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PGA Professionals were suitably recognised at the 2022 Fortinet Australia PGA Championship, with some of the world’s best golfers teeing off in front of signage promoting our accredited experts in golf.
The signs, which surrounded the tee and green of the 314-metre par-4 second hole, promoted PGA Professionals as Australia’s “experts in golf,” encouraging golfers to seek out the services of a PGA Professional in order to improve both performance and enjoyment in all aspects of their game.
General Manager of the PGA Membership and Education department, Geoff Stewart was pleased to see PGA Professionals given pride of place at the tournament with the richest prize on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
“It was great to have all the signage on the hole dedicated to our PGA Professionals,” he said. “They give so much to the game, so to celebrate that and promote it across the TV coverage was a wonderful opportunity.”
The messaging, which read “elevate your game with the experts in golf” and “get your golfing advice from the right place,” celebrates PGA Professionals as the answer for everything golf and for every golfer.
Additionally, the PGA Professional logo featured on every sign, a nod to the PGA’s commitment to promoting awareness of the logo and what it represents.
“Every PGA Professional works hard to earn that logo,” said Stewart. “It represents their expertise, professionalism and dedication and they are all very proud to have the right to wear it.
“To have it on display all week will help re-affirm that whenever a golfer is in need of assistance in any part of their game, they can trust they are getting the best possible service when they see the PGA Professional logo.”
Popular amongst the PGA Professionals in attendance during the week, there were some special guests at the second hole as well.
PGA immortal, and PGA Life Member Charlie Earp enjoyed his time at the Australian PGA Championship and even took a moment to get a photo in front of the PGA Professional branded hole.
Earp spent 45 years as the Head PGA Professional at Royal Queensland Golf Club from 1958 – 2003, his contribution to the game in the sunshine state and indeed right throughout Australia unparalleled.
Tasmania’s dedicated PGA Professionals have been recognised as state vocational award winners in front of their peers at a presentation dinner at the Salamanca Inn over the weekend.
Their contributions spanning coaching, management and business operations, PGA Membership Manager for Tasmania and Victoria, Luke Bower, was pleased to honour them last night.
“Our PGA Professionals do such great work right around the country,” said Bower. “It is always a special night when we get the chance to celebrate them and to recognise the wonderful work that they do for our industry every day.”
Head Professional at Kingston Beach, Daniel Gawley was named Tasmania Club Professional of the year.
Ever since assuming the role at Kingston Beach, Gawley has worked hard to ensure an optimal experience for members and guests, having entirely revamped the club Pro Shop to streamline operations. To that end, he has established a number of partnerships with key business suppliers to meet and exceed the needs of the club. Also passionate about growing the junior game, he has managed to attract and retain increased numbers to the club’s MyGolf programs over the last twelve months.
In his role as Development Manager for Golf Tasmania, Simon Weston has passionately grown the game, ensuring that golf is as strong as ever in the Apple Isle. His hard work rewarded with receipt of Management Professional of the Year; Weston’s work spans the entire industry. Significantly, his engagement with the state’s 68 golf clubs has promoted modernisation, with a significant focus on increased sustainability. Moreover, he continues to facilitate increased participation through nationally recognised programs such as MyGolf and Get into Golf.
A passionate promoter of golf across all societal demographics, Adam Holden of Tasmania Golf Club was named Coach of the Year – Game Development. Dedicated to delivering programs to adults and juniors alike, Holden regularly travels to regional Tasmania to deliver MyGolf and Get into Golf programs; helping other clubs to increase their playing numbers and members. His hard work producing tangible results, there have been more than 200 new golfers register to Tasmania Golf Club as a result of his programs. Additionally, Holden works to deliver the game to teenagers in schools, promoting a message that golf is a sport that delivers all-encompassing life lessons.
Nick White, also of Tasmania Golf Club, continues to deliver a premium coaching offering, recognised with his receipt of Coach of the Year – High Performance. Having worked with Mackenzie Wilson for a decade, he has seen her become one of the leading amateurs in the state. Such is Wilson’s success, she became the first female Tasmanian to play college golf in the US, to go along with her title of Tasmania Amateur Champion in 2020.
“Pay it forward. When you get the chance to do the right thing by someone, do it.”
That’s the simple advice that TJ King and Jayden Cripps received from Royal Hobart Teaching Professional, Scott Laycock on the eve of the 2022 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship.
The pair won their way through to Royal Queensland through their performance at the 2022 PGA Professionals Championship, thanks in part to Laycok’s generosity of spirit as the Tasmanian forfeited his own exemption.
Tomorrow morning, they will tee it up together and could not be more grateful for the opportunity.
“What Scott did just shows how much you can impact others from simple gestures,” explained King who will be playing in the Championship for the second time.
“Giving us this opportunity has had a significant impact on both of us and has certainly made me more willing to do similar sorts of things in the future.”
A sentiment echoed by Cripps, he was pleased to hear from Laycock last night.
“Scott got in touch with both of us, which was great,” Cripps said. “He didn’t have to do what he did (at Yarra Yarra) but to be here now, it really means a lot.”
Now that they are here at Royal Queensland, the first tee shot can’t come quickly enough for the pair as they compete for the richest prize on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia.
Their preparation diligent, both are confident that they have given themselves every chance to perform.
“I’ve been practicing, training and preparing my body; doing everything I can to make sure I am right to go come Thursday,” said Cripps. “To be honest, the hardest part has been not thinking about it too much in the lead up, it’s just so exciting.”
Similarly, King, who teed it up last week at the QLD PGA Championship, knows he has given all he can in the lead up and is ready to bring his best.
“It can be hard not to think about it, but ultimately I know I have done all the preparation and I am ready – and really excited to get out there.”
For King too, having one Australian PGA Championship experience under his belt already, means he comes into the week with an added sense of confidence.
“Just having played it once before certainly helps,” he said. “Even though we are playing for more money and with an even stronger field (than in January), I am less nervous and feel more ready.”
As they join a stellar field of homegrown and international talent competing for the Kirkwood Cup, Cripps and King know that they will be thrust into the limelight, with crowds set to flock to watch some of the biggest names in world golf.
Not that it phases them, the pair are relishing the chance.
“It’s just really cool, King smiled. “That’s why you get into the game and what you hope for one day as a kid, so to have the chance to live that this week is very special.
“The week is going to be really fun, but we’ll just go out there and keep hitting good golf shots.”
In fact, King has already been able to tick off a bucket-list item, playing some practice holes with Adam Scott yesterday.
“I actually got to play seven holes with Scott Hend, Adam Scott and Wade Ormsby,” he laughed. “That was amazing and just learning from them and soaking up as much as I could in that time was a great experience.”
Cripps, too is ready to strike a balance between soaking up the atmosphere and dialling in the focus that will be required for success.
“It will be important not to get sucked in by external things and zone in when I need to,” he explained.
“At the same time, it is very special walking around here and seeing all these guys.
“I catch myself every now and then. You realise that it’s becoming very real.”
However it pans out for King and Cripps this week, their pair of PGA Professionals – and great friends – are thrilled to have the chance to make good on their golden opportunity, ready for the week of a lifetime.
Click here for the full field draw for Thursday’s first round of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship.
PGA Professionals have been celebrated for their extensive contribution to Australian golf throughout 2022 at a gala dinner held at Brisbane City Hall on Tuesday Night.
The national award-winners each having excelled in their own categories, they stood out in exceptionally strong fields of nominees.
General Manager of the PGA Membership and Education Department, Geoff Stewart praised all winners and thanked them for their ongoing service to the game.
“PGA Professionals are the heartbeat of golf in Australia,” he said. “Every day they help golfers to love the game and form an enduring connection to the sport.
“Our award winners have done a fantastic job right throughout the industry and it is great to have the chance to honour them and their contribution tonight.”
For his outstanding service as Director of Golf at the thriving Brisbane Golf Club, Joe Janison was named PGA National Club Professional of the Year.
Janison’s wide-ranging role sees him responsible for the management of all aspects of the club’s golf operations, as he delivers exceptional customer service and member experience. Having overcome extensive challenges, including course closures due to floods, Janison helped Brisbane Golf Club to achieve profound financial and non-financial success throughout 2022.
Driving increased junior and female participation, increased corporate days and even a member-travel experience service, Janison’s willingness to innovate ensures an outstanding offering for everyone at the Brisbane Golf Club.
By putting a premium on the relationship he has with the club’s thriving membership, Janison actively seeks feedback through regular surveys and member-engagement sessions. Ultimately, he credits this people-focussed approach for his success in the role.
“Our customer service standards are all about doing the small things exceptionally well,” Janison said. “This includes how we welcome members, our product knowledge and how we can help to resolve any problems that may arise.
“Together we can achieve excellence in everything we do.”
For the second year running, Grant Field of Pelican Waters Golf Club was named PGA National Coach of the Year – High Performance. Long-term coach of Cameron Smith, Field has helped Smith to remarkable success in 2022.
Headlined by a maiden Major championship victory at the 150th Open Championship, Smith climbed as high as No. 2 in the world rankings throughout the year.
Under Field’s guidance, Smith also broke new ground in golf, as he shot a PGA Tour record of 34-under par to start the year with a win at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. Making the most of his good form, the Queenslander followed it up with victory at THE PLAYERS Championship in March.
Additionally, Field is playing a driving role in helping to shape the next generation of Australia’s best players. Coach of Jed Morgan, who broke through to claim victory at the 2021 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, Field helped Morgan to enjoy a consistent season; the twenty-two-year-old winning the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.
“I am very honoured to have the chance to coach some of Australia’s best golfers,” said Field. “Their outstanding performances allows me to promote the game further to a wider range of audiences.
“I am fortunate enough to spend a lot of time around a number of high-level coaches, so it is great to be immersed in that high-performance environment.”
Meanwhile, Des Shearer’s receipt of PGA National Management Professional of the Year comes three years in to his second five-year plan at Bunbury Golf Club.
Having already overseen the completion of key projects including an irrigation system upgrade, the introduction of an online golf retail store and the development of a membership retention program, Shearer continues to ensure Bunbury can offer a premium experience for all members and guests.
To that end, Shearer has driven profound growth in the number of rounds and competitions played, as well as total membership numbers, as golfers are attracted by the range of offerings and incentives he has instituted. Determined to offer a great service to non-golfers as well, Shearer has expanded the food and beverage offering at the club, to benefit the entire community.
“Innovation and strategic development have positively impacted on member and guest services at the club,” explained Shearer. “Everything we have done that has been successful will continue to grow in the future for the benefit of our members and the community.”
For John Collins of Brookwater Golf and Country Club, a tireless dedication to grow the game has been duly recognised with his receipt of PGA National Coach of the Year – Game Development.
Particularly prominent in junior golf, Collins runs a range of programs, both at Brookwater and with local partner schools. Together, these have seen him work with more than 5,000 juniors in a twelve-month period.
An outstanding contribution, he has also brought more than 400 women into the game through his Ladies Get Into Golf clinics. Conducted on Sundays to maximise exposure, Collins tailors his offering to ensure players of varying abilities leave with a sense of achievement and enjoy their time on the golf course.
“I strive to create a pathway where those who have never played before can move through all facets of the game and form an enduring relationship to golf,” Collins explained.
“Success for me is seeing many of my students continue playing the game and knowing that I was able to play a part in starting them on their journey.”
Tuesday also saw the celebration of Australia’s PGA Professionals working overseas; Duc Pham named the inaugural PGA of Australia International Member of the Year for his work growing the game in Vietnam.
Duc works in partnership with the Vietnam Golf Association to ensure that national training programs are developed and delivered so that the country has enough competent coaches to meet rising demand. An outstanding initiative, the program has certified more than 80 coaches since November 2021.
Additionally, Duc’s own success as a coach has seen him run free junior clinics designed to promote engagement and passion in Vietnam’s next generation. To that end, he also held a role as coach of the Vietnam National Golf team at the South East Asia Games.
Conscious of the role he can play as a PGA Professional, Duc is pleased to see golf becoming more and more popular in Vietnam.
“Vietnam is still developing a passion for golf, but it is certainly a fast-growing industry,” he said. “I believe that with the right programs we can develop better players and better coaching.
“It is one step at a time and golf in Vietnam has an exciting journey ahead.”
Tuesday night also provided the chance to honour the best of our PGA Associates, as Mitchell Smith from Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, was named PGA Associate of the Year.
Smith, a third year Associate, was the standout recipient of the award this year, as he blends outstanding playing ability with particularly impressive academic results.
Smith is currently placed tenth nationally on the Titleist Footjoy Performance Rankings with an adjusted average of -0.36 and ranked ninth nationally in academics.
Due reward, Training Manager for the PGA of Australia, Stephanie Jamieson was pleased to see him recognised on Tuesday.
“Mitchell is a true role model for all Associates and a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.”
PGA Professional Tybin Lawson was also recognised for his outstanding contribution to junior golf, named MyGolf Deliverer of the Year.
Lawson’s tireless dedication to junior golf over a number of years continues to help golf flourish on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula.
“For me, it’s all about getting numbers into the game,” he said. “I love to help get juniors into the sport and it is always heartening to see growing participation numbers through our programs
“I don’t do it alone, and I want to recognise the work of our whole team, this award is for them.”
PGA awards winners’ list:
Greg Norman Medal: Cameron Smith
ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year: Dimitrios Papadatos
SParms PGA Legends Tour Player of the Year: Andre Stolz
Margie Masters WPGA Tour Player of the Year: Hannah Green
PGA of Australia National Coach of the Year – High Performance: Grant Field
PGA of Australia National Coach of the Year – Game Development: John Collins
PGA of Australia National Club Professional of the Year: Joe Janison
PGA of Australia National Management Professional of the Year: Des Shearer
PGA of Australia International Member of the Year: Duc Pham
PGA of Australia National Associate of the Year: Mitchell Smith
MyGolf Deliverer of the Year: Tybin Lawson
Queensland’s Cameron Smith has been awarded the Greg Norman Medal for the second time in three years at the PGA Awards at Brisbane City Hall on Tuesday night.
Also victorious in 2020, Smith claimed Australian golf’s highest honour ahead of a stellar field, including the 2021 winner and 2022 Women’s US Open champion, Minjee Lee.
The PGA Awards also celebrates the extensive contribution of PGA Professionals who have achieved great success in their own endeavours throughout the industry, with Smith’s coach and Director of Coaching at Queensland’s Pelican Waters Golf Club, Grant Field, named PGA National Coach of the Year – High Performance, for the second year in a row.
Joining him, Joe Janison from The Brisbane Golf Club was awarded PGA National Club Professional of the Year for his outstanding service to the club and its members, while Brookwater Golf and Country Club’s John Collins won PGA National Coach of the Year – Game Development as he continues to grow engagement right throughout Queensland.
Des Shearer of Bunbury Golf Club was named PGA National Management Professional of the Year for his continued commitment to innovation, Queensland’s Mitchell Smith was named PGA Associate of the Year, while Duc Pham who is based in Vietnam, was awarded the inaugural PGA of Australia International Member of the Year.
A chance to celebrate Australian golf’s highest achievers both on and off the golf course, the PGA Awards also serves as the official launch of the 2022 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, to be played at Royal Queensland Golf Club, starting on Thursday.
The Greg Norman Medal – Australian golf’s most prestigious award – is presented to Australia’s best male or female Tour Professional on the international stage. The winner is determined based on annual success across all professional tours.
Smith’s receipt of the Greg Norman Medal follows a career-best season. Headlined by a maiden Major victory at the 150th Open Championship, Smith climbed as high as No. 2 in the world rankings in 2022.
His strong string of performances also broke new ground in golf, as Smith shot a PGA Tour record of 34-under par to start the year with a win at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. Making the most of his good form, he followed it up with victory at THE PLAYERS Championship in March.
“I’ve got to thank my family first and foremost,” said Smith. “Mum and Dad gave up a lot for me to play golf.”
PGA of Australia CEO, Gavin Kirkman was pleased to celebrate Smith, recognising that his achievements formed part of a particularly successful year for Australian golf.
“We’re very proud of Cam as someone who is home-grown, authentic and incredibly skilful at what he does,” Kirkman said.
“It must have been a really close decision for this medal in 2022 because we also had Minjee Lee winning the US Women’s Open – the biggest tournament in women’s golf. But Cam’s year was absolutely incredible.
“It’s fair to say that by performing on the biggest stages in world golf, he and other players like Minjee Lee, have given golf in this country an incredible shot in the arm. The national participation program MyGolf has experienced record numbers thanks to the performances of Cam and Minjee, and we’re also seeing golf continue to boom in lessons, membership and how many people are hitting golf balls around the country.”
The judges for the Greg Norman Medal were PGA of Australia Chair Rodger Davis, WPGA Tour Life-Member Karrie Webb, WPGA Tour President Julia Boland, PGA Life Member Peter O’Malley and PGA Board member Ian Baker-Finch.
Judging of the Greg Norman Medal is based on a combination of objective and subjective criterion, with the panel taking many factors into consideration, including results and rankings.
There were more winners on the night with Vic Open winner Dimitrios Papadatos honoured after a breakthrough season, named ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year. Joining him in the Tour category, was Hannah Green who was awarded the Margie Masters Player of the Year following two fantastic wins at the Vic Open and TPS Murray River as the first women to win a mixed-gender event on a major tour. Evergreen Queenslander, Andre Stolz, claimed the Sparms Legends Tour Player of the Year.
PGA awards winners’ list:
Greg Norman Medal: Cameron Smith
ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year: Dimitrios Papadatos
SParms PGA Legends Tour Player of the Year: Andre Stolz
Margie Masters WPGA Tour Player of the Year: Hannah Green
PGA of Australia National Coach of the Year – High Performance: Grant Field
PGA of Australia National Coach of the Year – Game Development: John Collins
PGA of Australia National Club Professional of the Year: Joe Janison
PGA of Australia National Management Professional of the Year: Des Shearer
PGA of Australia International Member of the Year: Duc Pham
PGA of Australia National Associate of the Year: Mitchell Smith
MyGolf Deliverer of the Year: Tybin Lawson
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.
