Golfing legend Kel Nagle provided the highlight of the evening at the NSW PGA gala awards and graduation dinner last night, when he presented grandson Jake Nagle and 13 other young trainee members with their certificate of full membership to the PGA of Australia, an association Kel has had himself since 1939.

As patron of the PGA Academy, Kel was on hand last night to congratulate and welcome each of the young members and it was certainly a special moment for Nagle as he presented his grandson Jake Nagle with the certificate of membership, also thought to be a first in PGA history.

Also amongst the graduating trainees were two female recipients, Angela Tunchon (Pennant Hills G.C.) and Kate Leyshon (Wakehurst G.C.). The ladies continue the trend of more young women looking at a career in professional golf and were popular recipients of their membership certificates.

Of the award winners on the night, Terry Hayes from Tamworth Golf Club, received the NSW Teacher of the Year Award which highlights the major impact Australian coaches and players are having on the world professional golf circuits. Terry is a major contributor to junior development in his area and is coach to US PGA Tour winner, Mark Hensby.

Rookie Professional Kurt Barnes took out the prestigious NSW PGA Player of the Year Award for his outstanding efforts both in the New South Wales and Australian golfing circuits.

Other winners on the night included Michael Etherington – Most Consistent Player, Jeff Wagner – NSW Mazda Order of Merit Winner, John Clifford – NSW Senior Player of the Year, David Partridge – NSW Trainee of the Year, Josh Lane – NSW Rookie of the Year, and NSW Club Professional of the Year was won by Narrabri Professional Brad Baker. Northbridge Golf Club took out the Mazda City/Metro Pro-Series event of the Year and Cowra Golf Club awarded the Mazda NSW Country Tournament of the Year.

The gala function was attended by over 215 golfing enthusiast and golfing brothers and respected PGA Members Alex and David Mercer were also amongst the guests to enjoy the evening.

Full List of Graduating Trainees:
Kurt Linde (Belmont G.C.)
Mark Gilson (Pennant Hills G.C.)
Edwin Groot (Hawks Nest G.C.)
Daekeun Kim (Glenmore Heritage G.C.)
Kate Leyshon (Wakehurst G.C.)
Bengt Lindskog (Concord G.C.)
Bryce Macdonald (Asquith G.C.)
Christian McGill (Terry Hills Country C.)
Travis Merritt (Rosnay G.C.)
David Partridge (The Australian G.C.)
Angela Tunchon (Pennant Hills G.C.)
Alexander Wiffin (Carnarvon G.C)
William Wright (Riverwood G.C.)
Jake Nagle (Murrumbidgee G.C.)

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