORRANCE:
“My experience and passion for golf to date has provided me with great worldwide successes and opportunities.”
In her current role as Women’s Golf and Development Manager at Metropolitan Golf Club, Phoebe oversees all women’s tuition and development, women’s events and additionally provides support to the women’s committee.
Phoebe’s golf and professional journey began in the UK, where she graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2018 with a First Class with honours Bachelor of Science degree in Golf Management, coupled with qualifying as a full PGA professional.
Phoebe’s journey in golf has taken her to some of the world’s most prestigious golf clubs, such as Sunningdale Golf Club (UK), The Wentworth Club (UK), and currently Metropolitan Golf Club (AUS). Additionally she has worked at world class events such as the Women’s British Open, the BMW Championship, and the World Cup of Golf.
GERRI O’CALLAGHAN:
Gerrie began playing golf at the age of 13 and although she wanted to be a commercial pilot growing up, golf came calling.
In her late twenties, Gerri began her career in greenkeeping at the Sandhurst Club, before undertaking an adult apprenticeship in Horticulture Recreational Turf Management in order to upskill. Adding a Diploma to her Apprenticeship, Gerri was appointed Assistant Superintendent at Sandy Golf Links in 2011.
A thriving career, she spent seven years at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, before returning to Sandy Golf Links in 2020, where she was promoted to Superintendent in 2021.
The PGA Golf Learning Hub is located at Sandhurst Club. 75 Sandhurst Boulevard, Sandhurst, Vic, 3977
* N.B winner must be present at the Open Day to receive the prize
PGA Institute students have been treated to a special presentation from current Box Hill Golf Club President, Mark Whitfield as they prepare for their own careers in golf.
Whitfield, who spent nearly 40 years in senior business management, was able to give students an insight into what it takes to succeed in business and the skills that are required to thrive across a range of industries.
“It is important that you have a solid foundation in strategic planning, team building, mentoring and in particular culture development,” he explained.
Skills that held him in good stead, Whitfield spent 15 years in merchandising for Bunnings and in his time as the advertising manager with McEwans and Bunnings, he oversaw the launch of the Bunnings Warehouse Brand in Australia.
Keen to blend his business skills with his passion for golf, Whitfield was elected President of the Box Hill Golf Club in 2018, where he has also served as a Board Director for eight years At Box Hill, Whitfield helps to ensure an outstanding offering to over 1000 playing members and 2500 social members.
Excited to welcome Whitfield, the PGA’s RTO Manager, Suzanne Burns emphasised the importance of ensuring that students are presented with a range of insights and tools to prepare them for success.
“It’s wonderful to welcome people like Mark to the PGA Institute,” she said. “His range of experience and success in the professional world speaks for itself.
More than that, he has been able to utilise his skills in the golf industry as well, so our students can certainly see a pathway and just how transferable these skills can be.”
“Mark is a wonderful example of where our students could take their careers, blending their vocational skills with an underlying passion for golf.”
The PGA Golf Learning Hub – home of the PGA Institute and the PGA’s various education programs – serves to provide everyone an entry point into a career in golf. It will be hosting its inaugural Open Day on Saturday, 19 November.
A world first in golf education, the Open Day will give visitors the chance to learn all about the PGA’s training and education courses and better understand the range of golf-industry career opportunities that exist.
The outstanding achievements of PGA Professionals throughout the Golf Industry were recognised at the South Australian Golf Industry Awards Night on the weekend.
With three PGA Professionals honoured on the night, Senior State Manager David Barker affirmed the value that all PGA Professionals offer golfers in South Australia every day.
“Our PGA Professionals do such wonderful work to grow the game of golf,” he said. “Whether that is out coaching and inspiring the next generation, implementing programs that get more people playing golf, or providing advice and guidance in any number of areas, we thank them for their ongoing contribution.
“They work so hard at the coalface every day, so it’s great to gather together and celebrate their achievements.”
Standing out in a strong field of candidates, Ben Traeger of Aston Hills was named PGA South Australia Club Professional of the Year.
Due reward for an extended period of dedicated service to the members of Aston Hills, Traeger has worked hard to revamp the club’s offering.
“Six years ago I put my head on the chopping block,” he explained. “I went in with a brand new cart fleet, a full retail program and a willingness to engage with golfers in the local area.”
Having reaped the rewards of his innovation, Traeger remains committed to elevating the service at Aston Hills.
Through his role as a Board member of On Course Golf, Traeger keeps up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends. Something he is passionate about, he is also dedicated to passing all of this on to club members to ensure they can have the most enjoyable golfing experience possible.
High Performance Manager and coach of the Golf Australia Program in South Australia, Adrian Wickstein was named Coach of the Year – High Performance.
Having worked with emerging star Jack Thompson since 2018, Wickstein was proud to see Thompson break through for a maiden victory on the ISPS HANDA Tour of Australasia at the Gippsland Super 6 in December 2021.
Also the coach of two-time Hong Kong Open Champion, Wade Ormsby, Wickstein’s reputation as a high-performance coach is already well-renowned.
Wickstein’s stock of amateurs also including Jack Buchanan who currently leads the Golf Australia Order of Merit. Something he is proud of Wickstein believes that it is important to foster a pathway for high-performing amateurs.
“I have been able to promote the game of golf by offering opportunities to elite level amateurs,” he explained. “It is important that they have the chance to compete and compete well in national and international tournaments.”
For his dedicated service to growing the game throughout the state, Jamie Clutterham of North Adelaide Golf Club has been awarded PGA Coach of the Year – Game Development.
Offering a range of programs to make the game more accessible to more players, Clutterham has extended his Get Into Golf offering to suit everyone; with Par 3 clinics, mixed groups and on-course sessions accounting for almost 200 golfers.
Dedicated to helping golfers gain an entry point to the game, Clutterham’s philosophy is simple.
“My coaching, in the majority, has been at the entry level,” he explained. “I love providing people with the opportunity to become comfortable with the game and get out on the course playing regularly.”
Additionally, Clutterham offers Pro Talk seminars at the club, engaging up to 90 people and covering a range of topics to help everyone on their golfing journey – both on and off the course.
Passionate about broadening his reach too, Clutterham has offered several clinics in partnership with the Riverland Golf Association, at Barmera and Loxton Golf Clubs. As part of this offering, he enjoys running clinics for the Loxton Junior Girls Scholarship Group.
“It has been fantastic to see the girls develop into very capable golfers,” he smiled. “And now they are playing regularly on the course.”
Elsewhere, PGA Professional Brian Galvin was also recognised as the MyGolf Deliverer of Year for his tireless work promoting junior golf across South Australia.
Congratulations to all award winners on the evening.
Their dedication to serving all golfers in the best way possible along with a tireless commitment to advancing the game, has seen four PGA Professionals celebrated as Vocational Award winners at the 2022 Victorian Golf Industry Awards.
Standing out in an exceptional field of nominees from throughout the state, Anthony Craswell (Latrobe Golf Club), Brett Scothern (Medway Golf Club), Peter Manzie (Southern Golf Club) and Nick Bielawski (PGA Academy) have been honoured as leaders in their respective fields.
Thrilled to have the chance to celebrate the achievements of Victoria’s PGA Professionals over the last twelve months, Victorian Membership Manager, Luke Bower praised award winners and nominees alike.
“Our PGA Professionals represent such an important asset in advancing the game, not only in Victoria, but right around Australia,” he said.
“Their passion, innovation and energy helps to make the game more enjoyable for everyone, so it’s wonderful to have the chance to celebrate that.”
Anthony Craswell was recognised as PGA Victorian Coach of the Year – Game Development for his outstanding work engaging juniors, women and girls at Latrobe Golf Club. Having brought the Club’s five-hole Island course to life, Craswell has been able to produce an offering that makes golf more accessible for the local community.
“Our development strategy is two-fold,” he explained. “Developing the new five-hole course provides a skills appropriate pathway for the community and then collaborating with the industry allows us to broaden our reach.”
Increased offering of Swing fit and Get Into Golf programs, combined with a commitment to the Even Par Project has seen Latrobe’s female membership increase by nearly 20% in 2022. An outstanding achievement, Craswell has also developed a partnership with the junior program at Yarra Bend, to provide a pathway to golf club membership.
His profound contribution to the game also recognised with a Visionary of the Year nomination in August, Craswell’s philosophy to game development is simple.
“We want to emphasise fun, enjoyment and the social benefits of golf, more than the particular skills themselves,” said Craswell who has been a PGA Professional for nearly 30 years. “That is the main reason people play the game.”
At Medway Golf Club, General Manager Brett Scothern’s willingness to innovate and revamp the Club’s offering has been rewarded with recognition as PGA Victorian Management Professional of the Year.
Having driven extensive facility developments, his efforts have ensured that members and guests now enjoy improved lounge and bar spaces, as well as function and outdoor areas. A restructure of the golf operations centre too, ensures an elevated level of golfer engagement every day.
Crucially, Scothern has also established a Women’s Vision 2025 program at the club. The success evident, Medway has seen a 20% increase in women’s membership in the last two years.
“It is designed to ensure there is a pathway for new golfers,” he explained. “From the chance to trial the game and discount membership offers, it enables the growth of the game and the women’s membership.”
Head Professional at Southern Golf Club for almost ten years, Peter Manzie was named PGA Victorian Club Professional of the Year, as he and his staff continue to offer a premium service to more than 1,300 members and their guests.
Having taken over all member inductions to gain a sense of familiarity with everyone at the club at the first opportunity, he understands the importance of ensuring a positive first experience for everyone at Southern.
“I think it’s essential that you put yourself in the shoes of the members,” he explained. “We are the eyes and ears of the golf club and we need to listen and act in a way that can better serve our membership.”
Manzie has also led the junior program to success; a combination of clinics, opening up practice facilities and discounted membership offerings having seen the junior membership grow to in excess of 70 passionate young players.
“The growth of the junior game has been one of my major objectives in 2022,” he said. “We have clear pathways for progression and the Club will hopefully start to see the benefits in the years to come.”
With a willingness to think outside of the box as well, Manzie has also instituted a refer a friend rebate scheme and a Trash & Treasure promotion to help members sell their unused golf equipment. All designed to improve the experience of the membership, Manzie is passionate about offering a premium experience.
“I really do believe that one of the most important things you can do from a management perspective is put yourself in the shoes of the members, think about what they want and look at things from their point of view.”
Named PGA Victorian Coach of the Year – High Performance, Coaching Programs Manager for the PGA of Australia, Nick Bielawski continues to provide a premium coaching offering through the PGA Academy and PGA Golf Performance Program.
In 2022, the Golf Performance Program produced three applicants for the Membership Pathway Program, as Bielawski helps to prepare the next generation for a career in golf.
“I take great pride in coaching and mentoring future PGA Professionals to transition to a role within the industry,” said Bielawski who has helped 31 Golf Performance Program students into the Membership Pathway Program since 2015.
Additionally, Bielawski leads a dynamic team of five PGA Professionals and several contractors at Sandringham and Sandhurst through the PGA Academy. Together they provide an industry-leading coaching offering to help advance Victoria’s high-performance golfers.
Always keen to broaden his scope of influence too, Bielawski has worked alongside the Vietnam Golf Association to create a high-performance junior program in Vietnam.
“This is designed to help develop national and international level golfers to help lead golf in Vietnam both now and into the future,” Bielawski said.
Australian Cam Davis has continued his good form on the back of the Presidents Cup with an opening 66 in the CJ Cup in South Carolina on the PGA Tour of the United States.
Davis, who made his debut in the International team earlier this month, started with a bogey at the first after his tee shot found a waste area, but from that point he rolled in six birdies and did not make another serious error.
At 5-under he is just a shot from the lead.
“A bit of a rough one on the first hole, just needed to get that first one out of the way, and then after that I played some really solid golf,” said the Sydney professional, who is heading home soon to play the summer of golf in Australia.
“I hit a lot of really good quality iron shots and mid to long irons into these greens, which is important to hit these greens with the run-off, run-up areas can take it a long way away.
So I kept myself in good positions and made a couple of nice putts to keep some momentum going. Yeah, turned it into a pretty good score. So I’m very happy with the way I did today. If I can do that every day, I think I have a good chance at it.”
Davis said his experience at the Presidents Cup was helping him already.
“You don’t get a huge amount of scenarios as big as Presidents Cup with that amount of people watching and that sort of pressure on you almost every single match. So I felt like I really made the most of that and I got a lot out of it. I’ve made some changes due to experiencing that, so it’s all for the better.”
Jason Day is tied-26th after opening with a 69.