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“My next door neighbour was hitting shots across the road into the paddock adjacent to our property. I asked for a go – and that was it, I was started in golf.”
An inconspicuous introduction to the game, that is Ian Roberts’ first golfing memory.
From there, he has gone on to enjoy a decorated career in the sport, that has spanned nearly four decades, seven countries and a great deal of personal and professional fulfilment, mostly as a manager helping to steer some of the world’s biggest golf clubs and resorts in the right direction.
Having most recently led the Singapore Island Country Club as the Director of Golf and Sports, Roberts has now returned home to Australia; specifically, to the Royal Sydney Golf Club, where he commenced a role as Director of Golf in November.
“It has been an awesome ride, but the opportunity to return to Australia was always on my mind,” he says.
Having been bitten by the travel bug during his playing days when he toured Australia, Europe, Canada and Asia, Roberts, who became a PGA Professional in 1983, instantly saw the appeal in management when he started working in golf.
“I was drawn to the management side of the industry by the chance to travel and leave Australia,” he recalls. “I was given my first opportunity to work in golf overseas in Fiji and that opened up a lot of opportunities for me.”
It was there in Fiji – at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club – where Roberts established himself as an invaluable Director of Golf. There for just three years, he led the pre-opening team through a $250 million golf project, before seeing the Club voted the number 1 resort golf course in the south east Pacific region for two years running.
“To be involved in that whole process, opening a venue and then seeing guests come in is a very rewarding feeling,” he smiles.
From there, it was full throttle for Roberts. Moving to Indonesia and then to India, he got a taste for General Management at the Klub Golf Rimba Irian Sheraton, before establishing India’s first night-golf offering at the DLF Golf and Country Club.
Keen to stretch himself as much as possible at this early stage in his career, Roberts felt his grounding as a PGA Professional meant that he could tackle any challenge that came in his direction, at home or far away.
“I think what the traineeship (now PGA Membership Pathway Program) taught me was how to engage with club members themselves,” Roberts explains. “When you are dealing with high-level people, it teaches you to keep up with world events, not just golf itself. I had to have a broad understanding of a range of subjects.
“It’s the people skills that I think most PGA Members have. They are good at making conversations, meeting people and engaging.”
Bringing together a range of skills, Roberts also acknowledges that his time as a player taught him lessons that have been invaluable in both his personal and professional life.
Winner of the 1985 Tasmanian Open and the 1987 Alberta Open on the Canadian Tour, Roberts enjoyed his time as a Touring Professional, but felt something was missing – and happily that is what he found once he started working vocationally in the golf industry.
“Playing golf is an individual sport, it’s all about yourself. If you’re not playing well, it affects your personality,” he explains. “It can be very selfish when it’s all about you, and I thought there is more to life than that.
“On the other hand, when you are working in golf, you are giving. Whether you are a coach imparting your knowledge, or in my role now, it is about passing on information to younger people.”
It was that sense of purpose and collegiality that sustained Roberts as he continued his worldwide adventure; returning to Australia briefly for a successful stint at The Glades Golf and Spa Resort, before moving across three different clubs and resorts in Indonesia between 2007 – 2011.
Wherever he went, success inevitably followed as Roberts demonstrated a willingness and an uncanny ability to bring together big teams to achieve financial and non-financial goals alike.
Whether it was driving increased membership and participation numbers at Meru Valley Golf and Country Club, the completion of a $3.5 million five-story clubhouse upgrade at the Mountain View Golf Club, or leading The Glades to be the number 1 resort course in Australia, Roberts gave his all to every venue he managed.
“Whatever I was doing, wherever I was, it was all developing my skills and opening up my mind,” he reflects. “Living and immersing yourself with other cultures is also such a great part of being overseas. It was just an awesome ride.”
Although he tackled so many different challenges around the world – and not all of them golf specific – it was his affinity for golf course design, and fully immersing himself in that process that stands out as a favourite memory for Roberts from his decorated career overseas.
The Director of Golf Sports at the Tanah Merah Golf and Country Club in Singapore for six-and-a-half-years, Roberts was tasked with working with various committees and teams on the redevelopment of the club’s two separate 18-hole sites. Engaging Phil Jacobs – Gary Player’s preferred designer – and Robert Trent Jones II, Roberts threw himself into the process.
“We start by engaging designers who have experience in the region, and then work closely with the redevelopment committee at every step,” he recalls.
Going on to detail the intricacies of “shaping” golf holes to suit the natural environment, as well as to suit the membership’s preferences for difficulty, safety and accessibility, Roberts’ knowledge and passion for the subject shines through.
“It really is one of my favourite memories, going through that process and then opening the golf course is a pretty amazing feeling.”
Without a doubt, however, Roberts’ most demanding role came in his most recent stint at Singapore Island Country Club. Overseeing a club that had 4.5 golf courses, 2 clubhouses, 2 Olympic swimming pools and 400 golf buggies, tennis and squash, as well as indoor bowling and social programs for members, his was a never-ending role.
“The job there was massive,” he laughs. “I was very grateful to have the support of the committee, staff and management who all helped to support my role, covering so many areas – it was a great team.”
During that time too, Roberts further demonstrated his ongoing commitment to providing the best possible service, completing the Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management through the PGA Institute.
An opportunity he took to ensure he remains abreast of every aspect of club management, it was a chance for him to blend his lived experience with the theory and industry best-practice that the PGA provides.
“I don’t think you can overstate the importance of the PGA education programs,” he reflects. “It is particularly valuable for PGA Professionals to help go that next step.
“More broadly, everyone in the PGA is willing to share their knowledge and, in that way, I think golf can be such a great stepping stone.”
Now back in Australia, Roberts is looking forward to taking the reins at one of Australia’s most prestigious clubs, prepared to lead the Golf Department at the Royal Sydney Golf Club through its next chapter.
Imbued with the positive attitude that has underpinned his entire professional career, Roberts also believes a focus on inspiring and assisting the next generation will help ensure success.
“It is really important that we continue to prioritise junior golf as the future of the game,” he says. “We need to look at the programs and options we offer in this area and ask ourselves whether we keep doing certain things when they work, or liven up different programs and add value when it is warranted.”
Cognisant too that his new position will vary slightly from the management of big resorts that he has tackled of late, he is looking forward to the new challenge.
“For me now, it’s about developing younger people and getting the best out of them,” he said. “There is nothing better than seeing people move forward in their lives because you helped them.
“At Royal Sydney now, my mission is very simple, I just want to work out how I can get the best out of our people.”
Additionally, the position at Royal Sydney will give Roberts the chance to be part of another course redesign. The Club set to undertake the Championship redevelopment in early 2024, it is all part of an exciting process, as Roberts look to elevate Royal Sydney’s offering even further.
“Everything that we do will be in service of adding value to the member experience and continued staff development,” he explained.
Ultimately, it is an enduring love for the game that keeps Roberts coming back – and in working at Royal Sydney, he is looking forward to engaging fully with the membership and maybe even getting the clubs back out of the bag again.
“I’ll have to get my training wheels back on again,” he laughs. “Because of my roles recently, I haven’t played all that much, but I certainly want to get out and play with the members regularly.
“It’s just so much fun to be back. Since it’s been so long, I am particularly looking forward to rekindling relationships, getting to know my nephews and nieces plus their children.”
The PGA of Australia has joined forced with Holmesglen Institute to offer a suite of new specialist golf education courses from the world-first Golf Learning Hub in Melbourne’s south-east.
The PGA Golf Learning Hub, established at the prestigious Sandhurst Golf Club,
offers a range of courses for students keen to pursue or develop careers in the golf
industry and is proud to enhance these offerings alongside Holmesglen.
As a result of the partnership, Holmesglen will now be able to deliver accredited courses in Sports Turf Management and Hospitality Management; between its Glen Waverley campus, Zest training restaurant and
Sandhurst from February. A tourism course will also be available later in 2023.
The qualifications complement the PGA Institute’s Diploma of Golf Management, which is run
both from the Learning Hub at Sandhurst and with flexible online study options also available.
All courses, which are nationally accredited and endorsed by the PGA, provide practical training,
industry placement and a focus on the golf industry, which employs 25,000 people in Australia.
General Manager of the PGA Membership and Education Department, Geoff Stewart, said the partnership positions
the PGA Golf Learning Hub as the number one location for people wanting to kickstart a career in
golf.
“This is a significant moment for our sport,” Mr Stewart said.
“We are proud of our partnership with Holmesglen Institute, Victoria’s largest TAFE, to provide an
unrivalled golf education offering for our industry now and into the future.
“There is no doubt that a solid grounding in golf education is the best way to ensure the ongoing
success of the entire golf industry and this partnership means we can continue to do that.”
Holmesglen Executive Director for International Education and Enterprise Solutions, Andrew
Williamson, said partnering with the PGA of Australia – through the Golf Learning Hub – was
a win for those who loved the sport and aspired to a specialist career in golf.
“Melbourne has long been regarded as the sporting capital of Australia with a plethora of events on
our doorstep. So, it’s not surprising that demand for sporting courses has seen significant growth in
recent years,” Mr Williamson said.
“The PGA Golf Learning Hub offers dedicated golf training in an integrated and effective golfing
ecosystem that will inevitably open up more pathways for people aspiring to work in the industry.”
He said new intakes for the Holmesglen courses will occur in February and July each year, with a
strong pipeline of local and international students expected to enrol to meet the needs of the
Victorian golfing industry.
PGA Institute Manager Suzanne Burns said the partnership between the PGA Institute and Holmesglen
allowed the team at the Golf Learning Hub to offer qualifications across all six workforce pillars of the golf industry.
“We are passionate about offering a unique, world-class education service and we are now able to
take that to the next level, working collaboratively with Holmesglen,” Ms Burns said.
Enrolments for the 2023 intake of PGA Golf Learning Hub courses are now open. Register your interest study at the PGA Institute, PGA Academy, and Membership Pathway Program.
For more information on the courses that Holmesglen will be offering as part of the parntership, click here
To learn more about the PGA Golf Learning Hub, click here
The PGA of Australia has made changes to its board with long-term director James Erskine stepping down after a significant contribution to the Board of Directors.
Erskine will be replaced by former Coca-Cola Amatil boss Alison Watkins, who is the second woman to join the PGA of Australia board, while Ian Baker-Finch has been elected Deputy-Chair.
Baker-Finch will play a support role in global relations and has been identified as the successor to Chair Rodger Davis who will see out his second three-year term as chair in May, 2024.
During his time on the board as an independent director, Erskine helped PGA member directors navigate through a period of significant change in golf following a change of Chief Executives in his first year in 2010, through to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent resurgence in the game.
PGA of Australia Chair Rodger Davis honoured Erskine for his contribution to the game of golf whilst on the PGA board.
“James’ expertise in event management, commercial partnerships and in particular broadcast has been invaluable to the PGA of Australia,” he said.
“James has also been and remains an advocate for collaboration in the golf industry, reflective in the advancements in relationships locally with Golf Australia and the WPGA Tour of Australasia, but also internationally as the PGA of Australia has begun its second five-year term of a strategic alliance with the DP World Tour and a thriving relationship with the PGA TOUR.”
Erskine said he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the game.
“It was a privilege to serve on the PGA board, and it’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 12 years since Craig Parry and Peter O’Malley approached me about the role,” Erskine said.
“I’ve loved golf since I was five-years old as a member of Royal Birkdale, and I hope that the PGA of Australia is in better shape than it was when I started. If I’ve been part of that achievement, it’s all been worthwhile.
“Historically, Australia has punched way above its weight in professional golf and continues to do so following the recent success of Cam Smith and Minjee Lee, and I’m sure golf in this country will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Erskine’s successor, Watkins, brings an abundance of commercial experience having served as Group Managing Director at Coca-Cola Amatil, Chief Executive Officer of ASX listed agribusiness GrainCorp Limited, CEO of Berri Limited and Managing Director of Regional Banking at ANZ.
Having previously held non-executive director roles at ANZ Banking Group Limited, Woolworths Limited and Just Group Limited, Watkins is currently a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Board, a non-executive Director of CSL Limited and Wesfarmers Limited, Chancellor of the University of Tasmania and a director of The Centre of Independent Studies.
Davis said the directors were excited to welcome the exceptional business experience of Watkins to the PGA of Australia board in such an exciting time for golf, and spoke highly of Baker-Finch’s appointment.
“Alison is a fantastic addition to our board with brilliant leadership experience that has grown across a variety of industries, and we can’t wait for her to contribute to the growth of golf in Australasia to ultimately benefit our 2,000 plus members,” he said.
“Ian is one of the most respected figures in Australian golf, his passion for the sport is second to none and we are pleased that he will be using his talents to continue to grow the PGA of Australia.
“Ian will have a renewed focus on supporting our international golf relationships as we continue to play a critical role in golf’s global eco-system, and by being elected to the Deputy-Chair role, this experience will hold him in good stead should he wish to stand for Chair at the appropriate time.”
Stephen Hutchison will continue in his role as Chair of the Vocational Members Council, while Rodger Davis will continue as Chair of the Tournament Players Council.
PGA of Australia Board: Rodger Davis (Chair), Ian Baker-Finch (Deputy-Chair), Alison Watkins, Carole Brownlee, Josh Madden, Paul Lappin, Richard Lazar, Stephen Hutchison.
Named Club Professional of the Year in South Australia, Ben Traeger does outstanding work to grow the game at Aston Hills Golf Club in Mount Barker.
We chatted with Ben to find out what makes him so passionate – and successful in his role as a PGA Professional.
What advice would you give to a new PGA Professional?
“Be a sponge and soak up as much as you can from fellow PGA members, whether it be coaching or working in golf operations. If you are looking at going out on your own in a contracted role, join a group and ensure you seek the help that is needed – that is so important, particularly today with online marketing and sales.”
What is your coaching philosophy?
“To keep things simple and positive while introducing technology. We are lucky to be in an era where we have the tools that mean we can show people very easily what is happening with their technique.”
How do you think we can make the game more accessible and enjoyable for more people?
“Continue on the path we are on. We are taking steps in the right direction with things like the easing of dress codes, removing negative rules and regulations and creating fun events. I think another big step is introducing more indoor facilities for golf after hours and in poor weather.”
What is your favourite golfing memory?
“Probably when I was a kid and first catching the golf bug. I always looked forward to getting up to the golf course after school in summer.”
What would you serve at the Masters Champions Dinner?
“Adelaide Hills Fillet steak, topped with prawns and washed down with the best SA wine!”
What is the best part about being a PGA Professional?
“Working in the game I still love. Every day I get to help people with their game and see them improve. Beyond that, I love creating a fun environment in the shop when the members come in and having a good laugh together.”
What do you never go to work without?
“A sense of humour!”
Here are seven reasons why – no matter where you are in your golf journey – a lesson with a PGA Professional is the single best investment you can make to improve your game.
A recent poll by Australian Golf Digest asked readers if they wish they’d had lessons with a PGA Professional when starting out in the game.
Some 92 per cent answered in the affirmative and, although I didn’t lodge my vote, I certainly consider myself among them.
And I can’t say I hadn’t been warned.
When my father retired a decade ago, he filled part of his suddenly empty schedule with lessons at his home club in Coffs Harbour.
“Should have done it years ago!” he declared. “I’ve been doing it wrong for more than 30 years.”
I recently celebrated my 46th trip round the sun and pondered whether to use some of my birthday money for a new driver or a new putter (my two most temperamental clubs on an alternating basis).
And then it hit me. I’d spend my money on something I truly needed: a lesson.
Throughout my time in the game, I have been exposed to countless tips, conversed with coaches and played with Professionals.
During a Covid-19 lockdown Jason Laws kindly conducted lessons with me via Skillest; an interview with Bradley Hughes morphed into a new swing thought that had immediate if not lasting success; and a 30-minute chipping lesson with former top-50 player in the world Michael Sim delivered an instant three-shot per round improvement.
But until recently, I’d never submitted my swing to the full examination of a PGA Professional.
Part of it was fear. A large part was embarrassment at a swing I was aware didn’t match what’s on the packet of the PGA Tour. Part of it was the misconception that embarking on lessons would, for a time, render an average swing virtually unusable in a public setting.
Yet after just one – admittedly intensive – hour with Todd Sleep at his golf academy at The Glades on the Gold Coast, I could feel my flat, rounded heave evolving into something resembling an actual golf swing.
I could feel genuine compression as club met ball; my stock standard slinging draw showing signs of straightening into a fade that landed oh so softly.
Time. Money. Fear. Embarrassment. These are all excuses we trot out to convince ourselves we don’t need coaching.
Instead, here are seven reasons why we should.
1. It’s fundamental
The cornerstones to any efficient golf swing are your grip, stance and posture. Get these fundamentals established and you give yourself the best chance of making solid contact on a consistent basis. Club golfers can struggle for their entire golf life blissfully unaware that the most basic tenets of their swing have been out of whack from the get-go. If they need adjusting, this is where your PGA Professional will begin your journey to better golf. “The thing that I hear most often from clients is that they had no idea that small changes would make such a big difference,” says Sienna Voglis, PGA Professional and Club Manager at cluBarham Golf and Sports Club on the Murray River.
2. A swing for every body
PGA Professionals will have their own basis for what they believe constitutes a good golf swing, but they all understand that a person’s physical characteristics will determine what’s actually possible. Watching YouTube videos or trying to replicate Rory McIlroy’s swing in the mirror will only work if you are built like Rory with the same range of motion. (Quick hint: You’re not.) In my first lesson, Todd showed a comparison between my swing and Adam Scott’s, primarily to highlight the fact that his physical abilities allow him to move the golf club in a way that very few on the planet can. PGA Professionals aren’t trained to impart a particular golf swing but to help uncover the best swing for you.
3. Equipped to succeed
Whether we blindly buy off the rack or – God forbid – purchase clubs online, almost every golfer has been guilty of buying equipment ill-suited to their actual swing. By engaging with a PGA Professional, not only will you be guided in how to swing your clubs better but you have at hand a trusted source of information when it comes to equipment purchases. PGA Professionals can make adjustments to your existing set to help maximise what the ball does off the clubface and – when they time comes – custom-fit the clubs that can take your game to a new level. In a single example of the difference a fitting can make, Paul Jenner from PureForm Golf in Sydney cites a 20-metre gain in driver distance and improved accuracy, 23m more carry with the irons and an increase of ball speed from 118.6 mph to 131.4 mph. “Shaft is the most important component for the timing of your strike,” explains Jenner, a PGA Professional who is the Managing Director of PureForm Golf. “There are many different types of shaft profiles, weights and flexes that match different swing types, swing speeds and swing tempos. Matching these correctly using the latest technology will improve your timing/strike of the ball along with maximising your ball speed. The head is more about dialling in the launch, spin and dispersion; different heads in different brands in different models will produce different launch and spin conditions. Using Trackman, you can create the ideal launch, spin, height and landing angle for each golfer.” Don’t buy a suit off the rack and hope that it fits; see a PGA Professional and get your clubs custom-built to your exact specifications.
4. Knowledge is power
A confession: I tried to self-solve my so-flat-it-was-almost-horizontal swing, and I thought I was making progress. That was until Todd pointed out that what I thought was the solution – keeping my hands out in front of my body on the backswing – was actually making my right-to-left ball flight tendency even worse. Almost 20 years of reading tips and tricks will do that to you. Not only was Todd able to break down what I was doing wrong so that I could understand it, he imparted his knowledge on what we needed to do to actually correct it. In time, that understanding will allow me to self-correct should the swing mis-fire mid-round.
5. A path to progression
A weight-loss program does not consist of a single session at the gym. You have a regular doctor you trust with your health and a mechanic to keep your car running. If you are going to invest time and money into a pastime, why would you not use a service that will make that precious leisure time so much more enjoyable? Jack MacLeod at X-Golf Mentone in Melbourne markets himself not as a golf coach as such but as a golf trainer, someone to help golfers get a little more golf-fit every time they see him. “In a modern golf lesson, everything is measured,” explains MacLeod. “We are able to show them their initial starting point – whether that be a distance or club dynamic – and then display the improvement in our session. “We then go about setting short and long-term goals. This keeps a player focused on the process to achieve the desired result.” Imagine how much better you’ll be in 10 years’ time if you start getting lessons today.
6. Partner envy
Every regular golf group around Australia has that one person who is the sweet-swinger of the foursome. The one whose swing makes playing partners swoon, whose shots are often met with comments such as, “Nice swing”, “Pure” or “Good contact.” Now imagine that person in your group is you. Regular sessions with a PGA Professional will not only produce a more energy-efficient swing but it will look good too. And knowing you look good swinging a golf club is only going to help quiet those first-tee nerves.
7. Getting better is good for you
Whatever your interest, improving a chosen skill can be a great way to keep your brain healthy as you age. A report released last year by the Harvard Medical School specifically referenced golfers working towards lowering their handicap as having a positive impact on concentration and memory recall. “You don’t have the challenge of learning something new, but rather the challenge of increasing your skill set and knowledge,” said Dr John N. Morris, director of social and health policy research at the Harvard-affiliated Institute for Aging Research, in reference to golfers’ search for improvement. “It is the constant repetition of working to improve, and not the quest for mastery, that can have the greatest impact.” So have a lesson with a PGA Professional; your brain will thank you for it.
To find your nearest PGA Professional and tee up a lesson this Christmas, click HERE
The best round of the week, a remarkable 24-under par, helped the team from Pinjarra Golf Club to victory in the Mixed field at The Scramble Championship Final, while a clinical 16.5-under par secured Launceston Golf Club the Women’s title on Thursday afternoon.
Although the wind blew for the duration of the round, it wasn’t enough to phase the boys from Pinjarra, whose barnstorming round of 54 off the stick saw them come from fourth place to overtake Ulverstone, Sarina and Yamba Golf Clubs.
“We just got off to a great start, we had real momentum from the start,” said PGA Professional and team captain, Greg McClurkin. “The boys were holing monster putts and we just kept going from there.”
On a day where they made only three pars – everything else birdie or better – McClurkin, who works at Whaleback Golf Course in Western Australia, was full of praise for the team.
“We got some momentum and then the boys really just started feeding off each other. We had some tunes going all week and I think some Eminem really got us going for a while there this morning,” he laughed.
Thrilled to be part of the winning team, it could have been different for McClurkin, who was playing in his first Championship Final. Playing as Pinjarra’s ‘Adopt-A-Pro’ this week, he took the spot of fellow PGA Professional Scott Barr at the Regional Final, and wasn’t about to give it up this week.
“I’m essentially a ring-in,” he laughed. “I’ve got to thank Scotty for that one, he let me play alongside them and gave me the chance to come away this week and obviously it’s been very special the way it has panned out.”
Not without incident, the Pinjarra team still needed to fulfill their drive quota up the last two holes. Perhaps a sign that it was destined to be their day, tee shots down seventeen and eighteen both found the fairway and each led to birdies.
For McClurkin himself, the experience of getting out on the course this week was particularly freeing – the final result something of a bonus.
“I still absolutely love playing,” he said. “I probably don’t get the chance to do it as much as I’d like to, but it’s just wonderful.
“They were a great bunch of fellas this week, so to get out there, have a laugh and play some golf was a real thrill.”
On the Women’s side of the draw, the team from Launceston Golf Club overcame nearly missing the cut to storm home for victory today.
After finishing the last two holes yesterday in 1-under just to be in contention, the team, captained by PGA Professional Dan Smith, waited until the back nine to make their charge.
“To be honest, we all thought we were out of it after that first side,” said Smith. “The putts weren’t dropping and we didn’t think we had enough on the board.”
Things changed when 5-handicapper Maree Coulson managed to put one to a foot on the par-3 thirteenth hole, a birdie there kick-starting some real momentum.
“That shot was the highlight of the day for mine, from there we made another short birdie putt on the next and holed one from off the green on the fifteenth.”
So hot was their streak, that Launceston finished with six straight birdies, narrowly missing a closing eagle as they entered the clubhouse at 45.5-under par for the Championship.
“We thought that might give us a little bit of a chance, and in the end it was enough to hold on,” laughed Smith who was playing in the Championship Final for the second time.
Sitting in the clubhouse enjoying lunch when they heard that they had secured the title, Smith is pleased to continue his positive relationship to The Scramble.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be to a couple of Championship Finals and have reasonable success throughout,” he smiled. “It’s a great way to get out there and get to know your members and show that you are part of the club.
“That a really important part of being a PGA Professional.”
Additionally, Smith enjoyed the experience of bringing together the Launceston Ladies to ensure that everyone enjoyed their week and had the best chance to succeed.
Blending together a group that included handicaps ranging from 5, right through to 44, he felt there was an important balance to be struck.
“For me, it was just a matter of making everyone feel comfortable to hit their shots and embrace their strengths.”
Thursday’s round also gave the top teams the chance to play par-3’s with Tour Professionals; Aaron Pike and Anthony Quale teeing it up on the second and sixteenth holes respectively.
“It’s wonderful to have some of Australia’s best and brightest here playing alongside amateurs and our PGA Professionals,” said Tournament Director, Broc Greenhalgh. “It certainly gives the players out there a real buzz and that is what the Championship Final is really all about.”
For a full list of results and final standings, click HERE
A second consecutive round in the low fifties has secured the team from Coffs Harbour an equal share of the lead in the Women’s draw after round two of The Scramble Championship Final.
A nett 54.5 in hot conditions has them sitting pretty at 32-under par after two rounds, sharing the lead with Lakelands Golf Club, who fired a nett 55 on Wednesday morning.
Assistant PGA Professional at Coffs Harbour and team captain for the week, Brandon Connor is enjoying his time with the team and was loving the golf he saw from the girls on the Palms Course at Sanctuary Cove today.
“It was all good golf, but one particular highlight was Jana putting a three-wood on the green from 190m on the 17th hole,” said Connor. “It never deviated from the flag, nestled in close and we went on to make birdie.
“That was shot of the day and the sort of thing that opens it up for you as a team.”
Playing in his first Championship Final, Connor, who has been a PGA Professional since 2018, believes there is a good feeling in the camp for the team from Coffs.
“Everyone is really pumped. We came in here with a goal of top three, so to be on top of the leader board at this stage is really nice,” he said after the round. “I always thought we could do it, so it’s nice to see it come together.”
Pleased to have the chance to get out on the course and share the experience with club members, Connor is full of praise for the format and the opportunities it presents for all levels of golfer.
“It’s really good, the whole thing is very exciting,” explained Connor. “We don’t get the chance to do it much, so it’s great to have a hit with them – and to have a hit ourselves!”
Elsewhere in the Women’s field, Launceston Golf Club, led by PGA Professional Daniel Smith, equalled the best score of the day to make the cut. Their nett score of 54.5 included seven straight birdies to start, before a shaky patch through the middle saw them almost fall out of contention.
Thankfully, Smith was able to hole a lengthy birdie putt on the 17th to make sure of it.
“It was nice to see that one go in,” he laughed. “The girls played really well today and it feels like just rewards that they’ll be in contention tomorrow.”
On the Mixed side of the field, Ulverstone backed up their strong opening round with another good showing on Wednesday. Their nett score of 52.8 has them at 39.4-under par, more than two shots clear of Yamba Golf Club in second place.
A mighty effort, it included an unlikely birdie on the 17th as things just kept going right for the Tasmanians.
“We had got ourselves into a position where we needed to take a drive from the trees on the last,” said Head PGA Professional Darren Spencer. “Danny, our high handicapper pulled out driver off the deck, curled this thing around and ran it right up to twenty feet.
“When I say the gap he had was tiny, I mean it. It was the best birdie I’ve seen.”
That combined with an invaluable up-and-down save also late in the piece, kept Ulverstone ahead of the fast-finishing Yamba and Sarina Golf Clubs, who fired round of nett 52.9 and 51.7 respectively to earn a place in the top-three.
The team from Keysborough Golf Club put in the best round of the day, their nett score of 51.5 seeing them climb four places on the leader board, to sit in fourth place after the second round.
The Championship Final concludes tomorrow, with the top ten teams in the Mixed draw making the cut, and the top three in the Women’s field. Each of the teams who make the cut, will get the chance to play a par-3 with a Tour Pro on Thursday.
For a full list of teams that have made the cut, see below:
MIXED
Ulverstone Golf Club
Yamba Golf Club
Sarina Golf Club
Keysborough Golf Club
Pinjarra Golf Club
Cranbourne Golf Club
Brisbane River Golf Club
Shelly Beach Golf Club
Fairbairn Golf Club
Mudgee Golf Club
WOMEN’S
Coffs Harbour Golf Club
Lakelands Golf Club
Launceston Golf Club
Check out the full leader board HERE
Ulverstone Golf Club posted a remarkable nett score of 47.8 to headline a bumper first round of The Scramble Championship Final at the picturesque Palms Course, Sanctuary Cove.
The team from Ulverstone in northern Tasmania – captained by Head PGA Professional Darren Spencer – fired 57 off the stick to catapult themselves into the lead of the Mixed draw in sunny conditions on Tuesday morning.
“It all just clicked for us today,” said Spencer who has played in The Scramble every year since its inception, but who is making his first appearance in a Mixed Championship Final. “There was no particular strategy, we all just got out there and had a heap of fun.”
Responsible for the day’s major highlight as well, the Ulverstone boys had an eagle on the par-4 third hole, as the team’s two highest handicappers combined for a moment to remember.
Avoiding water down the entire right side, they found the shortest way home to kickstart their charge up the leader board.
“Our 36-marker found the fairway and then our 34-handicapper put it in the hole from 80 meters,” laughed Spencer. “I couldn’t believe it but it was certainly a very special moment.
“We are all just here for a good time and suddenly we are at the top end of things, so hopefully we can go well again tomorrow.”
Playing the back nine in just 28 shots was enough for the Tasmanians to secure a lead of 1.9 strokes ahead of the team from Brisbane River Golf Club. Incidentally, the Queenslanders fired the day’s best gross round of 56, to enter the clubhouse at -20.3
It was a day for low scoring, as three of the Mixed teams finished at better than 20-under par after handicap adjustments, impressing Tournament Director, Broc Greenhalgh.
“It’s certainly some of the best scoring we’ve seen in the first round for a little while,” he said. “It’s not uncommon for teams to go low once they know the course, but the quality out there today was outstanding.”
On the Women’s side of the draw, Lucindale Golf Club were the best of the bunch; the South Australians posting an imposing 17.2-under par to lead by 0.7 of a shot ahead of Coffs Harbour.
Captained by Craig Davis, they were in control right the way round, shooting 31 on each nine to finish with 62 off the stick.
“It was just such a fantastic day out on the course in wonderful conditions,” said Davis who is based at Mt Gambier’s GolfnMore. “The team all played really well, we have gelled superbly and we are just loving being up here.
“It’s a privilege to be their Adopt-A-Pro this week. I get to Lucindale throughout the year for some coaching and club-fitting so to spend time with them out here is fantastic.
Davis has a deep connection to The Scramble, having played in his first more than fifteen years ago, before working plenty of Championship Finals during his time at Twin Waters. Now on the other side of it again, he recognises just how valuable it is to incorporate PGA Professionals into the event.
“I think it’s vital. It’s a different environment and important to engage with the people you work with every day in a more relaxed and casual basis,” he said. “It’s a great way to make friendships and develop a stronger connection.”
Tight at the top in the Women’s draw, Lakelands Country Club sit just 0.2 of a shot adrift after the first round. The Western Australians shot 59 off the stick to come in at 17-under. Set to be hotly contested for the remainder of the week, Coffs Harbour are only a further half shot back after an opening 16.5-under par.
The Scramble Championship Final continues tomorrow, as teams fight to make the cut. In the Mixed field, the top ten teams after tomorrow will play for glory on Thursday, with the top three in the Women’s draw set to battle it out on the final day.
For a full leader board, click HERE
For more information on The Scramble Final, click HERE
One of the most iconic events on the Australian golfing calendar, the Scramble Championship Final returns to the stunning Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club on the Gold Coast this December 5 – 8.
A landmark occasion, 2022 marks the 30th iteration of The Scramble – Australia’s largest and most successful teams’ event – and the first time the Final has been at Sanctuary Cove since 1994.
General Manager of Tournament and Event Operations at the PGA of Australia, Natalie McIlroy is thrilled to see it return to the Gold Cost and to welcome all the finalists.
“Sanctuary Cove hosted the Championship Final in the early years of The Scramble, she said. “So, it is fitting that we return for the 30th.
“The final has been held on the Sunshine Coast at Twin Waters Golf Club and the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort in recent years and we would like to thank them for their wonderful hospitality over the years.”
This week’s Championship Final is the culmination of the two sections of the Scramble; the mixed and women’s draws coming together at one venue to play for their respective titles.
Across one practice day and three rounds of competition, twenty teams from around Australia will compete for the Mixed Scramble Championship Final, and six teams from six states, compete for the Women’s Scramble Championship.
Already a thrill to be competing in the Championship Final, to qualify teams must have won their local Scramble and a regional final. A significant achievement in itself, in 2022, nearly 300 Scramble events took place, seeing almost 25,000 golfers take part.
The all-inclusive trip for qualifiers will include four rounds of golf in tournament conditions, event functions, accommodation and flights, all for the honour to be crowned the 30th mixed champions and 17th women’s champions.
“Qualifying for the Championship Final is really the major prize of The Scramble,” said McIlroy. “And I am sure that all of the finalists will be very excited at the prospect of spending a few days at Sanctuary Cove.”
One of the major drawcards of The Scramble every year, is the chance to play alongside a PGA Professional. Australia’s accredited experts in golf, each team will be allocated a PGA Professional for the week, who will be able to provide guidance, advice and more than likely a straight tee shot to navigate the Championship layout at the Palms Course at Sanctuary Cove.
PGA of Australia Events Manager, Louise Meagher knows just how valuable this will be right throughout the Championship Final.
“It’s wonderful to welcome twenty-six PGA Professionals who will form part of all of the teams this week,” she said. “It is always a real thrill for our competitors to play with them and it is such a valuable experience.”
A sentiment echoed by Geoff Stewart, General Manager of the PGA Membership and Education Department, he supports the inclusion of PGA Professionals in the Championship Final.
“It is one of the unique parts about our game that players of varying abilities can all play together and enjoy the experience,” he said. “PGA Professionals have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and it’s wonderful that they will have the chance to share that directly with golfers on the course this week.”
All the action kicks off tomorrow, with first groups off at 7:30am.
The Scramble Championship Final is an elimination format Ambrose, with conditions outlined below:
Congratulations to all teams who have qualified and good luck!
FINALISTS (MIXED)
Brighton Lakes Golf Club (NSW); Keysborough Golf Club (VIC); Brisbane River Golf Club (QLD)
Ulverstone Golf Club (TAS); Warrnambool Golf Club (VIC); Pinjarra Golf Club (WA)
Broome Golf Club (WA); Leeton Golf Club (NSW); Blackwood Golf Club (SA); Kiama Golf Club (NSW)
Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club (QLD); Yowani Golf Club (ACT); Sarina Golf Club (QLD)
Yamba Golf and Country Club (NSW); Shelly Beach Golf Club (NSW); Cranbourne Golf Club (VIC)
Mudgee Golf Club (NSW); Windaroo Lakes Golf Club (QLD); Fairbairn Golf Club (NSW); Ayr Golf Club (QLD)
FINALISTS (WOMEN’S)
Lucindale Golf Club (SA); Lakelands Country Club (WA); Launceston Golf Club (TAS); Coffs Harbours Golf Club (NSW); Queanbeyan Golf Club (ACT); Howlong Golf Club (NSW)
More information on The Scramble Championship Final is available HERE
It is fitting that Australian golfing icon, Peter O’Malley, played his 35th and final national Open in a year that the sport welcomed some of the world’s biggest names to the Melbourne sandbelt.
Although his playing days have drawn to a close, O’Malley’s indelible influence on the game remains.
A player who gave so much of himself to the game both at home and overseas, the man affectionately known as ‘Pom’ played a driving role in growing the profile of Australian golf; a profile plainly evident in the appetite for golf and quality of the fields that exist at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open this week.
One of only 50 Life Members in the 111-year history of the PGA of Australia, was inducted in May of this year. Due recognition for his extensive service to the sport over more than three decades, he came from humble beginnings to establish one of the more successful careers in Australian golf.
Three times a winner in Europe, he has always been a force to be reckoned with at home; a five-time winner on the PGA Tour of Australasia. A strong performer in the Majors too, O’Malley finished inside the top-ten at the Open Championship twice, his best performance T-7 in 1997 at Royal Troon.
Perhaps best known for his barnstorming finish to the 1992 Scottish Open, O’Malley played the last five holes in 7-under to win ahead of Sir Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie at the Gleneagles King’s Course.
Thereafter, O’Malley continued to give his all to the game in Australia. From 2010, for eight years, he served as a Director for the PGA of Australia, including two as Chair.
During this time, he worked hard to ensure the long-term health of the game in Australia. The fruits of his labour plain to see this week, as Australian golf makes history; hosting the world’s best players in the first national Open to be played by men and women at the same time.
“It’s great to see some of the big names come back for the Australian summer,” O’Malley explained. “All the guys are playing good golf and I think Australian golf is in a good spot.”
Although he missed the cut, O’Malley was steady on Thursday as he fired an opening round one-over par 71, in blustery afternoon conditions at Victoria Golf Club.
“It’s great – so good just still to be playing,” said O’Malley, “I played pretty solid, I only hit a couple of bad shots.
“It’s great to be down on the sandbelt, we haven’t been here for a number of years, but it’s one of my favourite places to play.”
Elsewhere, fellow Australian icon Peter Fowler has now played in the national Open in six different decades.
A stunning achievement, he was victorious in 1983, claiming the Stonehaven Cup by three strokes ahead of Ian Baker-Finch.
Incidentally, his win that week came at Kingston Heath Golf Club, so there was a nice sense of symmetry this time around; the field split across the two sandbelt gems on Thursday and Friday.
To follow the 2022 ISPS HANDA Australian Open live, click HERE
