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Golf NSW and Jack Newton Junior Golf, alongside industry partners Golf Management Australia (GMA), the PGA of Australia (NSW) and the NSW Golf Course Superintendents Association (NSWGCSA) have celebrated an incredible year of outstanding achievements across the state.
By Kass Rogan
The 2024 NSW Golf Industry Awards took centre stage at the illustrious Crown Barangaroo last night, celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals, clubs, and professionals over the past year.
Eighteen prestigious awards were presented, spanning playing performance, volunteer service, coaching, and club management.
Among the honourees were Ella Scaysbrook and Declan O’Donovan, who were named the 2024 Golf NSW Male and Female Players of the Year, respectively, while Massey Park and Mollymook took home top honours as the Metropolitan and Country Clubs of the Year for their exceptional impact on the sport in their respective communities.
Rising Stars: Declan O’Donovan and Ella Scaysbrook, the Golf NSW Male and Female Athletes of the Year
Declan O’Donovan from Avondale Golf Club continued his impressive trajectory, earning the Male Player of the Year award after an outstanding year, including wins in the NSW and Avondale Amateurs.
O’Donovan topped his year off by representing Australia in October in the Nomura Cup in Vietnam.
Ella Scaysbrook from the Australian Golf Club lived up to her reputation as one of Australia’s brightest golf talents by picking up several victories throughout the year, including a WPGA Tour win at Bathurst, the Rene Erichsen Salver and the Bowra & O’Dea Women’s 72-hole classic in Western Australia.
A highlight of Scaysbrook’s year was being selected for the first-ever Australian Junior team to take on the USGA in Wisconsin in June
Volunteer of the Year: Bruce McMullen Of Uralla Golf Club
Bruce McMullen has been a cornerstone of Uralla Golf Club for almost 30 years.
Elected to the Board of Directors in 2001, Bruce served for 10 years, including six as Vice Captain and two as Vice President. His passion for growing the club, mainly through youth engagement, led him to launch junior coaching clinics in 2003, a program that continues to thrive today.
Bruce’s background as a teacher and his commitment to continuous learning earned him PGA Professional coaching status. His Sunday morning clinics attract both young and old, fostering a multigenerational connection within the club. His dedication to junior development has extended beyond Uralla, as he regularly takes groups to tournaments across New South Wales, often at his own expense.
Bruce’s influence is evident in the increasing number of juniors who return to the club as adults. He has inspired young and senior golfers alike, fostering a love for the game that spans generationsand ensuring the ongoing growth and sustainability of Uralla Golf Club.
Service to Golf in NSW Award: Greg Hohnen of Killara Golf Club
Greg Hohnen’s 50-year career at Killara Golf Club is a testament to his dedication and influence. Starting as an Assistant Professional in 1973, Greg became Head Professional in 1995.
Hohnen’s mentorship has shaped the careers of many aspiring PGA professionals, with his guidance extending beyond technical skills to professional ethics and personal growth. His approachable teaching style has helped countless golfers improve their game, from beginners to seasoned players, earning him a beloved reputation at Killara.
Greg’s contributions to golf in NSW have inspired future generations and left a lasting legacy on the golfing community.
Metropolitan Club of the Year- Sponsored By Australian Super: Massey Park Golf Club
Massey Park Golf Club, known for its inclusive environment and financial performance, received the 2024 Metropolitan Club of the Year award. The club reported a significant profit increase, installed a 70kW solar system to boost sustainability, and introduced a range of successful participation programs for juniors and women.
Country Club of the Year: Mollymook Golf Club
Mollymook Golf Club secured the Country Club of the Year award for its financial and membership growth. The club also completed an $8 million renovation of its Beachside Clubhouse and set a record for rounds played.
Future is Bright: Celebrating Excellence Across All Categories
Other winners on the night included the Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Junior Club of the Year, The Rock Golf Club, which was lauded for its extensive junior development programs.
For its continued success, the PSC Insurance Brokers Wagga Wagga Pro-Am was named PGA NSW/ACT Tournament of the Year for 2024.
David Sommerville of Bankstown Golf Club received the NSWGCSA Superintendent of the Year Award.
Stuart Fraser, CEO of Golf NSW, said the awards night was a resounding success and highlighted the level of excellence found in our sport across the entire State.
“These awards honour the very best of our golf community.
“We are deeply grateful for their contributions which ensure that golf in our state continues to grow, innovate, and inspire future generations.
“Each of these honourees has not only excelled individually but has also played a pivotal role in strengthening the fabric of our sport across NSW.
“The dedication displayed by not only the winners but all of the finalists sets a standard that others can aspire to, and we are fortunate to have such passionate people building the future of our great game,” Mr Fraser said.
The complete list of winners is:
PGA NSW Awards:
GMA NSW:
NSWGCSA:
JNJG:
Junior Club of the Year: The Rock Golf Club
A full photo gallery of all award winners is available to view here
Moore Park Golf Collective, comprising Golf Australia, PGA of Australia, Golf NSW and Moore Park Golf Club, today announced an ambitious initiative to transform Moore Park South into a vibrant, world-class recreational and golf facility.
The alternative proposal, submitted to the NSW Government during its consultation process in April 2024, supports a growing Sydney and allows for the retention of the much-loved and always busy 18-hole golf course by maximising un-used and under-utilised open space for active and passive recreation and active transport.
The proposal, a testament to the Collective’s commitment to diversity, equality, inclusion and a vision for an innovative and sustainable future, will see several public spaces added to the area, including:
● An adventure playground
● A nature play space
● A dog park
● BBQ and picnic facilities, a fitness trail and terracing located in the best position with spectacular city views
● A football oval
● A skate park and seating
● Half courts and a futsal court
● A BMX pump track and riding zone
● An athletics precinct
● 3 kms of well-connected walking, running and cycling paths
● New environmental spaces for Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub regeneration
● A multi-level 500-space car park cleverly built into the landscape
● A reduced par-68 18-hole public golf course allowing local, state and national competitions to continue
● Mini golf course, a practice putting green and a practice chipping area
● A shortened high-tech driving range with more bays
The bold, city-shaping vision for world-class recreational and golf facilities for a growing Sydney is achieved by transforming undeveloped parkland, enhancing golf, and connecting people to destinations.
Jared Kendler, Leader of Save Moore Park Golf said: “We have been working to ensure the alternative proposal aligns with the Premier’s vision to establish Moore Park South as a vibrant recreational destination for all.”
“By enhancing existing infrastructure and revitalising un-used and under-utilised areas, the initiative aims to create a park that caters to diverse recreational interests in a financially sustainable way that solves the many challenges in the broader precinct.”
“This exciting master plan delivers a minimum of 15 hectares of quality and connected recreational space for play, exploration, relaxing, walking and sports activities for people of all ages and as such is a win/win/win for the Government, the people of Sydney and the visitor economy,” said Mr Kendler.
Damien de Bohun, General Manager of Clubs and Facilities Golf Australia, Stuart Fraser, CEO Golf NSW, and Jared Kendler, Leader of Save Moore Park Course, unveiled the proposal designed to accelerate the Premier’s vision for upgraded infrastructure and more recreational space while preserving the iconic and highly utilised Moore Park Golf Course.
Damien de Bohun, General Manager of Clubs and Facilities, Golf Australia said the proposal prioritises the preservation and enhancement of Moore Park Golf Course, positioning Moore Park South as a park for everyone and the home of public golf in NSW.
“Not only does the proposal incorporate innovative features such as protected recreational areas and well-connected walking, running and cycling tracks, it also offers a 500-space carpark to accommodate the growing influx of visitors and overflow parking for major events in the area,” Mr de Bohun said.
“With golf one of the most popular organised sports in Australia in 2024, this plan addresses the significant demand for golf facilities and ensures that Australia’s busiest 18-hole public golf course remains available and accessible to people from all walks of life, contributing to improved physical and mental health and wellbeing,” he said.
Creating significant employment opportunities in management, events, retail and hospitality, Moore Park Golf Course is also home to a thriving golf academy, where PGA of Australia professionals conduct more than 77 lessons per day, including group classes for children and new Mums and Bubs sessions.
Stuart Fraser, CEO of Golf NSW, said Moore Park Golf Club has been a key community asset for over 100 years.
“Golf NSW believes the alternate proposal provides a win-win solution for the NSW Government and a growing Sydney by offering a multitude of recreational activities, whilst continuing to service the massive demand for publicly accessible golf via an 18-hole course,” Mr Fraser said.
“The proposed recreational hub will truly be the heartbeat of the precinct, and golf industry stakeholders welcome the opportunity to maximise the recreational benefits of the site for the community,” he said.
The Collective is also working to build climate resilience and biodiversity by creating revegetation areas throughout the course for the critically endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS). Undertaken with IndigiGrow, a social enterprise from First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, sustaining people, land and culture through the propagation and growing of native plants, the initiative will promote environmental sustainability and continue conservation efforts.
The Collective encourages residents of Zetland, Waterloo, Redfern, Surry Hills, Kensington, greater Sydney and beyond to support the initiative by signing the Save Moore Park Golf Course petition at www.savemooreparkgolfcourse.com.auto establish Moore Park South as a premier sports and recreation precinct, enriching the lives of Sydneysiders for generations to come.
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan treated his father to a day at the golf just days out from his life-changing ride on Knight’s Choice at Flemington Racecourse.
As revealed by Ben Dorries for punters.com.au, Dolan was shocked when his father, Bobby, arrived into Brisbane from Ireland ahead of his son’s Melbourne Cup debut.
Dolan Snr brings with him Melbourne Cup connections of his own, having worked for legendary Irish trainer Dermot Weld (Vintage Crop, Media Puzzle) for 26 years.
A keen golfer and a member at Nudgee Golf Club, Dolan took his dad to Nudgee on Sunday to watch Phoenix Campbell hold off Jak Carter and Cameron Smith to claim an historic second-straight Queensland PGA Championship.
He now has his own place in Australian sporting history after expertly guiding the $91 chance to victory by a nose in Australia’s greatest race.
Although a shock winner by any account, Dolan went into his first foray in the Melbourne Cup confident in the five-year-old gelding’s prospects after an encouraging Bendigo Cup run.
“I always believed he could stay, even though he has got such an explosive turn of foot that some people probably doubted whether he could stay,” Dolan told Dorries.
“I have got no doubt he will get the two miles of the Melbourne Cup.
“I think he deserves a shot at the race and he can race really well.”
Not only is Dolan now a Melbourne Cup-wining jockey and part-time golfer, he is also an accomplished singer who advanced to the final 24 artists of The Voice in 2022.
Wynnum Golf Club proved to be the night’s big winners as they took home three awards from the 2024 Queensland Golf Industry Awards on the Gold Coast.
Shane Tempest (Burleigh Golf Club) was named PGA Qld Management Professional of the Year and Angus Porter (Carbrook Golf Club) PGA Qld Club Professional of the Year as more than 400 guests celebrated another magnificent year for golf in Queensland.
Wynnum’s reputation as one of the best tournament venues in the state was evident in their dual victories for Metropolitan PGA Tournament of the Year for the Bartons/BMD Wynnum Pro-Am and PGA Legends Tournament of the Year for the Bartons/BMD Paul King Memorial Legends Pro-Am.
General Manager Bernard Wilson made it a hat-trick of wins for Wynnum when he received the Distinguished Manager Award for the stability and vision he has provided Wynnum since coming to the club in 2021.
Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club also went home with multiple wins.
The inaugural Sanctuary Cove Legends Pro-Am hosted by Adam Scott and Peter Senior was named PGA Tournament of the Year and Sanctuary Cove’s Andrew Lothian claimed the Assistant Superintendent Achievement Award.
Justice Bosio and Quinn Croker signed off on their amateur careers with Female and Male Amateur Golfer of the Year respectively, Sarah Hammett and Chase Oberle won the Junior Female and Male Amateur Golfer of the Year awards and Asha Flynn (Game Development) and Richard Woodhouse (High Performance) took out the major coaching awards.
Victoria Park Golf Complex was the inaugural winner of the Off-Course Golf Facility of the Year while it was the expansion of the offering and connection to the local community that saw Pacific crowned Club of the Year.
The opening of a new clubhouse has made Pacific Golf Club an entertainment venue that is welcoming to all while the construction of a mini golf course and installation of indoor simulators in conjunction with targeted marketing campaigns have made it a family-friendly facility for all.
2024 Queensland Golf Industry Awards
PGA (QLD) Coach of the Year (High Performance)
Richard Woodhouse (KDV Sport)
PGA (QLD) Coach of the Year (Game Development)
Asha Flynn (The Brisbane Golf Club)
PGA (QLD) Club Professional of the Year presented by Coca-Cola
Angus Porter (Carbrook Golf Club)
PGA (QLD) Management Professional of the Year
Shane Tempest (Burleigh Golf Club)
PGA Tournament of the Year
Sanctuary Cove Legends Pro-Am hosted by Adam Scott and Peter Senior
Metropolitan PGA Tournament of the Year
Bartons/BMD Wynnum Pro-Am
Regional PGA Tournament of the Year
PIMS Group Mackay Pro-Am
PGA Legends Tournament of the Year
Bartons/BMD Paul King Memorial Legends Pro-Am (Wynnum GC)
Assistant Superintendent Achievement Award presented by Greenway Turf Solutions
Andrew Lothian (Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club)
Superintendents Achievement Award presented by Living Turf
Graeme Andrews (Tamborine Mountain Golf Club)
Superintendents Environment and Safety Excellence Award
Mick McCombe (Maleny Golf Club)
Golf Course Turf Apprentice of the Year presented by Toro
Dylan Buttigieg (Windaroo Lakes Golf Club)
Golf Club Staff Member of the Year Award presented by CPR Group
Teegan Negreira (Redcliffe Golf Club)
Golf Club Board Member of the Year Award
Dr Max Whitten AM (Maleny Golf Club)
Golf Club of the Year Award presented by MiClub
Pacific Golf Club
Distinguished Manager Award presented by Asahi Schweppes
Bernard Wilson (Wynnum Golf Club)
Volunteer of the Year
Christopher Sarquis (Kingaroy Golf Club)
Golf Club of the Year (Under 400 Members) presented by Inside Golf
Kingaroy Golf Club
Golf Supplier of the Year Award
Greenway Turf Solutions
Junior Golf Program of the Year Award
Cairns Golf Club
Off-Course Golf Facility of The Year
Victoria Park Golf Complex
Services to Golf Award
Judy Logan (Golf Queensland/Laidley GC), Iris Thompson (Downs and South West Ladies Golf District), Gurney Clamp (Central Qld District), Steve King (BDGA/Nudgee GC)
Superintendents Industry Recognition Award
Paul Bevan
Male Amateur Golfer of the Year
Quinn Croker
Female Amateur Golfer of the Year
Justice Bosio
Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year
Sarah Hammett
Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year
Chase Oberle
National Basketball League CEO David Stevenson will join legendary rugby league figure Billy Slater as keynote speakers at this year’s Golf Summit.
As CEO of the fastest growing sports league in Australia and New Zealand, Stevenson is an expert in driving growth, engaging new audiences and customers, and the crucial role of commercial operations in sport.
Stevenson began his role as NBL CEO in May 2023, and has brought to the league a wealth of leadership experience from various roles including General Manager of Operations at the AFL, CEO of the Western Bulldogs, and Vice President and General Manager of Emerging Markets at Nike.
At the Golf Summit on October 16-17, Stevenson will speak to this experience and the skills and systems he has implemented at the NBL to see record growth in broadcast, attendance, digital and media metrics.
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland welcomed the announcement of Stevenson joining the Summit as a keynote speaker.
“David Stevenson has a unique perspective on the Australian sports industry, having worked and experienced success in both the AFL and basketball worlds,” said Sutherland.
“Sporting bodies compete for people’s leisure time and we can all learn from each other. I am delighted David will be able to share his keys for success at this year’s Golf Summit.”
The Golf Summit is run by Australian Golf’s peak bodies – the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia – to bring the industry together to engage and influence key decision makers to lead, grow and innovate Australian golf.
Attendees will have the chance to network, share ideas, strategies and best practices to take back to their business to help drive growth and success.
A highlight of the Summit will be the diverse range of panel sessions addressing critical business outcomes within the industry, including championing change for women and girls in golf, along with the impact of technology on golf coaching.
The two-day conference will also feature sessions on promoting diversity and inclusion, talent retention and management, biodiversity and sustainability in golf, and leveraging social media for commercial success.
Confirmed speakers for the 2024 Golf Summit
NRL legend and Queensland Maroons Coach, Billy Slater
NBL CEO, David Stevenson
Former PGA Tour caddie, Steve Williams
World-renowned PGA Professional, Will Robins
Paralympian, Elle Steele
Richmond Football Club triple-premiership player, Bachar Houli
PING VP Engineering, Dr Paul Wood
CEO PGA of Australia, Gavin Kirkman
CEO Golf Australia, James Sutherland
CEO WPGA Tour of Australasia, Karen Lunn
Deputy General Manager – 13th Beach Golf Links, Sally McKenna
2023 PGA National Coach of the Year – Game Development, Asha Flynn
General Manager – Pacific Golf Club, Amber Williams
PGA Professional – Golf coach and golf educator, Hugh Marr
Biodiversity and Sustainability expert, Monina Gilbey
Biodiversity and Sustainability expert, Kate Torgersen Lecturer – The University of Melbourne, Emma Power
READ MORE ABOUT THE SESSIONS HERE
The Asia-Pacific region’s premier event welcoming the entire golf industry, tickets for the 2024 Golf Summit are on sale now.
Legendary NRL superstar and current Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater has been announced as the keynote speaker for the Australian Golf Summit.
Slater, often called the greatest fullback in the history of rugby league, has moved on from his stellar playing career to enhance his reputation as a leader through coaching Queensland to two Origin victories against fierce rivals New South Wales.
He played 323 NRL games for Melbourne Storm, winning four grand finals, five Dally M awards and two Clive Churchill Medals, as well as his remarkable career for Queensland and Australia’s Kangaroos.
Blessed with a fierce competitive drive and a relentless work ethic to go with his natural athleticism and talent, Slater is one of the most respected figures in all of Australian sport.
He will speak about effective coaching, managing setbacks and leading successful teams at the Golf Summit on October 16-17 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“I am looking forward to joining the Golf Summit this year to share some of the learnings from my career journey,” said Slater.
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman is delighted to have Slater at the head of the list of speakers for Melbourne in October.
“Billy Slater is revered in Australian sport with good reason,” said Kirkman. “Beyond his magnificent playing career, he’s shown himself to have really special qualities in terms of leadership that we believe will be inspiring to everyone who comes to the Summit.”
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said: “It’s fabulous to have access to a person like Billy Slater for the Golf Summit. The first-hand ideas on leadership that Billy owns, we believe, are very relatable to everyone and very much transferrable to all walks of life.”
The Golf Summit is run by Australian Golf’s peak bodies – the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia – to bring the industry together to engage and influence key decision makers to lead, grow and innovate Australian golf. Attendees will have the chance to network, share ideas, strategies and best practices to take back to their business to help drive growth and success.
A highlight of the Summit will be the diverse range of panel sessions addressing critical business outcomes within the industry. There will be a panel tackling championing change for women and girls in golf, along with the impact of technology on golf coaching.
The two-day conference will also feature sessions on promoting diversity and inclusion, talent retention and management, biodiversity and sustainability in golf, and leveraging social media for commercial success.
Confirmed speakers for the 2024 Golf Summit:
NRL legend & Queensland Maroons Coach, Billy Slater
Former PGA Tour caddie, Steve Williams
World-renowned PGA Professional, Will Robins
Paralympian, Elle Steele
Richmond Football Club triple-premiership player, Bachar Houli
PING VP Engineering, Dr Paul Wood
CEO PGA of Australia, Gavin Kirkman
CEO Golf Australia, James Sutherland
CEO WPGA Tour of Australasia, Karen Lunn
Deputy General Manager – 13th Beach Golf Links, Sally McKenna
2023 PGA National Coach of the Year – Game Development, Asha Flynn
General Manager – Pacific Golf Club, Amber Williams
PGA Professional – Golf coach and golf educator, Hugh Marr
Biodiversity and Sustainability expert, Monina Gilbey
Biodiversity and Sustainability expert, Kate Torgersen
Lecturer – The University of Melbourne, Emma Power
READ MORE ABOUT THE SESSIONS HERE
The Asia-Pacific region’s premier event welcoming the entire golf industry, tickets for the 2024 Golf Summit are on sale now.
SECURE YOUR TICKETS HERE
Catching the ‘golf bug’, as cliché as it sounds, is a very familiar feeling for those who have become hooked on our great game, however catching the bug for working in golf is slightly less common, yet that is exactly what happened for PGA Institute graduate Tom Keane though, who now works in a role he loves at RACV Cape Schanck Resort.
After playing the game on and off throughout his teenage years, Keane’s true passion in golf was realised when he took up a job working at Centenary Park Golf Course in Melbourne’s South.
“It came to a thing of like, ‘Oh man, I really want to start working in golf now’,” Keane said of starting at Centenary Park in 2022.
“So, I decided in 2023 that is what I wanted to do, and that year I started doing the Diploma of Golf Management at the PGA Institute.”
In his time at Centenary Park, Keane became particularly fascinated in the golf operations and management side of the industry.
“Running the operations area was sort of the main thing, and working in the pro shop and communicating with the customers was something I really loved,” he said.
A little Googling and chatting with his colleagues in the industry led Keane to the PGA Institute, and particularly the Diploma of Golf Management (now Diploma of Golf Business and Management).
With a career in the industry front of mind for Keane, his time at the PGA Institute helped refine that dream, and indeed make it reality.
“The best thing about the Institute was tour teacher, the trainer, Glenn (Burbidge), who was just the best,” said Keane.
“He’s just so knowledgeable on all kind of areas of the golf industry.
“I learned heaps about how to operate social groups and running big days, managing big days, managing finance and stuff — which was the thing I was most stressed about.”
Another aspect of the PGA Institute which Keane credits a lot of his learnings to is the diversity of his fellow students.
“I was really lucky because the class that I was in was actually with a lot of the international students as well as some local students, so you got a good perspective of what golf is to different cultures,” he said.
“So that was actually really awesome that in class I was learning about different cultures with students from different areas such as Indonesia and Hong Kong.”
Since graduating from the PGA Institute late last year, Keane has landed his dream role at RACV Cape Schanck, where he is enjoying tackling new challenges every day.
“I have taken on a lot more leadership stuff than I had at Centenary Park,” he said.
“My role is mostly in the golf operations area, so helping run the pro shop and managing stock.”
“The best thing at Cape Schanck is having more responsibility running some competitions and running corporate events and social events with members and guests that come into the hotel.”
From Warren Young and Jack Donaldson at Centenary Park to Glenn Burbidge at the PGA Institute, to now Andy Smith at Cape Schanck, Keane feels lucky that he has had great mentors throughout his journey, and although he is loving his current role, he is excited to always keep learning.
For information on the education opportunities available through the PGA Institute, visit pgaigi.com
Tiger Woods’ former caddie, Steve Williams, headlines the next wave of speakers announced for this year’s Golf Summit in Melbourne.
Many Australians will remember Williams being on the bag for Adam Scott when he broke through at the 2013 Masters, forever etching Scott and Williams into Australian sporting history.
Williams, whose journey in golf began in 1976 with Australian icon Peter Thomson, will share his vast knowledge and experiences on the Tour. He will be joined by an impressive roster of industry heavyweights such as Dr Paul Wood and Will Robbins, sporting success stories in Elle Steele and Bachar Houli, along with the CEOs of the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and the WPGA Tour of Australasia. Together, they will equip attendees with innovative strategies and insights to lead, grow, and transform the golf industry.
Scheduled for October 16-17, the Golf Summit is an event by Australian Golf’s peak bodies – the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia – to bring the industry together to engage and influence key decision makers to lead, grow and innovate Australian golf.
Attendees will have the chance to network, share ideas, strategies and best practices to take back to their business to help drive growth and success.
A highlight of the Summit will be the diverse range of panel sessions addressing critical business outcomes within the industry. There will be a panel tackling championing change for women and girls in golf, along with the impact of technology on golf coaching.
The two-day conference will also feature sessions on promoting diversity and inclusion, talent retention and management, biodiversity and sustainability in golf, and leveraging social media for commercial success.
Confirmed speakers for the 2024 Golf Summit:
READ MORE ABOUT THE SESSIONS
The Asia-Pacific region’s premier event welcoming the entire golf industry, tickets for the 2024 Golf Summit are on sale now.
Find tickets HERE.
The Golf Summit is proudly supported by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and the State Government’s National Business Event Program.
It was a Friday evening at the 1987 PLM Open in Sweden. The bus was taking the players back to the hotel and one lone golfer was taking advantage of a long Swedish summer’s light and grinding away on the practice fairway.
Noel Ratcliffe had just missed the cut by eight shots and, with some justification, we wondered what the hell he was doing. There were better times to be had in Malmo on Friday night than hitting balls on the range.
Ratcliffe was 42, and golf on the tour only gets harder over 40. But he loved playing the tour and like most at such a vulnerable age for professional golfers, he was trying desperately to hang on.
The next week we played the Benson and Hedges tournament, one of the most prestigious on the tour, in York and the most remarkable thing happened. The Sunday morning leaderboard was stacked with the big names on the European Tour including Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Jose Maria Olazabal, Jose Maria Canizares and Ian Baker-Finch. Ratcliffe, a shot behind Faldo and two behind the leader, Langer, went out and shot 66 to beat them all. Nine years earlier, he and Neil Coles lost a playoff to Lee Trevino, making his win part redemption and part resurrection.
‘The Rat’ died this week, aged 79, and is remembered by all who knew him as someone who truly loved playing golf. He was, fair to say, the most deliberate player on the tour, which was a high bar given fellow Sydneysider Peter Fowler was out there as well.
He was a late starter to golf but by the very early 1970s ‘Rat’ was one of the very best amateurs in the country and he represented Australia the 1972 Eisenhower Cup in Argentina alongside Tony Gresham (who won the Individual Trophy), Mike Cahill and Terry Gale. It was arguably the finest ever Australian team to play the Eisenhower and they were second behind a great American team which included Ben Crenshaw, Vinny Giles and Mark Hayes.
We are saddened to advise of the passing of Noel Ratcliffe, aged 79.
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) April 15, 2024
A two-time winner on the @DPWorldTour and eight-time winner on the @euLegendsTour, Noel was a 47-year member of the PGA of Australia.#PGAProudhttps://t.co/fCtPayYrh1
He turned pro a couple of years later after the Australian PGA changed its rules and sensibly made it easier for the best amateurs to play the tour without going through the charade of spending a year working in a pro shop before being allowed to play professionally.
In 1977, he finally won in Australia, beating David Galloway in a playoff at the South Australian Open at Royal Adelaide. The following season in Europe he beat fellow New South Welshman Chris Tickner in a playoff at the Belgium Open.
Much of his success came as a senior player in Europe where he won eight times and led the money list in 2000. Four other years he was in the top handful of players on the over-50s tour.
Rat had a beautiful long swing, one likely the main reason he played so well as he aged as his contemporaries were losing their flexibility and wondering where all their length had gone.
He was a wonderful man, a great friend and, if you asked, a source of good advice.
We’ll all miss him, even if he did add 15 minutes to all our rounds!
Photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
Two-time European Tour winner, Noel Ratcliffe, has passed away, aged 79.
A PGA of Australia Member of 47 years, Ratcliffe joined the Association in 1977 after an illustrious amateur career where he represented Australia in the 1972 Eisenhower Trophy alongside Terry Gale, Mike Cahill and Tony Gresham.
That team finished to an American team boasting future two-time Masters champion, Ben Crenshaw.
Ratcliffe himself would go on to forge a highly decorated career after joining the professional ranks at age 29.
Affectionately known as ‘The Rat’, Ratcliffe won 1978 Belgian Open and the 1987 Benson and Hedges International Open, when he eagled the 72nd hole for a memorable victory.
Domestically, Ratcliffe’s greatest victory came at the 1977 South Australian Open at Royal Adelaide, joining an honour roll that boasts legendary figures such as Peter Thomson, Ted Ball, Billy Dunk, Graham Marsh and Greg Norman.
Ratcliffe played The Open Championship on five occasions between 1978 and 1988, his best result coming in his final appearance at Royal Lytham and St Annes where he was tied 38th.
Upon turning 50, Ratcliffe focussed his attention to the senior circuit and had enormous success throughout Europe and Australia.
He was an eight-time winner on the European Seniors Tour, winning the Order of Merit in 2000.
He was also a prolific winner on the Australian PGA Legends Tour, including the 1995 Australian Senior Open and the 2001 and 2008 Australian PGA Senior Championships.
Photo: Phil Inglis/Getty Images
