PGA Australia Magazine - Centenary Edition by Inside Golf

pga magazine PGA of Australia Celebrating 100 Years

PGA of Australia

100 Years

September – October 2011

The Official publication of the PGA of Australia

September – October 2011

Celebrating

Golf congratulates the PGA and its members on reaching its Centennial. As the PGA of Australia reaches its 100 year milestone, we at are proud to have assisted our PGA members in the success of their careers for the past 25 years. provides its members with the best support services available from the industry’s leading group. • Aggregated buying power • Marketing & Advertising directed to your membership • In store operational support from experienced Operations Managers • In house IT technical support • In store Point of Sale materials • Head Office business support • Peer network support via business systems If you are a PGA member who wants to be a part of the premier golf group in Australia and benefit from our position in the golf industry, then contact us for a confidential discussion.

To become a member and discover how Geoff Zarth General Manager geoff@oncoursegolf.com.au 03 8542 7777

Paul Jamison National Operations Manager paul@oncoursegolf.com.au 03 8542 7777

can benefit your business, contact: Grant Swan Franchise Operations Manager NSW/QLD grant@oncoursegolf.com.au 0417 770 588

Dean Rattle Operations Manager Southern Region dean@oncoursegolf.com.au 0419 506 510

Our congratulations go to all of the past and present PGA Professionals who are or have been Members. Michael Achurch Stephen Aerts Anthony Albon Matthew Allan Simon Angliss Dominic Azzopardi Craig Baldwin Joanne Bannerman Scott Barradell Brian Barugh Mark Bath Sean Bath Jason Benham Les Bennett Andrew Bertram Col Bice Peter Bickley Colin Bishop Craig Bonney Gary Booby Phil Boulton Jeff Boyle Craig Brown Gary Burmester David Cardillo Tony Cavanagh Mark Chalker Brett Chappell Darren Chivas Martin Clements Michael Clough Jamie Clutterham Glen Coghill Richard Cooney Gavin Coyle Tony Craswell Tim Crosbie Phil Curd Bill Cussell Tony Dall’Osto Paul Davis Russ Davis David Delahunty Ian Denny Matthew Dent Don Dixon Gary Dixon Wayne Dodd Ian Dodgshun Matthew Duke Craig Duncan Mark Eisenhuth Carl Evans Rob Farley Bryan Ferguson

Danny Freyling Darren Golder Simon Gough Steve Grange Darren Green Mark Griffin Adam Grimshaw Matt Habgood Paul Habgood Tim Haddon Lee Harrington Peter Harrington Peter Harvey Paul Hazlett Jonathon Hickman Chris Holliday Jeff Holloway Colin Holmes Peter Hopkins Barry Horton Brad Howarth Cameron Howell Peter Jaeger Steve Jenkins Cameron Jensen Paul Jones Peter Jones Clarke Joyce Michael Justin Gerard Kelly Graeme Kelly Wayne Kesby Troy Lane Kevin Law Adrian Lawson Ron LeBrocque Scott Lennox John Lewis Simon Linnane Steve Lipovas Dennis Lucy Michael MacGregor Richard Maclean Ray McGlinn Matthew McGuire Howard McHutchison Andrew McInnes Mark McIntyre Brett McMartin Ross Metherell Chris Miller Marke Miller Steve Montgomerie Ross Moodie Kylie Moulds

Angela Murphy Philip Nance Mal Neville Leigh Newman Daniel Nichols Kane Nusteling Russell O’Neill Paul Orchard Chris Pannell Wayne Parlato Peter Pearce Stephen Pepper Simon Purdie Aaron Rayson Richard Rhodes Rob Richards Mal Robertson Wayne Rogers Geoff Ross Jason Russell Cameron Scott Shanan Scott Sean Seymour Tim Silver Scott Simons Gareth Small Brian Smith Dominic Smith David Snelling Greg Snelling Paul Spackman Justin Speirani Chris Staff Matthew Stapleton Greg Stewart Stewart Stirling Graeme Stockley Ross Strachan Damian Swadling Michael Swan Scott Tasker John Toyne Peter Toyne Graeme Trew John Victorsen Mark Victorsen Andrew Weir Nigel Williams Bill Wilson Mal Wilson David Wren James Wright Warren Young Johnathon Zirkler

Thank you all for building Australia’s greatest PGA group.

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Contents

In this issue. 8

Cover story Clarke Coolum bound

Darren Clarke, an extremely popular winner of the 2011 Open Championship, will headline a stellar field for the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca Cola Special Centenary Section

The first meeting of the PGA of Australia back on September 19, 1911

The Centenary Ambassadors A collection of members who symbolise the past, the present and the future of the PGA will represent the association as Centenary Ambassadors

The Changing Face The PGA has undergone significant change, not just over the past 100 years, but also during more recent times

The PGA Championship – A pictorial history Using a series of photographs, the stories that make the PGA Championship Australia’s most sought after golfing title

Golf’s Don Bradman No Australian professional can match the great Kel Nagle when it comes to tournaments won and his amazing longevity in the game

Features

66 70

To be a PGA member PGA Magazine examines the values of PGA membership

Making their mark in a foreign land Australian PGA members are making their mark in the golfing industry not only on home soil, but all over the world

Hamilton’s labour of love Christian Hamilton, the professional at the Sandhurst Club, has embraced the Limbs 4 Life program with boundless enthusiasm

Official publicaiton of the PGA of Australia Editor. Rob Willis P. 0414 814 202 E. rob@pgamagazine.com.au Senior Writer. David Newbery E. david@insidegolf.com.au Contributing Editors. Mike Orloff Richard Fellner Design & Layout. Nick Thorn Creative Consultants. iMedia Corp

National Sales & Marketing Director. Sam Arthur P. 1300 4653 00 F. (07) 5535 4922 M. 0410 575 303 E. sam@outdoorsportspublishing.com.au NSW Sales. Scott Barsby M. 0424 779 199 E. scott@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales. David Ross M. 0439 612 458 E. dg.ross@live.com.au

VIC/TAS Sales. Jon Perrett M. 0402 852 637 E: jon.perrett@bestingolfgroup.com Accounts. Sheridan Murphy M. 0404 075 823 E. accounts@insidegolf.com.au Publisher. Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220

Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Views expressed in editorial contributions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this magazine, its management or the PGA of Australia.

Issue 32. September – October 2011

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Cover story

Open Champ Clarke

to play at Coolum Recently crowned British Open champ Darren Clarke has agreed to join the star-studded field at the PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, to be played at the Hyatt Regency Coolum from November 24-27.

Northern Ireland’s Clarke, an extremely popular winner of The Open Championship, looks forward to the challenge of the Hyatt Regency Coolum course and to also enjoying the tropical climate of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. “I have heard great things about Queensland and the course at Coolum so I am looking forward to playing golf in more warm conditions than I am used to and also testing my game on a different style course to that of a links,” Clarke said. “My family also can’t wait to get to the Sunshine Coast.” Clarke is appreciative of the fact no Irishman has ever won the event, realising he has his work cut out if he wants to add the PGA Championship title to his 20 career victories. “Knowing that I could be the first Irishman to win the Australian PGA will be in the back of my mind when I come to play and I hope that I have plenty of fellow Irishman there to cheer me on,” Clarke said. “Irish golfers are enjoying lots of success of late and hopefully I can continue this trend. 8–––Issue 32. September – October 2011

My game is in great shape and I look forward to capping off a great year in Australia.” With Clarke joining Australian young gun Jason Day, one of world golf’s longest hitters in Bubba Watson and golfing legend Greg Norman, in the field at Coolum, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh was one eagerly anticipating the tournament and what it might bring to the state of Queensland. “This is shaping up to be the most impressive line-up of talent we’ve seen for the tournament,” Ms Bligh said. “To have a champion like Darren Clarke – in addition to recent confirmation of Greg Norman, Jason Day and Bubba Watson – really is a coup for Queensland. “The PGA is a marquee event on Queensland’s dynamic and growing events calendar.” Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia, also looks forward to welcoming Clarke to Australian shores and is pleased the reigning Open champ will play a part in what is shaping as a bumper season for golf in Australia.

“With stellar fields for the Australian Open and PGA Championship presented by CocaCola, the world’s best here for The Presidents Cup and the PGA of Australia celebrating its Centenary in 2011 it’s a huge year for golf and I am very pleased that Darren Clarke is able to come and experience Australian golf at its finest,” Thorburn said. The 2011 PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will again be co-sanctioned by OneAsia, the Asia Pacific’s premier professional tournament destination for elite players. Top players from all over the region are expected to head Down Under to go headto-head with Australia’s stars. The tournament will be showcased on OneAsia’s television platform across all four tournament days, broadcast to over 400 million homes in more than 40 countries. The event will be broadcast domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International and Sky Sports NZ among others.

Cover Story “Five PGA’s would definitely be a nice achievement and to do so in such a big year for Australian golf would make it even sweeter,” Allenby said. Of the other leading Australians Baddeley will play at Coolum for just the second time in his career, while Ogilvy is hoping to go one better after losing out to evergreen Queenslander Peter Senior in a playoff last year. It is expected that Senior, the oldest player to win the PGA Championship at age 51 last year, after an outstanding campaign on the US Champions Tour in 2011, would be back to defend his title. Understandably, PGA CEO Brian Thorburn was excited about the line-up of stars set to descend on the Hyatt Coolum course in November. “We couldn’t be happier with the lineup for this year’s PGA Championship,” Thorburn said. “We are so pleased that all of our players want to be a part of such a huge year.” 

Can Geoff Ogilvy go one better at the 2011 PGA Championship after losing out in a playoff last year?

Big-hitting American Bubba Watson will be a star attraction at the 2011 PGA Championship

Local boys coming home

Adam Scott, Robert Allenby, Geoff Ogilvy, Aaron Baddeley and John Senden recently confirmed they will join the impressive field of previously announced players for the 2011 PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. The announcement of their participation guarantees the event will now boast the best ever line-up of talent for the PGA Championship since it arrived on the Sunshine Coast back in 2002.

Australia’s highest ranked player Scott, with a recent World Golf Championship victory under his belt, heads to Coolum with great expectations. “Winning at home in Queensland has always been on my list of things I want to achieve in my career and with the way I’m playing at the moment hopefully this could be my year for the PGA,” said Scott. “It would be great to play well this year and win in Queensland.” At the other end of the PGA Championship success spectrum, four-time winner Allenby looks forward to the opportunity to create some history and make it five at this year’s event.

GREG NORMAN • JASON DAY • DARREN CLARKE • BUBBA WATSON THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 24-27 NOVEMBER 2011 AT THE HYATT REGENCY COOLUM, SUNSHINE COAST - QLD

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xxxxx news

World

beater!

WGC Bridgestone champ Adam Scott

10–––Issue 10 Issue 32. September – October 2011

Australian Adam Scott set up victory at the World Golf Championship Bridgestone Invitational with a superb opening 62 then gave his competitors no chance with a last day 65 in an outstanding performance at the Firestone Country Club. The 31-year-old Scott returned an 18-under par tournament total, four better than joint runners-Luke Donald and Ricky Fowler, in recording his eighth US PGA Tour success and his 19th international victory. The Queenslander showed a steely determination in the final round, with his par save on the 15th green going a long way towards securing the win. “I played at a very high level today given the circumstances,” Scott said. “Not everything was perfect. I hit a few loose shots, but it was pretty sharp. And it was like we’re used to seeing Tiger close out tournaments. He gets in front and just won’t let anyone in. I think the putt on 15. That is certainly a putt that he makes when he’s in that position.” Jason Day, in a continuation of his high level of play in 2011, finished with fellow young gun Ryo Ishikawa in a tie fifth on 13-under par for the week, with Day sensing something special from Scott before the final round had even begun. “I walked on the range this morning, and he looked confident,” Day said. “I knew he was going to be tough to beat today.” Scott’s win also gained considerable publicity due to his choice of caddy in Tiger Woods former bagman Steve Williams, with the outspoken Kiwi vocal about his split with the long time world number one and the satisfaction gained from his win alongside Scott.

“It was the most satisfying win I’ve ever had. There’s no two ways about it,” said Williams, who won 13 major championships with Woods and has in excess of 140 tournament titles as a caddy. Just one week following his win at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, Scott backed it up with solid four days of golf at the US PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Scott ended the week seventh on 4-under par, four shots behind Americans Keegan Bradley and Jason Duffner who were forced into extra holes to decide a winner. While he may not have been able to win on consecutive Sunday’s the performance further enhanced Scott’s reputation as a serious contender in the biggest tournaments on the golfing calendar. “It’s easy to come in the week after and just play it around the golf course, but if you do that here, you’re probably going to be going home Friday afternoon. I worked really hard because I wanted to build on the good finish of last week,” Scott told pgatour.com. The PGA Championship result and his Bridgestone cheque for US$1.4million saw Scott jump to number seven on the official world golf rankings. With his two strong outings the Queenslander also climbed into 13th on the FedEx Cup points list and to eighth on the US PGA Tour moneylist with total earnings in excess of US$3.2million. At the time PGA magazine went to print, Scott had committed to play in the Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney and courtesy of his world ranking was set to be an automatic selection for the International Team at the President’s Cup. 

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OneAsia

Second win for Stolz in Thailand Australian Andre Stolz secured his second victory of the season on OneAsia after coming out on top in an exciting head to head showdown with local hope Prayad Marksaeng at the US$1million Thailand Open. Stolz, the winner of the season opening Indonesia PGA Championship back in March, fired a sizzling last day nine-underpar 63, for a 22-under par tournament total, in beating Marksaeng by two shots. After starting the final round three behind Marksaeng the overnight leader, Stolz made nine birdies, including six on the front side at the Suwan Golf and Country Club course, to score a victory which at the beginning of the day may have seemed out of reach.

Thailand Open winner and OneAsia order of merit leader Andre Stolz

“I hit a lot of great shots early on and obviously Prayad and I were battling each other – it was great fun. I knew I had to get a fast start and he comes out making birdies as well,” Stolz said. The win was the continuation of what is an outstanding comeback story for Stolz, who back in 2005 was resigned to walking away from competitive golf after struggling to overcome a nagging wrist injury. With the Thailand Open success Stolz now has two titles on OneAsia to add to wins on the US PGA, Nationwide and Japan Tours and his four victories on the PGA Tour of Australasia. Stolz now heads the OneAsia order of merit and with his confidence high looks for more of the same in the end of season tournaments back home.

“The way I am playing at the moment I feel I can win every event I play. I’ve only played badly on about five days in the last year,” he said. “I am pretty happy with my golf and my swing. I really got it clicking after my trip to America at the end of last year. “Honestly it is good as I have ever played.” In collecting the US$180,000 winners’ cheque Stolz overtook Korean Kim Kyung-tae at the top of the OneAsia Order of Merit with total earnings of US$433,125. Of the other Australians at the Thailand Open Brent McCullough enjoyed a solid week, with his 17-under par total seeing him finish in a tie for third on 17-under, while Jamie Arnold had his best result on OneAsia in winding up alone in sixth position two strokes further back. 

Wily veteran the champ in Indonesia Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant, a multiple winner throughout the Asian region, made a scrambling par on the 18th hole at Damai Indah Golf - Pantai Indah Kapuk Course to claim his first OneAsia title at the US$1mill Indonesia Open presented by Enjoy Jakarta. The 44-year-old Wiratchant prevailed by one stroke from Indonesia’s rising star Rory Hie, defending champion Michael Hendry and Korean Choi Jin-ho. Wiratchant, who collected a cheque for US$180,000, led by three at the start of the last day and in closing with a 73, for a 13-under par total, chalked up his second success in the Indonesian Open following on from his initial victory back in 2005. Hendy had a chance to send the event into extra time however his long range Thaworn Wiratchant

12–––Issue 32. September – October 2011

birdie putt on the 72nd hole failed to find the mark, while Hie bogeyed the 18th after finding a water hazard off the tee. For Hie, it was the second time he had finished in the runners-up position at a OneAsia event, with the 22-year-old also falling just one stroke short at the Indonesia PGA Championship earlier this year. The winner by seven shots at the same venue in 2010, New Zealander Hendy produced a fine defence of his title, while the unheralded Choi made birdies on 15, 16 and 17 to come close to snatching an unlikely win. Perth Professional Kim Felton and Victorian Ashley Hall were the best of the Australians, three shots behind the winner in a tie for fifth. Mathew Griffin was a shot further back. 

In case you missed it...

Senior so close Peter Senior continued his push for a first US Champions Tour title in recording a second and third place finish during August. In his second season on the US over-50’s circuit, the Queenslander was tied for the lead with American John Huston at the 3M Championship entering the final day and despite shooting a 2-under 70, was passed by eventual winner Jay Haas. Senior finished on 14-under and tied with Tom Lehman and Kenny Perry. Then just two weeks later Senior was again

Fowler scores a top 10 at Senior British Open Peter Fowler

Peter Fowler’s excellent 2011 campaign continued with a strong performance at the Senior British Open. Fowler, who was in contention after opening rounds of 71-68, eventually finished in a tie for seventh, six shots behind winner Russ Cochran. The Australian shot a 6-under par total at the Walton Heath course, earning €32,269. As of mid August Fowler sat in second place, trailing only Ton Watson, on the European Senior Order with €198,854 in earnings.  14–––Issue 32. September – October 2011

knocking on the door, coming up just one shot short of Fred Couples and John Cook at the Senior Players Championship at the Westchester Country Club. Couples would go on to win the event with Senior outright third. The result marked the ninth time Senior had finished inside the top 10 of a Champions Tour event this year, with his earnings a healthy US$1,004,000 in 16 tournaments so far. He has already outdone his 2010 efforts where in 25 events played Senior enjoyed three top 10’s while banking US$821,000. 

Peter Senior

THE MAJORS

The old bull and young buck claim major victories While experienced Irishman Darren Clarke walked away with the spoils at the British Open and it was rookie Keegan Bradley, in his first ever outing in a major championship, who claimed victory at the US PGA Championship. In The Open Championship, played in difficult weather conditions on a demanding Royal St Georges layout, Clarke’s 5-under par total was three shots better than runnersup Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, with Dane Thomas Bjorn on 1-under, the only other player better than par. The Aussies never quite managed to mount a serious challenge, however lefty Richard Green performed creditably, his 72hole total of 5-over par leaving him in a tie for 16th, Adam Scott was next best on 7-over in 25th, with Jason Day, 9-over par and tied 30th.

At the Atlanta Athletic Club a new golfing star was unearthed when Bradley, a 25-year-old American, won his first major championship in his first appearance in one of the ‘big four’ golf championships. Bradley brushed a disastrous triple bogey on the 15th hole in the final round before beating Jason Duffner in a playoff at the US PGA. Duffner squandered a last round advantage with consecutive bogies on the 15th, 16th and 17th holes. In the three-hole playoff the belly putter-wielding Bradley birdied the 16th and from there two more pars were enough to claim the fourth and final major of 2011. Of the Australian’s in the field, Scott continued his consistent form, finishing seventh on four-under and just four strokes from the leading pair. 

STOP PRESS: Nitties a Nationwide winner Newcastle professional James Nitties staked a claim for a return to the US PGA Tour in 2012 with an impressive victory at the Midwest Classic in Kansas on the US Nationwide Tour. Nitties shot a 26-under par total in winning by five shots from fellow Aussie

Nick Flanagan and Swede Jonas Blixt, collecting a cheque for US$99,000. The victory saw the 29-year-old Nitties move to 12th on the Nationwide Tour money list and into contention for a place in the top 25 at year’s end and therefore a promotion to the PGA Tour for 2012. 

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Industry News

Flight Centre lands new golfing partnership Flight Centre Limited has joined forces with the PGA as Official Travel Agency Partner of the PGA of Australia and, in particular, the two major events of the summer the Australian Open and the PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. PGA members, tournament players and consumers are all set to benefit from discounted golf related travel services under the new partnership. “Our arrangement with Flight Centre provides benefits in a number of areas. Firstly, it provides discounted travel options to the players for whom travel is an everyday reality and secondly by providing great travel

options to golf fans for what is sure to be the biggest year of Australian golf on record,” said Brian Thorburn, PGA of Australia CEO. As the Official Travel Agency of the PGA of Australia, Flight Centre will offer fans travel packages for the upcoming Australian Open and PGA Championship which are both set to feature some of the biggest names in world golf. “Never before has there been so much

An eye on the prize Daniel Cromie, a AAA PGA Member, has had his eye on becoming a General Manager of a golf club for nearly ten years, recently making a significant step forward in achieving this lofty goal. His Industry experience began by undertaking a three-year PGA of Australia Traineeship (2001-2003) at both the Huntingdale Golf Club and at Brighton Public Golf Course. Following his traineeship Daniel spent a couple of years developing his game playing professionally in a number of regions that included the Asian, New Zealand and the Australian tours. In 2007 he began his operational experience as the Teaching Professional/ Junior Development Manager at The Box Hill Golf Club in Melbourne and over the next two years had achieved great success increasing their junior memberships from five to 70. In 2009 he was promoted to Assistant Golf Director/Corporate Golf Manager with a main focus on the day-to-day golf operations. During this time he was also undertaking a Diploma in Business 16–––Issue 32. September – October 2011

Daniel Cromie

Management at Swinburne University, part-time in the evenings. Daniel has now been appointed as Golf Operations Manager for The Green Acres Golf Club in Melbourne, which has put him much closer to achieving his goal of General Manager. 

incentive to travel interstate to see not only our best golfers compete, but also the world’s best. Flight Centre will provide a number of affordable packages ensuring even more Australians will get the chance to be part of an extraordinary summer,” Thorburn added. The packages will be supported by various Flight Centre promotions across its outlets and a digital activity encouraging Australian sports fans to make the most of the upcoming summer. For information on holiday packages to the Australian Open and PGA Championship, call Flight Centre on 1300 778 433 or visit www.flightcentre.com.au/golf 

World–class instructors join iseekgolf.com teaching panel Leading Australian golf website iseekgolf.com has launched its new ‘Ask-a-Pro’ teaching panel, available for all their members to freely ask questions to the recently formed group of national and international PGA golf instructors. The panel is made up of experts from all areas of the game such as coaching, full swing, short game and mental. Each of the pros will have their own designated discussion (thread) along with several group panel discussions also being available. iseekgolf.com readers can now have easy access to the panel of experts. They can ask questions, submit their swing on video, take in their insights into teaching at the high performance level, while doing it all from the comfort from their home or office. For the the official Ask-a-Pro team of golf professionals and more information go to www.iseekgolf.com 

Industry News

UFL becomes the Official Apparel Partner of OneAsia Uniting Future Legends (UFL) was established by veteran Singapore-based apparel manufacturer Alpine Creations ‘to celebrate the journey of competitive amateur athletes who aspire to become tomorrow’s sports legends and to shape the future of the games they play’. Ashok Mahtani, co-founder of UFL and Alpine Creations, has no doubts that today’s up-and-coming golfers are seeking to express themselves with apparel that is both distinctive and practical, hence the company’s tie-ups with both burgeoning OneAsia and the Faldo Series Asia (FSA), the region’s predominant elite platform for top amateurs. “We are thrilled about the partnership between OneAsia and UFL, which allows us to expand our horizon in supporting budding golfers in Asia,” Mahtani expressed. “We are also excited about our plans for 2012, where a

Team UFL, comprising of five leading young OneAsia players, will be jointly created by both entities, to become brand ambassadors for UFL using the OneAsia platform.” “Golf is a multi-billion dollar industry in Asia – estimated to be worth well over US$15 billion annually and employing over 300,000 people region-wide. The youth market in

Asia affords us the opportunity to grow our business while becoming part of golf’s ‘new history’,” Mahtani added. Ben Sellenger, Chief Executive Officer of OneAsia, stated: “UFL have shown a true commitment to developing the future generation of Asian golfers, and there is a real alignment between our two organisations in not only the development and growth of golf in the region, but also a willingness to push established boundaries, and become distinctive in our own right.” 

Mike Orloff, a PGA member and Golf Operations specialist who runs the website www.golfindustrycentral.com.au, is a contributor to Industry News

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News

Tim Clark chosen as Captain’s Assistant

Tim Clark, a captain’s assistant for the International Team

South Africa’s Tim Clark, the 2008 Australian Open Champion, has been named a Captain’s Assistant for The Presidents Cup International Team. Clark was selected by International Team Captain Greg Norman, who made the announcement during a private meeting of potential International Team Members prior to the start of the USPGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Georgia. “Tim brings a lot of Presidents Cup experience to the position, having been a member of three previous International Teams, including the one I captained in 2009, where he was an inspiration to all his fellow team members for his performance and incredible team spirit, which is so vital in seeking a victory,” said Norman. Despite currently being in contention for a berth in the 2011 International Team, Clark is set to undergo elbow

surgery which would rule him out as a player in the event, however he was excited to accept the role proposed by Norman. “It was a tough decision to accept that I wouldn’t be able to compete at Royal Melbourne later this year,” Clark said. “But my spirits took a turn for the best when Greg asked me to join him and Frank Nobilo as a Captain’s Assistant. If I can’t swing the club myself to help the International Team achieve a victory, I’ll certainly do all I can in the team room to help the rest of my fellow players.” Clark made his Presidents Cup debut in 2003 and in three Presidents Cup appearances has compiled a 5-2-8 record. Fred Couples, the captain of the US Team, will also have two assistants as he brings back Jay Haas and Michael Jordan from the victorious 2009 team. 

World Ranking points on offer for Australia In a significant step forward and positive boost for local events, the PGA Tour of Australasia’s state and regional based tournaments will be awarded World Ranking points, from January 1, 2012. After sustained lobbying by the PGA Tour of Australasia, which first began at the US Masters in April, the Board of the Official World Golf Rankings formally accepted the proposal to have players compete for official rankings points at all events on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule. Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia, reasoned the decision as recognition of the increasing quality of the events being played in Australia. 18–––Issue 32. September – October 2011

“This is a real win for our tournaments and most importantly our players for whom the PGA Tour of Australasia events act as a springboard to other international tours,” Thorburn said. “The awarding of points will now ensure these events have even greater relevance internationally and will attract even higher quality fields. While World Ranking points were already awarded to Australia’s flagship events such as the national Open, PGA and Masters, under the new arrangement tournaments such as the Victorian Open, NSW PGA Championship and Western Australian PGA Championship will also offer rankings points. The minimum points level will be set at 6 points for the winner of each State and Regional based

Championship. This puts these events on par with the Canadian Tour, OneAsia, the Tour de Las Americas and the Korean Tour. Ranking Points are awarded according to the players’ finishing positions and are also related to the strength of the field based on the number and ranking of the Top-200 world ranked players and the Top-30 of the home tour players in the respective tournaments. The decision was ratified at the recent meeting of the Official World Golf Ranking Board at The Open Championship in Sandwich. 

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australian Open

Tiger to tee it

up in Sydney In another boost to what was already shaping as the most exciting Australian golfing summer in recent memory, comes the news that Tiger Woods has committed to compete in the 2011 Australian Open.

Woods, the winner of 13 major championships and 83 tournaments worldwide, is slowly making a return to tournament golf after overcoming a series of injuries, with the announcement of his participation in the event to be held in Sydney in November, complementing the outstanding field which is set to battle for the much sought after Stonehaven Cup. Brian Thorburn, PGA of Australia CEO, was thrilled to reveal that Woods would join the likes of Greg Norman, Fred Couples, world top-20 ranked American’s Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson, as well as local hopes in defending Champion Geoff Ogilvy and Australia’s newest superstar Jason Day, at the Lakes Golf Club later this year. “Tiger’s presence in Australia’s most prestigious tournament will further enhance what is certain to be a huge summer of Australian golf,” Thorburn said. “Tiger will be joined in Australia by the world’s best golfers and while we have already made plenty of player announcements we still intend to make more. “We know there are a lot of Presidents Cup players wanting to play in our PGA Tour of Australasia events and we expect there 20–––Issue 32. September – October 2011

will be plenty more announcements in the coming weeks.” For Woods, who made his competitive comeback at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in early August, it will be only his second tournament appearance in Sydney. His past visit to the harbour city came back in 1996, when Greg Norman survived some atrocious conditions at the Australian Golf Club to claim the first place prize. “I had a great time in 1996, Norman won that year,” Woods said during a press conference in Akron prior to the WGC event. “It was an eye-opening experience to play in Norman’s home country like that when he was really playing well at the time.” While Woods produced a credible performance in 1996, finishing fifth, this time around he is coming down under with one intention, that being to win an event which has an impressive list of the world’s very best players, including Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Nagle and Thomson, as past champions. “I’d love to get my name on the trophy,” Woods said. “The feel of it, with the history and the champions list is pretty remarkable, really.

“Back then the Australian Open was one of the biggest events in the world, very close to some of the major championships. So it sort of has a ton of history, and this year we’ve got just an amazing field, and I’m looking forward to it.” The Australian Open, which tees off on November 10, will be followed by the much-anticipated President’s Cup, with the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca Cola to be played at the Hyatt Coolum course the week after. Throw in the Australian Masters in December, an event which features current world number one Luke Donald, and the hype around the sport of golf is set to reach some unprecedented levels. “The PGA is expecting record crowds and record television audiences, in particular for the Australian Open and PGA Championship presented by CocaCola. It’s safe to say this summer will ensure Australian golf is on the world map and we are more than prepared to capitalise on this opportunity for the ongoing growth of the entire golf industry,” Thorburn said. 

Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Greg Norman, Dustin Johnson

For tickets only visit To book travel packages visit

and

Geoff Ogilvy

, all outlets or call 13 28 49. or call 1300 778 433.

www.australianopengolf.com.au

Period Two is here… 40

to be won!

So now you have a brand new chance to WIN! Simply become an exclusive CCA member and follow a few simple ranging requirements for your chance to WIN a $500 Harvey Norman Gift Card! For more details, speak to your CCA State Golf Business Manager today!

Open to Australian residents 18+ years of age who are Golf Pro Shop owners and customers of CCA. Pro Shops who breach their existing payment terms agreement with CCA will be ineligible to claim a prize.

For full conditions of entry, visit www.CCAClubhouse.com.au. The Incentive commences at 12.01am AEST 01.09.11 and concludes at 5.00pm AEDST 30.11.11. A Prize Draw will be conducted at 12.00pm AEST 09.12.11. First 40 Eligible Outlets drawn will win a Harvey Norman Gift Card valued at $500. Each Pro Shop can only win one Prize during the Incentive Period (excl SA). Total prize pool is valued at $20,000. Winner’s names published in The Australian on 23.12.11. All winners will be notified by telephone & mail within 48 hours of the draw. All prizes must be claimed by 09.03.12. Promoter is Coca-Cola Amatil (Aust) Pty Ltd, ABN 68 076 594 119, 40 Mount Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/11/7253, ACT Permit No. TP11/3201, VIC Permit No. 11/1672, and SA Permit No. T11/1650. © 2011 The Coca-Cola Company. ‘Coca-Cola', 'Coca-Cola Zero', 'diet Coca-Cola', 'Sprite', 'Lift', ‘Goulburn Valley’, ‘Powerade’, ‘Powerade Fuel+’, ‘Mountain Blast’, ‘Pump', 'Pumped’, the ‘Pump’ bottle, the Dynamic Ribbon device and the 'Grip & Go' bottle are registered trade marks of The Coca-Cola Company. ‘Mount Franklin’ is a registered trade mark of Coca-Cola Amatil. ‘GLACÉAU vitaminwater’ and the label designs are trade marks of energy brands, inc.

“

CCA DELIVERS POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR BOTH OUR CLUB AND THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE Gary Richardson - General Manager at The Peninsula Country Golf

In May this year, the PGA’s premier partner Coca-Cola Amatil joined forces with The Peninsula Country Golf Club as their exclusive non alcoholic beverage supplier. The new 5-year agreement will involve Peninsula pouring CCA products throughout the bar, Pro Shop and on-course. Further, the club will also be using CCA’s coffee, Grinders, in the clubhouse. Travis Thompson, State Business Manager Vic CCA said, “It’s great for CCA to form such a long-term partnership with one of Victoria’s most prestigious clubs and especially one with such beautiful facilities. Already we have used their excellent facilities for two National conferences. We see ourselves as a “one-stop” beverage solution. The fact that The Peninsula Country Club is selling our non-alcoholic range and Grinders coffee demonstrates that CCA have a compelling offer to suit the golfing environment”

Gary Richardson, General Manager at The Peninsula Country Golf Club states, “That CCA covers such a wide number of categories including coffee, dealing with one company was a logical step and CCA a good fit. The changeover was seamless with postmix units, vending machines and fridges installed on the one day thereby causing minimal disruption to business. Having a dedicated golf team, with a business manager and golf specific representative, we have confidence that CCA can deliver positive outcomes for both our club and the industry as a whole”.

For further information on Peninsula Country Golf Club, including their conferencing, on-site accommodation or their exciting new golf tours, please visit

www.peninsulagolf.com.au

ASK THE PGA –

Mark Gibson Q.

Mark, you have been a proud PGA Member for over 30 years now, what do you believe have been the biggest changes in the Association and also your career in this time? There have been so many changes!! In playing I feel the athleticism of the players now is amazing. Technology has the changed the design and performance of equipment which has lead to our Members changing the way we coach the game holistically. I also feel the education programs across all categories being coaching, golf operations and now management has enhanced our Memberships skills in whichever pathway of their career they choose.

As a Vocational Member you commenced your Traineeship in 1975 how has the program evolved over this time and where do you see its future heading? The evolution of the Trainee Program has helped our Trainees be well equipped to succeed in the ever changing market that golf is. The future of the program has to be about educating a good percentage of Trainees to become great Administrators as well as great Club Pro’s and Coaches. The number of Teaching and Club Pro positions available is not growing very rapidly due to a lack of new facility development. To assist our graduates work in their chosen profession

24–––Issue 32. September – October 2011

Mark Gibson is the Chairman of the Board of the PGA of Australia. In this the Centenary Year, Gibson looks back with pride at his own professional career, while addressing a number of issues relevant to the PGA and the membership as the organisation moves forward into an exciting new era.

means we need to look at different employment opportunities for them. Keeping the Trainee Program in pace with the changing market is an important aspect the PGA regularly reviews and updates.

Q. A.

What does the Board see as the vision for the game? How do you plan on growing the game? Our Board with its great diversity gives a very positive view for the games future. We believe that as long as all PGA Members, both Touring and Vocational make continual improvement, then the game’s future in Australia is in a good position. Through our programs we want to grow the profile of our Members and ensure we are now educated in all areas of the golf industry. This will have the Association working collaboratively with other golfing bodies to grow participation which will lead to PGA Members growing their businesses and creating more jobs. We also believe there is a need for the PGA to get some of our good young developing players to the ‘Star Class’. From there it is the next step for them to join Cadel Evans in the inspirational HERO class.

Q. A.

How do you view the game of golf fitting into the broader Australian sporting landscape? Golf has a vital role to play. It is a tremendous teacher of life skills for our young people. It teaches honour,

respect, integrity, work ethic, patience, perseverance, planning, and information processing, emotional self control amongst others. I don’t know of any sport that better equips young people for the challenges ahead in all aspects of their life and careers. Golf is a unique game where Professionals can play with golfers of all standards in any environment being competition, business or social and this is why the 1.2million golfers who play the game really enjoy the sport. One of the key changes for the future is to ensure we have an “everyone is welcome” unified approach to playing the game whether you are a beginner, junior, woman or just social. This will ensure our sport will continue to grow as we know it is a game for life.

Q. A.

As a young golfer who inspired you to become a Professional? Once you completed your Traineeship who inspired you to become a coach? There were really quite a few influences, Reg Want who was the long time Professional at Coolangatta Tweed, he was the consummate Professional. Jack Nicklaus, I loved his hair cut as a young guy ( Joke!!) as well as the exciting way he played. “The Von” and Peter Thomson played a major role from an Australian perspective as they were pioneers of the game and placed Australia on the world stage. Another inspiration was my father Keith, who gave me a lot of

Q&A the values I live by still to this day. In ’79, ’80, I worked for Charlie Earp who could inspire a pigeon to fight an eagle! He made me realise being a PGA Coach was not a lesser occupation to being a Tour Player. I worked with Ian Triggs and he again was an inspiration as a coach and as you can see to this day I have never ceased to stop learning.

Q. A.

What are your expectations for this upcoming summer of golf for the PGA Tour of Australasia events? The upcoming summer season of golf provides us with many opportunities at every level of the game. The schedule and professional talent comprising of our own and international visitors, is the best we have seen for many years. The media now have their interest stimulated by the influx of super stars. Our developing players have the opportunity to compete against the world’s best. They can see what their strengths and weaknesses are. That should offer confidence and desire to improve and become more competitive.

It is the opportunity for our developing players to showcase their game to the world’s media. A win for one of our future stars could well be the springboard they need to step up a level in confidence. As our players showcase the game we will be working behind the scenes to promote the PGA Members and game participation by encouraging the Australian public to take up golf and for those who play to play more regularly. The interest in the game offers us the opportunity to grow participation.

This is the PGA’s Centenary year, how important is it to celebrate this milestone? How do you believe we can leverage the Centenary to the benefit of the Association? I think to know where you are going you need to know where you have come from. We need to celebrate all our heroes that have been the PGA Members of the last 100 years. I am sure the 15 Pro’s who were the first PGA Members did not realise how important what they started would

become. Just as today we don’t fully realise what or where the PGA will be in the next 100 years. I am sure those 15 would be very happy with what the PGA is and stands for now. We need to celebrate their foresight. The Centenary celebrations allow us to recognise who we are, what we stand for and why our role and the Association is so important. The Membership are the ones who can do this and benefit from the increase in profile and recognition of the PGA Member that will come from the PGA’s Centenary. With the reward comes the responsibility to keep our association well represented and well respected. We now have a joint Board meeting scheduled with Golf Australia to look at working together to grow the game. Maybe in 100 years the game will be governed by one body, golfers in Australia will be celebrating the second PGA Centenary of that meeting as a key step like we are now celebrating that meeting at Royal Sydney, in 1911 !! Who knows, I only hope so. 

www.pgamagazine.com.au–––25

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Celebrating 100 years of golf in Australia

the history

the traditions

the future

special member events

launch

From one century to the next

The PGA celebrates 100 years Australian golf royalty including

Kel Nagle (left) with Peter Thomson

Peter Thomson and Kel Nagle, were on hand on July 19 when the Chief Executive

Officer

Brian

Thorburn

officially launched the PGA’s Centenary celebrations

the

historic

Mint

in Sydney. Speaking to PGA members, media and corporate guests, Thorburn released a new PGA Centenary logo and announced an

exciting

schedule

events

and

programs to commemorate 100 years of professional golf in Australia. “Australian professional golf has an incredible history and over the last 100 years we have produced some of the greatest champions ever seen

held at Sydney Town Hall on Friday

E. (Ted) Cates, Carnegie Clark, Jack

on the international stage. But what’s

11th

Clark, Tom Daniels, Arthur W. East,

more our future is even brighter,” said

Australian Open.

November,

the

week

the

Victor

East,

Allan

Thorburn. “This is shaping up to be

The Centenary marks 100 years from

the biggest ever year for Australian

the time the PGA was officially formed

Fred

golf and will ensure the next century

on September 19, 1911, following the

W.(Willie) Thomson.

begins on a high.”

dissatisfaction of 15 professionals who

With the Centenary celebrations set

Frank

O’Brien,

Popplewell,

Since

the

Jack Dan

and

launch

all

received

reportedly felt they were treated as

PGA

to begin from September 19, the date

second

information pack regarding the entire

of the Association’s inauguration some

their

100 years ago, PGA Life Member Greg

rate

citizens

amateur

compared

counterparts

with

the

Australian Open.

Centenary

have

Patterson,

Soutar

Centenary

Members

Maiden,

program

with

details

how to get involved. PGA Members

Norman will fittingly take on the role

The founding Members of the PGA

of the PGA’s Centenary Patron for the

in 1911 included R.S. (Dicks) Banks,

the

next 12 months.

Rowley Banks, Charles W. Campbell,

www.pga.org.au/centenary 

can also stay up to date with all latest

Centenary

information

“It was with great honour that I take on the role of the Patron for the PGA of Australia’s Centenary year,” Norman said via video link. “I look forward to sharing such an historic occasion with you all that will not only

celebrate

the

last

100

years,

but also launch our great game into the future.” The Centenary schedule will include a host of events, some exclusively for Members and others open to the public, and

including

number a

other

member

initiatives recognition

Centenary awards program and the establishment of a PGA Hall of Fame. One of the main Centenary events announced was a Gala Dinner to be

Issue 32. September – October 2011

Centenary Event Schedule 19th July 2011 - Media Launch, The Mint, Sydney NSW 19th September 2011 - NSW Member Day, Royal Sydney Golf Course, NSW 6th October 2011 - Nagle Cup, The Australian Golf Club, Sydney NSW 4th November 2011 - West Australian Member Day, Royal Perth Golf Club, Perth WA

24 – 27th November 2011 Australian PGA Championship, The Hyatt Regency, Coolum QLD 8th December 2011 - ACT Member Day, Royal Canberra Golf Club, Canberra ACT 11th December 2011 - Tasmania Member Day, Royal Hobart Golf Club, Hobart TAS

11th November 2011 - Gala Dinner, Town Hall, Sydney NSW

16th December 2011 - SA Member Day, Royal Adelaide Golf Club, Adelaide SA

10 – 13th November 2011 Australian Open, The Lakes Golf Course, Sydney NSW

30th January 2012 – Queensland Member Day, Royal Queensland Golf Club, Brisbane QLD

14th November 2011 - Peter Thomson International, Sandhurst Club, Melbourne VIC

13th March 2012 – Victorian Member Day, Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne VIC

welcome

The Patron’s address This is to be a remarkable year of celebration for the PGA of Australia

The PGA is a fellowship that entrusts

and I am proud to have the honour

the game of golf, through tradition,

of Patron for such an historic event

loyalty and friendship. From the past,

within Australian golf.

present and future PGA Members are

The PGA has long been a supporter of my career, since I was a PGA Trainee working at the Royal Queensland golf shop,

until

today

through

various

PGA of Australia Centenary Patron

responsible

for

where

this

tradition

began and where the future is headed. As the game of golf continues to evolve so too does professional golf and there is much to look forward

opportunities.

Greg Norman

things on the International stage.

PGA Members are unique in statue

to for both our current and future

and the title is only given to experts in

Members. With the greats of the game

our profession. We are one in the same

teaching the future through Vocational

whether

Professional,

members like Charlie Earp combined

Teaching Professional, Club Professional

with the ongoing success of our tour

or Trainee; we each share the passion

stars including Jason Day and Adam

for the great game of golf.

Scott, the future is bright.

being

Tour

golfing

This year is about celebrating not

moments is still my first professional

only the Centenary of the PGA of

tournament victory, in 1976 at the

Australia but also this illustrious game

West Lakes Classic. This was my first

called golf. I look forward to sharing

accomplishment as a golfer and gave

this future with you all as we embark

me the confidence to achieve greater

on the next Century of the PGA.

One

greatest

From the Chairman – A Centenary welcome On behalf of the Board it is my great

Year Kevin Conlong.

honour to address you as Chairman of

to you all for your appointment. I

the PGA on such an historic occasion

know you are all true representatives

for

of the past, present and future of

our

Association.

100

years

in the making, our Centenary is a milestone of which we should all be

Chairman PGA of Australia

our organisation. Finally I would like to encourage all our Members to become involved

incredibly proud.

Mark Gibson

Congratulations

PGA Members are the living heritage

with the Centenary program in the

of Australian golf with our Association

coming months in any way you can. I

producing some of the greatest coaches,

particularly encourage you to get along

players and ambassadors the game has

to our Member Days which are taking

ever seen. Through the Centenary we

place in every state from September.

will celebrate their achievements.

Each of us have stories from our

In addition to Greg our Centenary

Association’s past that deserve telling

Patron, I would like to thank and

and through these Member Days I hope

congratulate our ten fellow Members

we all gain a greater understanding

who have been selected to represent

and appreciation of our heritage within

Australian golf.

Centenary

Representing

every

Ambassadors. corner

our

This

our

Centenary

and

our

Membership our Ambassadors include

Association – without your involvement

Peter

the

Thomson,

Kel

Nagle,

Bruce

Green, Charlie Earp, Col Swatton, Peter Ormsby, Matt Jager, Mat Goggin, Lisa Newling and our 2010 Trainee of the

occasion

will

not

receive

the

attention it deserves. I hope to see you all in the coming months. Happy Centenary to you all.

special collectors edition

welcome

From the CEO On September 19, 1911 the PGA of

evolve and our network of passionate

Australia was born from the desire of

and

fifteen Professional Golfers who were

receive the support necessary to grow

looking to advance their profession.

the

One hundred years later we now boast

golfer at a time.

Brian Thorburn CEO PGA of Australia

membership

over

2500

PGA

dedicated

Members

Australian

this

golf

our all

continue

community

Centenary

year

encourage

of the most successful and respected

the history that has brought us into

PGA’s the world over.

2011

honour

Professionals and continue to be one

and

Members

one

those

consider past

and

The PGA Centenary provides us all

present Members who have enabled

with a great opportunity to consider

you all to reach such heights. Some

our past, but also to look to our future.

such ‘trail blazers’ have passed while

Evolving with each decade that has

others still stand amongst us, many of

passed, our Association is incredibly

whom will be honoured in our Awards

diverse. From training and education

program this year. The awards will

to membership services, tournaments,

be announced in the coming months

events and grass roots development

and I look forward to celebrating all

programs, the PGA is a leader within

honourees as the year progresses.

the Australian Golf Industry and will

I am incredibly proud to lead the PGA during its Centenary celebrations and

continue to be into the future. Our standing is implicit through the

I look forward to the next 12 months

partnerships we have formed along the

as we embark on the PGA’s next 100

way with sponsors the likes of Coca-

years. I hope to see many of you

Cola Amatil and Holden. By the virtue

at the upcoming Centenary functions

of their support, the PGA continues to

and events.

Allen Wronwoski (President) Joseph P. Steranka (CEO) PGA of America On behalf of the 27,000 men and

game, while developing a global golf

women Professionals of The PGA of

business

America, we congratulate The PGA

course design and apparel. As well,

of Australia on the grand occasion

1991

of your Centenary. For 100 years

Finch played in our first televised

your

Grand

organization

has

served

the

Slam

revolutionized

Champion of

Golf

Ian and

Baker

provides

expert analysis and commentary on

and

CBS Sports. And The PGA of America

elevating

Your

the

vocation

the

left

proudly calls your Australian PGA

membership

has

Tour

Chairman

Wayne

Grady

our

and

1990 PGA Champion where he bested

business of golf that truly spans the

a strong field at Shoal Creek Golf

test of time. Past PGA of Australia

Club in Birmingham, Alabama.

indelible

President

mark

Peter

the

game

Thomson

captured

Each

these

men

has

spoken

a total of five Open Championships

proudly of the support they received

and

PGA

from their PGA and fellow Australian

Beach

professionals. Today we salute your

won

our

Championship

1984 here

Senior Palm

Gardens. Two-time major and world Number One Champion Greg Norman has become an ambassador for the

Issue 32. September – October 2011

Open

that

game well by promoting the sport golf professional.

empire

collective accomplishments. Here’s three cheers for a century very well done!

Cleveland Golf is distributed in Australia by Srixon Sports Australasia. Call 1800 222 227.

IF DISTANCE MATTERS

WEIGHT MATTERS.

The PGA through the ages Centenary moments

The PGA of Australia has a rich and colourful history, dating back to its inauguration in 1911. Even before that the professional golfers of the time fought for their rights, with the formation of the PGA a significant milestone for golf in Australia. While the pages of PGA Magazine cannot do justice to even a small percentage of the people and happenings which shaped the game and also the PGA, a few snippets borrowed from the pages of the book The PGA of Australia, The First 100 Years, written by Jim Webster, details some of the significant events, while highlighting the high achievers. This, the Centenary Year of the PGA of Australia, has brought these noteworthy events and people sharply into focus, with the PGA celebrating their contribution to the current health and good standing of the organisation as it heads into a new century.

Record-breaking World Cup win

Good mates David Graham and Bruce Devlin scored what was perhaps the most emphatic World Cup win in Australia’s history when they won the 1970 staging of the event by 10 shots. Played at the Jockey Club in Buenos Aires in Argentina, the Aussies also shatte red the team record with a score of 54 4 for the 72-hole competition, with Gra ham second to local Roberto de Vic enzo for individual honours.

it Back where n onal all bega 15 professi ee a m ting of

kshop It was at Clark’s wor in Carnegie ld he s er lf lf go al Sydney Go nds of Roy ou gr e th a on 1911, that ember 19, lfer’s Club on Sept essional Go form a Prof to al os op pr unanimously. was carried n tio ia oc ss A at the 1911 s competing Professional dissatisfied en Open had be n ia al ent tr us A the tournam eatment at tr r ei th ith w provided. It e facilities by and with th at meeting th oposed at pr en th S as R w conded by ark and se d the Carnegie Cl te ec el be Dan Souter at th s, nk with Ba ssociation, an of the A rm ai Ch t rs fi imously. carried unan the proposal

Tassie hosts the PGA

Championship The Australian PGA ania for was played in Tasm at the 48 19 in e tim the first with , rse cou ach Be Kingston g Eric tin bea a Nid n Norman vo the final. Cremin 2 and 1 in n was tio sec ian an The Tasm hospitality the on d ate congratul ers, who shown to the memb event showed were impressed the ociation of a profit for the ass was one of £44 15s 3d. This nal events to the earliest professio show a profit.

on s r e b m n me e m o W a in 1971 presidentenPeter d n e om gates ing w tha emeag ership of dele admitt f o memb eting e , issu past At h n the ed the ed wit n rais tion. I o s m o accord associa Th h ic e al h h n t ale, w ofessio ers to ely m ies Pr memb d iv s a eir L lu h t c of ar the een ex a copy ext ye had b d ed n n lv a e o h as res ormed les. T was f . It w the ru y A n d G o io P t b rate ssocia y the a sepa Golf A ived b e s c a e y r a d w ise ution recogn in any constit GA be upport s P L e e iv h e rec that t f golf. would tion o at it promo e h and th t ith tent w consis

Issue 32. September – October 2011

Second in line

Affiliation with the British PGA was granted in March, 1912. The British PGA was the first body of its kind, coming into being in 1901, with the Australian PGA next in 1911, the New Zealand PGA third in 1913 and the United States PGA fourth in 1916.

A telev first ision T

he Pe laco t ournam on No ent, p vembe layed r 7-10 the A , 1956 ustrali at a n Golf Sydne Club in y had the dis becom tinctio ing no n of t only golf e the fir vent, s t b ut the sportin first li g tele v e c ast in Covere Austra d by li a T . CN 9, downs the on ide wa ly s the fa crowd ll off s and in a con loss in sidera ble gate m oney. Cramp Bruce ton be at Gar win th y Play e even er to t.

Going ‘big’ with the golf ball

The subject of the larger Americansized ball and its introduction to all professional tournaments reached a climax in 1978 when the AGU had recommended the State golf associations accept it as the standard ball for use in State Open championships. The PGA elected to make the 1.68” ‘bigball’ compulsory for six-months from July 31 to December 31 that year. At the end of that period the decision was made to continue with its use for all future PGA events.

Interrupted by war

The first apprentice

J. Victor East became Australia’s first apprentice golf professional when he went to work for James Scott at Royal Sydney in 1899, aged 13. Four years later when Scott died while fishing at Bondi, East was appointed professional at the club and remained there until 1904. East went on to become the inaugural honorary secretary of the PGA of Australia in 1912-13.

No meetings of the PGA were convened du ring World W ar 1, with the firs t post-war m ee tin g taking place in 1919. It was meant to be an informal meeting chaired by R.S Banks bu t the members pr esent decide d it should beco me the firs t annual general mee ting of the PGA of Australia. A n election w as held and Allan F. Maiden was elected Chairman w ith J. Victo r Ea st appointed ho norary secr et ar y. Annual subs were set at five shillings (aro und 50c).

Flying

Moving office

Centenary moments

ful s s e n cc A su Australtira an li a us the A n o South w t outh war

Ste first S Rufus at 7, the 2 9 1 e pro in so. Th Open o d n e by lian to s beat rt wa Austra a ell w e t opplew nga, S Fred P Kooyo y b n to o t o went ne sh just o ar. He 1929 e y in g llowin nship o io f p e m h t Cha terms three e PGA h e t v r in e s w ter ould la and w man. ir a A Ch as PG

The AGU and un-endorsed pros upset the PGA

the flag

In 19 67 th e PGA should decide have d that a flag it be flo which wn at could g o lf events clubs where were being PGA was le played ft to . The council design six w and a ere or s a re dered s insign ult bearin ia on g the a gree P G A n bac kgroun d.

In 1969 the PGA moved its er office from that of its form new part-time secretary to premises in Crows Nest in Sydney, a building which had ’s been purchased by the PGA ual Mut trading company PGA Ltd. The association’s activities

were therefore under the one des roof. After almost four deca then es offic in Crows Nest, the moved south to Victoria and to the Sandhurst Club on the 6. outskirts of Melbourne in 200

The P toge GA com In m es ther ore rece part nt t ner im

ship es a ama was sign lgam conf ifica a t irme ion and nt of t d its c with h e o u tour P n t G he t e A rpar nam of A t in ent ustr Aust g c o o alia lf, t ntro rala he P l of sia. discu G A A f ter ssion Tour muc CEO and of h bo work Max ard room Gars done team k , th by t e Am e and h hen off is m alga in 2 anag m 0 ation 07, work eme with was nt ing the sign unde Sand t ed wo r th hurs part e sa t Cl ies of t me ub a now he P roof nd u GA at t nder of A he the ustr ausp alia ices

In 1932 the Australian Golf Union was approached regarding its acceptance of professionals who were not endorsed by the PGA, the amateur body accepting any professionals for their open events if their standard of play was considered good enough. The decision displeased the PGA as any misdeeds would be considered by the media and public to have been committed by PGA Members. It was some years before the AGU accepted the PGA’s conditions.

Chairman of the Board

The following is a complete list of the men to hold the office of Chairmen (President) of the PGA of Australia. In all 19 men performed the duties of Chairmen, with Peter Thomson serving an incredible 30 years in the role. 1911-1919 – 1919-1920 – 1920-1928 – 1928-1929 – 1929-1930 – 1931-1931 – 1932-1933 – 1933-1934 – 1934-1935 – 1935-1936 – 1936-1937 – 1937-1938 – 1938-1939 – 1939-1945 – 1946-1949 – 1949-1952 – 1952-1955 – 1955-1958 – 1958-1961 – 1961-1964 – 1964-1994 – 1994-2003 – 2003-2007 – 2008 - Peter 2009 - Geoff 2010-2011 –

Dan Souter Allan Maiden Fred Popplewell Dan Souter Tom Howard Rufus Stewart Arthur Le Fevre Arthur East Rufus Stewart Arthur Le Fevre Will Corry Rufus Stewart Jim Linquist World War II – No meetings M. (Lou) Kelly J. (Don) Spence M. (Lou) Kelly Horace Henry Alfred ‘Ossie’ Pickworth Dan Cullen Alex Mercer Peter Thomson Neville Wilson Geoff Scott Senior Scott Mark Gibson

special collectors edition

Centenary Ambassadors spread the PGA gospel They represent a cross-section of high achieving and dedicated PGA professionals, with the Centenary Ambassadors set to assist in recognising the history and highlighting the contributions of PGA Members from all corners of Australia

take

some

the

responsibility of helping the

PGA

Centenary many

promote

year

and

activities

its

The

included

associated

Centenary year, the association has several aims, all linked to increasing Members

opportunities and

the

wider

ensures that PGA Members

tee in, to the new breed and the next generation in Matt Jager, Kevin

PGA

the

link

between

the

their

will

fellow

participate

members

media

and

turn

opportunities,

assisting the PGA to achieve targets through local and regional media and

contributions and achievements of PGA

help in disseminating key PGA and

Members from all over the country,

Centenary messages. The

Ambassadors

will

also

evident that the Centenary is not all

its future.

about the events and programs, but it program

selecting

Ambassadors

the

PGA

invited

While as patron Greg Norman will be

with the list then condensed to ensure

the face of the Centenary, it is the

representation

Ambassadors who will help maintain

membership categories and years of

momentum

within

service. The PGA Member Centenary

states

areas

respective

expertise

nominations

the next 12 months.

final

the

represent PGA

different

membership

Issue 32. September – October 2011

elements and

will

all

states,

Committee provided feedback on all

assisting with promotional efforts over They

across

list

and 10

came

with

Ambassadors,

PGA

Members who will carry the torch in what is shaping as possibly the most

who

have

all

territories and bases covered.

Centenary

nominations from each state division,

their

Ambassadors

‘face’ of the Centenary campaign. In

highly

Professional

In all, 10 outstanding choices as

is about PGA Members, who are the

THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

and

Goggin,

Tournament

his foundation in Tasmania.

make

PGA’s history, and just as importantly,

achieving

Mat

now giving back to the game through

providing

Additionally, through the Centenary,

the PGA will seek to highlight the

role

list

credentialed

and backgrounds, to the game of golf.

Ambassador

the

Centenary Ambassadors are imperative

promotional

big

Ormsby, PGA Members Charlie Earp

Conlong and Lisa Newling. Completing

believes

and to achieve that aim they will

this objective.

firmly

they

Peter

remain at the forefront of

member days and corporate events,

PGA

Vocational and

reputations as leaders on the teaching

introduce new people, from all ages

play

Green

and Col Swatton who have earned their

enhance PGA brand awareness and to

The

revered

Bruce

program

attending key events, including state

will

and

Members

Ambassador

golfing

the

respected

such Nagle,

events,

Centenary program and the membership

Kel

incorporate

represent

attention

and

which

will

have the common theme of looking to

particular

game

member

industry. The Centenary celebrations

paying

Thomson

list,

the

several

PGA

for

program

all Centenary promotions. The

PGA’s

Peter

Ambassador

legends

Centenary

Matt Groggin

the

final

the

Throughout

the games history.

the

with it. While

significant year for golf in Australia in

Matt Jager

states,

Ambassadors

The winner of the 1960 Centenary British PGA

Open

and

seven

Championships,

friend

Peter

Australian

Thomson,

his

good

Nagle

was

Mat Goggin Tournament Professional, TAS PGA Member since: 1995 One

the

inducted in the World Golf Hall of

Fame

Tasmania,

the

Veterans

Committee

in 2007.

ever

most

emerge Mat

talented

from

the

Goggin

players state

high

achiever who continues to give back to the game of golf through the Mat

Charlie Earp Life Member, QLD PGA Member since: 1954

Goggin Foundation.

The long-time Club Professional at the

and as a part of his support in 2010

Royal Queensland Golf Club, Charlie

he launched a program to financially

Through his foundation Goggin helps to develop young Tasmanian golfers

Earp has nurtured some of the greatest golfing talent

ompson

Peter Th

support a Tasmanian PGA Trainee. A

worthy

representative

for

the

the world has seen and he

Apple Isle, Goggin will certainly assist

has done so in an unassuming

in the promotion of the game of golf during the PGA’s Centenary year.

way. Having coached the likes of Greg Norman, Wayne Grady, Ian Baker

Peter Thomson PGA Life Member, VIC PGA Member since: 1949 One

the

renowned

most PGA

Finch and Corinne Dibnah, Earp is perhaps Australia’s most recognised golf coach. At the same time as when

recognisable Members,

and Peter

has

guided

our

most

talented,

Charlie has dedicated even more time

to giving lessons and advice to junior

Australia’s most successful professional

golfers and to club members during a

golfers. In addition to his on-course

career spanning five decades.

Thomson

unquestionably

one

prowess, Peter was the Associations

Awarded

Life

Membership

the

longest standing Chairman, holding the

Australian PGA in 1978, in 1993 Earp

position from 1962 to 1994, and even

was also given the Medal of the Order

today he commands the attention of

of Australia for his services in golf

the media wherever the opportunity

and in 2000 was presented with the

presents.

PGA

Life

Time

Achievement

Award

As a PGA Ambassador, Thomson,

and is still currently the only Club

the winner of five British Open titles

Professional to receive such an honour.

and an inductee into the World Golf

Kevin Conlong

Kevin Conlong Assistant Professional, VIC PGA Member since: 2008

major championship winners renowned

Matt Jager Tournament Professional, WA PGA Member since: 2010

the world over.

Having turned professional during the

2010 PGA Trainee of the Year, Kevin

2010 season following an outstanding

Conlong is now a full Member of the

amateur

PGA,

Hall of Fame in 1988, will represent Australia’s strong history in producing

Kel Nagle Life Member, NSW PGA Member since: 1946

wins

career, both

one the

that

A recent graduate of the PGA’s Trainee program and a worthy winner of the

included

Australian

and

New Zealand Amateur championships,

working

out

the

Heritage

Country Club in Victoria as a Teaching Professional.

age,

Matt Jager is now regarded as one

With a Bachelor of Applied Science

remains one of the PGA of Australia’s

of Australia’s best up and coming

in Sports Science, a Diploma in Sports

most

Tournament

and Recreation and a Certificate III in

of the record for winning the most

Jager represents the future of the

Fitness Instruction, Conlong represents

tournaments

PGA.

the

Kel

Nagle,

now

revered

years

members. on

the

The

PGA

holder

Tour

Australasia - a staggering 61 events

Throughout

Professionals.

the

Centenary

Year

young

and

highly

ambitious

Vocational Members. Conlong is humbled to be named

throughout his career, Nagle paved the

way for Australian professional golfers

be a voice for our up and coming

among

on the world stage.

Tournament Professionals.

players as a Centenary Ambassador. 

PGA

Ambassador,

Jager

will

some

Australia’s

greatest

special collectors edition

Ambassadors

amongst his PGA Member peers and

Having worked in the golf industry

having experienced professional golf

for 15 years and recognising respected PGA

at a variety of levels. The at

current

the

Head

Professional

Adelaide

Shores

golf

facility, during a career which has

enveloped

number

aspects of the golfing industry,

Melbourne,

arguably

amongst her PGA mentors, Lisa will appeal

the

female

demographic

showing that professional golf is not just for the men.

and is proud to have been selected

heavily involved in retailing

to represent the PGA of Australia as

an Ambassador for their Centenary

the

part

owner-operator

biggest

celebration.

golf store and has been recognised with the PGA Merchandiser

Royal

Bennett

loves her job as a Head Professional

been

of the Year award.

Herbert,

Vic

high level equipment, has been

reen

Professional

Ross

and

manufacturing and developing

Bruce G

Head

Pettit

Newling can honestly state that she

has

Australia’s

The

professionals

Charles

Ormsby

Bruce Green Head Professional, VIC PGA Member since: 1967

female face of the PGA’s Centenary.

also the wider Adelaide community

Through

his

experiences

Peter

many is

firm

Colin Swatton Teaching Professional, QLD PGA Member since: 1994 Col Swatton is the long-time coach of

Australia’s

most

exciting

Day,

having

young

in the belief that if you “share the

golfer,

passion” you have for the game of

with

golf, then golf will share a good life

child. Epitomising the desire of every

with you.

golf coach to develop a golfer from

Jason him

since

was

worked a

young

an early age through to success on

Australia’s

the world stage, Col is more than

Professional who day in, day out,

Lisa Newling Head Professional, NSW PGA Member since: 1994

services their local golf community.

Lisa Newling, an active member of the

modern game.

most

prestigious

golf

club,

Bruce

Green represents the Australian Club

Jason’s coach – he is his mentor, taking

holistic

approach

the

Association,

As a Centenary Ambassador, Col

Bruce has built a reputation based

AAA rated PGA Member and now the

will represent our many professionals,

Head

both at home and abroad, who work

the

very

well

improving enjoyment

respected

the

golf

the

figure,

games

and

sport

for

Ladies

Professional Professional

Country

Club

golf at

Eden

NSW,

will

Gardens be

the

with our elite players. 

men, women, seniors and juniors of all abilities. Green, who first gained the position as professional at Royal Melbourne in 1978 and is still there some 32 years later, puts his longevity down to a successful partnership with fellow PGA Member Richard Hatt. In representing the state of Victoria as well as PGA Vocational Members, Bruce is grateful to the PGA for giving him the ability to work for the last 43 years doing what he loves most.

Peter Ormsby Head Professional, SA PGA Member since: 1976 The father of a European Tour player Wade, Peter Ormsby is well respected

Issue 32. September – October 2011

Lisa Newling

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The changing face of the PGA

As the PGA of Australia celebrates its century, three long-serving members reflect on how the PGA has changed and evolved over the years, writes DAVID NEWBERY Queensland-based

Professionals

Charlie Earp, Gary Edwin and Len Beck are peas in a pod yet they are as different as chalk and cheese. While Edwin’s main focus has been teaching the game, Earp and Beck zeroed in on providing good, oldfashioned pro shop service although Earp

also

forged

reputation

Greg Norman’s coach. Edwin is a highly respected and sought-after boasted

golf

coach

stable

who

has

players

the

calibre of Peter Senior, Peter Lonard, Rod Pampling and Gavin Coles. Since

joining

the

PGA,

the

trio

has racked up close to 150 years’ service

and

all

agree

education

and technology have been two of the

biggest

developments

the

association’s 100-year history. Earp, who joined the PGA in 1954, is a traditionalist who often recites important

sections

the

PGA’s

constitution. “We

(PGA

obligation the

game

Members) promote set

Over the past 100 years, the PGA

Banned from entering the clubhouse,

has rarely, if ever, deviated from the

the pros were banished to a tent

foster

constitution and has made an important

and their amateur playing partners

contribution

had

have and

down

the

constitution,” he says.

the

development

smuggle

out

refreshments

for them.

golf in Australia. While amateurs heavily outnumber

Thankfully, things have changed for

professionals in the game, it is the

the better and now professionals are

shall be to promote interest in

professionals

respected members of the community.

the name of golf;

publicity and financial backing that

Mind

has built golf into a major sport.

evolve overnight.

The PGA’s first constitution read: • The

objects

the

Association

• To protect the mutual interests of its Members;

who

have

gained

the

But delve into history and you’ll

• To hold meetings and tournaments

discover professionals haven’t always

you,

their

acceptance

didn’t

When Earp joined the PGA he was banned from entering the clubhouse.

periodically for the encouragement

been

the

“At Royal Queensland I was never

of junior members;

turn of the 20th century professionals

allowed in the clubhouse,” he said.

often received chilly receptions.

“In 1963, the club captain John Bell

• To act as an agency for assisting

highly

regarded.

Around

any professional golfer or club-

In fact, on September 18, 1911,

changed that and I became the first

maker to obtain employment; and

a day before the PGA of Australia

Club Pro in the Commonwealth to be

• To effect any other objects of a

was formed, all but two professionals

allowed in the clubhouse.

like nature as may be determined

contesting

“We were playing golf and mixing

from

Royal Sydney agreed to withdraw from

with doctors and lawyers and that’s

the event because of poor treatment.

how we became more recognised.”

time

Association.

“The coaching is getting better and better and we have a lot of worldclass coaches” – Gary Edwin

Issue 32. September – October 2011

the

Australian

Open

feature

Edwin, who joined the PGA in 1964,

“The clubs want to take over the

is on course and on message when

running of the pro shops, but a lot

he says the role of the Club Pro has

of places are swinging back the other

changed significantly.

way,” Earp said.

“When I started the pro was the guy

Edwin agrees: “Today, a lot of clubs

who did the repairs, helped clean the

don’t have Club Pros, they have pros

clubs, served the members, pumped up

they pay but they don’t actually run

the tyres and played in the Wednesday

the shop,” the Glades-based Teaching

comp,” Earp said. “Now there are more

Pro said. “One of the hardest things

guys teaching than there are in club jobs.

a modern Club Pro has to endure is

“When

started

teaching

there

changing committees.

weren’t too many full-time coaches. I

“I think a lot of their conditions have

think there was Alex and Dave Mercer

been eroded by committees and that’s

and Bill McWilliam, but they were still

always a problem. Sometimes you are

Club Pros.

not sure of your tenure and it can be

“If you did a survey today you would probably find there are three times as

many

professionals

teaching

and

working on ranges.” Beck has tried to maintain the Club Professional’s traditions while embracing the modern era.

tough times if someone comes in and doesn’t want you there.” Edwin

believes

the

PGA

“When I started the pro was the guy who did the repairs, helped clean the clubs, served the members, pumped up the tyres and played in the Wednesday comp” – Charlie Earp

should

consider capping the number of people entering the profession. “I

think

are

Edwin, putting

through

and

particularly for amateurs.

made

available,” he said. “There are a lot of golf pros who are not active and don’t

said Beck, who is Chairman of the PGA

have jobs so that’s always a problem

certainly

(Qld). “There’s more competition in off-

as well.

Edwin said.

“When people buy a new car they

“But the coaching is getting better and better and we have a lot of world-

take it for a test drive, well, they are

class

now doing that with golf clubs. We

Our

have got to buy the equipment – the

for

companies don’t give us demo clubs.

good players overseas

“And the internet is affecting oncourse and off-course shops and there

“Equipment

lot

and

easier

play,

exercise

changed

the

have game,”

“Gary Player was the only one that used to exercise and now they all do – even seniors.

reputation turning

out

is quite good.” Edwin

says

the

game

is “where it should be”,

can do is give good service, provide

but he is concerned the

club-fitting and keep the shop neat

history is being lost on

and clean.

the younger pros.

“When I was involved in the trainees

“In my day there was

program I used to go to different golf

a bit more history,” he

shops with the trainees and some of the

said.

pro shops were quite untidy,” Beck said.

what was going on and

“Then you walk into an off-course golf

where they come from.

shop and it’s like walking into Myer.

You talk to a lot of

“Everyone

knew

the young players now

changing for the better. Our shop is air-

and

conditioned and we try to make people

have a clue who were

feel more welcome.”

some

Unfortunately, one of the key issues

concur

coaches.

is nothing we can do about it. All we

“I think a lot of the smarter pros are

Beck

equipment has popularised the game

“Being a Club Pro today is a lot

shop around for product.

and

too many golf pros for the positions

harder than when I started in 1966,”

course golf shops and people like to

Earp

they of

players

wouldn’t the

better

and

who

the PGA has had to deal with in recent

pioneered the game,

years has been the downgrading by

but that’s just the

clubs of the traditional pro shop run

way it is. Progress is

and controlled by a professional.

progress, I guess.”

special collectors edition

feature

“Back then there weren’t any sports psychologists, physios and nutritionists so the game has basically evolved into more industries. “Technology has changed the game and golf courses favour the bombers more than the control players, but that’s golf course design feature. They used to design courses with lots of doglegs where you couldn’t hit woods off the tee, but now I think golf course design has gone the route of building houses on straight holes. “You can fit more houses on straight holes and that changed things a lot.” While helped

technological amateurs,

harder

for

the

advances

have

game

much

Touring

Professionals,

according to Edwin. “The way I see it there is more depth in the game, but it’s got to be harder for players to make a living,” he said. Unless you can shoot five-under par every round you won’t be feeding the family.” Earp said he would like to see a review on technology advancements. “We need to steady up the golf ball and need to put a stop to golf course development because soon there won’t be any room on the planet to put courses because of the equipment.”

“With Jason Day and Adam Scott going well it’s going to ensure the game kicks on in Australia over the next 10 years” – Len Beck

Still, Beck is excited about golf’s future and believes the PGA will continue to “grow and get stronger”. “Golf is heading in the right direction

Sunshine

who

was

instrumental

launch

the

Tour’s

pro-am

Queensland circuit

all

and with Jason Day and Adam Scott

those

going well it’s going to ensure the game

across Australia had also been an

kicks on in Australia over the next

important

10 years.

step forward.

“The volume of players we put through at Redland Bay is amazing,” he said. “On Wednesday we put through 282 in our comp.” So,

who

years

ago,

said

initiative

the

and

pro-ams a

major

Beck agrees Thomson’s contribution to the PGA was hugely significant. “He really got the PGA going in the

made

the

biggest

it into a professional entity,” he said. Ageless Energizer

Charlie bunny

Earp –

keeps

the

going

and going and going. He says his

right direction,” he said. has

the

goal is to keep working, teaching and

contribution to the evolution of the PGA

contributions made by some of the

promoting the game as set down in the

in Australia?

game’s pioneers he lists people like

constitution and is doing that through

Billy

schools, clubs and organisation like

“The PGA is a lot more professional now thanks to the huge contributions made by people like Peter Thomson, who was Chairman for about 33 years,” Earp said.

Earp, helping

When

Edwin

McWilliam,

reflects

Billy

Holder,

Alex

the Greg Norman Golf Foundation.

Mercer and others. “They

contributed

greatly

the

teaching side of the game,” he said.

“I have had a great career, but there is plenty of work still to do.

“And Ossie Pickworth, Graham Marsh

“And, in my opinion, Max Garske

Over the years, doors have opened

and Colin de Groot put a tremendous

and Geoff Scott did the most getting

for me and I have met so many

amount of work into the PGA.”

the PGA off the ground and building

wonderful people.

Issue 32. September – October 2011

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Rickie Fowler USPGA Golfer

Joe Kirkwood

Australia’s first golfing superstar AUSTRALIA

has

world-renowned

produced

golfers

many

the

past

100 years but none was more famous internationally than our first professional superstar – Joe Kirkwood. Like Peter Thomson, Greg Norman, Kel

Nagle,

Ian

Baker-Finch

and

David Graham he was a PGA-trained Professional, but unlike them he never won a world major championship. Kirkwood did win 13 tournaments in Australia, Britain and the US in the

1920s

and

’30s

and

was

the

first Australian professional to travel overseas and the world’s first global celebrity in golf – on and off the course. In

the

Roaring

Twenties,

the

era was known, the craze to play golf swept the globe, with everyone from

working

men

and

women

millionaires and royalty, wanting to play. It was during this time that Kirkwood became golf’s first showman. As our most exciting young recordbreaking

Australian

Open

Champion

at just 23 years of age and then as

golf-shot

showman,

Kirkwood

played golf, taught, dined and was the prized guest of British royalty, US presidents, movie stars and Australian

Links of Life: The biography detailing the life and times of Joe Kirkwood

prime ministers.

crowd like Joe Kirkwood, who could

Among Kirkwood’s friends, admirers

members, Kirkwood won the Australian

and often his pupils were the King

Learning golf on a sheep farm in

Open at The Australian Golf Club in

and Queen of England, George VI and

the backblocks of South Australia, his

Sydney at his first attempt, shooting

his Queen Elisabeth, the Duke and

official golf career teed off at Manly

a record score of 290.

Duchess

Presidents

in Sydney where Kirkwood caddied

He became the first player to break

and

Richard

before gaining a PGA apprenticeship

300 in the 17-year history of the

Prime

Minister

to the famous Scottish pro Dan Soutar.

Open (12 better than the previous

James Scullin, Indian rajahs, Middle

An indication of his brilliance was

best) and this stood as the lowest

East sultans, millionaire businessmen

that in 1918 at age 21 he held the

Open

and stars of stage and screen Charlie

course records at Royal Sydney (69)

Kirkwood also won the New Zealand

Chaplin, W.C. Fields and Harold Lloyd.

Royal Melbourne (70) Metropolitan in

Open in the same year.

Dwight Nixon,

Windsor,

Eisenhower Australian

score

for

another

years.

In 1921, buoyed by a public appeal

golfers

Melbourne (66) and the course where

in a golden era that produced such

he was the Club Pro Riversdale (65),

giants of the game as Harry Vardon,

with all of these remarkable scores

Britain with Victor East, with the pair

Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen and Gene

achieved with a bag of seven hickory-

credited as being the first Australians

Sarazen but no-one could attract a

shafted clubs.

professionals to play in Europe.

There

command a fee of $500 a show.

In 1920, funded by his Riversdale

were

famous

Issue 32. September – October 2011

fund

his

travels,

sailed

for

people

Life,

St Andrews, in a tie with US star

Kirkwood tells of his rapid rise to fame

Walter Hagen, six shots behind the

and his historic trip to Britain: “At that

winner, Scottish-born American Jock

time, like all youngsters I had an idol.

Hutchinson.

He was Harry Vardon of England; this

During

his

biography,

Links

his

career

Kirkwood

had

Joe Kirkwood’s tombstone As

keen

Geology

student,

man was truly the greatest, for me he

two more top-10 finishes at the Open,

Joe

was a god.

finishing fourth in 1923 and third

in 1927.

your story of hard luck shots,

“He had won the British Open six

Kirkwood’s

large

tombstone

boulder.

read:

was “Tell

times as well as countless other honours

He played his best golf in America

of each shot straight and true,

and anything I could get to read about

where in 1923 he won the Houston

but when you are done, remember

Vardon I scrambled for and pictures

Open, becoming the first Australian

son, that nobody cares but you.”

and tips were like nectar to me.

to win on what was later to become

— Joe Kirkwood.

“I moulded my game around Vardon’s,

the US PGA Tour. In 1924 Kirkwood

trying to imitate his every movement

was one of the top ranked golfers in

South Championship and I was drawn

and studied all that I could of his

the US, scoring five victories, three of

against

technique, his swing, his timing and

which were consecutive.

Hagen. They teamed us together for

But it was his career as a golf

even his thinking. Upon arrival in England Kirkwood

entertainer that was to make Kirkwood

none

other

than

Walter

four rounds and even more incredible was

the

fact

that

finished

identical scores.

entered a tournament at Gleneagles, Scotland, easily qualified for the 32man match play field and as fate would have it, drew a then 51-yearold Vardon in the first round. Battling

putting

problems

and

trailing the young Australian all day, Vardon squared the match at the 18th, before Kirkwood would defeat his rival on the 19th hole. Vardon came up short in two into the stiff breeze with a driver and a brassie (a two wood); with Kirkwood hitting a drive and a low running long iron to about seven metres, holing it for a birdie to beat his idol. “A bit surprised, Vardon turned to me and grinning said: ‘Joe that was very rude of you’. I was so flabbergasted that I couldn’t even talk,” Kirkwood wrote. Kirkwood

beat

young

English

star

Arthur Travis in the afternoon at the 20th hole but eventually lost in the final of the £1000 event. “What an introduction to international golf! I couldn’t believe that I’d succeeded the first time I had played away from

more famous than many of his major

the height of his fame (Hagen overall

my intention to make exhibition (golf)

won 11 majors). We played on sand

material the main breadwinner of my

greens, which was a first in my book

life – it happened quite by accident.

and set me back quite a bit, since

“I

had

left

Australia

(in

1921)

for my first competition abroad and

his book.

travelled to Europe via the United it

was

great

day

for

States.

had

heard

Australia and all those who had sent

and

me across the oceans and continents.”

some experience.

Kirkwood would then finish a highly creditable sixth in the British Open at

elated

In his book he wrote: “It was never

my native country,” Kirkwood wrote in “Surely

“This

me tremendously for Walter was at

championship winning peers.

Kirkwood,

who

had

entertained

troops in Australia, wrote that after the presentation at the North and South

there

for

received

a golf shot show for wounded veteran

invitation to play in the North and

soldiers and on that day he and 

Pinehurst

took a special knack.”

stop

“To

planned

learning the speed of the new surface

surprise

Championship he was asked to put on

special collectors edition

people

others realised the enormous earning potential of golf – off the course. The

show

was

roaring

success with the troops, with the then Mayor of New York Jimmy Walker announcing to the crowd: ‘Folks, this lad has come a long way to entertain you all and I think it is up to us to show our appreciation.’ Organisers soon had everyone show by

their

appreciation

throwing

money

onto

a blanket. Kirkwood was astonished to collect $770 which was more than the winner had received at what was one of America’s most famous tournaments. “Most important to me was that

this

the

pros

group

who

had

were

all

assembled

for

the tournament. I felt it was quite an

honour

that

they

had

enjoyed

my country wit and antic shots,” Kirkwood wrote. “When Walter saw all that green

“I couldn’t believe that I’d succeeded the first time I had played away from my native country.”

(including $50 notes) gathered after one short ‘show’ he couldn’t wait to

“At that time Walter and I struck

Joe Jr. both made the cut at the

come to my side and suggest getting

the most lucrative arrangement ever

US Open, the first father and son

together. It was indeed the crossroads

made in golf – our travel expenses

to do so.

of my life when ‘The Haig’ invited

were great – but admission charges

One of Kirkwood’s most remarkable

me to team up for some exhibitions

gave us a nice fee and we saw a

feats was shooting a 10-under par

following my trip to England.

lot of the world meeting people from

62 at the age of 63. Born April

every walk of life.”

3, 1897, Kirkwood died in 1970 in

“It

was

the

real

start

our

long friendship and the embryo of

In his biography, published three

our business relationship too. Little

years after he died, Kirkwood relates

did

dozens

Kirkwood estimated that he played

more than 7,000 golf courses during

demonstration I would receive letter

he and ‘The Haig’ played golf and

his career and he probably introduced

and telegrams from all over America

entertained

golf to more people than anyone in

inviting me to appear before golfing

world from the US and Europe to

groups and clubs. I was committed

South

Middle East, Africa, Australia, India.

know

proceed

following

England

that

but

one

agreed

amazing in

America,

all

anecdotes corners

China,

Japan,

the the

In his later years, Kirkwood retired

to return.”

the history of the game. Little

wonder

Australia, Mr

when

Mitchell,

that

the

PGA

approached avid

supporter

to the mountain resort community

Kirkwood, agreed to honour the winners

set up a show format, playing 36

of the Australian PGA Championship

holes

was the local teaching pro at the

by presenting them with the Kirkwood

amateurs (18 in the morning and 18

Stowe Country Club. The club has

Cup, tradition which began in 1922

in the afternoon before a one-hour

held the Joe Kirkwood Memorial Golf

and continues today.

show by Kirkwood). They were well

Tournament

1967.

It is a historic memento for one

paid and made a small fortune and

Kirkwood’s golf skills remained at a

of the true trailblazers of golf and a

in their “first stint we played 105

high level for most of his life and

fitting accolade for our first golfing

exhibitions in 109 days”.

in 1948 at age 51, he and his son

superstar.

Months later Kirkwood and Hagen

Burlington, Vermont.

against

the

local

Issue 32. September – October 2011

pros

Stowe

Vermont,

annually

where

since

Norman Von Nida Slight in stature, but a golfing giant Norman Von Nida was only 162cm tall, weighed about 60kg and never claimed

one

the

world’s

major

titles, but few golfers had such a strong

and

lasting

impact

the

game in Australia. It is generally acknowledged that The Von, as he was known to anyone who has had even a passing interest in golf in the past 60 years, put Australian

professional

golf

the

world map. Joe Kirkwood, in the 1920s and 30s may have boldly flown the Australian flag in the US and Jim Ferrier may have been the first Australian to win a major at the 1947 US PGA, but The Von made the golf world, especially in Europe, really sit up and take notice of Australian golfers. The Von, like so many of his era, was robbed of years of his career by World War II, but made up for it in 1947. As Von,

relates

Stories

and

his

book

Suggestions

The from

Australian Golf’s Little Master, had a magical 12 months in 1947 where he won seven titles in Great Britain and claimed the Vardon (lowest score averages) Trophy. His seven victories in

season

still

European

tour record. It was not only his masterful play which had the northern hemisphere sit up and appreciate the Australian golfer... organised,

The a

professionals

Von

inspired,

string to

test

nay

Australian themselves

against the best by following him to

“Had he not been the one to leave Australia and make a living... I wonder where we would be today.”

Peter Thomson and Kel Nagle, two

the prized honour roll – was lavish in his praise of The Von’s influence on the game in Australia. “I

followed

the

path-finding

Norman Von Nida. Had he not been the one to leave Australia and make a living, or try to make a living, out of playing golf tournaments then I wouldn’t have gone after him and I wonder where we would be today. “He had to play matches against

Britain and Europe. of Australia’s most celebrated British

1999 – joining Von Nida and Nagle on

swinging onto the world stage. Thomson in an eloquent speech on

people and exhibit himself. He first of all had to create an image... and I

Open winners freely acknowledge that

receiving

Achievement

suppose he was the first golfer with

The Von was instrumental in them

Award from the PGA of Australia in

an image. And that was the black

Issue 32. September – October 2011

his

Lifetime

people

all parts of the world and became

beret he wore... it was ingenious. “So

followed

him

and

even

Australia’s

best-known

dominated

the 1940s and ‘50s winning three

also acknowledges that he followed

Australian

Norman.

Australian PGA championships, while

really the hero, and appropriately so.”

from 1946 to 1955 The Von won 16

ways when he captured the first of his

Von

Nida

Open

titles

scene and

A winner around the world

many adventures in the Canada Cup, Norman

Australian

my great pal Kel with whom I had

the

golfer.

four

“The Von” started on his winning

tournaments in Britain in what was

six Queensland Caddies Championships

Australian golf there is hardly one of

a remarkable and extremely colourful

at age 12. He went on to win four

our international stars who have not

career.

Australian

Throughout

the

modern

era

PGA

Championships,

at some stage received knowledgeable

1946, ’48, ’50 and ’51 and three

swing or career guidance from The

Australian Opens in 1950, ’52 and

Von,

’53.

from

fellow

Australian

Hall

He was also the runner up in

of Fame golfers Thomson and Jan

the Australian Open on six occasions.

Stephenson, through to Nagle, Bruce

His first major win was the 1935

Crampton, Bruce Devlin, Jack Newton,

Queensland Open in which he beat

David Graham, Greg Norman, Aaron

Jim Ferrier by a shot and his last

Baddeley and Adam Scott. Even Jack

was at age 50 in the 1964 London

Nicklaus sought The Von’s opinion on

News Chronicle event. In an illustrious

his swing.

career, The Von won more than 100

Von

Nida,

remembered

for

will a

certainly

remarkable

and

extremely colourful career.

titles

around

the

world.

The

PGA

of Australia and the PGA Tour of Australasia honoured the diminutive

The Von, who was born in Sydney

Queenslander in 2002 by naming their

but grew up in Brisbane, went on to

secondary circuit The Von Nida Tour.

win more than 100 tournaments in

special collectors edition

The Championstory s i h l a i r o t c i ap of

era such as Robert Allenby, Peter

Australia, an event which began in

Lonard, Geoff Ogilvy and evergreen

1905, some six years before the

Peter Senior, not to mention Greg

association was formed, has a list of

Norman and Peter Thomson, the two

champions that represent a who’s,

men who inspire debate as to who

who of Australian professional golf.

can lay claim to being Australia’s

The

From

PGA

the

Championship

greats

the

past,

best

ever

golfer,

and

the

PGA

including the PGA’s founding fathers

Championship boasts an honour role

in Dan Souter and Carnegie Clark,

that contains some of the finest

to those instrumental in taking the

professionals to ever play the game.

Australian game to a world audience

From the archives of the PGA

in Norman Von Nida, a four time

comes a pictorial history, a sampling

winner,

PGA

of the champions past and present,

champion six times, to international

a collection of professionals who

stars of the game in Gary Player,

can proudly claim a victory, for

Hale Irwin, Seve Ballesteros and

some two or more, in Australia’s

Sam Torrance.

longest running and most prestigious

and

Kel

Nagle,

Throw in those of the modern

Issue 32. September – October 2011

professional golfing championship.

australian PGA championships

Clockwise from top left: Dan Souter, the first winner of the PGA Championship in 1905, backed up his success to also win in ’06, ’07 and in 1910, while his fellow founding father Carnegie Clark enjoyed three victories, in ’08, ’09 and in 1913.; Ossie Pickworth was a champion of the game following World War II, winning the PGA in 1947, in 1953 and in 1955; Peter Senior, who will defend the title he won as a 51 year-old in 2010 is a three time winner, his first coming in 1989, 21 years before most recent success; Roger Mackay won the Australian PGA at the Lakes in 1987. Sadly he passed away from cancer while still in his prime; New South Welshman John Sullivan upstaged the great Norman Von Nida in winning the PGA at the Royal Fremantle club in 1960; Bill Dunk, a man recognized for shooting perhaps more course records than any other Australian golfer, won five PGA’s, his first in 1962 and his last in 1976; While Eric Cremin can lay claim to two Australian PGA titles, in 1937 then in the following year in 1938, but as a runner up seven times his legacy could have been even greater. special collectors edition

Clockwise from top left: Mercurial Spaniard Seve Ballesteros, American Hale Irwin, receiving the trophy from then Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and the great Scot Sam Torrance, were three of the more recognized international winners; Scot Andrew Coltart won twice, at the same venue the NSW Golf Club in 1994 and 1997; Jarrod Moseley and Peter Lonard created history when declared joint winners in 2002, with Lonard going on to win twice more, and on his own, in 2004 and 2007; Robert Allenby, a four-time PGA champion, is chasing down the record of six victories set by Kel Nagle; Col Johnston, a long time Club Professional, was also a mighty player, twice winning the PGA Championship, in 1963, the last year it was decided by match play, then in 1964, when played as a 72-hole stroke play event; And Ian Baker-Finch, a playoff winner at the Concord Golf Club in 1993, added the Kirkwood Cup to his major championship success at the 1991 British Open.

Issue 32. September â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 2011

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majors

The majors

The Australian winners Since the time when the likes of Joe

Kirkwood,

Norman

Von

Nida

then Kel Nagle ventured oversees to compete against the best golfers of their

eras,

Australian

Professionals

have always been competitive on the world stage. They have won all over the globe, in Europe, the US, Japan and Asia, with their performances to

the

PGA

systems

Teaching

testament

place

and

the

Professionals

who

helped mould their games and guide their fortunes. But

ultimately,

the

highest

achievers in the history of the game

Wayne Grady, Steve Elkington and Greg Norman at the 2000 Presidents Cup

Born in Melbourne in 1956, David

Perhaps the most popular figure in

Graham had a penchant for practice,

the history of Australian golf, Nagle,

Led by Peter Thomson with five

with tales of his dedication and time

now in his 90’s, is an ambassador

British Open titles, a total of eight

spent on the practice range legendary.

for the PGA of Australia’s Centenary

are ranked by victories in the major championships.

Australian Professionals have claimed 14

major

championship

victories

Graham’s

payoff

for

all

celebrations. Steve

the hard work came in 1979 when

Elkington

left

home

majors,

teenager to attend college in the US

wins just one shy of Harry Vardon’s

beating Ben Crenshaw at the US PGA,

and from almost that moment has

record tally of six, it is the Victorian

before following with a victory in the

called Texas home, with the son of

who is justifiably rated by many as

1981 US Open, with his flawless ball

a railway worker possessing a swing

Australia’s finest every golfer.

striking on the final day going down

envied by the majority of the golfing

in major championship folklore.

world.

between them.

With Thomson’s five

The champion on three successive

occasions in 1954, 1955 and 1956,

won

‘Big’

the

Jim

first

Ferrier

two

became

the

His sweet swing, coupled with some

and then again in 1958, Thomson’s

first

major

dogged play down the stretch, saw

greatest

have

championship when he triumphed at

Elkington outlast Colin Montgomerie

been repelling the challenge of Jack

the 1947 US PGA title at the Plum

at Riviera in LA to win the 1995

Nicklaus,

Hollow course in Michigan. After a

US PGA.

achievement Arnold

may

Palmer

and

Gary

Player to win yet again in 1965. Throughout

the

1980’s

and

Australian

win

remarkable recovery shot at the 35th

Following in the footsteps of friend

into

hole Ferrier would make the birdie

and fellow Queenslander Norman, Wayne

the ‘90’s Greg Norman carried not

putt to beat American Chick Harbert

Grady made a home on the US PGA

only Australian, but some may say,

2 & 1 in the final.

Tour with his career highlight an upset

world golf, on his broad shoulders,

Ferrier was an incredible 27-under

victory over local hero Fred Couples in

seemingly contending in almost every

par for the 203 holes of match play

the 1990 US PGA at the Shoal Creek

course in Birmingham, Alabama.

major championship he contested. History number

ultimate

will of

near

however misses,

show

contested

during

the

week

the event.

And

with

hopefully

many

including

A prolific winner in Australia and

to come from our talented band of

playoff losses at the US PGA, US

abroad, Kel Nagle’s crowing golfing

touring Professionals, Victorian Geoff

Open and US Masters, but Norman

moment

Ogilvy’s win at the 2006 US Open,

also managed two Open Championship

Centenary British Open Championship

titles, the first in 1986 at Turnberry

holding

nerve when all other around him fell

and in 1993 when beating Nick Faldo

off a fast finishing Palmer on the

apart, remains Australia’s last major

by two at Royal St Georges.

final day.

championship triumph.

Issue 32. September – October 2011

came Andrews

when in

he 1960,

won

the

tournament

where

kept

his

tom moore

A living history of the PGA Few people who have played or

followed

Australian

professional

golf

have

heard

will

not

Tom

Moore,

especially those in the west and north western suburbs of Sydney. A

life

member

the

PGA

Australia Moore was for more than 30

years

the

club

Centenary Gala Dinner

professional

at the Muirfield Golf Club before switching to run Auburn municipal golf

course

Rosnay

where

Not

served a similar term. Rare

golf

professional

who

PGA

missed

the

later

club

a lifetime event showcasing the

was

best

invited to become the patron of

Australian

professional

golf over the past 100 years.

the club he served, a position

To be held at the Sydney Town

he currently holds at Muirfield,

Hall

Moore is a never-ending source

Tom Moore len ding a helping hand during the

of not only golf knowledge but

Centenary lau nch

Australian Gala

Sunday

history of golf in Australia. He is instrumental in the staging of

from

10am

until 4pm.

two of the most under-rated Australian

Friday, Open,

Dinner the

the

will

finest

international part

November

11,

which is during the week of the

also an unsurpassed expert on the

Centenary

attract

some

Australian

players

and

from

the

past and present.

PGA’s

championships The Australian Public

Centenary celebrations, Moore has also

Courses

the

committed to display the museum’s

list of golfing legends including

Australian Hickory Shaft Championship

most significant historical items at the

Centenary patron Greg Norman,

Championship

Auburn

golf

course

and and

Expected

present

NSW Open at the Newcastle Golf Club

Ambassador

Peter

devoted collector of all things golf

in Stockton and also at the Australian

President’s

Cup

for most of his life in retirement

Open at the Lakes Golf Club.

Couples

Moore initiated and established the

He will also be influential in the

Golf Collectors Society of Australia,

staging of two Centenary events, a

(now expanded to be the Australian

special

exhibition

Golf Heritage Society) a large group

launched

of enthusiasts dedicated to furthering

titled

“100

Years

the history of the great game.

Golf”

while

The Golf Collectors Society has grown

hold

staging

Championships

hickory

shaft

tournaments

celebrating their anniversaries. Moore also established and operates

at on

the

museum,

the

Somers,

the

stationed

– indeed the worlds–rarest golf items. The Museum is officially open every

Issue 32. September – October 2011

Slaven

and

style to a panel discussion with the assembled golfing greats.

include pre-dinner drinks, a three

Europe

course meal with beverages and

invitation

Roy

Perry

member

museum

duo

Tickets will be available to PGA

Championship,

comedy

members at a member and member

and a winner of the World Hickory

Road),

The evening will also feature

Shaft

Golf Mart store at Granville in Sydney Parramatta

stars

Carnarvon

Sydney’s only golf museum above the

which contains many of Australia’s

Australian

Geoff Ogilvy and Jason Day.

guest rate, with the entry price to

PGA

now

Fred

unique insights and interviewing

course in Sydney. Australian

captain

Professional

Hickory the

Thomson,

HG Nelson, who will bring their

November

Australian

and

September

Australian Golf Heritage Society will

in profile in recent years, regularly and exhibitions at a variety of clubs

Centenary Gala Dinner, a once in

has

accepted

compete

an the

Australian event. For more information visit the website www.australiangolfheritage.org.au

a commemorative Centenary gift. For

Centenary

information Gala

Dinner

the

contact

PGA of Australia head office at the Sandhurst Club.

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Top marks for PGA education

Words by: David Newbery

Hard at work in Carnegie Clark’s workshop back in the early days of the PGA

Mark Gibson, the Chairman of the

basic structure with a fairly strong

“I was lucky my boss (Reg Want)

PGA of Australia, has a simple message

emphasis on the playing side,” Gibson

was good for me, but a lot of the

for Professionals and Trainees looking

said.

young

to advance their careers: “Stay as

current as you can, learn as much

business management.

as you can and never stop learning.” There tells

are young

short

cuts

Professionals

Gibson

who

seek

“The

less

emphasis

playing

side

and

Trainees

now

Trainees

Until all

the

things

back

then

weren’t

being looked after.” recently,

long

working

days were par for the course and

we did, but they are now doing a

wasn’t

uncommon

lot more things like using computer

65-hour-plus week.

work

coaching. Ten years ago a Trainee

“When I first started I didn’t have

PGA

was doing one assignment in his third

a day off for about four years,” Earp

Professionals are highly trained,” he

year and today that Trainee is doing

said. “I wasn’t married and didn’t

said. “That’s why the PGA education

20-plus

have a family so I was at work all

program

and written.”

his advice. “The

because

golf

industry

is of

under the

demands

constant

changing

review

needs

the market. “The

training

program

the

PGA

has had in the past had been world standard, but if we keep doing what

assessments

both

practical

the time, but I did take time off to

Three long-serving PGA Members –

go to tournaments so I could pick the

Charlie Earp, Gary Edwin and Len

brains of Gary Player, Peter Thomson

Beck – agree that today’s graduates

and those guys. “Then I could pass the knowledge on

have to be much more versatile. “The

education

system

today

we are doing it’s not going to remain

more academic and is designed that

world standard.”

way just in case Trainees decided they

Education, different he

completed

admits,

quite

don’t want to be a Tour Player,” said

compared

when

Earp, who joined the PGA in 1954.

today

his

apprenticeship

“When I started my boss taught

to the young people I was teaching.” Gary

Edwin,

one

Australia’s

leading Teaching Pros, concurs. “Getting a start in my day was very different,” he said. “Things have changed

since

then

and

they

now

Coolangatta Tweed Heads under the

have to do a lot more academic work.

guidance of Reg Want.

thought I was good enough he would

“I remember I had to do a playing

“When I went through it was a

“There

the

Issue 32. September – October 2011

club-making

nominate me.

and

when

exam

with

Col

Johnson,

who

was

education

the Australian PGA champion. I was pretty

nervous

and

went

Monash and birdied the first three holes and he said ‘that’ll do’. “The and

wages

think

weren’t the

very

conditions

good are

lot better now and they don’t work the long hours. When I started with Mick Kelly at Roseville I think I had maybe Friday afternoons off and we worked the rest of the week. “I’d like to see young Trainee pros do a lot more teaching rather than being in the shops so it gives them some experience when they get out.” Another

long-serving

Club

Pro and PGA (Qld) Chairman, Len Beck, is a huge fan of the PGA’s education system. “The PGA is actually looking

“There’s more to it now than hitting

at other career opportunities than

a golf ball,” said Beck, who did his

kid the tools, and our

Parramatta.

standing on the tee teaching or being

program is good enough that it does

“When I did my apprenticeship you

a Club Pro,” Gibson said. “We are

that, then that’s a wonderful thing

just turned up to one of the pros and

look at giving better education to PGA

for the game of golf.”

he’d say ‘can you hit a ball’. Then

Members so that they can go into golf

he’d ask you to hit a draw and a fade

administration. We have PGA Members

and if you could he’d say ‘you’ll do’.

in a lot of those roles now because

apprenticeship

Ryde

simple

they have done the education and we

arithmetic. If you add up 3+2 and divide

are looking to having it available for

something they would allow you in.”

our Trainees.”

“The

Of clean

education

course, golf

part

Trainees

carts,

run

was

still

have

clinics,

teach

Other

employment

members, attend the pro shop, check

management

inventory, run tournaments and open

Gibson’s

and close the shop.

to Australia.

It’s their job, their life and the very

opportunities

graduates can pursue include event

“The

and

marketing

vision

Australian

PGA

has

the

opportunity

gold at the end of the rainbow used to

game of golf and grow the game,

be to become a head Professional with

not only in Australia, but in Asia,”

their own staff.

Gibson said. “I am coaching a young guy, who

Australia’s increased attention to its

has

done

Trainee

Golf

Institute

program

has

widened

the

contribute

roles.

confined

definition of the existence. The pot of

Over the past decade, the PGA of

not

the

PGA course

International and

now

scope for job opportunities. However,

doing his PY (12-month Professional

one hard fact remains constant: There

Year Program).

women

“His name is Duc Pham and he is

getting into the business than there

itching to go back to Vietnam because

are head Professional jobs available.

he wants to grow the game there

are

young

men

and

been

and try and develop a PGA that is

persistent in its efforts to open up

modelled on ours for the benefit of all

golfers in Vietnam.

That’s

why

the

PGA

non-traditional

has

opportunities

under the golf operations umbrella to its members.

“His goal is to go back to Vietnam and make a difference. “If I give the

“We are look at giving better education to PGA Members so that they can go into resort management. We have PGA members in a lot of those roles now because they have done the education and we are looking at having it available for our Trainees.” -Mark Gibson special collectors edition

Kel Nagle - Golf’s Bradman KEL Nagle can stand proudly in the company of Australia’s most revered and

famous

Donald

sport

Bradman,

history-makers, Bart

Cummings,

Walter Lindrum and Heather McKay, because golf in this country never again will see a player who has had such an amazing career. Just as Bradman, in cricket, Lindrum in billiards and snooker, Cummings horse racing, and McKay squash, set career records never to be matched, so has Nagle, who on December 21 last year celebrated his 90th birthday. No golfer has come close to winning as many Australian PGA titles and tournaments as Nagle. It’s impossible to imagine that there ever will be a golfer to match Nagle’s amazing career during which he: • Won 61 tournaments in Australasia –

Greg

Norman

best

with 31. • Won a record six Australian PGA

“I never met anybody in my life that didn’t really like Kel Nagle.” - Gary Player

Championships –Robert Allenby has the hot favourite in the Centenary

leaving his putt a few centimetres

• Won at least one 72-hole tournament

Open at St Andrews and when the

short then tapping in for a 71 and

every year from 1949 to 1975 –

US star returned a 68 in the final

a 10-under par total–the lowest score

26 years straight.

round, many thought that the then

shot in the 17 Opens contested at St

unheralded Nagle would be overrun.

Andrews before 1960.

won four.

• And

Nagle’s

20-under-par

score

to win the 1968 Australian PGA

However the Australian didn’t lose

It was fitting that Nagle borrowed

Championship stood as a record for

his cool, showing his icy nerves when

a jacket (he hadn’t thought he would

38 years until Nick O’Hern shot a

he deliberately took his time lining up

need one) for the trophy presentation

22-under in 2006.

a 3.5m putt for par on the difficult

from his best mate Peter Thomson.

17th Road Hole and so he could to

Just

witness Palmer holing a birdie putt on

told Nagle that with a few course

the last green.

management tips from him he had

And yet Nagle’s amazing record was amassed

during

truncated

career

winning

earlier

chance.

Thomson

And

had

Thomson

where due to his service in World

Nagle then knew his then one-shot

War II he did not compete in his first

lead would disappear if he made a

apparently backed his judgment with

PGA event until age 26, playing in his

bogey but with a sharp rap of his

the bookies at 35 to 1, probably doing

army uniform. Nagle then worked as

Acushnet Bullseye putter, made what

almost as well financially as Nagle,

a Club Professional, before becoming a

he later described as the “best putt

who won just £1250 for taking the

fulltime Tournament Professional.

of his career”. He was then able to

Open and the famed Claret Jug.

stride to the last tee with a one-

The Centenary Open win proved to

tour event at age 57, Nagle became

shot buffer, needing just a par to win

be only the mid-point of the quietly

one of golf’s most famous players

the Open.

spoken and humble Nagle’s amazing

Winning his last tournament PGA

when he upstaged American Arnold

Soon after Nagle followed with what

career, but it gave it a turbo charge.

he said was the “best nine iron of

Having

having

his career” hitting his second shot to

two

won the US Masters and US Open, was

a metre from the final hole, before

challenging, in 1951 and 1955, after

Palmer in the 1960 British Open. Palmer

weeks

already

that

year

Issue 32. September – October 2011

previously

Open

played

championships

only

without

people

Kel Nagle with Peter Dawson

The day the R&A came to King Kel’s court In

October

2008

Kel

Nagle

had a surprise “royal” visit to his North Balgowlah home, which overlooks Sydney Harbour. Peter Dawson, Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, together with Mark Lawrie,

the

Chief

Executive

Golf Argentina, made a special trip to Sydney following the World Amateur Team Championship in Adelaide to pay their respects to Kel, the winner of the Centenary British

Open

Andrews

in 1960. PGA

Kel in recent years had been

in the top 10 at seven of the next nine

Championship five more times and it

unable to accept many invitations

British Opens.

his 1960 win Nagle went on to finish

Nagle

went

win

the

was his record-breaking sixth win in

from the R&A Club to return to

He also scored his second US Tour

1968 event at the Metropolitan Golf Club

St Andrews. Circulation problems

win in the 1964 Canadian Open and

in Melbourne that many say was the

with his legs made it impossible

then was beaten in a playoff by Gary

finest of his career and one of the best

for him to undergo the journey.

Player for the 1965 US Open.

performances seen in this country against

Player, renowned as a world class

probably the best field ever assembled.

However regular

has

contact

maintained with

Peter

straight shooter on and off the golf

Jack Nicklaus — at the height of his

Dawson and has donated to the

course, said about Nagle: “I had the

powers, having already won seven world

R&A his famous Bullseye putter,

privilege of playing in Australia 31

majors after five years as a pro – Arnold

with which he scored his amazing

times and got to know Kel Nagle very

Palmer, Gary Player and Australia’s best

upset

well indeed. I can honestly say I never

in Peter Thomson, Bruce Devlin and

Arnold Palmer.

met anybody in my life that didn’t

Billy Dunk were in the field.

really like Kel Nagle.” Born Nagle’s

North

family

Not only did Nagle, then aged 47,

Sydney

moved

north

And

win

over

overseas

superstar

dominated

the

1920,

humble Nicklaus, beating him by six

senior ranks after turning 50 in 1970,

shots,

winning four British, US and World

but

set

two

PGA

records

Nagle

putted

farm at Dorrigo where he and brother

Merv learned to hit a golf ball using

brilliantly

Nagle’s

final

rudimentary sapling clubs.

greens and beat Palmer by 17 shots and

tournament

win

achieving on

the the

feat. fast

Metropolitan

Seniors titles. Australian fittingly

PGA

was

back

On his return to Sydney Nagle was

Player by 18. His Aussie mates fared

where it all began in WA. He won the

taken on as a PGA apprentice by the

little better with Devlin 11 shots back,

1977 WA PGA Championship at age 57

revered

Tom

Dunk, 14 behind and Thomson, suffering

– 28 years after he won the Australian

Popplewell. He was paid a pound ($2)

hay fever, trailing home his friend by

PGA in Perth in 1949.

a week and was allowed one day off

22 shots.

Pymble

Golf

Club

Pro

a fortnight.

classic

children, David, Colin, Lyn and Bruce.

However World War II interrupted

understatement, said after his victory:

Colin followed Kel into golf and became

and Nagle, who served in the Army,

“I haven’t been great shakes as a golfer

a leading PGA Club Professional and

had to wait until 1946 before he was

but I have been a reasonable player and

grandson Jake Nagle is also a Full

admitted

managed to win a few tournaments.”

PGA Member.

The

Full

Member

the

modest

Kel and his late wife Jean had four Nagle,

PGA of Australia. It wasn’t until 1949

The PGA was his fourth win that

that he won his first major title and

year and he went on to win another 11

have

fittingly it was the PGA Championship

tournaments in Australia over the next

his

of Australia.

nine years.

with age.

Jake – in his 20s – it seems would plenty game…

of the

time Nagle’s

to get

improve better

special collectors edition

feature

Staging a successful pro-am

Golf has a unique benefit of being the only sport where you can experience and compete with the leading players – in a pro-am. It is the forum for Professionals to join amateur golfers in a serious but enjoyable experience. These events provide a service to the community and were developed to benefit PGA Members both Tour and Vocational. For Tour Professionals pro-am events provide an opportunity to develop their profile while also providing an opportunity to earn prize money. These events present a different opportunity to Vocational Members and host venues as the day allows them to generate income via sponsorship, entry fees and hospitality. Additionally Vocational Members also play in these events to maintain their competitive involvement with the game. There are a number of good reasons to hold a pro-am and although not the definitive list, here are some reasons often noted by clubs. Major Fundraiser

A well organised and properly budgeted pro-am is a successful fundraiser for the club. Some smaller clubs depend on pro-am

Issue 32. September – October 2011

generated income to provide a significant proportion of the club’s yearly revenue. Apart from increased trade, a properly budgeted tournament should also include a profit for the club’s time and effort. To get a strong response from the members and community it is a good idea to earmark the funds raised for particular projects or programs rather than sending revenue into general administration. Alternatively a pro-am can be a successful fundraiser for a charity. There are some regulations relating to the conduct of major charity events for registered charities. Ensure that you liaise with the charity selected well in advance to ensure that all regulatory requirements are fulfilled. Member Involvement

The opportunity to participate in a proam, as part of the organising committee or as a participant, is a rare opportunity for most club members. Amateurs at all levels appreciate the opportunity to play with a Professional golfer. They are able to see how Professionals play their course and in the process get a valuable insight into their own approach. After the pro-am there is an

increased level of pride and interest in the game and club amongst the members. A pro-am enables a club to build its profile which will hopefully lead to an increase in membership numbers, corporate groups and social rounds. Course Presentation

Many clubs view the pro-am as an opportunity to present their course to the members, the public and the Professionals in its best condition. Courses that are presented in premium condition act as a marketing tool for the club in attracting players back to the course for future play.

Supporting “The Dream”

The support that is given to up and coming Professional Golfers through the pro-am circuit is invaluable. Many of the players on overseas tours learnt their craft over several years on the pro-am circuits of Australia. Having a clear understanding of why you are holding a pro-am is essential to the overall success of the event. If you’re thinking of running a pro-am give your state PGA Office a phone call as they are happy to assist you throughout the process. 

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sunshine coast

the invincibles As the Sunshine Coast gears up to host the PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola in November, the game’s future champions are already on the greens for a tournament of a different kind – The Invincibles Sunshine Coast Junior Golfing Tour. The Invincibles Tour is a regionally based golf tour and event schedule, dedicated to developing the next generation of golfers through regular weekend tournaments and a professional Junior Golfing Academy on the Sunshine Coast. The tour comprises of a variety of events at quality Sunshine Coast courses including national events such as Pump Shootouts, state tournaments through the Greg Norman Foundation and local junior classics. While the tour was originally created to support the rising number of promising young players of the region, it now offers visiting juniors a chance to compete on the pristine courses of the Sunshine Coast while on holidays. In line with the tour’s aim to make golf more accessible to young players, The Invincibles welcomes juniors of all ages and all levels, at less than the cost of typical green fees. Under the guidance of Tour Director, Graeme Miller and Hyatt Regency Coolum PGA Teaching Professional, Peter Heiniger, more than 250 young players regularly compete and train with The Invincibles Tour throughout the year. “The Sunshine Coast has the talent, the courses, the weather, and the coaching

Hyatt Regency Coolum

facilities to produce great results,” said Heiniger. “We now want to support the next generation of players and provide a positive learning environment on the Sunshine Coast. “And if the next Jason Day, Adam Scott or Karrie Webb comes out of the program then that will be a real bonus that all the Sunshine Coast can be proud of.” Following a valuable sponsorship agreement with Hyatt Regency Coolum and Lend Lease and with the support of Patron, Robert Allenby, The Invincibles Tour is well on the way to achieving its goals. Since its inception in 2003, the tour has regularly hosted players from Australia and New Zealand, with interest now growing from juniors in Great Britain, Korea, the US, Hong Kong and Japan. Membership into The Invincibles Tour is $20 per year with competition fees averaging $12.50 including lunch. Visitors can register in advance on-line, enabling them to teeoff the

moment they arrive on the Sunshine Coast. And for juniors wishing to take their game to the next level, The Invincibles also offers a dedicated Junior Golfing Academy, enabling young players to develop their skills with professional guidance and regular training. The Junior Golfing Academy trains players from six to 20 years, in a development squad (six – 14 years) and a talent squad (up to 20 years) at the Hyatt Regency Coolum. Much like The Invincibles Tour, The Junior Golfing Academy is attracting widespread interest from young players and their families seeking quality coaching. Heiniger explains that several families have relocated to the Sunshine Coast to further develop their children’s game with The Junior Golfing Academy. “Our history shows us we can develop leading players, just look at Steven Bowditch, Ian-Baker Finch and Katherine Hull. We want to develop those already in the game as well as attract new players to the game. Most of all we want them to have fun while they are playing,” Heiniger said. To find out more or to register for The Invincibles visit www.theinvinciblestour.org. For more information on where to stay and play throughout Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, visit www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au

www.pgamagazine.com.au

To be a PGA Member

“On becoming a Member of the PGA, each Member submits themselves to standards of behaviour and ethical conduct beyond those required of ordinary golfers and members of the public. PGA has been the hallmark of honesty, fair dealings, courtesy and sportsmanship and each Member is bound to honour and uphold that tradition at all times whether in business dealing, during competition, or off the golf course.” 6.1 (a) of the Membership Regulations

Honesty, fair dealings, courtesy and sportsmanship are qualities that we would like to be known for and are the intrinsic measures that are the very fabric of what it means to be a PGA Member. As we enter our centenary year as an organisation it is an opportune time to reflect with our members on what it means to be a PGA Member and to ensure that for the next 100 years that values and integrity those who have come before us continue on. As a PGA Member there is a responsibility, not just as part of our regulations, to ensure that the positions that we hold in the golfing and wider community are seen to be beyond reproach. This is equally as important when we are interacting with fellow members. It is a privilege to be a PGA Member and this should ensure that members treat each other with mutual respect that acknowledges the history of the Association and the effort that it has taken to achieve membership. 66

Issue 32. September – October 2011

Have our standards started to slip? How is the modern Professional seen when compared to the professionals of yesteryear? It is sometimes the simplest things that are easy to do but fall by the wayside. Whether it be making sure that the Head Professional is called when requesting a game of golf, returning a hire buggy to the Professional Shop at the end of a pro-am and thanking the host Professional, seeking approval to teach at another Professionals facility, not soliciting for business when at another facility or ensuring that we do not actively encroach on another members business by making a pitch for the job before it is advertised. With the introduction of social media and electronic communication members need to ensure that when posting on Facebook or Twitter or sending an email that you take the time to contemplate what you are putting out for the world to read. With the

immediacy of modern communication once it is sent or posted it can’t be brought back which may lead to defamatory remarks being made to a wider audience. There are many things that are done each day that determine how others view a PGA Member and how in turn the Association is viewed. By collectively considering what actions and pathways that we take in our career based on the founding traditions of honesty, fair dealings, courtesy and sportsmanship on and off the course we will ensure that the values and integrity that have been cornerstones of the success of the Associations first 100 years will see the Association grow in stature and respect in the coming 100 years. To find out what it means to be a PGA Member we have asked a collection of our Members to tell us what it means to them to be a Professional Golfers Association of Australia Member – do you have the same feelings? 

membership

PGA Members have their say! PGA Magazine quizzed a collection of PGA members regarding their career history, who helped to guide them in their formative years, what being a Member of the PGA means to them and where they hope the PGA will be when it celebrates its 200th anniversary. What does it mean to be a PGA Member?

“It is about having a passion for the game and that the satisfaction that I can work in the industry and being the expert that people come to influence those that start the game and to instil the direction to go.” Tony Craswell, Latrobe GC, Vic, Member since 1994

“It’s been a lifestyle because all I wanted to be was a golf Professional, the ability to live a dream. To provide a valued input to the golf industry.” Ken Dukes Lynwood CC, NSW, Member since 1979 “I consider being a Member of the PGA to be a privilege. Some of Australia’s greatest ever sports personalities have come from this organisation and to be a part of the same group of people is an honour. Being a Member of the PGA which is renowned for its professionalism and vast range of opportunities for its members excites me, especially at this point of my career.” Mark Ryan, Barwon Heads GC, Vic, Member since January 1, 2011 “To be a Member of the Australian PGA means that I am very well respected within the golfing community and abroad. For me the membership signifies that I am one of a group of people who enjoy striving to help others to enjoy themselves in the game of golf.” Nick White Tasmania GC, Member since 1997 “I am proud to be a Member of “our” association. And for me to be in the position that I am as Head Professional at Mackay Golf Club, I thank the PGA and those members before me that have shaped and driven the

PGA to be where it is today.” Jeff Reid, McKay GC, Qld, Member since 1998 Did you have a mentor that shaped the way you saw the PGA before you were a member?

“From a playing perspective Greg Norman was my idol however as a junior it was the sheer knowledge of my local club pro that always impressed me. He was always up to date with the latest golf news and events, but not only that he was always willing to help out which made golf for me such an enjoyable experience.” Mark Ryan “Before becoming a Member of the PGA I was a Member at Tasmania Golf Club and Doug Murray was the resident Professional. I always considered Doug to be an elite athlete who was willing to share his knowledge and help other golfers around him. While working as a Trainee Golf Professional, Doug helped me understand the true value of a PGA membership. Courtesy and respect to other members was always incredibly high of Doug’s agenda.” Nick White

“Barry Vasella, the Club Pro at Mackay from 1988-2001, taught me that it was a privilege and an honour to be a Member of the PGA, not just a right because you could play the game.” Jeff Reid What values would you like to see carried forward as a PGA Member for the next 100 years?

“As PGA Members we must never forget the influence we have on juniors and beginners. What we do impacts on the way they think.” Tony Craswell “We need to be proud of being a PGA Member. The people coming through now need to look to return the PGA Member to the esteemed position that it was once held in. That will be done by ensuring that the values we put forward are ahead of the standards of the community.” Ken Dukes “Respect, integrity and willingness to openly share knowledge to members of the Association benefiting the golfing community.” Nick White www.pgamagazine.com.au

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1300 778 433 flightcentre.com.au/golf Applies to genuine quotes from airlines and Australian registered businesses and websites for travel that originates/departs from Australia. Quote must be in writing and must be presented to us prior to booking. Fare must be available and able to be booked by the general public when you bring it to us. Fares available due to membership of a group or corporate entity or subscription to a closed group are excluded. Must be for same dates and flight class. We will beat price by $1.00 and give you a $20 voucher.*Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details or visit flightcentre.com.au/golf for latest package offers. Prices and taxes are correct as at 25 Aug 11 and are subject to change without notice. Prices stated are on sale until 31 Oct 11 unless sold out prior. Prices are per person and subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated. Car Hire: Insurance excesses and other charges may apply, price is per vehicle. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on the date of travel. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Airfare not included unless otherwise stated. Where airfare is included, additional taxes specific to your flight routing may apply and/or may not include checked luggage (which can incur additional charges). Domestic flight bookings may attract a booking fee of up to $19.95. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store. Advertised price includes any bonus nights. Minimum/maximum stay restrictions may apply. Flight Centre Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Flight Centre. Licence Numbers ACT 18800224, NSW 2TA2719, NT 008, QLD TAG262, SA TTA254, TAS TAS031, VIC 31089, WA 9TA 589. The individual players represented do not have any affiliation with Flight Centre Limited. FCBNM48543.

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cca invitational

Halfway mark for Coca-Cola Invitational Series in 2011

From left, Steve Krause, Neil McKenzie, Patrick Dangerfield and Luke Sampson

Having staged four successful events and now with only three events to go, meaning three spots still remaining to represent their state at the National Final, the halfway mark of the 2011 Coca-Cola Invitational Series has been reached. The first event of the series was staged at The Glades Golf Club in Queensland on a lovely sunny day, marking the perfect start for the 2011 series. Successful in becoming the first pair through to the National Final were PGA Professional Darren Richards from Indooroopilly Golf Club and Club Representative Jon Mathias. Glenelg Golf Club hosted the second event of the season in South Australia and the challenging layout was no match for the winning pair. Steve Krause, Head Professional at The Vines of Reynella Golf Club and newly appointed Club Manager Neil McKenzie, fired the top score of the series to date with 46 points to be winners by three points. The series then moved over to the west for the third event on a day which turned out to be the wettest August day Perth has seen in 8 years. Despite the weather the competitor’s spirits were not dampened as they took to the prestigious Royal Fremantle Golf Club course. In what can only be described as horrific conditions, 39 points proved to be enough for the pairing of Marangaroo Golf Club Professional Rob Farley and Club Representative Murray Sparks to cement a

Huntingdale Golf Club, the host venue for the Victorian CCA Invitational

position at the National Final. The next stop was Melbourne’s famous sandbelt and the Huntingdale Golf Club, the former host venue of the Australian Masters. With teams travelling from all over the state to be a part of the day, it was one of the Regional teams who would get over the line to take out the Victorian leg. PGA Professional Evan Droop and Club General Manager Rob Dick from the Yarrawonga & Border Golf Club secured their tickets to Hyatt Regency Coolum for the National Final. With three events still to be staged the series will soon visit Gungahlin Lakes in the ACT, then Australia’s number one public golf course Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania, before competitors contest at the largest event of the series at Pennant Hills Golf Club in Sydney. Coca-Cola has generously provided a prize

purse for PGA Professionals to compete for at each State Qualifying event which has been extremely well received. Each event also features a special guest speaker thanks to Coca-Cola’s fantastic relationships with other sporting codes. To date the competing PGA Professionals and Club Representatives have been privileged to hear from retired Rugby league star Chris ‘Choppy’ Close, Kevin Gordon from the Gold Coast Titans, Josh Fraser from the Gold Coast Suns, Patrick Dangerfield from the Adelaide Crows, Ross Glendinning from the West Coast Eagles and Brendan Goddard from the St Kilda Football Club. Best of luck to all competitors in the remaining three State Qualifying events and a big congratulations to the qualifiers who will be hosted at the National Final from 26th November at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.  www.pgamagazine.com.au

Hamilton’s labour of love Words by Rob Willis

A program driven by a leading PGA Member which introduces amputees, both adults and children, to the game of golf, is looking to expand across the country. Designed and run by Sandhurst Golf Club’s PGA Professional Christian Hamilton after having its origins with PGA Member Stuart Leong, the golfing component of Limbs 4 Life provides a sporting and social outlet for those who may not have thought it available or possible. Looking to grow beyond Victoria and the Sandhurst Club, Limbs 4 Life is pushing full steam ahead, with the staging of regular clinics for adults and monthly events for children. And as it has grown it has become something of a labour of love for Hamilton, and for Melissa Noonan, the Executive Officer of Limbs 4 Life, herself an amputee. “It’s the biggest support network in Australia for amputees,” Hamilton explained. “Melissa saw the need as a bit of a vehicle to get people together and we try to add value to the program with the golf clinics we do. It’s just about participating and about getting out there.” Hamilton teaches both the young and the not-so-young but it might just be coaching the kids where he gets his biggest satisfaction from. “It’s the best time for me when I get to work with these kids – they’re incredible. They’re so up and spirited. They don’t see themselves as having a disability, they’ll throw themselves head first into having a go at it,” Hamilton said. 70

Issue 32. September – October 2011

“It’s the best time for me when I get to work with these kids – they’re incredible. They’re so up and spirited.” - Christian Hamilton But as he relates, the Limbs 4 Life clinics are often about much more than just golf. “A young girl from Tassie flew over for a clinic I had for kids. She had never even met another girl before with an arm amputation before she came to see us. So that was great for her to meet others of a similar age with amputations,” he added. He doesn’t pick and choose which of the amputee golfers to coach, with some having played the game prior to accidents and others new to golf as they look to enjoy the health benefits and camaraderie the sport provides. Teaching the amputee golfers is certainly a challenge for Hamilton, but it is one he embraces with a huge amount of enthusiasm. “A lot of guys used to play golf but they’ve had an accident and thought they would just put the clubs away because they can’t do it anymore,” he began. “You have to be mindful of each individual. You have to adapt and to think outside the circle. It tests me as a coach but I also get a huge kick out of it. “I get an enormous sense of gratitude from those who take part. And the

members at Sandhurst love it to. It is really well supported by the club.” Amongst Hamilton’s favourite pupils is Alan, a man who endured a horrific car accident, losing both legs in the crash. “Through Limbs 4 Life Melissa arranged some prosthetic legs for him but he still plays in the chair. So I put him in a lie and loft machine and made his clubs about 15 degrees flat so the toe wasn’t sticking up in the air, and while at first he was just happy to come for an hour and make contact a couple of times, now he comes and belts drivers past the 150 metre marker,” Hamilton said. While he is quick to downplay his role, citing the fact he gets just as much enjoyment out of coaching the Limbs 4 Life golfers as they do from learning the game, Noonan was only too happy to heap praise on Hamilton for his efforts. Noonan explained what started after a chance meeting with Leong, now of the PGA Learning Centre, has grown and prospered through the continued efforts of Hamilton. “I ran into Stuart Leong at a Golf Australia function and we spoke about doing the clinics. From there he introduced

limbs 4 life

Alan has taken to the game of golf courtesy of the Limbs 4 Life clinics

Christian Hamilton with the Limbs 4 Life crew

“Christian is absolutely amazing... He is very committed and can see what’s missing and adapt their golf swings around that.”

Christian Hamilton shows the way to go at a Limbs 4 Life clinic

me to Christian and the rest is history,” Noonan said. “Christian is absolutely amazing and I say that on so many different levels. He is very committed and can see what’s missing and adapt their golf swings around that.” But for Noonan it’s not so much about the quality of golf shots they hit, with a long list of advantages to the program which far outweighs any pars or birdies. “It’s all about the social inclusion and the interaction with the community. Plus the benefits and rehabilitation qualities are huge,” she said. As Hamilton says; “They walk off the course and they’ve used almost every muscle in their body.”

But while the good work continues, Hamilton has a dream of expanding the program and is campaigning for Limbs 4 Life to grow even bigger and better and to be made available to amputees around the country. But to do that, the program needs PGA Member backing and sponsorship support. “My biggest objective would be to get a good solid PGA Member in each state. We’ve got contacts in all the states, there are golf groups for amputees but the PGA could be a solid link to these programs,” Hamilton reasoned. “Plus we would definitely be looking for something out there in the corporate world. I don’t charge, I’ve never charge a cent, but it does need funding.

“We could put together a mini satellite circuit of events and the funding would help with paying green fees and maybe cart fees, as most can’t walk the course, or even if we could get a partnership in place with an equipment company. A lot of those in the program, a lot of amputees, are on disability benefits and as we know equipment isn’t cheap.” Any company or organisation who would like to assist is certainly encouraged to get on board with what is an amazing initiative and an extremely worthwhile cause. For more information call Melissa Noonan, Executive Officer at Limbs 4 Life, on 1300 782 231 or contact Christian Hamilton at the Sandhurst Club in Victoria.  www.pgamagazine.com.au

pga igi

Everything you need to know about the

PGA Igi What is the PGA’s International Golf Institute? (the basics)

• The PGA IGI is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) which can deliver golf specific education to domestic and international students, people that work in the golf industry and PGA members. What does the IGI deliver?

- To the golf industry Core Programs and Courses which are nationally accredited include: • A Diploma of Golf Management – 1 year (face to face delivery mode) • A Diploma of Golf Management via distance learning (for people that work within the golf industry) • Elite Golf Program - Certificate III in Sport. (for golfers looking for a Q school playing career outcome) - To PGA members • A Diploma of Golf Management via distance The subjects we offer include: • Introduction to the Golf Industry • Golf Operations • Golf Management • Golf Course Design and Maintenance • Golf Course Planning and Development. Depending on the year you went through your Traineeship and or your experience within the golf industry PGA members can and should apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competency (RCC). 72

Issue 32. September – October 2011

How does it help me as a PGA Member?

• The Diploma gives you the skills to cross over into the management side of the industry. • The Diploma of Golf Management is nationally recognised • Gives you PDP points to build upon your A, AA, or AAA rating. • The curriculum and content of the Diploma is continually updated to ensure that the skills you learn are based on industry need and specifically the needs of a manager. • The Diploma broadens the potential roles you can apply for within the industry. You will have the knowledge and skills to apply for roles such as: • General Manager • Director of Golf • Dual roles GM / Head Professional • Head Golf Professional • Golf Operations Manager • Golf Resort Manager • Golf Administrator These roles build upon your previous training and demonstrate that you,

• have not stopped learning, • are prepared to upskill and • are training, studying and educating yourself to execute your role. In a competitive golf market this can be the next crucial step to moving into the management arena , securing your next job or securing your next long term contract. Added Opportunity

As an added benefit (to you the Member) the PGA IGI also offers a payment incentive to keep talented students of the game in the game. In 2010 the IGI developed a referral program which pays PGA members a commission for referring students that enrol in our Diploma of Golf Management program. The goal of this initiative is to keep talent within the industry instead of losing them to other education institutions. If they love the game then the Diploma of Golf Management with its pathway into university and potentially the PGA Traineeship program is a fantastic opportunity to earn the qualifications needed these days to build a successful career in the golf industry. 

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It Starts with Good

Posture!

Continuing with a series of articles from golf specific physiotherapist and trainer Matt Green, PGA Magazine offers a few simple messages relating to posture and how to help prevent injury to golfers while providing them with the opportunity to better achieve their golfing goals

When I was young my mum was always telling me to sit up straight, stand up straight, and above all, have good posture. It started to sound like a broken record after a while, but guess what, mum was right! Posture is the platform that all movement starts from, whether it is walking, running or hitting a golf ball. Establishing good posture puts your spine in a position that reduces stress and the risk of injury. Good posture also puts all muscles of the body in a position that allows efficient movement patterns and improved performance.

Any movement that starts form a poor posture will require compensations to perform the movement. Compensations will make the movement less efficient and less repeatable, both of which will have a negative effect on performance. Poor posture will also place the body, and especially the spine, in positions of vulnerability that will increase the risk of injury. When I treat golfers with low back pain, establishing good postural habits is essential to reducing their symptoms. If I cannot achieve this, then most likely their back pain will continue. It is therefore important for golfers to

The Upper Back and Arms

develop good postural habits, not just when addressing the golf ball, but throughout the day. Developing good postural habits will then make it feel natural, rather than an effort, to adopt good posture on the golf course. The following guidelines will help golfers with their posture, not just on the course but also in everyday life. By placing the body in good posture the golfer will be facilitating all muscles of the body, especially the core muscles, allowing these muscles to work effectively and producing efficient, safe, repeatable movement patterns.

Establishing good posture through the upper body reduces stress through the neck and puts the shoulders in a position to move efficiently. Hunching forward through the upper body increases stress through the neck and the front of the shoulder joints, however squeezing the shoulder blades back as far as possible is also not the answer. This requires a lot of muscular effort which is exhausting. It also tends to lock the upper spine down and prevent movement, especially rotation. Ideally we should focus on a sense of width through our collar bones, as if we are opening through the front of the chest. This will engage the muscles that control our shoulder blades as well as position the neck properly.

Issue 32. September â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 2011

fitness

The Lower Back and Legs

Correct posture through the lower body positions the core muscles so they can work effectively, as well as reducing load through the spine and allowing the hips to work correctly. We should focus here on standing with weight through the middle of our feet, knees soft and a sense of feeling tall. This should leave us with a small curve in the lower back, not an excessive arch or a flat lower back.

can then unlock their knees to adopt their posture. This allows the large hip muscles to control the spine angle and reduces much of the load through the back. By following these postural guidelines, golfers should be in a position to move better as well as reduce their risk of injury. 

Golf Posture

Starting from the above mentioned positions, we should move into golf posture by bending at the hips. This sounds quite simple, but many golfers, both those with low back problems and those without, often have trouble with this. To allow this to happen, the golfer must maintain the small curve in the lower back, let their bottom move backwards slightly and move their chest forward. Once they have done this they

Matt Green is the Director of High Performance Golf. He is available to PGA members to conduct golfer screenings, club information nights, one-on-one training and conditioning sessions or to discuss all matters relating to golf fitness and physiotherapy. Matt Green can be contacted on 0409 014 967 or via email at matt@highperformancegolf.com.au

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20TH ANNIVERSARY

2011

Royalty

comes to the Holden Scramble

Royal Melbourne members helped launch the Holden Scramble in its 20th anniversary year

With its increasing popularity, it’s no surprise the Holden Scramble is being adopted by more clubs around the country with existing host venues continuing to support the cause while new courses are jumping on board. And because of the universal appeal to players of all age, ability and backgrounds, 2011 has seen a particular increase in ‘Royal’ clubs around Australia, with seven of the eight revered golf clubs running events. Some of the ‘royal family’ will be staging an event for the first time, while others are hosting events again after more than a decade of their members and guests enjoying everything the Holden Scramble has to offer. Some of the Royal clubs, such as Royal Fremantle, are returning after a brief absence, while others are gearing up again after a long successful history of Holden Scrambles, with Royal Canberra, Royal Hobart and Royal Perth all having run local Holden Scramble events for at least 15 years. 76

Issue 32. September – October 2011

Such is the acceptance, some stage two events each year. With the popularity of the Holden Scramble still growing, this year has seen three new additions to the ‘Royal’ family, coming on board. Royal Melbourne, Royal Adelaide and Royal Queensland are making their Holden Scramble debut in 2011, and so far all have done so with roaring success. Royal Melbourne kicked it all off as the host of the Holden Scramble 20th Anniversary launch event back in March. In recognition of this special milestone the Holden Scramble was lucky enough to have the opportunity to hold the season launch at Royal Melbourne, with the scramble taking to Royal Melbourne for the first time. A full field of members thoroughly enjoyed the unique event and were said to be already looking forward to next year. The club members at Royal Queensland have also spoken with their feet, with a full field of 112 players taking part in

their maiden event in July. After initially expecting to attract the minimum field required of a local qualifying scramble of 48 players, the Royal Queensland Pro Shop was inundated with members registering groups and will now be represented by two teams in the Regional Finals in October. There are only 62 golf clubs in the world that enjoy ‘royal’ patronage and of those, eight are in Australia, with the oldest being Royal Melbourne who were bestowed the honour back in 1895. Seven of those eight ‘royal’ venues now have conducted or will conduct local Holden Scrambles during 2011. The Holden Scramble has, and will continue, to attract players of all age, ability and demographic due to the unique experience it provides to all types of players. The wide appeal is the reason the Holden Scramble has been so successful for 20 years and why it will continue to reign, both amongst ‘royalty’ and also with the general golfing community for many years to come. 

presidents cup

President’s Cup captains Greg Norman and Fred Couples

All the Presidents men Unique opportunity for PGA Members

In November The Presidents Cup will see 24 of the world’s best golfers stride the fairways of Royal Melbourne. The second time Australia has hosted The Presidents Cup since its inception in 1994, Australia will be the first nation, outside of America, to stage the event twice. With the teams starting to take shape, the signs are positive for Australia with Adam Scott and Jason Day likely to have played their way into the International Team. Robert Allenby and Geoff Ogilvy sit just outside the top 10 but with their extensive knowledge and experience of the Melbourne Sandbelt they would appear to be standout candidates for Greg Norman’s Captain’s picks. Fred Couples’ US team is

looking formidable as always with Steve Stricker heading a charge that includes Phil Mickelson, Nick Watney and Matt Kuchar. Couples will have a challenging time selecting his two captain’s picks as the talent sitting just outside the top 10 includes Rickie Fowler, Zach Johnson and major winner Keegan Bradley. Tiger also lurking, is coming to Australia for the Open at the Lakes and has expressed that he is going to add some events to his schedule in the coming weeks leading up to the event. Anticipation is high amongst Australian sporting fans all eager for the November 17-20 date to come around so they can be part of The Presidents Cup experience. 

A unique opportunity has been made available to PGA of Australia Members by the US TOUR to be involved with The Presidents Cup. To create a complete golfing experience for fans an interactive area will be operated at the event. Australian PGA Professionals have been invited to staff, in a coaching capacity, the area throughout the event. This once in a lifetime opportunity will be offered to around 20 PGA Members based on applications. Whilst this is a volunteer position substantial benefits are to be gained by these members who are selected for the weeklong event. PGA Members selected will receive a week long ticket to the event, a Presidents Cup polo shirt, daily meals and on site car parking. Coaches will be expected to do a five hour shift per day with

each day split into a morning and afternoon shift. One full day off will be given to each member. This exceptional opportunity is available to all Vocational Members and Trainees, while Tour Members can only take part if they also hold current PGA of Australia coaching qualifications. If you are interested in applying for the position please email, careers@pga.org.au, with your resume and cover letter as well as answers to the following questions: 1. Why are you interested in performing this coaching role at The Presidents Cup? 2. How are your skills and experience suited to this particular exercise? Good luck with your applications and we look forward to seeing you at The Presidents Cup.  www.pgamagazine.com.au

PGA

Longney wins GBD Assistant Position for 2012

Golf BioDynamics Inc. is a wholly Australian owned and managed company based in Miami at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa – home of the Blue Monster Golf Course and host to a USPGA Tour event each year. Founders Dr. Robert Neal and his wife and business partner, Karen Harrison, recently announced Australian PGA Professional Josh Longney as their new GBD Assistant Professional for 2012. Each year since 2009, Golf BioDynamics, has provided a young Australian Teaching Professional the opportunity to work alongside them at Doral and not only become expert in the use of 3D technology in golf instruction, but also study the McLean system of coaching. Jim McLean, who regularly ranks in the US as one of the Top 5 Instructors, has “created the ideal learning environment for both students of the game and instructors wishing to hone their teaching skills,” says Neal. It was a strategic alliance with McLean which began in 2003, that allowed Golf BioDynamics to establish their golf technology business in the US and assist Neal in developing a profile as one the best golf biomechanists in the world. His expertise in the use of 3D technology for golf swing analysis and teaching is now recognised internationally. And while it would have been an easy task to employ an American to take up the GBD Assistant Position, Rob is 78

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adamant that it was always the plan to help young Australians. It has been a good six months for Longney. From a position at NSW Golf Club earlier in 2011, he was awarded a summer internship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland and at the end of this year moves to Doral for 12-18 months with Golf BioDynamics. Current GBD Assistant, Gavin Sutherland, formerly of The Vintage Golf Club and the Oaks Golf and Country Club in NSW says; “There is simply no chance I could have had this learning experience back in Australia and there really is nothing in the world like this facility, the number and quality of instructors, all of the latest technologies and ideas, and a constant desire to achieve more. From working with Tour Players, interacting with some of the world’s best golf instructors, attending the World Golf Fitness Summit, The PGA Merchandise Show and assisting both the German and Danish National Teams, the last 6 months has been hectic; and a life changing experience. I am incredibly grateful to Golf BioDynamics and wish Josh all the best for 2012.” Sutherland will be returning to Australia in early 2012 and is considering taking his skill set to south-east Queensland to join forces with well-known golf physiotherapist Michael Dalgleish (The Golf Athlete). 

PGA Connect In July the PGA launched PGA Connect, the new national Member newsletter. The idea behind PGA Connect was to create one newsletter for all PGA Members to replace the existing individual state newsletters. Each state now has its own section down the right hand side of PGA Connect. The content in PGA Connect is designed to assist PGA Members in their business, advise of important upcoming dates and keep you informed on all things PGA. It is hoped that PGA Connect will create an improved communication channel for Members so that they’re always up to date with the Association. To keep improving the newsletter we welcome Member feedback. PGA Connect is published on the last Thursday of every month so keep an eye out. Haven’t received PGA Connect? Please call your State Division to ensure we have your update to date details.

Junior golf

Pump Golf’s biggest year yet With record numbers of Shootouts locked in, this year is rapidly becoming Pump Golf’s biggest year yet. 2011 has seen nearly 60 Pump Shootouts run in the first half of the season, more than double the amount that had run by this time last year. With another 60 more Pump Shootouts already confirmed and at least another 50 golf clubs yet to lock in a date, a record 200 events in 2011 is not out of the question. All net and scratch winners from each Shootout go into the draw to win a trip to the Pump Golf Junior Festival at Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Here, 80 juniors aged between 12 and 16 will be treated to two rounds at Twin Waters Golf Club as well as numerous coaching clinics from some of Australia’s leading Tour Professionals, such as Adam Scott, Stuart Appleby and Nick O’Hern. New South Wales has been the dominant force for the Pump Shootouts in the early

part of the season, but as the Nation warms into Spring, more and more Shootouts will continue to run across the country. The first Pump Shootout at Hyatt Regency Coolum got the Pump Shootout season off to a good start, attracting nearly 40 juniors. From there the Pump Shootout has seen nearly another 60 events run across the country all with similar success. A few of these successful events have been in South Australia, where Jan Douglass,

a passionate Junior Golf Coordinator has run Pump Shootouts at Adelaide Shores, Maitland and Port Lincoln Golf Clubs all averaging over 20 players at each event. The Pump Shootout season concludes on October 9, so August and September are sure to be big months ahead for the Pump Shootout. For more information or to register a Pump Shootout, contact the PGA Events Division on (03) 8320 1999 or at juniors@pga.org.au 

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women in golf

Nicole Montgomery In her second year of a PGA traineeship at Marangaroo Golf Club in WA, Nicole Montgomery represents something of a new order when it comes to women entering a PGA system which has predominantly been a male dominated domain. A successful player in the amateur ranks, both in Australia and as a part of the US Collegiate scene, Montgomery weighed up her options, decided she wanted to pursue a career in golf and unlike the majority of her female counterparts, opted for a PGA Traineeship. She isn’t the first to choose such a path and with traineeships for young women golfers now a definite option, she wont be the last. Still not sure exactly where her golfing life is leading her and in her second year under PGA Member Rob Farley and Marangaroo, Montgomery is certainly using the traineeship in the right spirit, as she builds up her knowledge and experience while leaving all bases open for the future. “While I like the idea of maybe one day owning my own shop I’m not closing the door on playing,” Montgomery said. “I’ve played as much as I could this year and played against the boys on the WA circuit. I am trying to experience everything possible with the traineeship.” A talented youngster who was in the WA Golf state junior and senior squads, Montgomery then headed for the Pepperdine University in the US. “It wasn’t really for me,” she admitted, before she joined the ALPG about three or four years ago. Pressures, financial and otherwise, got her thinking about a change of direction, with a few timely words of advice convincing Montgomery that the traineeship was perhaps the best option. “I spoke to Emma Bennett before I decided to do it. She is from Victoria and we used to play against each other. She said she loved it,” Montgomery said. “It depends whether or not you’re good enough 80

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to just go and play without any financial pressures. But if you want to give yourself a few more options, the traineeship can be the way to go. “I didn’t have the finances to travel around and play, plus I wanted the coaching degree and thought I could get the whole package if I did the PGA traineeship. It’s full on, but is going really well.” Montgomery and female colleague Jemma Partridge are the two women in the WA trainee system. Rather than being overwhelmed by the fact they are outnumbered by the males, Montgomery explains that they have been taken in by the boys as one of their own. “We have been accepted very well, but WA is small in regards to the golfing community so we know them from amateur golf. Everyone knows each other over here in WA,” Montgomery added. A young lady who at the moment might represent the exception rather than the rule when it comes to the percentages of males versus females working as PGA professionals or in the golfing industry, Nicole Montgomery may just be showing the way forward for many more who could follow. 

“I like the idea of maybe one day owning my own shop (but) I’m not closing the door on playing” Montgomery fifth against the boys In a solid performance Nicole Montgomery finished a creditable fifth in a field of 21 players at the WA/NT Trainee Championships played at the Royal Fremantle course. Montgomery shot rounds of 74-74-7676, for 72-hole total of 300, in what were described as trying conditions. Runway winner of the event was Nedlands Year One trainee Gavin Reed who returned an impressive 5-under par score, nine shots better than runner-up Scott Hunter. The WA PGA Trainee Championship, which offered a total prize purse of $12,000, was supported by Coca-Cola Amatil and Titleist Footjoy. 

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Celebrating a lifetime in the game Two long standing and valued PGA members, in this the Centenary year of the PGA of Australia, are being recognised in PGA Magazine for their outstanding contributions to the game and at their respective golf clubs.

Merv Uhlman, who recently retired after 47 years at the helm at the Oxley Golf Club in Brisbane, and Ray Wilson, who is still opening the pro shop doors of a morning after 50 years at the Strathfield Golf Club in Sydney, are shining examples of PGA members loving

what they do and being appreciated for it. David Newbery caught up with both recently, with their stories an inspiration to those in the midst of, or looking forward to, long and illustrious careers in the golfing industry.

‘Gentleman’ Merv plays it cool

The word that comes to mind when the topic is PGA Professional Merv Uhlman is “gentleman”. Uhlman, who was the head pro at Oxley Golf Club in Brisbane for 47 years, recently pulled the pin on his long career. An unassuming man, he is a person who prefers to fly under the radar, but as I discovered when I first met him in 1984, Uhlman has a great sense of humour and is someone who doesn’t suffer fools lightly as many unsuspecting golfers found out when entering his domain. When I approached him for this story he was more interested in questioning me about my golf game and health – anything but talk about himself. That’s the sort of bloke he is, but I wore him down. I guess that’s why he is, and will continue to be, such a popular figure around Oxley Golf Club. Always welcoming, Merv is “old school”, which is a compliment – not a criticism. I lost count of the number of times he invited me and other golf writers to Oxley for a game of golf. “When are you coming out for a game?” he’d ask. “I’ve got a golf cart here with your name on it.” Unfortunately, I seldom took up the offer, but when I did I always wrote about the experience which, in effect, was free publicity for the club. Importantly, it was Merv’s way of promoting and marketing the golf club. Three months into retirement, Uhlman’s feet have hardly touched the ground as he 82

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Merv Uhlman (left) with Charlie Earp

divides his time between his “adorable” grandchildren and his aging father. “My dad is 94 and has been in hospital,” he said. “He’s out now, in a home and that’s taken a bit of my time. Once things start to settle down, I will play a bit more golf with some of my mates from Oxley.” The son of a barber, Uhlman served his apprenticeship under the guidance of Doug Katterns at Keperra Country Golf Club in the early 1960s. When he finished his traineeship he virtually walked straight into the job at Oxley. Over the years, he has rubbed shoulders with some of the greats of the game including Arnold Palmer. In 1963, Palmer was brought to Australia to play an exhibition match at Royal Queensland Golf Club and Uhlman was there to caddie for the seven-time major winner. Bob Charles, who was the British Open champion, Charlie Earp and Japan’s number one Hideyo Sugimoto joined Palmer at Royal Queensland.

“I remember he landed at Royal Queensland in a helicopter,” Merv recalled. “It was tremendous caddying for Palmer – he was a top bloke.” In 1986, Palmer returned to play in the World Series Championship at Coolangatta Tweed Heads and Uhlman was on hand to organise a reunion. It was a huge success because everyone involved in the exhibition match 23 years earlier turned up. One of his fondest memories was playing alongside and finishing third to two-time major winner David Graham at Mackay in North Queensland. “I remember he finished eagle, eagle and the next day he started with an eagle,” Uhlman recalled. “We played 36 holes on the first day, 36 on the second day and when we finished at 4.30pm David went to the practice fairway and was still there when we went home. “I saw him the next year at Surfers Paradise and he was there hammering balls again. It’s amazing how much practice he did, but it paid off.

profile “It was the same with Greg Norman, Wayne Grady and those boys.” In May, Uhlman closed the pro shop door at Oxley Golf Club for the last time. The golf club recognised his contribution to the game by putting on a luncheon, which was attended by family and friends. Even Greg Norman was there – albeit in spirit. The Shark couldn’t attend the gathering, but he did send a congratulatory message, which was delivered by long-time coach and mentor Charlie Earp. “Oxley has been a great club,” Uhlman said. “I have made a lot of friends and I leave with a lot of good memories.” Ray Wilson – 50 years on and going strong

Ray Wilson was a wide-eyed 15-year-old with stars in his eyes when he started work as a trainee professional at Strathfield Golf Club in Sydney. That was half a century ago. Today the popular club professional is still there serving the members and local golfing community with the same enthusiasm he started with in 1961. Wilson is a larger-than-life character, a people person who likes nothing better than meeting and getting to know new people. In the past 50 years he has “met some interesting people” and mixed in circles few people get to experience. Some of his career highlights include playing golf with former British Open champion Roberto de Vicenzo, dining with royalty and rubbing shoulders with Olympians and politicians. In the 1980s and ’90s, Wilson enjoyed a stint in local government and rose to become Strathfield’s Deputy Mayor. “I served two terms and I was the only independent to get elected without preferences,” Wilson said. “I would have been there a lot longer only the work load got too great. “I did enjoy it and some of the members are at me to stand again even though I was an independent and not a political man. They even wanted me to stand for state and federal seats here.” But Wilson dismissed that idea although he did take the suggestion as a compliment.

“I am not interested in that,” Ray said. “There’s enough involvement in what I do now without that.” In 1988, Australia’s bicentennial year, Wilson was acting mayor and had to attend a number of important functions. “It was one of the best six months of my life,” he recalled. “My wife and I went to so many functions and met so many interesting people. On Australia Day we sat opposite Prince Charles and Lady Di at dinner. We had a really good time and I thought Charles and Diana were nice people.” And during the 2000 Sydney Olympics plenty of high-profile athletes popped in to Strathfield for a game, much to Wilson’s delight. Last year, the 65-year-old former Deputy Mayor and long-time Rotary member was honoured by the Strathfield community when named Citizen of the Year. As a professional golfer, Ray was competitive and often mixed it with some of the game’s best players. “In 1966, I played well in a four-rounder and ended up being paired with Roberto de Vicenzo in the final round,” Wilson recalled. “That night the members took up a collection in the bar for me so that I could play in tournaments. They collected enough money to send me to two Australian Opens – all expenses paid. “As a young bloke, that stood out as a highlight because the members thought that much of me. “When I was young I won heaps of pro-ams and I led the Wills Masters, which was bigger

than the tournaments today because we had the best players in the world come for that. “For a club pro I thought I did pretty well in the tournaments including the Australian Opens, which I played for many years. During those tournaments I still had to come to work at 6 o’clock and leave at 11 o’clock to go and play.” Unfortunately, Wilson had to quit major tournament golf when the yips got the better of him, but he continued to play pro-ams. “In the 1980s, I won a pro-am at Cabramatta when I had something like a 62,” he recalled. “The club asked me to be guest of honour because I was the only one who had shot such a low round at the golf course.” Wilson told PGA Magazine he has had a marvelous career and wouldn’t swap his job for anything, even when times were tough. “I remember once we were closed for four months,” he recalled. “It’s not good when that happens because you have still got to keep your door open most of time. I used to spend lot of the days helping the greens staff get the course back together.” Despite reaching retirement age, Wilson says he has no intentions of pulling the pin and sailing off into the sunset. “I have no immediate plans to retire because my wife reckons I would go batty if I was home every day. “Basically, I have been a club pro all my life and the thing I enjoy about my job is seeing and talking to people. I class every member of the club a friend and they know that. They know they can come to me with things and we can talk about it.” 

Ray Wilson

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Making their mark in a foreign land By Rob Willis

Armed with full member status of the PGA more and more Australians are now broadening their horizons, chancing their arms and exploring their opportunities overseas. Such is the high esteem to which membership to the Australian PGA is held around the world, many are being accepted into prestigious postings abroad, enabling them to experience different countries and cultures, all while working within the global golfing industry. Some are in the US, others Asia and Europe, with their respective roles many and varied. From Club Pros, to Directors of Golf, Teaching Professionals and aspiring Tournament Players, Australian PGA Members are making a mark. Profiled in this edition of PGA Magazine are a trio of recent graduates of the of the PGA’s Trainee program, three young men who are enjoying the moment and forging reputations which will carry them into a successful future. Corey Hale

Recognisable are those Australian Professionals in the spotlight while plying their trade on the US PGA or US Nationwide Tours, in Europe on OneAsia or in Japan. Working their way towards achieving the status enjoyed by that elite group is a collection of PGA Professionals living the dream and competing in events where only family and friends regularly check the results. Corey Hale, who completed a Traineeship between 2007 to 2009 at Belmont Golf Club near Newcastle under Kurt Linde and Graeme Stockley, is one of those currently flying under that proverbial radar. Hale took the gamble to head to the US in February of 2011 and is competing on the Nga Hooters Professional golf tour, basing himself out of the Oak Tree Country Club in Oklahoma. 84

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Corey Hale

“The Hooters Tour is a mini tour designed for players to learn their trade,” Hale began. “It gives us a place to play, to experience tournament golf and to give players the opportunity to experience what the main tour player faces every week in the sense of travel, living in motels and out of suitcases, adjusting to new courses and new conditions every week.” After considering his options, doing his research and figuring out how far his budget would stretch, Hale opted for the Hooters Tour. “It seemed a good fit for me. I had been to the States before and I feel like I was most comfortable here. Along with the good tournament schedule, and knowing some people on the tour to travel with, the tour has two ranking schools each year,” he explained. “You can gain status through playing in those events or the tour gives out special exemptions each year. I was lucky to gain one of them giving me status for the 2011 year.”

After qualifying for the 2010 Australian PGA Championships through the Trainee system, Hale got an appetite for matching shots with some of the best players in the world and his move to the US was his way of satisfying his competitive hunger. “I loved the experience and although I missed the cut by one shot it gave me confidence that maybe I could compete at that level. I decided that I wanted to try and play for a living, to bite the bullet and give it a shot,” Hale reasoned. “That’s why the move to America was needed as the mini tours provide players with full time schedules to play and to learn how to play tournament golf before going to various tour schools. And although the entry fees are more expensive we play for at least $200,000 each week. “I feel like my golf is moving in the right direction and I’m pleased I made this decision to come over here and I have had a lot of great support through family and friends, Belmont Golf Club and my coaches Kurt and Graeme.”

overseas members While a playing career is Hale’s current focus, should he decide to head in another direction in the future, he is also appreciative of the fact that his full membership of the PGA leaves him well credentialed for a career in golf. “I know that with my PGA qualifications I have many options for a career, weather that’s overseas or home in Australia,” Hale said. Scott Adland

Having begun his golfing journey working under Colin Bishop at the Ashlar Golf Club in 2003, Scott Adland now finds himself living the dream at a five-star resort in Phoenix, Arizona. Currently employed at The Legacy Golf Resort, a facility which tees off around 100,000 rounds a year and employs a staff of over 200, Adland assumes a variety of responsibilities and appears to be enjoying the opportunity to showcase his many talents. “It’s a public facility that is the busiest in the valley and probably the best condition. I have really lucked out here,” said Adland, who has been stationed in Arizona since July 2010.

“I have several job descriptions. Tournament Coordinator, which is running all corporate golf outings of 16 or more players and Staff Instructor and Custom Club Fitter for the Legacy Academy. “When I’m not coaching or running group events, I’m a Shop Manager, doing on average three shop shifts a week.” Keen to live and work in the US, Adland, who gives credit for his career development

telephone interview. It was total luck really,” he said. “I just loved the golf and the weather (in Phoenix), but nothing will ever compare to Australia. I just wanted to live in America and the opportunities in the States for golf are far more advanced.” While he has certainly landed on his feet, before arriving at his final destination Adland was forced to jump plenty of

“I just loved the golf and the weather (in Phoenix), but nothing will ever compare to Australia.” - Scott Adland to coach and PGA Member Paul Hausman along with mentor Gary Barter, the Teaching Professional at the Australian golf Club, was persistent in his quest to find a suitable position. “I wanted to relocate to Phoenix as I’d played here before in tournaments in 2008 and 2009. I sent my resume to over 100 courses and Legacy by chance had a position available. They hired me after a

hurdles to achieve his dream. Ultimately he found his PGA membership was his most valuable asset after he was forced to follow a complicated process to gain the necessary work permits. The eventual outcome however made it well worth the effort. “I would not have been able to obtain my work visa without my Australian PGA Qualification. I had to get the US PGA to 

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overseas Members write a letter of recommendation stating that the Australian PGA system is on par with theirs. But in my opinion the Australian PGA Traineeship is far more advanced and harder than that of the US,” Adland explained. “The visa process was a head ache. It took around five months to get approved, but totally worth it.” As for the present, Adland is content with his lot, but he hasn’t ruled out a return to home soil at some stage in the future. “Right now I will be staying in the States indefinitely. I actually just got married and my wife is from the US, but she has expressed an interest in living in Australia and we will come back home at some stage,” Adland said. As for some advice for those contemplating following in his footsteps, Adland has some educated words of wisdom. “If anyone is interested in working overseas, make sure you plan accordingly with all the visa requirements and be patient, as this can be quite a drawn out process.” JD Coulon

Currently living and working in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jean Daniel Coulon, ‘JD’ to those who know him, is another shining example of the Australian PGA Member making great strides in an unfamiliar environment. A Victorian native who began his Traineeship at Moonah Links in 2005, before completing the academy program at Portsea Golf Club in 2007, Coulon took the bit between his teeth and headed off into the big wide world to expand his horizons. “At the time it was all about my fiancée Emma and I trying new things and being spontaneous,” Coulon said. “We decided that we both wanted to experience life working in another country and embrace new cultures and lifestyles. “I also knew it would be a good chance for me to develop my coaching skills and broaden my golfing knowledge.” So it has been from those somewhat impulsive beginnings that Coulon has progressed to where he holds a position of prominence in a foreign land. “I am working for The Indonesian Golf Association (PGI) as the Indonesian National Coach,” Coulon explained. “This involves 86

Issue 32. September – October 2011

JD Coulon (centre, sitting with white t-shirt) with his Indonesian national squad

coaching the Indonesian National squad which consists of 20 players–12 males and 8 females, ranging from 16 to 38 years old, with my role training and mentoring the players, while coordinating their event schedules throughout South East Asia. “I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time, with the right knowledge and experience. As this was a new position I was able to assist in developing the role scope. “The PGI was only interested in hiring an Australian PGA Member. They had done their research into other PGA training systems and they were most impressed with the Australian program,” he added. Amongst his responsibilities Coulon oversees the technical and mental techniques of his squad members, along with their fitness and physiotherapy regimes. “I also manage the scouting of new talent around Indonesia, helping with their development and I’m in the process of creating a training program which will assist the local Indonesian golf Professionals to gain better coaching knowledge,” he said. Now a little over 12 months into his appointment, Coulon is forging an impressive reputation while operating at a number of different courses spread across the city. “The facilities range from top class to goat tracks, but they are all consistently busy–due to over 10 million people living in Jakarta,” Coulon said. “The driving range where I predominately coach has a grass area and a less than average short game facility. “I make do with what I have. My theory is,

if you can hit balls from these conditions, you can play off any lie.” Coulon was also quick to praise his golfing mentors Aaron Kelly, Ross Moodie the head Professional at Portsea Golf Club and his brother David, but more significantly the PGA Australia system for providing him the tools to be able to carry out his roles and responsibilities to a high standard. “The PGA Traineeship was one of the best decisions of my life. It has provided me with excellent career opportunities, a chance to meet amazing talented people and provided me with the knowledge to assist people with their golf game,” Coulon said. But as much as he is enjoying his Indonesian experience, Coulon one day hopes to bring home some of the lessons learned during his Asian experience. “I’m enjoying my time here and appreciating what Indonesia has to offer. Nevertheless, home is Melbourne and I will be back there in the next few years to further pursue my golfing career. But while I’m here, I am making the most of the opportunities,” he said. And in a parting message, as tough as some days may be on foreign soil, Coulon recommended all PGA Members consider taking on something similar at some stage of their careers. “Teaching within a different culture with a language barrier is sometimes difficult but in my opinion it is definitely an experience everyone must try. My clients appreciate what I do and I actually feel like I am making a difference,” Coulon said. 

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Member Benefits Portal The PGA Member Benefits Portal has now been running for two months with many Members already experiencing some great products and savings. While online retailing can never replace the high level of customer service experienced in the local Pro Shop it is convenient, for the purchase of some products. It allows us to easily find compare and purchase products meaning we don’t have to battle the crowds in the shopping centres. As we browse online it is always easy to think about how products can benefit us personally but it also important to think about how you can utilise these products and savings in your business. Each month the PGA will email you with ten hot offers but this is just the tip of the iceberg; once you login to the PGA Member Benefits Portal you have access to thousands of products. Some of this months product offerings include; The Gourmet Picnic Case is a luxurious hamper filled with a combination of wines and an array of delicious sweet and savoury treats all beautifully presented. The hamper can be the perfect gift to impress that special someone but it can also be beneficial for your business. It makes for an impressive prize for the monthly ladies competition, corporate golf day or raffle prize to raise money for the golf club. The ‘Everything but Flowers’ online shop in the PGA Member Benefits Portal has many other similar products that take the challenge out of finding and purchasing such rewards for your club members. While the Gourmet Picnic Case usually retails at $249 PGA Members can purchase for $205. The Brother PT-2430PC Electronic Labeller is sure to have your Pro Shop organised in no time. Gone are the days of confusion in the stock room or missing equipment, with this easy to use labeller 88

Issue 32. September – October 2011

even your mum will be impressed with your neat and tidy ways. Once the Pro Shop is in order take this labeller home and ensure the kitchen cupboards and kids school books are just as organised. Being a PGA Member will save you more than $40 on the Labeller as its recommended retail price is $149 however you can purchase for $106. With school holidays fast approaching all parents are turning their thoughts to entertaining the kids. With parents juggling a busy work and home life the convenience of purchasing kids activities online is an attractive option. Via the PGA Member Benefits Portal you are able to purchase a Hoyts Super Saver Family Pass which means you can enjoy a family outing without blowing the budget. This family package includes two adult and two children movie tickets and you’ll save off regular box office admission prices. Usually you would pay $64

but if you purchase via the PGA Member Benefits portal you will pay just $44. There are many more great savings to be made just for being a PGA Member so next time you are thinking of heading to the shopping centre have a look on your PGA Member Benefits Portal first. Please note that at the time of product selection, we will work with the provider to always endeavour to try and offer a best in market price to Members. However, online retail is dynamic, forever changing and prices do change. In saying this if a product’s price is uncompetitive to those available in the market we will always endeavour to secure a better price. If you have feedback on the PGA Member Benefits Portal please contact Gavin Kirkman, General Manager Member Services on (03) 8320 1911. 

enjoy the savings Save time & money with Flight Centre The PGA is pleased to announce the latest Member Benefit offering from our newest partner, Flight Centre Limited. As part of the PGA’s commitment to improving Member Benefits, the PGA has teamed up with Australia’s largest travel agency network to ensure you, the PGA Member, receive expert advice and the best rates on all your travel requirements. PGA invites you to start saving on all your business and personal travel needs today with the following PGA Member Benefits: • 5% off accommodation bookings at Quickbeds.com/pga. Owned and operated by Flight Centre Limited, Quickbeds.com offers PGA members a cheap and easy way to book accommodation online. • Discounted booking fees with exclusive access to Flight Centre Limited’s Corporate Traveller travel management service. • Save time when booking, changing and re-booking travel arrangements with Corporate Traveller – a one stop shop for all your travel bookings anywhere in the world.

• Receive personal service and assistance with 24/7 support from Corporate Traveller wherever you are in the world. • Guaranteed best prices on airfares and hotels. If you happen to find a cheaper quote Corporate Traveller will beat it or you travel FREE. • Tour Members will benefit from Flight Centre Limited’s purchasing power, with preferred accommodation options nearby tournament venues with the best available rates. Through its partnership with the PGA, Flight Centre Limited is committed to offering PGA Members the best possible options on all travel-related requirements. With more than 2,000 shops and businesses globally through

its retail and corporate brands, Flight Centre Limited provides a complete travel service for leisure and business travellers in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Hong Kong, India, China, Singapore and Dubai. The PGA encourages all PGA Members to get on board with this latest Member Benefit. To arrange your next travel requirements call Kate at Corporate Traveller on 1300 151 674. The PGA welcomes any feedback or questions on this latest Member Benefit. Share your thoughts - contact Gavin Kirkman, General Manager of Member Services, on (03) 8320 1968 or email gkirkman@pga.org.au. 

Allianz – First choice insurer of the PGA The third addition to the revitalised PGA Member Benefits Program will see PGA Members save on their insurance thanks to Allianz, the first choice insurer of the PGA of Australia. Allianz, one of Australia’s largest general insurers, are offering PGA Members up to 15% off insurance products including car, home, landlord and travel insurance. But savings to the hip pocket are not the only benefit of Allianz, they have also made the complicated world of insurance quotes simple with a dedicated PGA Member

website and phone line. Via the Allianz PGA Member website, www.pga.mybenefits.com.au, you are able to enter all your insurance particulars and receive a quote instantly. This allows you to research your insurance from the convenience of your home or office. Alternatively for those who still appreciate personal customer service Allianz have a

dedicated phone team to assist you with your insurance. The PGA has already received favourable feedback from Members who after comparing their current policies to that offered by Allianz were able to save substantially. Make your comparisons and see if you are able to save with the Allianz PGA Member Benefit. With genuine savings to be made and the highest level of customer service to be experienced the PGA encourages you to support companies, such as Allianz, that support our Members.  www.pgamagazine.com.au

PRO GOLF EXPOSED REPORT CARD: DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY HAS MERIT In May the PGA launched a viral marketing campaign for Mothers Day targeted toward women aged 18-30 years to change their perceptions of golf and PGA Members with the goal to encourage women to have a lesson. The campaign achieved the desired outcome of securing non traditional golf media coverage thereby extending the reach of golf to a the new audience. Pro Golf Exposed generated a huge volume of unexpected media coverage totalling $250,000 of exposure. Ordinarily to secure this exposure for the sport we would have had to pay the same figure in advertising. In comparison the recent announcement of Darren Clarke playing the PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola received less coverage. Securing golf media coverage is an ongoing challenge in a sport saturated market. Campaigns such as Pro Golf Exposed help break through the clutter and gain the sport prominent position in major news publications.

EXPOSURE

• Reached 1.2 million people in a four week period • Media coverage increased by 210% in May 2011 compared to April • Media coverage accounted for 41% of the PGA’s total media coverage for May • More than 7,600 people visited the campaign website

state news

victoria

Creswick the new home of the VIC PGA

The Hall of Fame inductees

Victorian Golf Industry celebrates Legends of the Game

Over 400 members of the Victorian golfing community gathered at the iconic MCG for the second annual Victorian Golf Industry Awards to celebrate the high achievers while revealing six inaugural Golf Hall of Fame inductees. While the PGA of Australia was able to recognise the many significant achievements and contributions made to the golf industry, much of the interest surrounded the naming of the first six Hall of Fame Members, with the list a who’s who of Victorian golf. Peter Thomson AO CBE, Jack Harris, Bob Shearer, Miss Burtta Cheney MBE, Ivo Whitton (deceased; represented by daughter Flo Grimwade) and Doug Bachli (deceased; represented by son Paul Bachli) were either in the room or represented by family members as their inductions were announced, with those on hand sharing the memorable experiences of their life in golf. “The PGA of Australia are very proud to have established a Hall of Fame for Victoria with our industry partners in what is our Centenary Year but more importantly we are proud and honoured to have six fine men and women inducted that have paved the way in golf and helped make the game what it is today,” said Nick Thornton, PGA of Australia Southern Division Executive Officer.

On the night the PGA also recognised Michael Faraone as the CPM Bruce Green Club Professional of the Year and Darren Cole as the CPM Teaching Professional of the Year. Kevin Conlong was awarded the PGA National Trainee of the Year and 25 of his fellow Trainees graduated to become Full Members of the PGA of Australia. The PGA also recognised the significant contribution that its professionals and clubs make to the Victorian Pro Am Circuit, with the Eynesbury Blue Ribbon Foundation Masters named the Victorian Pro-Am of the Year with an open purse prize and in the category of best pro-am with a prize purse of $10,000–$20,000, the Southern Colour Long Island Pro-Am and the Bendigo & Community Bank Eastwood Pro-Am shared the honours as joint winners. Victorian Regional Pro-Am of the Year, further than 75km from the CBD, was awarded to the innovative Phillip Island Golf Club Linfox Pro-Am Extravaganza, while Yarra Yarra Golf Club and Commercial Club Albury were recognised as the Victorian Pro-Am Course of the Year and Victorian Regional Pro-Am Course of the Year respectively. Golf Victoria, Golf Management Victoria and the Victorian Golf Course Superintendents Association (VGCSA) were a part of the event, also recognising outstanding achievement in their respective fields.

The PGA Tour of Australasia is headed to the Ballarat region for the first time in its history with the Victorian PGA Championship to be contested at the Forest Resort Creswick. To be played early in 2012 from February 13 – 19, taking the event to the Forest Resort for the next five years signals a huge coup for the region. “The PGA is pleased to add Creswick to its growing list of tournament hosts and we look forward to what will be a fantastic Victorian PGA Championship come February,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia. “Regional areas such as Ballarat are an important part of the PGA’s tournament strategy and with the support of the local community we look forward to ensuring this event is a huge success.” Aaron Hipwell of Forest Resort Creswick, says the club is looking forward to showcasing its facilities to some of Australia’s top Professionals. “Controllers of the resort Wellington Capital and the entire team at Forest Resort Creswick are honoured to have been entrusted with the Victorian PGA Championship for the next five years,” said Hipwell. “Not only is it exciting for the Forest Resort, this is also a fantastic coup for the Goldfields and Hepburn regions. Ultimately, the local economy will benefit from domestic and international professional golfers being exposed to the beauty and hospitality of this iconic part of Victoria.” With this announcement the Victorian PGA Championship moves to regional Victoria for the first time in over 20 years, with Wayne Smith winning in Warrnambool in 1986 on the last occasion the event ventured away from the metropolitan area. The Victorian PGA will offer a prize purse of $110,000 in 2012, with the winner to earn a start in the PGA Tour of Australasia’s biggest events including the Australian Open, PGA Championship, NZ Open and JBWere Masters. The champion will also be granted exemptions on OneAsia. Former winner of the event include Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle and Stuart Appleby and more recently James Nitties (2011), Alistair Presnell (2010), Andre Stolz (2009) and Marc Leishman (2008). www.pgamagazine.com.au

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The official magazine of the PGA of Australia The PGA Magazine is a 56 page full-colour gloss magazine published on behalf of the PGA of Australia. PGA Magazine features the latest news, events, programs, sponsorships, industry interviews, appointments, PGA member profiles, new products and initiatives. • Distributed to over 3,300 PGA members and industry personnel. • Bi-monthly publication with extended shelf life. • Highly targeted and focussed content.

The foremost authority on golf industry news Golf Industry Central is the foremost authority on golf industry news throughout Australia, New Zealand and S.E. Asia. Golf Industry Central offers access to golf industry news, job vacancies, recruitment services and operational advice. • Content delivered via website and digital page-turning publications. • Targeted and focussed content which covers the worldwide golf industry. • Demographic includes industry professionals, businesses and high-level decision-makers in the golf industry.

Australia’s leading golf website iseekgolf.com is Australia’s Ultimate Online Golfing website. Dedicated to promoting the game of golf, iseekgolf.com records around 1,000,000 pageviews/month, and attracts over 260,000 monthly visitors Australia wide. This represents a keen golfing audience that can be targeted for the promotion of the specific products, services or campaigns of your company. • Features Australia’s largest and most active online golf forum. • Regularly appears at No. 1 on Google search rankings across many golf keywords. • A one-stop shop for online tee-time booking, golf instruction, news and reviews. • A wide demographic of switched-on, passionate and knowledgeable golfers.

The best golf Stay & Play packages in the country GolfandStay.com.au is a unique website showcasing the best golfing accommodation packages at courses and resorts around Australia. With packages suitable for groups of any size - from avid golfers to weekend hackers to even groups of friends or families, Golf and Stay helps golfers plan affordable and fun golfing holidays. • Highlights Australia’s best golf resorts and courses, and promotes top-notch travel deals and packages. • Groundbreaking concept that is quickly gaining a loyal following. • Demographic includes golf travellers of all ages, but targets primarily those with high disposable income.

state news

WESTERN AUSTRALIA WA PGA tees off at The Vines

The Lakes course at the Novotel Vines Resort and Country Club will be the venue for the 2011 Brunel WA PGA Championship which tees off on Thursday, October 20, with the event boasting a new charitable partner in ToyBox International and naming rights sponsor in Brunel. ToyBox, a children’s charity dedicated to raising funds to assist Australia’s sick and disadvantaged children, purchases vital equipment and therapy for children in need, while also assisting the children to conquer the challenges they face, funding escapes which can be welcome distractions to make their journeys easier. In addition ToyBox fills essential grants that support families and allows them to be by their child’s side for comfort, while also funding necessary research. On the Friday of championship week a Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Parade will be held, aimed at helping to raise funds for ToyBox, with all spectators asked to offer a gold coin donation to assist with what is an extremely worthwhile charity. Also throwing its considerable support behind the 2011 WA PGA is the naming sponsor Brunel Energy, an organisation The oldest and finest

The John Hughes Geely/Nexus Risk Services WA Open Championship will be contested at Royal Fremantle, one of the oldest and finest courses in Perth, in October 2011. Featuring pristine Kikuyu fairways and deceptively quick bent grass greens, Royal Fremantle Golf Club, the home course of Australian Open champions Craig Parry and Greg Chalmers back in their junior days, shapes as the perfect venue for the prestigious event which has origins dating back some 90 years. First played in 1921, the list of former champions reads as a who’s who of Australian golf, with the names of Kel Nagle, Eric Cremin, Ossie Pickworth, Gary Player, Graham Marsh, Terry Gale (five times), Greg Norman, Peter Jacobsen, Ian Stanley, Stephen Leaney (five times, once

Logan is one of many children to benefit from a new practice MRI machine purchased by ToyBox

operating in all corners of the world, specialising in providing professional and technical personnel to clients throughout the energy sector. Brunel currently supplies over 4,000 highly skilled, dedicated employees to oil and gas projects operated by major global companies. An integral part of the tournament will be the staging of a number of game development activities primarily targeted at juniors (on Monday and Tuesday). These clinics will give school children from the surrounding area an opportunity to meet some of Australia’s leading professionals and

experience a world class event. At the time PGA Magazine went to print, entries for the tournament had just opened, however it is expected that local boy Jarrod Moseley, who won his first major event at the Vines in the 1999 Heineken Classic, will be returning to what is obviously a happy hunting ground. Victoria’s David Bransdon is the defending WA PGA champion. Cellarbrations, Coca Cola Amatil and Channel 9 are amongst the other major sponsors of the championship and have a significant financial input into the event. The total prize purse is $110,000.

as an amateur) and Kim Felton (three times) engraved on the much sought-after trophy, while Queenslander Brad Kennedy was successful in winning the WA Open 12 months ago. In addition to receiving his share of the $110,000 prize money, the winner will be presented with the coveted Roy Paxton Bowl named after the late Roy Paxton, one of the state’s most distinguished administrators. The leading amateur will be the recipient of the Terry Gale Cup. Golf WA is pleased to announce that the 2010 joint naming rights sponsors John Hughes Geely and Nexus Risk Services are again on board for the 2011 event. The tournament is scheduled for October 27 to 30, with pre-event activities including junior clinics conducted by some of Australia’s leading professionals. www.pgamagazine.com.au

state news

New South Wales PGA hat trick for Wollongong

For the third year running the PGA Tour of Australasia is heading to the coastal centre of Wollongong Golf Club for the NSW PGA Championship. With the event rated an outstanding success over the past two years, Wollongong Golf Club was more than pleased to again be playing host to the prestigious championship. “We’re very proud to be hosting the NSW PGA again this year,” said Geoff Jones, President of Wollongong Golf Club. “We’ve worked hard over the last two years to create an event that can be enjoyed by players, officials and spectators alike. “The course is also in great shape and we think this year’s event will be our best yet.” And in a significant announcement, the field for the NSW PGA this year will include one of Australia’s leading professionals over the past two decades in Craig Parry. A prolific winner around the world, winning events on the US PGA Tour, in Japan, Europe, Canada, Asia and Australia, Parry is keen to try to add the NSW PGA Championship to his impressive list of titles. “I have had a very fortunate career and have had the opportunity to play and win all over the world yet to be missing one of my home State titles is something I look forward to correcting this year,” said Parry. NRL Star to tackle the fairways

Sydney Rooster’s captain Braith Anasta has been confirmed as a starter in the upcoming NSW PGA Championship. With his team missing the finals and his NRL season over, the former Australian and NSW representative has turned his attention to golf and will compete against some of Australia’s best professional golfers in Wollongong during the first week of November. A scratch handicapper at the St Michaels course in Sydney, Anasta was looking forward to matching shots with the pros. “I am really looking forward to this season of golf, even more so now that I will be competing 94

Issue 32. September – October 2011

Craig Parry

“I am really looking forward to playing at the Wollongong Golf Club, I have heard great things from guys who have played in past years, and hopefully a big local crowd come out to support me.” The PGA Tour of Australasia speaks glowingly of the past two events held in Wollongong and is again looking forward to a successful 2011 tournament. “The Championship has been very in the NSW PGA Championship,” Anasta said. “The NSW PGA is a very prestigious tournament and so I am training hard at Wollongong Golf Club to ensure come November I am competitive against the Professionals.” Anasta is sure to add a new dimension to the NSW PGA Championship where fans will be able to watch how the NRL star fares in his first professional golf tournament. “We are very pleased to welcome Braith into the NSW PGA Championship as an amateur where I am sure both Braith and golf fans alike will enjoy the golfing action over the four days,” said Simon Butterly, General Manager of the PGA Tour of Australasia.

successful since moving it to Wollongong, the course is immaculate, local support is always high and importantly the players all enjoy their time there,” said Simon Butterly, General Manager of the PGA Tour of Australasia. The event is scheduled to immediately precede the Australian Open and President’s Cup and will be played from November 3 to November 6. The total prize purse will be $120,000.

state news

south pacific Earth shattering performance from Gillespie

Not even a 7.1 magnitude earthquake prior to the final round could unsettle Kiwi Nick Gillespie as he cruised to an eight shot win in the 2011 Tusker Vanuatu Golf Open. With Rounds of 66-65-64-71, for a 22-under par total, Gillespie showed the field a clean pair of heels in what was a dominating performance. The NSW pair of Brad McIntosh and Ed Stedman finished in a tie for second on tournament totals of 14-under par. The 23-year old Gillespie, who turned professional less than 12 months ago, played near flawless golf, his only blemish in his first 66 holes of the tournament being a solitary double bogey. “I played great and really enjoyed it, playing with Brad (McIntosh) and Ed (Stedman) really lifted me. Everything just worked this week.” Gillespie who collected $9,092 for the

Nick Gillespie

win, will now be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of the 2010 Vanuatu Open champion Andre Stolz who has gone on to record two victories on the OneAsia Tour. The next event scheduled for the South

Pacific swing of tournaments was the $75,000 SIFA Samoa Open on the 21st to 24th of September, followed by the Tahiti International Golf Championship beginning October 10.

national events Club pro finalists confirmed

The field for the National PGA Professionals Championships, scheduled to be played from September 12-16 at the Sandhurst Club in Victoria, was decided after the state qualifying events at various venues around the country. In NSW/ACT it was Federal Golf Club Professional Michael Clough leading the way, winning a playoff against Scott Martyn and Graeme Stockley to claim the state crown as well as the number one qualifying position. The event, played at the demanding Magenta Shores course on the NSW Central Coast, attracted a field of 50 PGA Members, representing the largest field at any of the state events, with the leading trio returning scores of 2-over par 74. In Victoria, Tony Page beat all comers with a 71 around the North course at Peninsula Golf Club, one shot better than

Sean Crowe (right) with Peter Thomson

Lucien Tinkler and two in front of third place getter John Wade. Over in Western Australia Damian Chatterley shot a 74 at Nedlands to edge out Lincoln Reemeyer by a stroke, while in

South Australia Simon Pope, Ian Devlin and Damian Swadling were the qualifiers, with Pope’s 74 at Blackwood leading the way. Up in Queensland, seven players progressed to the National Final, led by Jason Beadman who recorded a 2-under par score of 70 at the Twin Waters Golf Club. Wayne Roston was second on level par, with a couple of well-known names in Shane Tait and Ossie Moore amongst those to qualify for Sandhurst. In all a maximum field of 51 players will compete over 54 holes at the Sandhurst Club Champions course for the prestigious title, with the event offering a total prize purse of $50,000. The leading two players also qualify for the 2011 Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola to be played at the Hyatt Regency Coolum course. Victorian Sean Crowe is the defending PGA Professionals champion. www.pgamagazine.com.au

013091-209

114074

014071-101

114075

Glenayr Belts

Handcrafted in Canada, Glenayr belts are designed and marketed specifically for the golf market. The Classic range is a timeless collection of genuine leather straps in both smooth and exotic grains. The Modern range is an assortment of leather and fabrics whilst all buckles are the latest in design to enhance the belts’ style, while the smart fashionable Ladies range adds the final touch to a quality belt collection from Glenayr. Pictured are the 014071-101, a 40mm leather strap with plaque buckle featuring cut out argyle design (RRP $75), the 013091-209, a 30mm Italian hand-finished croco embossed leather w/3pc buckle set and golf Concho (RRP $99), the 114074, a 30mm leather strap w/roller buckle and golf bag Conchos (RRP $90) and the 114075, a 30mm leather edged strap w/double leather loops and argyle motif Conchos. You can see the full range at www.glenayrgolf.com. For all orders or enquires, or to receive a colour catalogue contact the sales team at In-2-it Sports Distribution Pty Ltd: Ph (02) 9971 2770 or e-mail at sales@in2itsports.com.au BUSHNELL NEO PLUS

Available in October 2011 will be the Bushnell Neo Plus, a GPS Rangefinder which includes a whole range of new features and benefits aimed at making ‘distance simple’. The Bushnell NEO plus works straight out of the box and involved no fee at all, ever. It has 20,000 golf courses worldwide pre-loaded, including 900 Australian courses and has auto-course recognition technology. Turn the NEO Plus on in the car park and it instantly knows where you are. In addition, it features auto hole progression, where the user does not have to activate anything to get to the next hole. The Neo Plus also has a shot distance calculator to measure driving distance and a 16-hour battery life. The NEO Plus from Bushnell has an RRP of $169 and is distributed in Australia by Champion Sports in Conjunction with Global Sports International. For more information email sales@championsports.com.au or phone 08 8239 1122.

Sporte Leisure 2011/12 RANGE LAUNCH

Celebrating their 20th Year, Sporte Leisure have combined the latest style trends with performance properties to make the summer 2011 range for men and women a must have for the summer months. Designed in Australia for Australian conditions there is a strong technical emphasis of moisture wicking, UV protection and Anti Microbial properties in both tops and bottoms. RRP polos from $39.95, RRP shorts from $49.95. More than 50 brand new styles are available in leading golf apparel stores NOW! For stockists contact Sporte Leisure 02 96935777 www.sporte-leisure.com.au

Issue 32. September – October 2011

gear ‘The Cant Miss’

This time last year PGA member David Capaldo agreed to go into the gyroscope business with friend Shane Verner and The Can’t Miss (TCM), a revolutionary putting trainer, was born. Since then the pair have had to navigate through a sea filled with sharks but the effort has all been worthwhile. They now have a manufacturing plant in England, with Capaldo and Verner selling The Can’t Miss into 19 countries. They also count Touring Pro’s on eight different Tours as customers. But perhaps their most satisfying moment came when America’s leading independent product reviewer -MyGolfSpy - proclaimed The Can’t Miss as the best putting training aid they have ever used. The glowing review did wonders for sales and even more importantly, it validated the hard work. They pair now have a crazy couple of months ahead they prepare to launch on network television in the USA, while in another amazing development TCM will be in every celebrity gift bag at the 2011 Emmy Awards. For those not familiar with The Can’t Miss; it is a revolutionary putting training aid that contains twin super-precision gyroscopes that when clipped to the putter spin at 15,000RPM and ensures the putter face is square to the putter path throughout the stroke. This enables golfers to experience what a pure, stable, repeatable putting stroke feels like. It is a boon to coaches, elite players and amateurs alike. Capaldo thanks PGA members who have supported TCM over the past year, while for those wishing to take part in the Pro Shop distribution program or to access a discount to try one for yourself, please contact them at www.thecantmiss.com or customerservice@thecantmiss.com.au.

Shark Quik-Fold MKII Golf Buggies

The new generation Shark Qwik-Fold MK II buggies have arrived and are now available in totally new three wheel (SHK311) and four wheeled (SHK312) versions. The SHARK Qwik-Fold MKII buggies utilise a patented push button technology to fold or unfold in with one press. The elastic bag straps with their adjustable quick lock system also make it quicker and easier to attach or detach your bag. The three or four wheeled sturdy construction is easy to move around the course with its fully adjustable handle so your grip on the buggy is always at a comfortable height. The low profile wide tyre wheels are also fitted with precision bearings and now the front wheel (s) have independent suspension for a smooth ride. If you have to stop on a hill it has a push on, push off foot brake system to make sure it doesn’t get away. Add other features like the umbrella holder with its own storage clip, drink holder, and card holder with a built in storage compartment and you’re ready for the course. The Qwik-Fold MKII also comes in five stylish colours so there is one to match every bag. Now from only $199. www.sharkgolf.com.au

New ground for commercial mowers

Australia’s only four wheel steering commercial mower with a centrally mounted mowing deck, Toro’s new Groundmaster 360 Quad-Steer offers high levels of operator comfort, improved hillside stability and the ability to make incredibly tight turns without turf damage. Having four wheel steering means the inside and outside tyres pivot around a common point, enabling far sharper turns around objects. When combined with a rear end that follows within the width of the deck, it allows users to mow in and out of tight areas without damaging turf, equipment or property. The Groundmaster 360 Quad-Steer is available in three variants; a 2-wheel drive model, a 4-wheel drive model and a 4-wheel drive model with a permanent all season safety cab. Powered by a 36 HP Kubota four cylinder liquid cooled diesel engine, the 360 Quad-Steer provides users with a forward speed up to 23 km/h and a reverse speed of up to 13.7 km/h, while at the same time delivering economical fuel consumption of approximately 5.3 litres per hour or 2.7 litres per hectare depending on driving conditions. Established in Australia for over 40 years, Toro Australia supplies an extensive range of mowers and care equipment golf and turf, while it is also the largest single supplier of irrigation products in Australia. Visit www.toro.com.au to locate the nearest dealer. www.pgamagazine.com.au

2011 Titleist FootJoy Performance Rankings As at 31/8/2011 At the conclusion of the playing year the top 10 trainees on the Titleist FootJoy Performance Rankings are eligible for full Titleist/ FootJoy product agreements. All rankings are as at 31st August 2011

Rank Name

2011 Titleist FootJoy Excellence in Education Awards as at 31/8/2011 At the conclusion of the playing year the Titleist FootJoy Excellence in Education awards are made available to the three leading trainees from each year level and are determined by both academic and playing results.

State Adj. Ave Year

Rank Name

State Club

Samuel Eaves

QLD

-2.00

Year 1

Adrian Saltmarsh

TAS

-1.13

Dakila Falcon

NSW

Cumberland CGC

Paul Hayden

QLD

-0.86

Richard Blake

VIC

Royal Melbourne GC

Matt Stone

QLD

-0.80

Blake Poulter

NSW

Port Macquarie GC

Jack Wilson

VIC

-0.53

Benjamin Fletcher

QLD

Nudgee GC

Quinton Howe

VIC

-0.39

Kerrod Gray

Nedlands GC

Alex Edge

NSW

Castle Hill CC

Ackzel Donaldson

-0.17

Gavin Reed

Nedlands GC

Christopher Ford

NSW

Kurri Kurri GC

Roger Blaxland

QLD

Palm Meadows GC

Arthur Kotsakis

NSW

Moore Park GC

Earl McGlinn

NSW

Northbridge GC

John Hempstock

QLD

Pacific GC

Martin Ridgway

QLD

Calliope GC

Keiran Moran

NSW

Shelly Beach GC

Ben Ford

VIC

0.25

Vernon Sexton-Finck

0.25

John Corbett

0.41

Katelyn Must

QLD

0.47

Chris Duke

0.61

Scott Smith

QLD

0.63

T14

Scott Hunter

0.69

T14

Toby Wilcox

VIC

0.69

Nicole Montgomery

Marangaroo GC

Shane Butler

VIC

0.70

Jane Evans

QLD

Rowes Bay GC

Troy Murphy

0.71

Darren Burger

NSW

Tamworth GC

Rebecca Blain

NSW

Antill Park GC

John Corbett

Royal Adelaide GC

Matthew Buff

VIC

Croydon Golf Club at Yering Meadows

Year 2

David Abbott

NSW

0.80

Clinton Lourens

QLD

0.83

Benjamin Fletcher

QLD

0.87

Christopher Thorn

VIC

0.92

T22

Ethan Shanahan

NSW

0.94

Paul Hayden

QLD

Indooroopilly GC

T22

Anthony Smith

VIC

0.94

Richard Chambers

VIC

Sandhurst Club

T24

Dakila Falcon

NSW

1.13

Christopher Coulter

Flagstaff Hill GC

T24

Brenton Haines

1.13

Corey Taylor

QLD

Royal Pines Resort

Adrian Wickstein

Glenelg GC

Marcus Ryter

NSW

Branxton GC

Giovanni Demasi

QLD

Royal Pines Resort

Joseph Rickman

QLD

Mackay GC

Nathan Fairhall

QLD

Victoria Park Golf Complex

Jessica Bramble

VIC

Ballarat GC

Adam Northey

QLD

1.21

Drew McLellan

QLD

1.25

Timothy Steele

NSW

1.29

Alex Edge

NSW

1.30

Gavin Reed

1.37

Year 3

PGA ACADEMY WISHES TO THANK ITS PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Platinum

gold

Silver