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

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

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

With three PGA Professionals honoured on the night, Senior State Manager David Barker affirmed the value that all PGA Professionals offer golfers in South Australia every day.

“Our PGA Professionals do such wonderful work to grow the game of golf,” he said. “Whether that is out coaching and inspiring the next generation, implementing programs that get more people playing golf, or providing advice and guidance in any number of areas, we thank them for their ongoing contribution.

“They work so hard at the coalface every day, so it’s great to gather together and celebrate their achievements.”

Standing out in a strong field of candidates, Ben Traeger of Aston Hills was named PGA South Australia Club Professional of the Year.

Due reward for an extended period of dedicated service to the members of Aston Hills, Traeger has worked hard to revamp the club’s offering.

“Six years ago I put my head on the chopping block,” he explained. “I went in with a brand new cart fleet, a full retail program and a willingness to engage with golfers in the local area.”

Having reaped the rewards of his innovation, Traeger remains committed to elevating the service at Aston Hills.

Through his role as a Board member of On Course Golf, Traeger keeps up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends. Something he is passionate about, he is also dedicated to passing all of this on to club members to ensure they can have the most enjoyable golfing experience possible.

High Performance Manager and coach of the Golf Australia Program in South Australia, Adrian Wickstein was named Coach of the Year – High Performance.

Having worked with emerging star Jack Thompson since 2018, Wickstein was proud to see Thompson break through for a maiden victory on the ISPS HANDA Tour of Australasia at the Gippsland Super 6 in December 2021.

Also the coach of two-time Hong Kong Open Champion, Wade Ormsby, Wickstein’s reputation as a high-performance coach is already well-renowned.

Wickstein’s stock of amateurs also including Jack Buchanan who currently leads the Golf Australia Order of Merit. Something he is proud of Wickstein believes that it is important to foster a pathway for high-performing amateurs.

“I have been able to promote the game of golf by offering opportunities to elite level amateurs,” he explained. “It is important that they have the chance to compete and compete well in national and international tournaments.”

For his dedicated service to growing the game throughout the state, Jamie Clutterham of North Adelaide Golf Club has been awarded PGA Coach of the Year – Game Development.

Offering a range of programs to make the game more accessible to more players, Clutterham has extended his Get Into Golf offering to suit everyone; with Par 3 clinics, mixed groups and on-course sessions accounting for almost 200 golfers.

Dedicated to helping golfers gain an entry point to the game, Clutterham’s philosophy is simple.

“My coaching, in the majority, has been at the entry level,” he explained. “I love providing people with the opportunity to become comfortable with the game and get out on the course playing regularly.”

Additionally, Clutterham offers Pro Talk seminars at the club, engaging up to 90 people and covering a range of topics to help everyone on their golfing journey – both on and off the course.

Passionate about broadening his reach too, Clutterham has offered several clinics in partnership with the Riverland Golf Association, at Barmera and Loxton Golf Clubs. As part of this offering, he enjoys running clinics for the Loxton Junior Girls Scholarship Group.

“It has been fantastic to see the girls develop into very capable golfers,” he smiled. “And now they are playing regularly on the course.”

Elsewhere, PGA Professional Brian Galvin was also recognised as the MyGolf Deliverer of Year for his tireless work promoting junior golf across South Australia.

Congratulations to all award winners on the evening.

Standing out in an exceptional field of nominees from throughout the state, Anthony Craswell (Latrobe Golf Club), Brett Scothern (Medway Golf Club), Peter Manzie (Southern Golf Club) and Nick Bielawski (PGA Academy) have been honoured as leaders in their respective fields.

Thrilled to have the chance to celebrate the achievements of Victoria’s PGA Professionals over the last twelve months, Victorian Membership Manager, Luke Bower praised award winners and nominees alike.

“Our PGA Professionals represent such an important asset in advancing the game, not only in Victoria, but right around Australia,” he said.

“Their passion, innovation and energy helps to make the game more enjoyable for everyone, so it’s wonderful to have the chance to celebrate that.”

Anthony Craswell was recognised as PGA Victorian Coach of the Year – Game Development for his outstanding work engaging juniors, women and girls at Latrobe Golf Club. Having brought the Club’s five-hole Island course to life, Craswell has been able to produce an offering that makes golf more accessible for the local community.

“Our development strategy is two-fold,” he explained. “Developing the new five-hole course provides a skills appropriate pathway for the community and then collaborating with the industry allows us to broaden our reach.”

Increased offering of Swing fit and Get Into Golf programs, combined with a commitment to the Even Par Project has seen Latrobe’s female membership increase by nearly 20% in 2022. An outstanding achievement, Craswell has also developed a partnership with the junior program at Yarra Bend, to provide a pathway to golf club membership.

His profound contribution to the game also recognised with a Visionary of the Year nomination in August, Craswell’s philosophy to game development is simple.

“We want to emphasise fun, enjoyment and the social benefits of golf, more than the particular skills themselves,” said Craswell who has been a PGA Professional for nearly 30 years. “That is the main reason people play the game.”

At Medway Golf Club, General Manager Brett Scothern’s willingness to innovate and revamp the Club’s offering has been rewarded with recognition as PGA Victorian Management Professional of the Year.

Having driven extensive facility developments, his efforts have ensured that members and guests now enjoy improved lounge and bar spaces, as well as function and outdoor areas. A restructure of the golf operations centre too, ensures an elevated level of golfer engagement every day.

Crucially, Scothern has also established a Women’s Vision 2025 program at the club. The success evident, Medway has seen a 20% increase in women’s membership in the last two years.

“It is designed to ensure there is a pathway for new golfers,” he explained. “From the chance to trial the game and discount membership offers, it enables the growth of the game and the women’s membership.”

Head Professional at Southern Golf Club for almost ten years, Peter Manzie was named PGA Victorian Club Professional of the Year, as he and his staff continue to offer a premium service to more than 1,300 members and their guests.

Having taken over all member inductions to gain a sense of familiarity with everyone at the club at the first opportunity, he understands the importance of ensuring a positive first experience for everyone at Southern.

“I think it’s essential that you put yourself in the shoes of the members,” he explained. “We are the eyes and ears of the golf club and we need to listen and act in a way that can better serve our membership.”

Manzie has also led the junior program to success; a combination of clinics, opening up practice facilities and discounted membership offerings having seen the junior membership grow to in excess of 70 passionate young players.

“The growth of the junior game has been one of my major objectives in 2022,” he said. “We have clear pathways for progression and the Club will hopefully start to see the benefits in the years to come.”

With a willingness to think outside of the box as well, Manzie has also instituted a refer a friend rebate scheme and a Trash & Treasure promotion to help members sell their unused golf equipment. All designed to improve the experience of the membership, Manzie is passionate about offering a premium experience.

“I really do believe that one of the most important things you can do from a management perspective is put yourself in the shoes of the members, think about what they want and look at things from their point of view.”

Named PGA Victorian Coach of the Year – High Performance, Coaching Programs Manager for the PGA of Australia, Nick Bielawski continues to provide a premium coaching offering through the PGA Academy and PGA Golf Performance Program.

In 2022, the Golf Performance Program produced three applicants for the Membership Pathway Program, as Bielawski helps to prepare the next generation for a career in golf.

“I take great pride in coaching and mentoring future PGA Professionals to transition to a role within the industry,” said Bielawski who has helped 31 Golf Performance Program students into the Membership Pathway Program since 2015.

Additionally, Bielawski leads a dynamic team of five PGA Professionals and several contractors at Sandringham and Sandhurst through the PGA Academy. Together they provide an industry-leading coaching offering to help advance Victoria’s high-performance golfers.

Always keen to broaden his scope of influence too, Bielawski has worked alongside the Vietnam Golf Association to create a high-performance junior program in Vietnam.

“This is designed to help develop national and international level golfers to help lead golf in Vietnam both now and into the future,” Bielawski said.