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A career in golf is for everybody and that was clear at the inaugural PGA Golf Learning Hub Open Day on Saturday, as people from all walks of life came to explore the educational and career opportunities that exist for them in the industry.
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.
A willingness to innovate and an ongoing commitment to providing the best possible service saw four PGA Professionals recognised as Vocational award winners for NSW/ ACT at Member Luncheon at The Lakes Golf Club this afternoon.
Each winner selected from a strong field of nominees, Senior State Manager David Barker was thrilled to celebrate the winners and indeed the contributions of PGA Professionals right throughout NSW and the ACT.
“Our PGA Professionals offer the game of golf so much every day,” he explained. “The winners in each category today have led the charge with their outstanding work, but I want to thank and congratulate all of our Professionals for the outstanding work that they do.”
In a particularly strong field of candidates, Toby McGeachie (The Links Shell Cove) stood out to be named Coach of the Year – Game Development.
Taking his coaching offering to the next level in 2022, McGeachie has emerged as one of the leading online golf coaches, with a large following both at home and abroad. Such is his dedication, McGeachie is ranked the #1 online golf coach through the Skillest App, where he has delivered over 3,000 lessons since 2020. To that end, McGeachie is proud to use the platform to offer his services to those in remote communities of Australia who otherwise wouldn’t have access to golf coaching, as well as golfers in more than 30 different countries.
In addition, McGeachie has launched his own podcast, The Golf Coach, which is highly rated in Australia and is designed to give golfers another avenue to learn about the game and to give them the tools to develop their own.
A worthy winner, McGeachie also presented at the recent Golf Business Forum/ PGA Expo; an indication of the esteem in which he is held in the golfing community and the depth of his knowledge, he does wonderful work to share the game with more players every day.
Similarly, a commitment to growing the game in every way possible saw Brent Dale (Liverpool Golf Club), awarded Club Professional of the Year. Having worked at Liverpool Golf Club for 13 years, one thing has underpinned every decision he has made.
“I always try to implement a world-class service for my members and their guests at Liverpool Golf Club,” he said.
A service he offers with aplomb, Dale and his team run in excess of ten junior classes and four different women’s clinics per week, in addition to regular golf coaching, club fitting, competitions every day and up to two demo-days per month.
“Ultimately, because we run these programs and my staff and I are able to develop a friendship with the members,” said Dale. “They have 100% trust in what we do.”
Additionally, Dale’s efforts have seen significant growth in participation at the club, with over 40 women introduced to a golfing pathway and significant increases in the junior program over the last couple of years.
Outstanding contribution, Dale’s philosophy remains simple.
“Whatever we are doing, I want to deliver a product that makes our customers feel special.”
In his role as General Manager at the Harden Country Club, Christopher Longbottom has excelled. Named Management Professional of the Year, he works tirelessly to grow every aspect of the club, helping it to thrive in a small community.
“My goal and indeed the goal of the board of the Harden Country Club has always been to create a sustainable, viable and dynamic business,” explained Longbottom. “Our ultimate ambition is to become the venue of choice for the locals.”
A vision that is coming to life thanks to Longbottom’s open, honest and compassionate leadership style, the club membership has grown from 253 in 2019, to a stunning 1121 in 2022. Moreover, Longbottom has overseen significant total turnover increase, which has ensured the club’s continued financial sustainability.
Endlessly humble, Longbottom is quick to attribute the success to the club as a whole.
“These increases cannot be attributed to one action, or indeed the actions of one individual. Instead, they are the result of a team working together towards a clear goal.”
Additionally, Longbottom is currently completing an Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management with the PGA Institute, as he continues to elevate his management offering.
John Serhan (St Michael’s Golf Club) enjoyed another successful year as a coach, rewarded with the title of Coach of the Year – High Performance. Having worked with LPGA Tour player Sarah Kemp for nine years now, Serhan helped her through setbacks at the start of the year, to earn two top-ten finishes and a place back inside the top 100 on Tour.
Additionally, Serhan continues to coach an elite stock of amateurs who have thrived throughout 2022. Notably, Harrison Crowe won the recent Asia-Pacific Amateur, becoming just the third Australian to do so and earning an exemption to the Masters and The Open in the process.
Similarly, Serhan coaches Kelsey Bennett and John Lyras, both of whom enjoyed breakthrough seasons and are future stars of Australian golf.
Moreover, Serhan contributes to the ongoing success of golf in NSW through his role as coach of the NSW state team, where he promotes a continued culture of success.
All award winners will now be eligible to win in their respective categories at the PGA Awards night to be held next Tuesday, 22 November.
For his dedicated services to growing the game right throughout the state, Jamie Clutterham of North Adelaide Golf Club was named Coach of the Year – Game Development in South Australia.
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
Members of the PGA are set to enjoy a more professional, streamlined and easy to navigate e-learning platform, as the revamped PGA eHub opens today.
The PGA eHub, which will replace The Fairway, is designed to give PGA Members an industry-leading platform on which to continue their golfing education. Bringing together a range of interactive learning methods including videos, quizzes and podcasts, it will ensure a supportive and effective learning environment.
PGA of Australia Training Manager, Stephanie Jamieson is excited to launch the new platform today and to offer PGA Members a premium experience.
“Ever since implementing online training for the first time twelve years ago, we have remained committed to providing the best user experience for members,” she said. “We are excited to provide this improvement to the Association and continuing to offer a premium learning experience into the future.”
Ongoing education is a vital pillar of PGA Membership and ensures that all members of the Association are able to learn and develop right throughout their careers. Key to this is the Accreditation and Continued Education (ACE) program for PGA Professionals.
Designed to ensure that PGA Professionals are able to maintain their status as experts in all areas of the golf industry, the ACE program offers modules in four categories; Coaching, Game Development, Management and Small-business.
General Manager of the PGA Membership and Education Department, Geoff Stewart believes that regular engagement with ACE courses is vital for PGA Professionals and is excited that the launch of the eHub will make this easier than ever before.
“Continued education is one of the most important things you can do as a PGA Professional,” he explained. “This is how we can keep on top of all of the changes in an industry that is evolving more than ever before.
“If our PGA Professionals – our accredited experts in golf – are doing all they can to enhance their knowledge base, then there will most definitely be positive flow on effects right through the industry.”
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.
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
Nominees have been confirmed for the NSW/ ACT PGA Vocational Awards, with winners set to be announced at a PGA Member Luncheon at The Lakes Golf Club, November 17.
The perfect chance to celebrate the extensive contribution of all PGA Professionals in the state whose tireless dedication helps to grow the game every day, winners will be named in four categories.
“It is important that we honour and celebrate the work that our PGA Professionals are doing right across the golf industry every day,” said Senior State Manager for the PGA, Dave Barker.
“Every state recognises members who have achieved success in their various roles, so we are very much looking forward to doing that for our Professionals in New South Wales and the ACT.”
Winners will be named for: Club Professional of the Year, Management Professional of the Year, Coach of the Year – High Performance and Coach of the Year – Game Development.
The winners of each will also become eligible to win the national awards in their respective categories at the PGA Awards Night, held in conjunction with the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship.
A full list of nominees is available below:
PGA NSW/ACT Club Professional of the Year
Matthew Allan – Coffs Harbour Golf Club
Rodney Booth – Club Catalina
Brent Dale – Liverpool Golf Club
Kyle Francis – Bexley Golf Club
Lee Hunt – Bankstown Golf Club
Rob Richards – Warringah Golf Club
Russell Skennerton – The Lakes Golf Club
PGA Coach of the Year – Game Development
James Edge – GolfSpace
Colin Edwards – Teven Valley Golf Course
Sebastian Howell – The Coast Golf Club
Toby McGeachie – The Links Shell Cove
Ollie Neave – Moore Park Golf
Lorien Scott – Concord Golf Club
PGA Coach of the Year – High Performance
Ben Paterson – Avondale Golf Club
John Serhan – St Michaels Golf Club
PGA Management Professional of the Year
Christopher Longbottom – Harden Golf Club
Matthew Olson – The Lakes Golf Club
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
The Women’s PGA Cup for 2022 has drawn to a close at Twin Warriors Golf Club, with Australia’s team of PGA Professionals earning a fourth-placed finish in New Mexico.
Though not the final result the team were hoping for, the second iteration of the tournament – which promotes women working in the industry – offered so much more than the chance to lift the trophy.
PGA of Australia National Membership Co-ordinator, Sue McCall travelled with the team and highlighted that for Australia’s representatives, the week in Santa Ana Pueblo will have a lasting impact on the players and the industry more broadly.
“Overall, the event provided an invaluable experience for the team,” she explained. “From networking with members of other teams from around the world, to showcasing the wonderful opportunities that exist for women and girls who want to work in golf, the Women’s PGA Cup had it all.
“Teams that began the week as competitors, have finished it as friends and colleagues. Everyone is looking forward to coming back and doing it again in 2024.”
A sentiment shared by all in attendance, General Manager of Santa Ana Golf Inc. and PGA of America Board Member, Derek Gutierrez emphasised the benefit of giving female PGA Professionals the chance to come together and play.
“It’s everything we hoped for and more,” he said at the conclusion of the tournament. “To have fellow PGA Professionals from all over the world representing their countries here has just been a tremendous experience.”
On the course, Australia finished behind the USA, Canada and Great Britain and Ireland, the USA’s cumulative score of 1-under enough to claim a narrow victory by just two shots.
Friday was Australia’s best day, as Paige Stubbs (72) and Katelyn Must (73) led the way, with captain Anne-Marie Knight (79) helping to put the team in contention for a podium finish on the final day.
Whilst that is not how things panned out on the last day, the team can be very proud of their efforts, and know that they have done themselves and the broader PGA Membership proud on the world stage.
A highlights reel of the tournament will be available on Fox Golf Show in December.
To view results and final standings from the 2022 Women’s PGA Cup, click HERE
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
