Golf Australia is pleased to announce that Kerri-Anne Kennerley has joined the Board of Golf Australia as an Appointed Director.

Mrs Kennerley is a familiar face to many Australians with more than 30 years’ experience in television, entertainment and business where she became famous for hosting her daytime TV programs Good Morning Australia, Mornings with Kerri-Anne and Midday with Kerri-Anne.

A member of The Australian and Macquarie Links Golf Clubs, Mrs Kennerley is a keen golfer with a handicap of 17.

Triple Gold Logie nominated Mrs Kennerley has also served on the Council for the Order of Australia which oversees the distribution of the highest honours to great Australians and is currently working with the Seven Network’s top rating Sunday Night current affairs program.

Golf Australia Chairman John Hopkins said Mrs Kennerley would bring valuable experience from the television and entertainment industries to Golf Australia.

“On behalf of the Board, I’m pleased to welcome Kerri-Anne to Golf Australia,” Mr Hopkins said.

“Kerri-Anne will be a real asset to the Board with her long-term knowledge of the Australian television and media industry and her enormous passion for golf,” Mr Hopkins said.

Mrs Kennerley said she was looking forward to her role.

“I am very glad to accept the appointment to the Board of Golf Australia and I do hope I can contribute and create a better golf future for all players, especially women. I applaud the efforts of Jan Stephenson who pioneered Australian women’s golf in America and Karrie Webb whose record speaks for itself,” Mrs Kennerley said.

Mrs Kennerley’s directorship takes effect immediately.

Golf Australia Board

John Hopkins (Chairman)
Stuart Cox
Robert Crosby
John Karren
Kerri-Anne Kennerley
Michael Sammells
Carmel Smith
Jill Spargo
Malcolm Speed

Queensland State player and QAS squad member, Viraat Badhwar is one of four players selected to receive the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award.

Chapter 1

A Tournament of Champions

Graham Marsh beat Wayne Grady in a sudden-death playoff in 1982. The Great White Shark Greg Norman was just testing the waters when he started out on his world conquering with the first of his two wins in 1983.

Grady was denied again in 1984, this time by the ‘Pocket Battleship’ of Queensland golf, Peter Senior. David Graham practically made it his event with victories in 1985 and 1987 and young Brett Ogle finally proved himself the master in 1989 after two big bites at it. In 1990 Ian Baker-Finch won before going on to beat the world in the British Open.

Peter Senior’s brother, Jeff, scored his second victory (in a shortened tournament) in 1992 and Terry Price took the honours in 1993 when it reverted back to 72 holes. He repeated the victory in 1995. Lucas Parsons scored an impressive win in 1994 before taking out the New Zealand Open. Young Victorian amateur Stuart Appleby won it before he tackled the US circuit as a professional.

It is not the biggest major on the circuit but some of the great names of Australian golf have done some teeth-cutting in the historic Queensland Open Golf Championship. It’s been a long trail for what some might consider ‘The Big Q’ of golf – all the way from Yeerongpilly to Windaroo.

Today its semi-permanent home is the Windaroo Country Club, part of a residential estate developed by the Heck family, sugar cane pioneers for a century in the Woongoolba area of the Albert Shire, south of Brisbane.

In association with the Bank of Queensland, Channel Seven and a list of smaller sponsors, they helped the Queensland Golf Union rescue the tournament just as it was facing a similar fate to other Australian traditional tournaments, which were either curtailed or cancelled because of lack of finance or sponsorship. In fact, as the QGU president Peter Davies remarked, “They threw us a lifeline just when it looked like we weren’t going to have an Open.”

Windaroo had been sitting quietly through the years as part of the Heck family’s land holdings. Originally the grazing land for milking, stud cattle and small-crop cultivation, it was transformed into rich farmlands of sugar cane until the Heck’s decided to build a country club and residential development. Included in that plan was a championship standard golf course and in 1992 the Queensland Open came to Windaroo. By 1994, with the $200,000 sponsorship of the Foodlink Group, it returned to Order of Merit. Unfortunately, that sponsorship did not continue for 1995, and the event lost that status, as well as being reduced to a $50,000 tournament. It did make a comeback the following year with a $200,000 purse and Order of Merit restored. 

Looking back over the years from 1925 when the first Queensland Open was played at the Brisbane Golf Course at Yeerongpilly, it has established its own special tradition and champions. Take the case of the young Sydneysider Brett Ogle. When he first tackled the Open in 1986 he had been runner up to Queenslander Ossie Moore a week before the State PGA title and a year before had been the leading amateur in the Australian Open.As he strode off the lush Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club’s 18th green on a balmy November day in 1986, he was his usual ebullient self, wise-cracking and smiles from ear to ear. Why not? With a record equalling 64 he had grabbed the opening day leas in the $100,000 Stefan Queensland Open.


Here in the hear of the poker machine country club belt just a few kilometres into NSW over the Queensland border and straddling the banks of the Tweed River the world was his oyster.

Over 18 holes through bush land where koalas still roamed at night, giant goannas posed for television cameras and fish still jumped beyond the mangroves, the slender 22-year-old Ogle has a two stroke lead over the Great White Shark himself.

The warm summer weather continues to be a boon for Australian golf according to new data released by the Australian Golf Industry Council.
 
For the eight months to date in the current financial year, total rounds played across Australia are up 5.3% on 2011-12 figures with growth largely consistent across both genders.
 
Following 5.3% growth in January, national growth was up 5.4% in February 2013 over February 2012.
 
This growth was despite very heavy rainfall across Queensland which resulted in a 9% drop in rounds played in that state for the month.
 
Victoria saw an 11% increase on February 2012 figures – which was the wettest February in nearly 40 years for much of the state.
 
Growth has been slightly higher in metropolitan areas at 6% while regional growth was at 4.8%. Metropolitan areas are responsible for 44% of total demand.
 
Golf Australia CEO and AGIC Chairman Stephen Pitt said the figures showed golf was trending in the right direction.
 
“It has been a positive summer for golf as an increasing number of rounds are being played on year to date figures. Outside of Queensland which has felt the brunt of some wild weather, people are clearly taking advantage of the summer conditions to get out on the golf course,” Pitt said.
 
“From a leadership perspective, with this macro data now being reported on a monthly basis, we hope facility managers are now measuring their own performance against the wider market trends, helping to put their own facility results into perspective."
 
The Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) was established in late 2006 to provide a forum to help unite the industry on agreed industry wide initiatives.
 
Membership includes: Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, Australian Ladies Professional Golf, Australian Sporting Goods Association, Golf Australia, Golf Management Australia, PGA of Australia and the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects. 

At the age of 12, Terry started his volunteering as a grounds person at Howard (now Burrum District) Golf Club. At 14 years of age, he put in the first sand bunker on the course.

2012 saw Cameron Smith again wearing the crown as Queensland’s brightest male golf star on the amateur scene. He consistently finished extraordinarily well in all tournaments throughout the year.

Cameron competed in a number of pro events in 2012 and finished as the top amateur at the Queensland PGA Championship (where he finished T4th), the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open and the Australian Open.

Cameron was a member of the Australian World Amateur Team and he played exceptionally well at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, finishing in T7th.

In Australian events throughout the year, Cameron finished as a Medalist in the Australian Amateur and runner-up in the Lake Macquarie Amateur in New South Wales. He came third in the Riversdale Cup and also finished in 4th place at the Porter Cup and Keperra Bowl 

Cameron is a member of the Queensland Academy of Sport Program, the Queensland Men’s State Team, and a member of the Australian National Squad. 

On the world stage in 2012, Cameron was ranked 28th in the Men’s World Amateur Golf Rankings. He finished the year as the second ranked player in the Australian Men’s Ranking System.

Ali Orchard
2012 Female Amateur Golfer of the Year 

In 2012, Ali Orchard showed her talent by consistently finishing with positive results. Her biggest achievement in 2012 was winning the Ladies South Pacific Open in May.

The year saw her have several top ten finishes including the Northern Territory Amateur and Riversdale Women’s Cup. 

Ali also finished extremely well in two of the state championships. She came runner-up in the NSW Amateur and runner-up in the Queensland Amateur Championship after a nail-biting final round.

Ali is a member of the Queensland Women’s State Team and she helped the team to finish in third place at the Interstate Series.

Ali is ranked in the top 50 of the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Ali is currently studying for her degree at the PGA IGI. 

Viraat Badhwar
2012 Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year

In 2012 Viraat Badhwar consistently finished in the top placing’s in Championships around Australia. He is already making his mark on the industry at just 17 years of age.

Viraat was part of the team to represent Australia at the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup. The team finished in first place, with Viraat winning the Individual Championship. 

2012 saw Viraat be crowned champion in a number of top events in Australia, including the Tasmanian Junior Masters, the Tamar Valley Junior Cup and the Gary Player Classic. He also finished as runner up in a number of events, including the Keperra Bowl, Victorian Boys’ Amateur and the Australian Boys’ Amateur.

Viraat is a member of the Queensland Academy of Sport Program and member of the Queensland Boy’s State Team, which finished in second place at the Australian Interstate Series.

Viraat finished the year as the number one ranked player on the Australian Boys’ Amateur Ranking Systems. 

Viraat will be attending Stanford University in 2014 as he has been accepted on a full scholarship. 

Lauren Mason
2012 Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year

Lauren Mason enjoyed a very successful 2012, finishing as the third ranked player on the Australian Girls Ranking System. 

As a result of her achievements throughout the year she won the Female Stroke Average Championship, winning the Anne Bongers Trophy. 

Lauren was the champion in the Queensland Schoolgirls Championship in 2012. 

She also had a number of top finishes throughout the year, including runner-up at the Katherine Hull Classic, runner-up at the Tasmanian Junior Girls’ Masters and runner-up at the Subaru State Age Championship. Lauren also finished third in the Queensland Girls’ Amateur Championship.

As a member of the Queensland Girls Junior Team she helped the State be crowned champions in the Australian Girls’ Interstate Team Matches, by remaining undefeated for the competition.

Former rugby league great Gorden Tallis has signed up to iGolf Queensland as the number one supporter.

Golf Queensland today announced the Ipswich City Council had confirmed its support for the 2013 Isuzu Queensland Open.

The State-based championship will be played from 22 to 25 August 2013 hosted at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club.

Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said it was paramount to the success of the championship to gain the support of the Ipswich City Council through a Partner Sponsorship commitment.

"The Ipswich region is growing rapidly and we are thrilled the City Council has seen value in bringing events like the Isuzu Queensland Open to the area," Mr Castrisos said.

"The Queensland Open will give a fantastic opportunity for the Ipswich community to witness some top-level golf.

"There will also be loads of opportunities for the local community to experience the sport through golf clinics and demonstrations at schools and shopping centres."

"We look forward to working alongside the Ipswich City Council and the local community in the coming months and years," Mr Castrisos said. 

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said council was taking a leadership role by supporting major sporting events in the city.

"The Queensland Open raises the profile of Ipswich as a sporting city and showcases the first-class facilities available for visitors and residents.

"A major tournament such as this also provides an economic boost by attracting crowds to the fairways.

"We also hope many will choose to book accommodation in Ipswich," Cr Pisasale said.

A pre-qualifying round will also be hosted locally at the Ipswich Golf Club.

A number of fantastic sponsorship opportunities over varied levels are still available for organisations interested in being involved with this prestigious event. For a complete sponsorship prospectus please contact Luke Bates at Golf Queensland office on 07 3252 8155.

-Ends-

About the Isuzu Queensland Open

Isuzu Queensland Open
The Isuzu Queensland Open caters for amateur golfers to qualify and then compete against the PGA professionals in a 72 hole championship event. Golfers will be competing for $110,000 prize money on offer. 
 
Forming part of the PGA Tour of Australasia, the tournament will carry Official World Golf Ranking points. 

The Queensland Open has been a key tournament for many top-ranked professional players since 1925. Golfers including Norman Von Nida, Greg Norman, Graham Marsh and Stuart Appleby, who was an amateur when he won in 1991, have their names etched on the TB Hunter Cup.

Brookwater Golf and Country Club 
Brookwater is a premier golf residential community built around the Greg Norman-designed golf course and is part of Greater Springfield. The Brookwater golf course features a varied terrain encompassing two nine-hole loops and an overall distance of 6,505 metres.

In 2012, Brookwater was announced as Queensland's number one golf course in the Australian Golf Digest's exclusive ranking of Australia's top 100 courses. 2013 is the eighth consecutive year that Brookwater has taken out the title for Queensland's best public access golf course by Golf Australia.

Following the recent resignation of Tom Crothers, the Board of Golf Queensland has resolved to appoint David Bell to fill the casual vacancy on the Board. 

The PGA of Australia today confirmed the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola has found a new home on Queensland’s Gold Coast at RACV Royal Pines.

The Springfield Anglican College and Brookwater Golf & Country Club are set to launch, in partnership, the new Centre of Excellence for Golf.

The Hospitality Gaming Australasia (HGA) at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre takes on a whole new look in 2013 with the addition of the inaugural HGA Gaming & Management Conference, to be held on Tuesday 16 April & Wednesday 17 April at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Mark Bouris, Executive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road and host of Channel Nine’s Celebrity Apprentice Australia, is a confirmed keynote speaker to open the Conference program. Mark has established a successful career from building disruptive businesses to challenge the market and provide smarter solutions for consumers. His passion is to lead companies that are dedicated to optimising the way we live, and believes that every Australian deserves access to quality financial advice, which is the driving force behind Yellow Brick Road.

We’re also pleased to announce Roland Dane, Managing Director of Triple Eight Race Engineering (Australia), will close the conference. He’s in charge of what is regarded as the best team in Australian motorsport, having won the Bathurst 1000 five times, the V8 Supercar Teams Championship four times, the Drivers Championship four times as well as finishing second in the Drivers Championship four times and winning 97 races since its inception. With well known racing identities Craig Lowdnes and Jamie Whincup as part of the stable, Roland certainly is a leader in his own right. The man who openly admits to being addicted to winning, joins us to share his secrets of success, how to get the most out of your team and what it means to be a true leader.

The conference program will also feature a range of workshops on the first afternoon, with individual Jurisdictional Workshops specific to Queensland and another for NSW. Other workshops to choose from include a Gaming & Marketing or Issues Management Workshop.

The conference also offers a range of relevant industry sessions will also feature details on the National Gambling Reform Bill, including the management of voluntary pre-commitment and limited withdrawal limits at ATMs, the development of National Standards for gaming machines and its likely impact on future gaming technology, loyalty programs and systems, effective marketing, excellence in customer service and staff and culture.

When: Monday 15 April - Thursday 18 April 2013
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

CLICK HERE for more information about the Conference.

CLICK HERE for more information about the workshops available.

Former Golf Queensland Chair Tom Crothers will retire from the Board of Golf Queensland next month after serving six years’ as a Director of the State association and a 29-year involvement in the administration of golf.

In a sport that requires different approaches, self assessment and adjustment, golf’s state governing
body is applying the same principles to the inclusion of people with a disability.

Once again, the club spirit has risen to combine forces in an effort to raise much needed funds to assist those affected by the floods in Bundaberg and the Lockyer Valley. Redlands RSL (GM - Peter Harrison), Club Pine Rivers (GM - Wayne Moffatt) & Nudgee Golf Club (GM - Aaron Muirhead) have formed an alliance to do just this on Friday, 15 March 2013 from 8am.

The proceeds from this day will be divided amongst the people currently housed in the tent city in Bundaberg and the Evacuation centre in the Lockyer Valley, that way it will be certain that the funds reach the people in need.

Entering a team of 4 will cost $450 which includes golf, electric cart, breakfast, lunch and a gift bag. There will be raffles and auction items also up for grabs on the day. Hole sponsorships are also available for $500. Join us in doing a bit for these people in desperate need of assistance.

For more information, CLICK HERE to view the event flyer.

Following months of speculation the PGA of Australia has confirmed the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola is headed to a new home in 2013, sending a fond farewell to the Sunshine Coast which has hosted the tournament for the last 11 years.

From the Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association:

This special edition of The Cut provides a wrap up of some of the damage which occurred across south east Queensland and northern NSW in the wake of the extreme weather that hit over the Australia Day long weekend.

The violent weather was triggered by an extreme low pressure system associated with ex-tropical cyclone Oswald which tracked steadily south between 22 and 29 January, bringing with it torrential rain, cyclonic winds and even tornados. Many coastal areas from Cape York to Sydney received more than 200mm of rainfall, with the most extreme rainfalls in the region between Rockhampton and Bundaberg and in the ranges along the New South Wales – Queensland border region.

Upper Springbrook in the Gold Coast hinterland received 1496mm in eight days and Boolaroo Tops, southwest of Gladstone, 1426 mm. Gladstone received 820mm of rainfall in four days, which exceeded its previous record for a whole month, and more than the annual rainfall recorded in 2011 or 2012. Rainfall totals recorded by other BOM stations included:

Bundaberg: 472.2mm (25-27 Jan, including 252mm recorded Sunday 27 Jan)
Gayndah (located on Burnett River upstream of Bundaberg): 360mm 25-27 Jan, including 282mm on Sunday 27 Jan)
Maryborough: 443mm (25-27 Jan)
Gympie: 416mm (25-28 Jan)
Brisbane: 239mm (26-28 Jan)
Logan City: 292mm (26-28 Jan, including 192.5mm Monday 28 Jan)
Coolangatta: 216mm (27-29 Jan)
Murwillumbah: 448mm (25-29 Jan, including 320mm from 28-29 Jan)
Ballina: 259mm (27-29 Jan)
Lismore: 267mm (27-29 Jan)
Yamba: 215mm (27-29 Jan)
Coffs Harbour: 426mm (27-29 Jan)
Port Macquarie: 323mm (27-29 Jan)

Area-averaged rainfall for the Burnett River catchment on 27 January was 204mm (the Burnett River flows through Bundaberg), exceeding the previous record by more than 80mm. One-day catchment rainfall records were also set for the Mary, Logan-Albert, Kolan and Burrum catchments.

READ MORE

Members from the QAS Squad, Cameron Smith and Jake McLeod enjoyed a round of golf with their rugby league idols at St Lucia Golf Links today.

Australian rugby league legend Gordon Tallis attended, along with Gold Coast Titans and All Stars Indigenous players Greg Bird and Ryan James. 

Each of the NRL players showed their sporting talent was not just limited to the football field and they were extremely impressed by the talent of QAS Members Smith and McLeod.

The All Stars had a day off training today, with their last training session being held on Friday before the big game at Suncorp Stadium this weekend.

Century 21, the largest real estate sales organisation in the Asia Pacific region, has become a key sponsor of the 2013 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open which will be played at Royal Canberra Golf Club from February 14 to 17.

Boasting prize money of US$1.2 million, the prestigious event will feature 10 of the world’s top 20 female players including world number one Yani Tseng, world number three Stacy Lewis, New Zealander Lydia Ko, defending champion Jessica Korda, and Australian Karrie Webb.

“Century 21 has been a supporter of Australian golf at various levels for over 17 years and believes that this tournament, and its stellar field of competitors, represents an amazing opportunity to support and be associated with a great event,” said Chairman and Owner of Century 21 Australasia, Charles Tarbey. 

“Having sponsored the Men’s Australian Open in 2010, we also appreciate the fantastic global brand exposure that such an opportunity provides.”   

Century 21’s branding will be visible on two key holes from tee to green, as well as on the primary digital scoreboard and through other online and on-ground channels. 

ABC TV will broadcast the event to an expected live audience of over one million viewers over the four days of competition. The event will also gain international exposure through Fox Sports USA and  JGolf broadcasting the Open to more than 15 countries worldwide, including New Zealand and the United States on the LPGA’s global TV platform.

Golf Queensland is conducting a survey to assess the damage and impact of the 2013 flooding on Queensland golf clubs. By completing this survey, Golf Queensland can determine which direction to take in order to better assist those clubs affected.
 
All information collected by Golf Queensland will be used only for our database and to inform you, the Golf Club, of further funding and support opportunities available to you.

Golf Australia has announced the team to represent Australia at the Ten Nations Cup held from 3-9 February at Kingswood Golf Estate in George, South Africa.
 
The Australian team is Geoff Drakeford (Victoria), Lucas Herbert (Victoria), Ryan Ruffels (Victoria) and Brady Watt (Western Australia).
 
Drakeford, the runner-up at last week’s Australian Amateur Championship, won the Juan Carlos Tailhade tournament in Argentina in December and is a former Victorian junior champion.
 
Herbert is the current NSW Junior Champion and has represented Australia previously at the Trans-Tasman Cup.
 
Ruffels, selected for the National Squad in 2012, heads to South Africa following his age division win at the Thailand World Junior and victory at the Srixon Sub Junior International.
 
Watt won the Dunes Medal, Keperra Bowl and City of Perth tournament in 2012 and finished second at the WA Open.
 
Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said it would be great experience for the Australian team members.
 
“Having ten of the stronger countries competing is great for the tournament and ensures our players will need to put in their best performances to challenge for the Cup,” James said.
 
David Nable (Queensland) will be the team coach.
 
The Ten Nations Cup is the amalgamation of the Four Nations and Southern Cross Cups and is a four round Stroke Play event with the best 3 of 4 scores to count daily. 
 
The ten nations competing are Australia, Argentina, Colombia, England, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.
 
The Australian team will stay in South Africa after the Ten Nations Cup and play the South African Stroke Play Championship the week after at Oubaai Golf Club in George.

Golf Queensland's exciting new initiative, iGolf Queensland will be launched today at two prominent Brisbane golf facilities, with the focus to engage with the casual golfer. 

Dear Club

Part 1.( Part 2 will be published next week)

Golf Australia in collaboration with the State Associations and industry stakeholders has embarked on developing a strategy for a national club support and development program to assist the health and sustainability of Australian golf clubs.
 
The Club Development Support Program, identified as a key priority of the National Participation Plan, will be progressively rolled out from 2013.    
 
To assist the development of this important strategy, an advisory group  including representatives from the Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, Australian Sports Commission, Clubs, Golf Australia, Golf Management Australia, PGA of Australia and State Golf Associations has been formed with golf business consultancy WellPlayed (formerly Flow Project Services) being engaged to manage the project.  
 
Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the industry-endorsed program would play an important role in providing expertise and resources to Australian golf clubs.
 
“The feedback and requests for advice we get from golf clubs covers a diverse range of issues. With the collective expertise of the industry at hand, the new Club Support and Development Program will make that information easier for clubs to source and use,” Pitt said.
 
“Healthy golf clubs and a healthy Australian golf industry go hand-in-hand. The advisory group’s resources will cover the key areas of club operations and provide clubs, where possible, with the information to adopt industry best-practice in their businesses.”
 
The mission of the program is to develop a leading, trusted and sustainable ‘Club Support and Development’ program to assist clubs in improving their performance and provide valuable golf participation opportunities.
 
The program framework will include a new club health check tool and resources to assist clubs in the areas of governance, strategic planning, marketing, membership attraction and retention, benchmarking, financial performance, education and sustainability.
 
The program will use both existing information developed by the golf industry in Australia and the outcomes from research conducted by a number of other sports in regard to their club development and support initiatives.   
 

The strategy is expected to be finalised by mid-2013.

The 18th Annual Queensland Sport Awards Presentation was held in December, with Barry Shepherd being presented with the highly esteemed Service to Sport Award for 2012. 

Barry Shepherd has provided a long and distinguished voluntary service to the administration of the sport of golf not only for his home state of Queensland but also at the national level. During his involvement in golfing administration which extends over 40 years, Barry has provided extensive service at his golf club, regional district level and the governing body operations at both State and National levels.

At Club level, Barry was first elected to the management committee of Townsville Golf Club in 1971 and served on the committee until 1984. During this period he served two terms as Club President.

At District level, Barry was elected as Townsville Golf Club’s delegate to the North Queensland District Golf Association (NQDGA). In 1981, he was elected President of the NQDGA and served in this position until 1991. During this period he was conferred Life Membership of the Association for services to golf in North Queensland. 

At the State level, Barry held the position of delegate of NQDGA to the Queensland Golf Union for 14 years. During this time he was elected to the Management Committee of the Queensland Golf Union, a position which he held for a period of 20 years. He then held the position of Vice President of the Queensland Golf Union and was then elected President in 2004 until that body was ceased to operation in 2007.

In his role as President of the Queensland Golf Union, Barry was a key person in leading the unification of the men’s and women’s governing bodies to create Golf Queensland. He was a Director of Golf Queensland since its formation and retired from this position in May 2011.

At National level, Barry was one of Queensland’s two elected Delegates to the Australian Golf Union and an Executive Member of the Union from 2003–2006. The Australian Golf Union was the governing body for amateur golf in Australian until it ceased in 2006 and amalgamated to form Golf Australia. Barry played a significant role in the negotiations that led to the formation of Golf Australia. He was subsequently elected as one of Queensland’s two male councillors to Golf Australia for the period of 2006–2007.

Throughout the years, Barry has had various roles on the Selectors Panel, Match Committee, and Golf Australia’s Rules and Handicapping Committee. He also was Team Manager for a number of Australian and Queensland teams.

For many years Barry has maintained a close association with the PGA of Australia and its associated bodies. Barry is a nationally accredited Rules Official and has officiated in that capacity at major Australian and International events including the Australian Open, the Australian PGA, the Australian Ladies Masters and the Aaron Baddley Invitational in China. He is also one of the key instructors for Queensland’s State Rules Accreditation Course.

Through his association with the Chemist Golf Fraternity, Barry has played on over 200 of Australia’s leading golf courses. This has given him a detailed appreciation and knowledge of course rating and handicapping matters. Barry was one of the leading people to guide the re-rating of Queensland’s 254 golf courses in preparation for the USGA’s handicapping system rollout. 

In undertaking this sustained level of voluntary service, Barry has always maintained the highest level of leadership and integrity in his dealings with players, parents and officials. His selfless service and actions have always been with the interests of what is best for the sport of golf or the individual playing the game. 

Golf Queensland would like to congratulate Barry on his very deserving award win and thank him for his ongoing dedication to the game of golf.

Congratulations must also go to Viraat Badhwar, who was a finalist for the Junior Sport Star of the Year Award, and the Queensland Girls’ State Team, who were finalists in the Junior Team of the Year Award at the Q-Sport Awards Presentation.

When it comes to recognising a community coach from Queensland, it is very difficult to overlook Brad Stallard and Timothy Mullins from the Central Highlands District and Emerald Golf Club.  It is so difficult in fact that Golf Queensland’s Participation Development Manager, Adrian Hewat, couldn’t split the pair when nominating for the December Community Golf Coach Recognition Award.

Australian club golfers are spending more and more time on the golf course based on November rounds data released by the Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC).

The number of rounds played nationally in November was up 9.7% on 2011 figures to 1,056,747 with the biggest increases coming in New South Wales and Victoria.

Better weather across New South Wales and Victoria in the period was a key factor in the increases. In November 2011 New South Wales experienced rainfall that was double the historical monthly average while Victoria also experienced above-average rainfall.

On Year-to-Date figures, the total club rounds played nationally is up 2.5% to over 11.3 million rounds.

AGIC Chairman and Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said things were trending in a positive direction.

“Players are choosing to spend more time on the golf course and are playing more rounds this year which is good sign for the golf industry,” Pitt said.

“The year on year increase is extremely important for our sport. This contributes to an upward trend for the golf industry in occupancy rates and the general health of Australian clubs.”

The recently released AGIC Competition Rounds Report showed more than 12 million rounds of competition golf were played between November 2011 and November 2012.

The Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) was established in late 2006 to provide a forum to help unite the industry on agreed industry wide initiatives.

Membership includes: Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, Australian Ladies Professional Golf, Australian Sporting Goods Association, Golf Australia, Golf Management Australia, PGA of Australia and the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects.

The Australian Golf Writers Association (AGWA) last night announced the winners of this year’s Australian Golf Media Awards at a function in Sydney held in conjunction with the Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club.

Of the awards presented former Sydney Morning Herald veteran golf writer Peter Stone won the Best Report- Newspaper category while former Age golf writer Martin Blake and the Herald Sun’s Mark Hayes shared the award for Best Feature - Newspaper.

2012 Walkley Award winning photographer Phil Hillyard won the award for Best Photograph.

The award winners were decided by a panel led by noted sports journalist Mr Jim Webster OAM and representatives from Golf Australia, the PGA of Australia and the Australian Ladies Professional Golfers Inc.

The President of the Australian Golf Writers Association Mr. Brendan Moloney said he was pleased to see the golfing community again support the Australian Golf Media Awards which continue to grow in stature each year.

“The Australian Golf Writers Association congratulates the winners of the 2011-2012 Australian Golf Media Awards,” said Moloney.

“Now in their 17th year, the awards acknowledge excellence in writing, photography and broadcasting by AGWA members and non-members alike. The announcement of the winners is always a highlight of our annual dinner during the Australian Open.”

“Nearly 200 entries for the 10 categories were received from Australia and overseas. As well as congratulating the winners, we’d like to thank the judging panel of Jim Webster OAM, Bruce Baskett, Hamish Jones, Nicole O’Farrell, and Sandy Lonergan.”

The complete list of winners at this year’s Australian Golf Media Awards is below.

Photojournalism, Best photograph
Phil Hillyard – Daily Telegraph/ News Limited

Electronic Media – Radio – Best Feature or Report
ABC Grandstand Team

Best Feature Story - Newspaper
Joint winners: Martin Blake, The Age / Fairfax Media and Mark Hayes, Herald Sun / News Limited

Electronic Media – Internet – Best Feature or Report
Bruce Young , ISEEKGOLF.COM

Print: Best Feature or Report – Women’s Professional Golf
Brendan James, Golf Australia Magazine

Best Report – Newspaper
Peter Stone, Sydney Morning Herald

Best Feature Story/ Report – Magazine
Ben Everill, Golf Australia Magazine

Best Feature / Story Amateur Golf
Tony Webeck, Australian Golf Digest

Best Column
Richard Fellner, Inside Golf

Television – Best Feature Story/ Report
Steve Pearce, ABC Grandstand

Sydney, 29 November 2012: Golf Australia is pleased to announce that Taylors Wines have extended their partnership as the Official Wine Sponsor of the Emirates Australian Open for an additional three years. 

The announcement follows a successful four-year partnership between the highly awarded family winery and the prestigious national championship.

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt thanked Taylors Wines for their ongoing commitment to the Emirates Australian Open.

“We are very pleased to have Taylors Wines continue their long-term association with our national championship and look forward to our guests enjoying the best that Taylors has to offer at the Taylors Wine Bar during the tournament,” Pitt said.

Taylors Wines third generation Managing Director Mitchell Taylor said the partnership with the Emirates Australian Open was exciting given the event’s reputation as one of the world's most respected golf championships. 

“This year we will be reaching out to spectators even further, offering a taste of our premium wines while they take in all the action of this exciting tournament at the Taylors Wine Bar” Taylor said.

“On a less serious level, we also love golf at Taylors, and with a wine label named St Andrews, how could we not be involved?” 

Fans at the Emirates Australian Open will be able to head to the Taylors Wine Bar at The Lakes Golf Club to enjoy the winery’s first ever sparkling wine alongside wines from its Estate and Jaraman ranges – certain to be a hit with tournament patrons. 

Taylors Wines will also be served exclusively in tournament corporate hospitality areas.

The Emirates Australian Open will be played next week at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney from 6 – 9 December 2012 and is sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.

Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketek.com.au 

For further information about Taylors Wines please visit www.taylorswines.com.au.

Golf Queensland seeks expressions of interest from individuals who wish to become actively involved in the rating of golf courses in Queensland. 

Golf Australia has released the new Emirates Australian Open Official iPhone App for this year’s championship.
No matter where you are in the build-up or during the event, you can stay up to date with live scores, breaking news, photo galleries and plenty more of the action.

While Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Tom Watson, Geoff Ogilvy, Greg Chalmers, John Senden and many more are in action, you can follow every eagle, birdie and bogey as the battle for the Open intensifies.

Designed by Golf Australia to provide users with a comprehensive championship experience, the App carries live scoring, draws, event information, tee times, photo galleries, course guides, player profiles and latest news - a complete tournament guide in your pocket.

Golf Australia’s Digital Director John Sutherland said access to high quality information on mobile devices was now fundamental in golf and international sport.

“This is a key part of our overall fan experience at the championship and allows us to provide instant information to anyone who’s following the Emirates Australian Open. More than that, golf as a sport lends itself to this digital technology. It’s a lot easier when you’re out at The Lakes and you want to watch Adam Scott, knowing you’re only a couple of clicks on your phone from finding out what hole he’s just played so you can catch up to that group,” Sutherland said.

“The Emirates Australian Open is Australia’s most prestigious golf tournament and a significant sporting event in the Asia Pacific region over the summer. Golf Australia will continue to enhance the website and mobile experience of our National Opens and more broadly for general golf enthusiasts throughout 2013” Sutherland said.

The App ensures you’ll always know who’s leading the championship – no matter where you are.

App Features:

Live scoring, Draws, Tee Times, Statistics, News, Tweets, Course Guide, On-Course activities, Ticketing Information, Player Profiles, Tournament History, Special Offers, Sponsor Information and direct links to the Championship website.

Cost:
Free

Download:
Click Here

Australia’s love of golf returns as summer approaches - 3.5% year on year growth in club rounds played in 2011/12.

Bucking concerns of a downturn, a report released today shows strong growth in competition golf in Australia with the approaching summer months expected to deliver further momentum.

According to the 2012 Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) Competition Rounds Report, over 12 million rounds of golf (3.5% increase) have been played since the same time last year.

Golf Australia CEO, and current AGIC Chairman Stephen Pitt, said that the growth of competition rounds being played was a particularly pleasing result for the golf club industry. “What we are seeing is rounds growth being driven off increasing average frequency in the metropolitan areas and in some regions more favourable weather outcomes than in prior years,” said Pitt.

The report also notes an encouraging trend being experienced over the summer period in Australia where over the past three years total rounds played over this period have grown by 5%. Pitt added “as the tournament season is about to begin, this outcome is also very pleasing and indicates that increased exposure does appear to impact golf demand.”

The author of the report, Jeff Blunden said “Let’s hope that off the back of this report there is a greater appreciation of the importance of playing frequency. Membership numbers, whilst the driver to rounds played, are only part of golf’s outcome. At the coal face it is all about rounds being played. In lieu of membership growth, getting existing golfers to play more golf is one way we can drive improving industry health.”

Report highlights:

• Total rounds played in formal club competitions grew by approximately 3 per cent over the 2009-10 financial year, averaging over one million rounds per month.

• Male competitive play increased almost 4 per cent with female competitive play increasing 2 per cent.

• From July 2011 - July 1012 approximately 12.085 million rounds were recorded by GolfLink across the same facility base, a 3.5% increase over the previous 12 month period.

• Single handicap rounds accounted for approximately 50% of all rounds played throughout Australia

• National rounds played in March 2012 fell by 9% over the prior year as NSW experienced its second wettest March on record.

• Average frequency within male golfers is up by an average of 3 % across the country.

The AGIC Competition Rounds Report details single handicapped round data submitted by clubs to GOLF Link over a three year period from 2009/10 to 2011/12, along with comparative data collected for the 2011/12 financial year and year to date figures to September 2012.

The Report can be downloaded here

The Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) was established in late 2006 to provide a forum to help unite the industry on agreed industry wide initiatives.

Membership includes: Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, Australian Ladies Professional Golf, Australian Sporting Goods Association, Golf Australia, Golf Management Australia, PGA of Australia and the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects. For more information visit: www.agic.org.au

Clermont Golf Club's leading groundsman, Trevor Maguire, was recognised on Saturday at the Central Highlands District Annual General Meeting. Trevor received a certificate of appreciation as part of Golf Queensland's Volunteer Recognition Program. (Pictured right with Golf Queensland Board Director, Carmel O'Keeffe). Congratulations Trevor and thank you for your ongoing dedication to the game of golf. 

Trevor Maguire has been a member of the Clermont Golf Club since the late seventies and during that time he has been an active member of the management committee on a number of occasions. More importantly however, his contribution to the club has been in the form of maintenance of Clermont Golf Club's nine-hole golf course.

For the first twenty or so years, Trevor contributed to the ongoing care of the course as a member of a team. In more recent years since retiring, he has taken on the role of leading groundsman. Very rarely does a day go by when he is not at the golf course mowing, spraying or fertilising fairways and greens. The standard to which he and a very small group of volunteers keep the Clermont golf course receives acclaim by many visiting players to the club. Maintaining a quality golf course in a harsh climate takes dedication and commitment, which Trevor continually displays. 

When the club has not had the necessary equipment for certain jobs, Trevor has used his own to get the work done. As the club has grown and become more viable in recent years, equipment has been purchased which he now maintains to a high degree of expertise, thus saving the club a large amount of money in repairs and general maintenance.

Being out on the course most of the time, Trevor has taken it upon himself to police the honorary greens box where visiting players pay to play. He has the knack of requesting payment from those who may have 'forgotten' in such a way as not to offend and visitors to the club have often commented on Trevor's friendliness and welcoming manner.

If you would like to nominate a volunteer, please CLICK HERE to find out more about the Volunteer Recognition Program.

Golf Australia is pleased to announce the players selected for the 2013 National Squad.
 
Tier 1: Minjee Lee (WA), Su-Hyun Oh (VIC)
 
Tier 2: Geoff Drakeford (VIC), Brett Drewitt (NSW), Oliver Goss (WA), Jake Higginbottom (NSW), Whitney Hillier (WA), Nathan Holman (VIC), Ricky Kato (NSW), Jayde Panos (WA), Cameron Smith (QLD)
 
Junior Squad: Lucas Herbert (VIC), Anthony Murdaca (SA), Ryan Ruffels (VIC)
 
The new squad members are Victorian trio Geoff Drakeford, Lucas Herbert and Ryan Ruffels and Western Australian Jayde Panos.
 
Panos is currently studying and competing for Oklahoma State University. WA Open champion Oliver Goss will be the other overseas-based player when he moves to the United States in January to study and compete for the University of Tennessee.
 
The difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 selected athletes is based on selection benchmarks and criteria met by each athlete. Athletes will receive higher funding at the Tier 1 level for international competition.  All other resources and opportunities are equal at both levels.
 
Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said the 2013 squad mixed local and overseas-based talent and would build on the successes of 2012.
 
“These players have been selected because we feel they have the best chance of making substantial progress in their individual games over the next year and we have the support services in place to help them achieve that,” James said.
 
“This has been a solid year for the squad highlighted by significant individual victories and team victories in the Nomura Cup, Four Nations Cup, Toyota World Junior Team Championship and Trans-Tasman Cup and we will build on that winning culture.”
 
“We will also continue with our successful schedule of state, national and international camps which have proved invaluable for players, coaches and support staff during the year.
 
The new squad takes effect from January 1, 2013.

The best performed and most consistent players have been recognised following the conclusion of the 2012 Australian Amateur Ranking Systems. The results of over 70 ranking events across Australia during the last 12 months were collated to determine the winners.

Over 400 people gathered on October 31st for the 3rd annual Gold Coast Academy of Sport (GCAS) Awards Evening in the Marquis Room of the RACV Royal Pines Resort. The Hon Mick Veivers, Chairman of the GCAS (pictured with Chairman's Award recipient Kenza Benzenati) and the board of directors were delighted with this year's attendance and the opportunity to showcase the achievements of the over 200 pre-elite athletes involved in the nine current sports programs.

Rory Sabbatini has been confirmed as the latest international heading to Coolum to play this year's Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola from December 13-16.

The trip 'down under' will be the South African's second trip to Australia, Sabbatini last playing the Australian PGA Championship in 2007.

On that trip, Sabbatini led the tournament at the 54 hole mark only to struggle through the back nine as prolific PGA Champion Peter Lonard went on to clinch the title.

"That was five years ago now, and I'm looking forward to heading back to Australia," said Sabbatini.

"It's been an up and down year for me, but the Australian PGA will be a great way to finish off the year."  

The six time PGA TOUR title holder's last victory came at the 2011 Honda Classic, however he has come close in 2012 finishing in a tie for second at the Memorial Tournament, won by Tiger Woods.  

Joining Sabbatini at the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be two of Australia's most successful Professionals during 2012 so far, Marc Leishman and Brendan Jones.

A consistent performer on Tour in 2012, Leishman claimed his first PGA TOUR title this year at the Travelers Championship in June.

Jones has likewise been successful this season, adding his 12th Japan Tour title to his collection at the 2012 Token Homemate Cup.

The trio adds to a strong line up at Palmer Coolum Resort that will also include defending Champion Greg Chalmers, Darren Clarke, Greg Norman, Geoff Ogilvy, John Senden and Robert Allenby.

Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia, said players and organisers alike are all looking forward to the final PGA Tour of Australasia tournament of the year.

"Back in its traditional position as the final tournament on our calendar, there is a lot of excitement building around the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola," said Thorburn. 

"The ongoing success of this tournament has been testament to the support of not only the tournament players, but our sponsors, and we are again looking forward to the next chapter in the tournament's history."

The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be played at Palmer Coolum Resort from December 13-16, tickets are now on sale at www.ticketek.com.au.

The tournament will again be co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia, with the Order of Merit Champion for both Tours to be crowned following the conclusion of play.

The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola is supported by Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural, regional and business events across the state.

Can't be there in person? The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform across all four tournament days, broadcast to over 400 million homes in more than 40 countries.

Full coverage of 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.

For more information visit the tournament website at http://championship.pga.org.au/

Womensport Queensland is hosting media training for people involved in the sporting community. 

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has opened a new $10 million dollar grant program that will help local sport clubs tackle rising operating costs.

The Lord Mayor said applications were now being accepted for the first round of the Community Sport Clubs Grant Program which was designed to make sport as accessible and inclusive in Brisbane as possible.

“With over 1,000 clubs and 220,000 players, sport is a crucial aspect of Brisbane’s active and healthy outdoor lifestyle,” Cr Quirk said.

“Over the next four years we’ll invest $2.5 million per year to help local sport organisations fund cost saving projects that increase their sustainability, such as solar power, water saving devices and energy efficient field lighting systems.

“By helping these clubs reduce their operating costs, we are also helping to keep community-based clubs going by lowering their ongoing operational costs.”

Cr Quirk said in order to boost Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s new world city it was important to have sustainably-managed community organisations.

“By reducing club costs through projects that enhance their club’s sustainability, these vital community groups will be more efficient and more capable of delivering better services to their communities,” he said.

The Community Sport Clubs Grant Program will provide funding to deliver projects that demonstrate a commitment to operating in a sustainable manner under three categories; community facility upgrade, community facility maintenance and organisational development.

Round one of the Community Sport Clubs Grant Program closes on 12 November 2012.  The second round opens 4 February 2013.

For more information, CLICK HERE or phone Council on 3403 8888 and ask to speak the Grants Unit.

Get in the Game comprises three new funding programs worth $18 million over the next three years.

Get Started, Get Going and Get Playing are designed to get more people, especially children and young people, playing sport and involved in recreation activities.

Information on the three Get in the Game programs is provided below.

Get Started – Funding to help kids participate 
Get Started assists children and young people who can least afford or may otherwise benefit from joining a sport or recreation club. Eligible children and young people are provided with a voucher of up to $150 to help pay for club membership and participation fees. The vouchers can be redeemed at a sport or recreation club registered with the program.

Click here for information on how to register your club.

Click here to download a fact sheet about Get Started for parents and guardians.
Click here to download a fact sheet about Get Started for sport and recreation clubs.

Read more about Get Started.


Get Going – Funding to help clubs grow
Get Going supports local sport and recreation organisations with funding of up to $10,000 for projects that create opportunities for more Queenslanders to become members.

Click here to download the Get Going guidelines.
Click here to download a fact sheet about Get Going.

Read more about Get Going.


Get Playing – Funding to improve facilities
Get Playing provides up to $100,000 in funding to assist local sport and recreation organisations with facility development so more Queenslanders are encouraged to become involved in the sport or recreation activity of their choice.

Click here to download the Get Playing Guidelines.
Click here to download a fact sheet about Get Playing.

Read more about Get Playing.


Information sessions
Community information sessions will be delivered in various locations across the state. Find out where an information session is being held near you

Many of the compliance, legal and other governance requirements community clubs are faced with may seem onerous of complex. However, it is important all committee members are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Effective governance protects the rights of your members and stakeholders and supports the continued success and growth of your club.

This workshop explores how your club can effectively manage its resources for both members and stakeholders. Participants will learn about strategic goals, monitoring organisational performance, compliance with legal and regulatory obligations and committee ethics. 

WHEN: Wednesday, 24 October 2012 - 6pm-9pm
WHERE: Robina Community Centre - 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

CLICK HERE to register online now

For further information:
Phone (07) 5520 3766 or (07) 5520 4963
Email south.east@communities.qld.gov.au

The University of Queensland (UQ) and UQ Sport, in partnership with the Alumni Friends of the University of Queensland and the Clem Jones Group, are pleased to offer sporting scholarships to outstanding athletes enrolled at UQ each year. 

Scholarship holder benefits include:

• financial assistance
• free access to UQ sporting facilities
• academic support
• free education programs
• access to high performance support services
• access to the athletes lounge

Golf Australia, Legacy and the Australian Defence Force, supported by technology and business services company CSC, have initiated Remembrance Golf Day for Legacy, a fundraiser for the leading charity that cares for the welfare of families of our fallen and wounded.

Club Health Check is now available online!

It's a free online self-assessment tool that is quick and easy to complete and gives you a detailed
picture of your club's overall administrative health.

The Club Health Check will develop tailored:
• evaluation reports on the health of your club
• action plans for developing your club's capacity
• best practice guidelines for club administration
• resources relevant to your club
• information on how to get further assistance.

Click here to take the check, and start planning for a healthier club.

The Club Health Check is a national initiative delivered by the Queensland Government, Australian Sports Commission and other State and Territory Sport and Recreation Agencies across Australia.

Toowoomba Regional Council Sport and Recreation Grants  - ROUND 2, 2012

Applications for the 2012 Spotscover Sponsorship Fund (SSF) are now being accepted.

Sportscover's desire to assist community sports led to the creation of the Sportscover Sponsorship Fund (SSF) as an avenue to sponsor a wide variety of amateur sports men and women, striving to achieve sporting greatness across a broad cross-section of sports. Over the last few years, the SSF has donated over $70,000 in grants to grass-roots sporting clubs and associations

There will be 3 rounds of applications available in 2012, with a total of 20 x US$750 grants to be awarded.

Round 1: 1st June – 15th July - 7 Grants will be awarded.

Round 2: 1st August – 15th September - 7 Grants will be awarded.

Round 3: 1st October – 15th November - 6 Grants will be awarded.

The 2012 Sportscover Sponsorship Fund is currently accepting applications. Please CLICK HERE for more information and to apply.

The Golf Queensland Board announced this week the appointment of Peter Castrisos as Chair of Golf Queensland for the next 12 months, following the recent resignation of Tom Crothers.

Mr Castrisos has served on the Board of Golf Queensland for the past five years, and brings a significant amount of golf administration experience with him to the new position. As well as being a current Board Director, Mr Castrisos is also a Golf Queensland Delegate to Golf Australia.

“I am honoured by the opportunity given to me by my fellow Board Members. I look forward to an exciting year in this challenging industry. It is imperative that consolidation of past developments and initiatives occur. I am a strong advocate for growing the game and assisting clubs to increase their membership base,” says Mr Castrisos. 

“I would also like to thank Tom Crothers for the huge contribution he has made to the organisation during the past five years.”

As Chair of the Golf Queensland Planning and Development Committee, Mr Castrisos has been involved in the development of new membership strategies, junior golf development, implementation of the MYGolf program and the introduction of the Women’s Golf Network.

Mr Castrisos is a Member of the Technical Committee and has been a Member of the Tournament Support Group since 2007. He is also an Accredited Course Rater and Rules Official, which has seen him rate many golf courses around Queensland, as well as assist with the delivery of Rules Seminars. 

Prior to joining the Board of Golf Queensland, Mr Castrisos served ten years on the Committee of Brisbane Golf Club and three years as President.

Golf Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Lindsay Ellis says that “Peter’s background has afforded him an excellent understanding of the current issues facing golf at all levels of the game. The staff and Board of Golf Queensland look forward to Peter taking on the role of Chair as we move forward with our new Strategic Plan.” 

Golf Queensland would also like to thank former Chair Tom Crothers for the contribution he has made to the organisation during his time as Chair. Mr Crothers had been Chair since the establishment of Golf Queensland in 2007 and will continue on as a Board Director for another 12 months.

The UQ Sport Academy is a registered National Coaching and Officiating Training Agency (NCAS) with the Australian Sports Commission. The institute offers a range of training initiatives to cater for coach education and development.

Australian Sports Commission Presenter Courses

Skilled and confident presenters are an integral component of the coaching and officiating education system. This course has been designed to train course presenters in the skills required to deliver effective, quality coaching courses within the NCAS and National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS) schemes.

Topics covered include:

How to conduct a practical session
Delivery methods that work
Preparing to deliver, review and evaluate training
Roles and responsibilities of NCAS and NOAS facilitators

Golf Queensland will begin using a new online event registration system from today. The new system - MiTournament – will allow easier registration into Golf Queensland events. Queensland Men's Country Week Championship and the Queensland Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will be the first event to use the new system, with other events to follow.

MiTournament is a central tournament registration site used by national and state golf associations for the purpose of golfers to register and pay online, view current field lists and draws/results of events.

“We are looking forward to starting MiTournament registrations. It is extremely easy to use and we know that players will enjoy the many benefits of the new system” says Luke Bates, Golf Operations Manager at Golf Queensland.

“The system is currently being used by Golf Australia and many of the other State Associations, so if players have previously registered for the MiTournament website, they will not need to register again”

As has been the case in the past all players will be required to go to the event page on www.golfqueensland.org.au as normal. They will then be directed to the registration or login area on the MiTournament website. 

Any questions about the new online registration system, can be directed to the Golf Queensland office on (07) 3252 8155 or info@golfqueensland.org.au

The Golf Queensland Board has announced the appointment of Judy Logan as a replacement Director following the recent resignation of Tricia Harding. 

Judy brings a significant amount of experience and knowledge about the game of golf to the position. She has been a member of Laidley Golf Club since 1983 and has been on the clubs committees since 1984 and on a District level since 1990. Judy is also an accredited Course Rater and is currently the Delegate for Brisbane & District Ladies Golf Association and Secretary for the Moreton District. 

The Golf Queensland Board consists of: Tom Crothers (Chair), Peter Castrisos, Matthew Toomey, Carmel O’Keeffe, Graeme Mathers, Lorraine Matthews and Judy Logan

Funding is available to support eligible not-for-profit organisations to support their volunteers and encourage volunteering. Funding between $1,000 and $5,000 is available to cover a number of eligible items including small equipment and training to help volunteers. Preference is given to organisations who support the Federal Government’s ‘Social Inclusion Priorities’. More details regarding organisation eligibility and the assessment process can be found by downloading the application guidelines.

The next Greg Norman, Adam Scott or Andrew Buckle could already be taking divots at Royal Queensland Golf Club where the top trio honed their extraordinary skills.
Under the guidance of teaching professionals Andrew Marchbank, James Staniforth and Richard Gompels – Royal Queensland has developed an impressive junior program.

Already there are close to 80 juniors signed up and that number should grow now that the program has embraced Golf Australia’s MYGolf model. “Our junior program is going well,” said Andrew Marchbank, who recently rejoined the club after a stint working with the West Australian PGA.

“James Staniforth, Richard Gompels and Derrin Morgan, who also helped develop the program, have done a good job. Like most juniors programs, we don’t get all of the kids every week, but we do get a good number every second Sunday throughout the year. Over the past five years the program has come along in leaps and bounds.”

One of the most pleasing aspects has been the high percentage of girls involved in the program. “Some weeks it can be as high as 50–50,” Marchbank said. “We do get quite a lot of girls in our mid-range age group, which is nine to 13 and that is encouraging.

“We have a couple of good role models at the club, people like Christina Mew, who plays in the State team and is looking to get more involved in the program as a mentor – particularly for the girls.”

When it comes to good coaches and coaching methods, Royal Queensland has been fortunate. It all started more than 50 years ago when Charlie Earp was at the helm. Of course, Earp mentored a number of today’s leading coaches including RQ’s current head professional Chris Rutherford and before him people like PGA chairman Mark Gibson (Royal Pines Resort) and Jim Barden (Victoria Park).

Champion golfer Adam Scott, who played junior pennant at Royal Queensland, is the club’s junior patron. He visited the club in February and it seems he has inspired many of the juniors.

“We had a lot of good feedback from the kids after Adam’s visit,” Marchbank said. “A number of juniors, who are on the verge of breaking into the pennant squad, found his chat inspirational. The club’s goal is to have the junior program evolve to be strong.”

Marchbank said Royal Queensland had been working closely with Golf Queensland in an effort to strengthen its program. “This year, through Golf Queensland, we have introduced our youngest group to the MYGolf package, which is the golf clubs, soft golf balls, the markers and flags,” he said. 

“We have been starting to use that more so we can set up more interesting, fun games and that’s been the biggest evolution of our program this year.”

Marchbank said the children were divided into various age and skill groups. “On Sunday mornings the more advantage classes have a couple of hours of clinics before playing nine holes.

“Then, the slightly younger kids have their clinic and then they get out and play six or three holes, depending on their level of skill. For the little ones it’s about having supervised time on the golf course so they can put into practice the skills they are learning.

“Then they all gather in the clubhouse and have a few refreshments,” he said. “It’s a chance for them, their parents and grandparents to get together.

“During the school holidays we offer some nine-hole competitions to try and encourage the kids to get on the course and play and learn the scoring and on-course etiquette.”

The club’s aim is to convert kids into junior club members. “This year’s junior pennant team have all come up through the junior program and that’s an indication that we are hanging on to them.”

Marchbank said more golf clubs should go down the junior development path. “The future of golf is about having juniors come through the system,” he said. “From the PGA’s perspective, it’s all about promoting the game.

“I would advise other clubs to look at the resources that are available to them through Golf Queensland and Golf Australia because with the right resources you can make the program easier. That also generates interest among the kids.”

Golf Australia, in cooperation with Golf Management Australia and the Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, recently commissioned a study into the economic impacts of the incoming Carbon Tax on Australian golf clubs and the wider industry.

Grants are available from QRAA to assist your small business toward the costs arising out of direct damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

The aim of the Advanced Junior Clinics is to identify promising young players and expose them to Golf Queensland’s High Performance pathway. This provides numerous opportunities for juniors to improve their game through both personal and social development, plus access to better coaching and education programs. Players also have the opportunity to meet with State Coaches and Selectors. The Advanced Junior Clinics play an important role in Golf Queensland’s development division. 

New and exciting golfing technology systems play a valuable role within the Advanced Junior Clinics.  For example, Trackman, which is a golf radar that measures spin-rate, club-speed, smash factor, launch angle etc. Another system used is the Sam Lab Putting which is an analysis and training system based on accurate ultrasound measurements is also an extremely worthwhile function to teach juniors the correct practice and help to improve their form. 

The Advanced Junior Clinics also gives State Team Coaches the opportunity to work and liaise with Local Coaches. This helps to build and maintain relationships within the coaching teams, which is important in order to provide the players with the best possible coaching and education.

In 2011, Advanced Junior Clinics were held in Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane. These were two-day regional events, and enabled juniors to experience sessions on nutrition, rules and coaching. The format of the Advanced Junior Clinics changed from previous years, and 2011 was the extremely successful pilot of the new format. Golf Queensland State coaches Tony Meyer and Richard Woodhouse attended these satellite clinic sessions with the help from local pro’s Luke Newman (Cairns) and David Lord (Rowes Bay).

This year, Golf Queensland’s new Head Coach, Tony Meyer, will be facilitating the four Advanced Junior Clinics to be held in Cairns, Townsville, South East Queensland and Rockhampton. There is a cost of $60 per participant to attend the two-day clinic, which includes coaching (Golf Queensland Coach and local Professional), technical analysis, acceleration sessions (golf specific exercises) and food and beverages.

“The Advanced Junior Clinics play an important role in our player development pathway. The opportunity to expose players to the holistic coaching principles of our High Performance Program at an early age is invaluable,” says Meyer.

“Last year’s program was an outstanding success and I look forward to seeing many more junior golfers from regional Queensland at this year’s clinics.”

With the London Olympics less than 100 days away, now is the time to get involved with the Prime Minister's Olympic Challenge.
 
The Prime Minister’s Olympic Challenge is a sport challenge for individuals and groups. Children can undertake sporting activities and accrue points towards gold, silver and bronze awards by recording their activities on the website. A rewards scheme will give children the opportunity to receive certificates and other prizes, including sporting equipment and visits from athletes.
 
Make sure you register your interest now to join Golf Ambassadors Katherine Hull and Geoff Ogilvy in the challenge.

Click here to visit the Olympic Challenge website!

Golf Queensland’s Gennai Goodwin has recently been awarded the opportunity to join the elite Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Golf Program.

The QAS Golf Program is conducted with the assistance of the Queensland Government and forms the pinnacle of the Golf Queensland High Performance Programs. The QAS Program, which commenced in July 2001, is designed to assist Queensland's most talented amateur players in reaching their full potential within the amateur golf ranks. 

Seventeen-year-old Gennai Goodwin is a prime example of the type of players invited to join the QAS Program. 

“I am extremely honoured to be selected to join the QAS Program out of all the great golfers in Queensland” Goodwin says. “I’m really looking forward to improving my game as a whole, not only the technical side but also the mental side and help with preparation in leading up to tournaments.”

Goodwin is well liked amongst her peers, which saw her awarded the captaincy of the Queensland Junior Girls’ Team this year. 

Grant Field, Goodwin’s home coach also speaks highly of the talented golfer: “This is a fabulous opportunity for Gennai to really develop her game. The added attention to areas such as sport science, strength and conditioning and tournament experience will be invaluable to her development as a player.”

Goodwin demonstrated her passion and dedication for the game of golf throughout her time in the Golf Queensland State Program, when she would travel every month from Mossman to Brisbane to attend State Training. 

Golf Queensland’s Head Coach, Tony Meyer says he is looking forward to Goodwin joining the QAS. “Gennai is an extremely talented and dedicated golfer and she really represents what being in the QAS is all about.”

The program provides scholarships for ten high performing players each year, and provides scholarship holders in assistance with training and coaching, sports medicine/sports science, tournament support, apparel and travel to major tournaments. Squad members of the QAS Golf Program are expected to fully commit to the program and to make the most of the scholarship opportunity. The squad is selected based on commitment to training, fitness, tournament performance and passion for the game of golf.

Both Pennant teams from Woodford, Division 1 and Masters, won through to the final that was played at North Lakes Golf Club on Sunday 29th April.  

Masters
It was some nail biting stuff but the Masters team consisiting of, Ron Woodward (Captain), Pat McAtee, Neil Madison, Mark Kalms, Steve Horne, Tom Donaldson,  and Andrew Birkenhead showed real Woodford spirit and narrowly beat the determined team from Pacific Harbour.   

As was announced in The Cut and on the AGCSA website, the AGCSA has been seeking nominations for two Board vacancies which will become available at the upcoming Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday 6 June, 2012 during the Australian Turfgrass Conference in Melbourne.

One director’s position and the president position were declared vacant, with nominations for both positions closing on Tuesday 24 April. By the close off date the AGCSA had received the following nominations:

• For AGCSA President: Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD)

• For AGCSA Board Director: Brett Balloch (Anglesea Golf Club, VIC)

As only one nomination for each position was received, an election will not be required. While the nominees will not take up their new positions until the AGM in June, the AGCSA is pleased to confirm that Peter Lonergan is AGCSA president elect and will take over from Allan Devlin who is stepping off the Board at this year’s AGM after six years, including the last four as president.

Brett Balloch will join incumbents Darren Wilson (Wembley Golf Complex, WA) and Tony Fogarty (Club Catalina Country Club, NSW) as an AGCSA director. Balloch has been superintendent at Anglesea Golf Club since 1992 and served on the VGCSA committee between 1998 and 2005, including two years as secretary and three years as treasurer.

 

To further assist grass roots golf across Australia, golf clubs can now apply for a MYGolf Grant to support their junior programs and activities.

Coordinated through Australian Golf Insurance and Sportscover, all MYGolf Centres can apply for a grant to purchase a MYGolf Centre Kit which includes training clubs, balls, tee mats, targets and other junior program equipment.

The MYGolf program recently passed the 3,000 participants milestone and has more than 300 accredited centres nationally.

“These grants are a means of being able to support junior golf and its development in the wider community, which has been made possible through the generous support of Sportscover and Australian Golf Insurance,” Golf Australia’s Golf Development Manager Cameron Wade said.

“The kits have proved very popular with schools, club professionals, community coaches, parents and other facilitators and the grants will assist clubs who may not be able to afford to invest in the equipment or may want to develop an existing program more.”

To apply, MYGolf Centres must complete the grant entry form at www.australiangolfinsurance.com. Clubs that are not currently MYGolf Centres can register to be a Centre for free by clicking here and are then eligible to complete the grant application. Grants will initially be available between April and December this year.

Launched in 2010, the MYGolf Skills Challenge is the National Junior Golf program targeted to boys and girls aged 8 – 16 years to develop and assess their golf skills. The program is endorsed by Golf Australia, the Australian Sports Commission, School Sport Australia and the R&A and has the support of all State Associations and Junior Foundations. Greg Norman and Karrie Webb are Program Ambassadors.

www.mygolf.org.au

 

 

Chance meetings are often the way that great relationships begin.

Whether of the business, friendship or romantic variety, the most enduring can often begin in the most unusual of circumstances. 25 year old Queensland golfer, Rika Batibasaga, is a case in point.

When responding to a question raised by Open Champion, Darren Clarke, and iconic player manager, Chubby Chandler, at the Australian PGA Championship in November of 2011, Batibasaga could not have imagined that their initial dialogue would, potentially, set up his professional career.

On the driving range at Hyatt Regency Coolum just before his opening round of the event, Batibasaga hadn’t even noticed Clarke and Chandler walking behind him as Clarke prepared to practice after his disappointing opening round earlier in the day.

That Batibasaga was even playing in the tournament adds another element to this story and further highlights the random nature of the meeting. Batisbasaga had shot 62 in pre qualifying at the Wynnum Golf Club in Brisbane on the Monday to secure one of just three places available from a field of 105 at that venue to gain access to the event.

Batibasaga recalls what happened a few minutes after Clarke and Chandler arrived on the practice fairway. “I was warming up and after a while Darren yells out to me ‘Why don’t you have a (expletive) big bag with your (expletive) name on it’.”

Clearly Clarke was so taken with what he was seeing of Batibasaga’s ball striking and classy golf swing that he could not believe he was watching an uncontracted player or one who had not bothered to put a name of the bag for identification purposes.

Initially a little taken aback by the comment from one of the game’s superstars, Batibasaga responded. “Mate I am just a rookie starting out, I am a big fan of yours and have a great week."

Clarke would then go on to say that that was the very reason he needed his name on the bag.

Still a little in awe of the circumstances Batibasaga said, "Thanks mate and (again) to have a good week.”

Fortunately for Batisbasaga, his Gold Coast based coach, Kevin Healey, had been observing Clarke and Chandler watching his client and was aware that they seemed to be impressed by what they were witnessing.

Click here to read the full story on iseekgolf.com

BY BRUCE YOUNG, ISEEKGOLF.COM 

Golf Queensland’s Manager of Golf Operations, Luke Bates has recently returned from participating in the R&A Tournament Administrators and Referees School at St Andrews in Scotland. 

The event was held from 7-10 February 2012, and was attended by 77 rules officials and administrators from over 40 countries. Bates was one of two National Referees to attend from Australia with the second being Sue Fabian (NSW). Selected delegates all possessed an enthusiasm for the rules of golf and displayed an eagerness to improve their techniques.

The purpose of the R&A School is to give guidance and advice on officiating. It is hoped that delegates leave the school having learned something that will aid them in their futures as rules officials. Already possessing working knowledge of the rules of golf, delegates spent four days with the R&A instructors, learning how to improve their refereeing techniques.

A heavy emphasis was placed on interactive demonstrations, along with seminars, role-play activities and an examination, which gave delegates practical experiences about the rules of golf and the role of a Rules Official at tournaments. 

The four-day school also included a visit to the Old Course at St Andrews as well as a tour and a sit-down dinner in the exclusive R&A clubhouse.

“Having the opportunity to attend the R&A Tournament Administrators and Referees School was a great honour. It was a fantastic experience to visit St Andrews, one which has always been on my wish list,” Mr Bates said. 

Bates received a score of 86/100 (a merit) in the level 3 Rules of Golf Examination, which was held on the third day of the school. This examination was split into two parts, one of which the attendees had to rely on their knowledge of the rules with no reference to books or materials being allowed. A significant amount of revision was needed in preparation. 

Mr Bates returned from the school with a wealth of new knowledge and experience.
“I look forward to using this valuable experience through the rules of golf programs implemented by Golf Queensland.”  

Attending the school also gave Bates the opportunity to network with people from all around the world within the golfing industry. “The trip gave me a fantastic insight into how the R&A organisation works and being able to meet and have discussions with staff on the Rules of Golf was unique experience”. 

Golf Queensland is continually looking for ways to up-skill staff in order to maintain a high level of knowledge within all areas of golf. This ensures that well educated advice is given to all enquiries. 

Bates and recently appointed Golf Operations Officer Matt Field welcome any questions on the rules of golf to be directed to the office via phone or the Golf Queensland website.  

Golf Queensland provides numerous opportunities for Club Members to attend Rules Accreditation Seminars throughout the year. Details for upcoming seminars can be found on the Golf Queensland website.

John Victorsen, one of 29 Queenslanders honoured by the PGA of Australia in its centenary year, says he cannot imagine ‘a closer bunch of blokes’, even in team sport.

A member of the PGA since 1979 and head professional at Headland Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast for the past 32 years, Victorsen said he was stunned yet flattered to be named among the 100 PGA members recognised by his peer group.

The Queenslanders honoured were Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Barry, Len Beck, Garry Calder, John Downs, Charlie Earp, Gary Edwin, Mike Ferguson, Danny Freyling, Mark Gibson, Peter Heiniger, Brian Jones, Paul King, John Klatt, Rodger Davis, Wayne Grady, Erroll Hartvigsen, Graham Marsh, Peter McWhinney, Alan Murray, Greg Norman, Rod Pampling, Adam Scott, John Senden, Peter Senior, Bryan Smith, Ian Triggs, John Victorsen and Randall Vines.

Victorsen was chosen to speak on behalf of his fellow professionals at the centenary dinner at Royal Queensland in February and conceded he held back tears as he recalled his 30-plus years involved in the great game of golf as a professional.

“People like Charlie Earp, Erroll Hartvigsen and Paul King were friends of my dad and were my idols when I was growing up,” he said. “They then became my mentors, and are now my mates. They are also friends of my children, and that’s what I mean when I say we are a close bunch.”

Victorsen recalled that when Ian Baker-Finch, Greg Norman and Wayne Grady returned from overseas after winning major events, the ‘close bunch’ of golf pros gathered at the famed Breakfast Creek Hotel in Brisbane and celebrated with them. “We would be there to congratulate our mate. It is a kinship that is sometimes difficult to explain, but is very real and very strong,” he said. “That is why this centenary event was so special. Sharing this honour with my mates and my family is something I will never, ever forget.”

The 29 Queensland PGA professionals named as achievement award recipients were recognised for their contribution to Australian golf and the PGA across a number of areas.

And patron and award recipient Greg Norman, although unable to attend the function, sent a message to his fellow awardees acknowledging their place within Australian golf history. “You are among some of the most highly-skilled PGA members the world over, and I hope you will take great pride in being part of such an historic occasion,” Norman said.

PGA chief executive Brian Thorburn added to Norman’s sentiments, saying that PGA members Australia wide had been the cornerstone of the Australian golf industry for the past 100 years. “I congratulate all tonight’s award winners on their part in this illustrious history,” he said. “You are among some of the greatest PGA members who have lived and contributed to Australian golf, and for that you, your family and your club should be justifiably proud.” 

Marg Swaysland celebrated her 90th birthday in January with ‘a present to me, from myself’ – a motorised golf buggy.

But until then, from the time she started playing regular golf as a member at Stanthorpe in 1956, Marg had always chosen to walk the course. “I’m pretty fit for my age,” quips the vibrant nonagenarian who plays three times a week at Yeppoon Golf Club. “Occasionally in the past I might jump in a cart with another lady if she had a spare seat, but I have always preferred to walk the course. But even though age is just a number, I suppose at 90 I should start to slow down a little.”

A Queenslander all her life, Marg was born in Maryborough, lived her childhood years near Eidsvold, moved to Brisbane with her parents during the years of World War Two and then settled on an orchard near Stanthorpe with her husband, and lived there for half a century.

“I have had an unbroken golf club membership since 1956,” she proudly declares, but confesses to being ‘a very average golfer’.

“I am currently playing off 36; the lowest I have been is 17; and I have rarely broken 100. But I love the game and I will keep playing until I drop.”

Marg, who has lived in a retirement village a couple of kilometres from Yeppoon Golf Club since 2004, has a simple philosophy on golf.

“I go to golf to meet my friends, have a chat and enjoy my time there. I take my sticks along, and if I play well it’s a bonus,” she says. And while Marg may have the latest technology ferrying her around the course these days, she has a no-fuss attitude when it comes to her golfing equipment. She carries only nine clubs in her bag, and that includes a Scottish-made eight iron ‘a hundred years old like me’ that she never uses, but has sentimental value.
“My first set of golf clubs were burnt in a fire at Stanthorpe in 1974, but they were insured,” she said. “I was able to buy a new set and most of my clubs today are those. It’s the player, not the equipment, that’s important.”

With a host of experience packed in to her nine decades, Marg has a theory on why she has lived so long and is still active. “I was lucky enough to pick long-living parents, and have a riotous youth,” she explained, without giving away any secrets, although she admits to still enjoying a cold stubby on a hot day.

She has also worked hard, particularly in the apple orchard and at Stanthorpe Golf Club where she is a life member. And while playing Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at Yeppoon is now a tad easier in her new buggy, she concedes her golfing ritual may well be a little too arduous for most her age. 

Story by Tony Durkin, The Golfer

When golf nut Craig Kirk and three of his long-time mates decided to switch golf clubs late last year, their decision was based on the need for a change of scenery.

But little did seven-marker Kirk realise that part of that new outlook would involve close examination of the golf holes at Gailes Golf Club in Brisbane’s south-west, in particular plucking out balls as a result of aces.  

In the space of 72 days between November and January, Kirk holed out twice on the par three third and once at the 12th. And oddly, in a period of ‘serious competition golf’ spanning two decades, he had never before scored an ace.

“Apart from the fact that luck was on my side, I can’t explain the sequence of events,” says the bemused new Gailes member. “I have heard that things happen in threes, but this was uncanny. I still think back on every one of the shots I played and find it hard to believe this has actually happened to me.”

Having joined McLeod Golf Club in Brisbane as a teenager and been a regular player there for 20 years, Kirk decided last year that he needed a change of scenery and a new golfing challenge. And his three regular playing partners at McLeod concurred, so the quartet joined nearby Gailes.

“Little did I realise that I would almost immediately have three chief reasons to absolutely love the place,” he said.
His first ace came at the 124-metre 12th, with a raised green and a bunker protecting the front. From the tee, balls landing on the green are often obscured from view. “I hit eight iron and it was straight at the pin, but I thought it was too long,” Kirk recalled.

“My playing partner (Brock Mateja) hit his close and as we were both playing the same brand of ball, when we arrived at the green and could only see his ball, I immediately started looking over the back of the green for mine. When the boys sang out that mine was in the hole, I didn’t believe them.”

The other two aces were both on the third hole – one at 180 metres on December 9 and the other at 135 metres on January 14. The first time Kirk hit four iron, the second eight iron. “The third tee is elevated, so both times I actually saw the ball roll in. They were almost identical shots – pitched short, ran up to the pin and dropped,” he said. 

But while the holes in one have been a highlight of his new golfing life at Gailes, Kirk concedes he has not exactly cut the course to ribbons. His handicap has drifted from four to seven in the same period.

He says he owes a ‘thanks’ to his mates Cam Thomsett and Nathan McCabe, who along with Brock Mateji left McLeod with him.“Nathan has seen all three of my aces, so he can back up my ‘boasting’, and after my first hole in one Cam suggested I put the ‘ace’ ball safely in my bag as a keepsake, which I may not have done in all the excitement,” he said.

Story by Tony Durkin, The Golfer

Player Profile: Rosita Van Kuilenburg

 

When did you start playing golf?

I first swung a golf club in the mid-eighties when I enrolled in a 'introduction to golf lessons' at a driving range near Albany Creek. The only thing I remember from those lessons was the golf professional telling me I was a 'slugger'!
Following that I didn't swing another golf club until about four years ago whilst visiting friends in Goondiwindi. They had just been bitten by the golf bug and I thought I'd tag along just for a morning stroll as my health wasn't the best at the time. Before they reached the fourth hole I was chipping behind them and by the fifth tee I had a driver in my hand to hit a perfect shot and my golf addiction began. I bought a beginners golf set the very next weekend.

What motivated you to play golf?

I'm quite sports minded having played different team sports including representative soccer. My days of three games per week finally caught up with me causing chronic injuries of both my knees and hips resulting in a right hip arthroplasty (artificial ball and socket) in November 2009.

My rehabilitation was smooth involving Pilates and strength training but the desire to be outdoors playing sport was ever present. My beginner’s golf set had been gathering dust since I bought them so it was time to bring them out as I was walking pain free for the first time in a number of years and without the hip brace that I needed before my hip operation.

How did you get involved in WGN?

These days all adventures begin on the internet - I Googled for 'woman’s golf Brisbane' with the first result being Women’s Golf Network (WGN). The WGN website had everything I was looking for to get into golf. With my golf clubs dusted I ventured to the WGN sessions every Monday evening for my second attempt at beginner golf lessons.
The WGN golf lessons with golf professional, Lee Harrington, were challenging but Lee provided an atmosphere to make learning the game of golf relaxed, enjoyable and with lots of laughter. I certainly looked forward to Monday evenings and the WGN golf lessons, no matter what the weather threw at us.

Were you a member anywhere before this?

No, WGN was my first golfing group. I joined in January 2010.

Are you a golf club member anywhere now?

After being involved with WGN for 10 months I joined McLeod Country Golf Club. With WGN I felt confident enough to join a golf club.

Read more in Q-Golf Online

 

Golf Queensland today announced Srixon would continue its partnership with the organisation for a further three years.

Golf Queensland Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Ellis said he was pleased Srixon had again committed to sponsoring the High Performance program as the official golf equipment supplier.

“Members of our Queensland Academy of Sports program and the State Team will benefit greatly from the partnership with Srixon,” Mr Ellis said.

“Having access to equipment of this level is essential for the development of Queensland’s talented players.”

Martin Wright Managing Director of Srixon Sports Australasia Pty Ltd said “it’s our great pleasure to be able to extend our sponsorship agreement with Golf Queensland and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship over the next three years”.

Tony Meyer will see the benefits of the partnership first hand in his role as Golf Queensland’s Head Coach which involves overseeing the development of the State’s talented players.

“Srixon has been a great supporter of amateur golf in Australia for many years,” Mr Meyer said.

“Our players are very lucky to have access to the Srixon ball and Cleveland clubs that are being used by some of the best players in the world.”

 

A selection of Queensland's finest and most dedicated golfers were recognised for their successes at the 2011 Queensland Golf Industry Awards held last night in Brisbane.

Ruth Hungerford was honoured to be named Club Super Volunteer of the Year. The award acknowledged the time and commitment that volunteers put into the golf industry and Hungerford is a key part of this.

Hungerford has been an important member of the Downs and South Western District Ladies Golf Association since its inception in 1978. Since then she has been involved as President, handicap manager and been responsible for the organisation of the annual District tournaments.

At 78 years of ages, she is still Treasurer for Clifton Golf Club, and has been Captain of the ladies committee for many years. Every Wednesday, Hungerford runs the ladies golf and spends her weekends organising daily competitions.

Cameron Smith was awarded Male Amateur Golfer of the Year. Excelling in both open and junior company and winning on the National and International stage. Smith’s 2011 wins included the Victorian Junior Masters, Australian Boys Amateur Championship, Australian Amateur Stroke Play Championship and the Namoura Cup.

In the world rankings in 2011, Smith was placed 30th in the Scratch Players World Amateur and 17th in the Men's World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Ashley Ona was named Female Amateur Golfer of the Year with an impressive list of achievements, the highlight of these being a breakthrough win in Royal Canberra Ladies Classic.

Ona also represented Australia in the St Rule Trophy at St Andrews in Scotland during 2011, gaining first place in the International Amateur Championship and contributing to the Australian team winning the event.

The past year has also seen Ona selected in the National Squad, competing in numerous countries around the world.

Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year was awarded to Kade McBride, who has consistently finished in top placing's. He was runner-up in the Australian School Boys Stroke Play Championship and finished third in the Australian Boys Amateur Championship.

McBride also had a win in the Queensland School Sport Under 19 Championship, carding a course record of six-under par 65.

In addition to performing well at national events, McBride also showed his dominance in local tournaments, winning the Burleigh Golf Club Junior and Men's Club Championships.

Jamiee Dougan took home the Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year after consistently finishing in the number one spot throughout the year and winning the Queensland Junior Stroke Average. As a member of the Queensland Junior Team, she helped the State be crowned champions in the Australian Girls Interstate Team Matches.

Dougan also won first place in the 17-year-old category of the Srixon International Junior Classic, first place of the Tamar Valley Cup in Tasmania and runner-up in the Austalian Junior Amateur.

Dougan's strong results throughout 2011 led her to being awarded a place on the Golf Australia Junior National Squad.

Golf Queensland would also like to acknowledge Participation Development Officer, Lee Harrington, who was nominated for QLD PGA Teaching Professional of the Year.

Other highlights of the ceremony included the induction of the 2011 graduating PGA trainees. The evening was hosted by the PGA Queensland division.

Click here to view full list of winners.

 

Following the most successful staging of the Emirates Australian Open in recent history Fujitsu IT Solutions will continue their sponsorship of Australia’s national golf title.

A partner of the Emirates Australian Open since 2008, the new three year agreement extends upon Fujitsu IT Solutions’ already lengthy relationship with the tournament, affirming their involvement as one of the longest running supporters of the prestigious PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia tournament.

“We are very pleased to extend our partnership with Fujitsu IT Solutions for the next three stagings of the Emirates Australian Open,” said Stephen Pitt, CEO of Golf Australia.

“As a long term partner of this great tournament, Fujitsu IT Solutions is one of the many companies who benefited from their involvement with the biggest Emirates Australian Open in recent history and we look forward to continuing this relationship for many years to come.”

While the dates for this year’s Emirates Australian Open are still to be released, organisers have confirmed they are pursuing a number of high profile players for this year’s tournament.

“Last year’s Emirates Australian Open exceeded all expectations resulting in record crowds, television figures and outstanding returns for sponsors. Our focus is now on ensuring we can deliver an equal if not better championship to all our tournament partners for 2012 and beyond,” added Pitt.

The Emirates Australian Open is a premier sponsorship property with elite golf continuing to provide the perfect business-to-business platform.

As part of the sponsorship Fujitsu IT Solutions host up to 40 guests per day in an exclusive marquee while VIP’s also have the opportunity to participate in the official tournament pro-am and Inside the Ropes experiences.

Fujitsu IT Solutions also benefit from a unique and exclusive ‘Super Monday’ event concept where invited guests have the unique opportunity to play the Emirates Australian Open course in full tournament conditions.

Speaking about the partnership extension, Mike Foster, CEO of Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand said that “The Australian Open is one of the highest profile sporting events in the Australian calendar. Our sponsorship of this event resonates well with our customer base of senior executives from Australian enterprise and government organisations. We are pleased to be able to continue our strong relationship with this event.”

Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia added, “Fujitsu continues to be a wonderful supporter of the PGA Tour of Australasia and we look forward to working with them towards another successful Emirates Australian Open.”

The Emirates Australian Open is one of Australia’s pre-eminent sporting events and the oldest tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule.

Former winners of the championship include Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer as well as Australians Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy and most recently Greg Chalmers.

Visit www.australianopengolf.com.au for more information.
Twitter: @ausopengolf  

Ruth Hungerford was recently honoured with the Golf Queensland Volunteer of the Year. An award sponsored by Club Super and presented at the annual Queensland Golf Industry Awards Night. The award acknowledges the time and commitment that volunteers put into the golf industry and Hungerford is a key part of this.

Hungerford has been an important member of the Downs and South Western District Ladies Golf Association since its inception in 1978. Since then she has been involved as President, handicap manager and been responsible for the organisation of the annual District tournaments.

At 78 years of ages, she is still Treasurer for Clifton Golf Club, and has been Captain of the ladies committee for many years. Every Wednesday, Hungerford runs the ladies golf and spends her weekends organising daily competitions.

Find out how you can nominate a volunteer for an award at your local District AGM. All nominations received throughout the year will be nominated for the annual Volunteer of the Year Award. Read More.

 

Golfers from Gin Gin and surrounds recently enjoyed a day of learning to introduce new participants to the game of golf.

Golf Queensland’s Participant Development Officer Lee Harrington conducted the Community Coaching Course which also introduced the group to the MYGolf program.

The day attracted 10 participants from Gin Gin, Mt Perry and Fraser Lakes Golf Clubs with those involved ranging from Jesse at aged 16 to Bill aged 87, showing you are never too old to get involved and encourage participation.

One participant was legendary boxing trainer John Bolt who has switched his passion from the ring to teaching the juniors at Gin Gin. Each morning John gives up his Saturday morning to foster the juniors from the surrounding schools.

All participants displayed the great work they have achieved with the Active After Schools program and the Community Coaching Course reinforced their teaching skills under the MYGolf program.

 

Twenty-five years after a road accident almost claimed her life, Andrea Davis is back doing what she loves best – golfing.

In 1987, Andrea was a member of the West Australian state squad when the car she was travelling in and a truck were involved in an accident. The accident destroyed her promising golf career, but not her will to live.

The car was mangled and so was I,” Andrea said. “I had head and internal injuries and the gear stick went through my leg. I had brain damage and I didn’t know much about the accident for about two years.”

In fact, it took her more than a decade to recover fully. “I had the accident when I was 19 and didn’t play golf again until I was 35,” Andrea said.

“I had brain damaged that lasted 13 years. The brain and liver took a long time to heal. I didn’t get back into golf because I didn’t think I could compete at the level I was at so rather than torment and torture myself I decided not to play golf again.”

Now the 45-year-old mother of two daughters (Grace, 15 and Brooke, 12) is back playing the odd game of golf with the Women’s Golf Network and helping recruit children into the sport. She rarely plays golf competitively but when she does, it’s off a tidy seven handicap.

As well as working as a full-time duty manager at Coles and being a full-time mother, Andrea puts in a solid eight hours a week working as a participation officer and community coach for the MYGolf Skills Challenge and Awards Program at Golf Queensland. Initially, Andrea’s role was to introduce the MYGolf program to schools and golf clubs.

“I started by making contact with golf clubs and schools in and around the Gold Coast and now we have expanded on those goals to get more children playing golf,” she said.

“It’s about getting the brand out there and getting the kids talking about golf. I just love it. The best thing about being a community coach is the kids.”

“When they make that first contact with the golf ball and it flies like it should, the delight on their faces is incredible. I know because I have experienced it myself. The connection you get with a child when they have that experience is just awesome.” Read more in the Q-Golf Online Autumn Issue

Article by David Newbery

Golf Queensland is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Field as a Golf Operations Officer.

Matt is a PGA member after completing his Traineeship in 2009 and holds a Bachelor of Leisure Management (Sport Management) from Griffith University.

Previously he has worked at Gailes, Nudgee and North Lakes Golf Clubs and has recently returned from touring on the PGA Pro-Am circuit.

Luke Bates, Manager of Golf Operations at Golf Queensland, said he was pleased to welcome Matt to the team.

"Matt is passionate about golf and in particular the development of the game," Mr Bates said.

"He is well suited to the role with a golfing background that has afforded him with a strong knowledge of the game, relevant skills in the delivery of tournaments and the rules of golf.

"Matt has also had experience in other fields of business developing exceptional customer relationships and management skills."

Mr Bates said the role will predominately focus on the planning and delivery of Golf Queensland events plus the delivery of technical advice and related education programs.

 

Golf Queensland Participation Development Officer and PGA Member Lee Harrington has been selected as a finalist in the 2011 QLD PGA Teaching Professional of the Year award.

The award will be presented at the 2011 Queensland Golf Industry Awards to be held on March 13 at The Sebel & Citigate King George Square.

To be nominated for the award the application must be lodged by a PGA Member acknowledging the work of their peers. This is a credit to Lee who has the upmost respect from her peers for the work she conducts as a teaching professional.

The following members have been shortlisted for the award:
• David Nable
• Grant Field
• Jim Barden
• Lee Harrington

Lee is one of the most accredited female professional in Australia. She owns and manages one of the most successful executive golf schools on the Gold Coast of Australia, specialising in one week programs for corporate clients.

Lee also actively consults to education providers in also delivering the community coaching course, to enable golf to reach more and more children in schools and clubs. Lee is a leader in women’s golf and junior golf promotion.
Golf Queensland will also present the following awards on the night:
• Queensland Amateur Male Golfer of the Year
• Queensland Amateur Female Golfer of the Year
• Queensland Amateur Junior Male Golfer of the Year
• Queensland Amateur Junior Female Golfer of the Year
• Golf Queensland Volunteer of the Year

To view the list of PGA award finalists click here.

With great pleasure, the PGA congratulate the nominees for the 2011 Queensland Golf Industry Awards.

It was a successful year for the golf in Queensland in more ways than one, and this year’s award nominations reflect these great achievements. This year’s award winners will be announced at the Queensland Golf Industry Awards Dinner at The Sebel, Citigate in Brisbane on Tuesday 13th March. All nominees are encouraged to attend the Queensland Golf Industry’s Night of Nights which will also encompass the Golf Management Association, Golf Queensland and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Queensland.

To attend this annual event please refer to the order form that is attached, keeping in mind there are limited places and tickets will be provided on a first in best dressed basis.

Below are the nominees for this year’s awards in their relevant categories (in alphabetical order):

Tournament of the Year Nominations

Australian 4 Ball Pro Am Championship
Bartons/BMD Wynnum Pro Am
Coca Cola Morobe Open
Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate/Tropical Auto Group Golf Classic
South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open

Metropolitan Tournament of the Year Nominations

Bartons/BMD Wynnum Pro Am
Dental Solutions Tewantin Noosa Pro Am
FKP Peregian Springs Pro Am
Metropolitan Funerals Invitational Pro Am (Brisbane GC)
Norris Motor Group Royal Queensland Cup

Regional Tournament of the Year Nominations

Blackwater Mineworkers Club Pro Am
Ian Weigh Motors Rockhampton Pro Am
Meng Group Tyre and Mechanical City of Mackay Pro Am
Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate/Tropical Auto Group Golf Classic
Xstrata Glenden Pro Am

Resort Tournament of the Year Nominations

Australian 4 Ball Pro-Am Championship (RACV Royal Pines Resort)
Hi-Lite Pro Am (RACV Royal Pines Resort)
Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate/Tropical Auto Group Golf Classic
Peter Senior Charity Pro Am (Links Hope Island)
Professional Investment Services Players Championship (RACV Royal Pines Resort)

Club Professional of the Year Nominations

Chris & Matt Britnell
Shannon Beck
Shayne Barnham
Tony Di Tommaso
Teaching Professional of the Year
David Nable
Grant Field
Jim Barden
Lee Harrington

Other Awards to be presented on the night are:

Queensland Sunshine Tour Order of Merit Winner
Queensland Sunshine Tour Rookie of the Year
Queensland PGA Chairmans Award
Queensland Volunteer of the Year
Queensland Male Amateur Golfer of the Year
Queensland Female Amateur Golfer of the Year
Queensland Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year
Queensland Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year

Golf Queensland has announced the appointment of Tony Meyer as Head Coach following the departure of Garry Calder who is stepping down from the position after nine years.

Golf Queensland Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Ellis said Garry had been a key part of the success Queensland has achieved at the National level.

“On behalf of Golf Queensland I would like to thank Garry for his continued involvement in developing some of the best players Queensland has produced,” Mr Ellis said.

“Garry has helped lead Queensland to success and will continue to do so in his role at Indooroopilly Golf Club where he is Head Teaching Professional.”

Mr Ellis welcomed Tony to the role which will take effect from March 1.

“Golf Queensland has been working with Tony for a number of years and we are confident in his ability to identify and nurture talented players,” Mr Ellis said.

“Tony is a AAA Australian PGA member, has been the Queensland Women’s Coach and on the Queensland Golf Coaching Panel since 2009.”

Tony is currently Head Teaching Professional at Virginia Golf Club and the Golf Australia National Coach for Queensland. He will continue in his National role while working at Golf Queensland as Head Coach.

In 2010 Tony was awarded the Queensland PGA Teaching Professional of the Year. Prior to moving to Queensland, he was the Australian Institute of Sport Assistant Coach from 2005 to 2006 and the South Australian State and Junior Coach from 2007 to 2008.

Murgon resident and keen golfer Clowry Kennell typifies the enthusiasm for the Queensland Indigenous Championship to be held at his home course from March 16-18. Since moving to the region in 2007 in his job with the Department of Communities, Clowry and wife Elizabeth have almost become “unofficial” ambassadors for the Murgon Golf Club.

“I’ve lived and worked around most states of Australia and always enjoyed a game of golf,’’ said Clowry. “I’ve seen a few golf clubs across Australia, but the Murgon mob are by far the friendliest I’ve ever experienced. “The friendships we made at the golf club were instrumental in our decision to settle and buy a house in the town. ‘

“When I arrived in Murgon I went out for a game but Elizabeth wasn’t a golf fan at the time. She reckoned she hated it, but I said ‘why not come out and caddie because it’s such a beautiful course’. “I got her to hit a few balls and she fell in love with the game.’’

A 20-handicapper, Clowry is also a singer-songwriter who doesn’t take much prompting to pull out his guitar and entertain the locals. “I play and sing a bit and do most of the singing at the golf club…if they don’t like it they can go outside,’’ he laughed.

Clowry is one of those blokes who laughs a lot and doesn’t like to trumpet his musical ability. But he recently returned from performing at the Tamworth Country Music festival and last year released a CD single “Remember When”.

The CD, which was launched at Murgon Golf Club, tells the story of the impact on Clowry and his family when eldest brother Henry was called-up and drafted to the Vietnam War in 1969. Henry, now an Anglican priest and the eldest of eight Kennell brothers, was guest of honour at the launch.

“I was 10 years old at the time…it was a story that had to be told,’’ said Clowry. “There’s a lot of Vietnam vets around this area and I’m donating sales of the CD to them.”

“Our greenkeeper at the golf club, Rodney Scott, is a Vietnam vet and he’s got more stories than you could poke a stick at… “So many people do their best to keep the course in great shape. They’re all volunteers and everyone contributes. I honestly think Murgon has to be one of the best nine-hole courses in Australia.’’

Clowry has teed-up in the Indigenous Championship each year since moving to Murgon and has been practising for this year’s event.
“I’ve been playing some good golf…better than my handicap says,’’ he laughed. “We’re all pretty excited about the championship and hopeful of having juniors participate for the first time this year.’’

Clowry said golf workshop/clinics had been held in Cherbourg, Wondai, Murgon and Mundubbera with Sunshine Coast-based professional Matt Victorsen a driving force. “Matt has done a great job. He worked really well with the indigenous kids at Cherbourg,’’ he said. “If we plant the seed it will grow.’’

Murgon Golf Club scheduled a nine-hole event for juniors on February 24 with 50 players aged between 12 and 18 expected to participate.

“There’s no black and white at the golf club. The atmosphere is absolutely brilliant,’’ he said. “I reckon they’ll bury me there, right behind the eighth green…there’s a cemetery right there,’’ laughed Clowry.

Article By Bernie Pramberg

Read more news in Q-Golf Online - Autumn edition out now.

 

Golf Australia is very pleased to announce that John Karren has joined the Board of Golf Australia as an Appointed Director.

John is currently a Senior Executive at Accenture, a leading consulting and technology services company. Over his 27 years at Accenture, he has been involved in many strategic and operational plans and subsequent transformations for large organisations globally, and has performed engagements for the PGA Tour of Australia and the PGA of Australia.

John also played college golf in the United States and still competes competitively for his local club.
Golf Australia Chairman John Hopkins said he welcomed the experience John would bring to Golf Australia.

“On behalf of the Board, I’m very pleased to welcome John to Golf Australia,” Mr Hopkins said.

“He will bring some very important skills and experience to our Board and I’m sure he will make a very positive contribution to Australian golf,” Mr Hopkins said.

Mr Karren said he was looking forward to working with the board.

“Golf has been a tremendous influence on me since I started playing at 10 years old. The game has been a big part of my life and the fundamentals I learned through the game – such as discipline, hard work, focus, creativity and fair play – have helped me in business and relationships. I am very excited to be working with Golf Australia to further its goals” Mr Karren said.

Mr Karren’s directorship takes effect immediately.

Golf Australia Board

• John Hopkins (Chairman)
• Bruce Langford-Jones (Vice Chairman)
• Stuart Cox
• John Karren
• Anne Lenagan
• Michael Sammells
• Carmel Smith
• Malcolm Speed

Former touring professional and junior golf advocate Jack Newton will headline the Queensland Golf Forum to be held on March 13 at the Victoria Park Golf Complex.

Golf Queensland Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Ellis said it was a bonus to include Newton in the Forum.

“Jack is passionate about the development of the game and has played a prominent role in promoting junior golf through the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation,” Mr Ellis said.

The Forum is expected to attract a variety of participants from golf club executives, captains and PGA professionals as well as up-and-coming industry professionals from the PGA International Golf Institute.

Media commentator and golfing enthusiast Bruce Young will be Master of Ceremonies ensuring each participant gets the most out of the day from the presenters line up.

“The forum agenda will cover several topical items with each speaker providing some relevant “ideas” to take back to their operation,” Mr Ellis said.

“We have secured organisations including Clubs Queensland, Club Insurance Queensland, Volunteering Queensland and Golf Industry Central to present at the Forum.

“Many of the agenda items are key to an organisation’s operations and I would encourage golf club executives and industry representatives to attend.”

Attendees are also invited to network with peers and presenters at the Early Bird function from 7.30am.

Agenda

 
Industrial Relations: Current issues in the club industry and how a club can get assistance. Presented by Eric Porter from Clubs Queensland.

Volunteer Management: Including recruitment, retention plus partnering with schools, councils and local businesses presented by Volunteering Qld.

Risk Management: Including examples of risks and mitigations presented by Brian Kunde from Club Insurance Queensland.

Club Scorecard: Monitoring your golf club’s progress annually. Presented by Golf Queensland.

Marketing Member Loyalty: Connecting with your members so they stay longer. Presented by golf operations and marketing specialist Mike Orloff, Golf Industry Central.

Growing the Game: Gaining relevance in a modern world. Presented by PGA of America member and growing the game specialist Grant Garrison.

Register Now! 

click here

Cost: $69 per person or two for $99 (one payment, same organisation).

Golf Queensland wishes to extend its condolences to the family of Blanche Otto who recently passed away.

Ms Otto was an accomplished golfer in regional Queensland winning the Queensland Women's Championship in 1957. She was also a member of the Queensland State Team on various occasions between 1951 and 1960.

Isis Golf Club at Childers will celebrate 100 years of golf in 2012, with the highlight to be the Centenary Ball and Reunion, on September 15.

And Centenary committee member Allan Royan reckons the club of just on 100 members may be overwhelmed by the attendance at the various functions planned.

“We really have no idea how many people will return for the centenary celebrations, but my gut feeling is there will be plenty,” he said.

“In the past when people moved to Childers to work, especially professional people, they almost always gravitated to the golf club,” he reflected.

“They might have stayed here for a decade or so, and they often spent their leisure time at the club or on the course. In many cases it became their social hub.

“I have no doubt that lots of those people, when they realise we are celebrating our Centenary, will return to join in the festivities.”

And he has no doubt the locals will also support the Centenary celebrations.

“In a small community like Childers it is not unusual to have individuals involved in the club for major portions of their lives,” he said.

“I know of people who started out as caddies, then rose through the junior ranks to become long-time senior players and ultimately veterans. There were three brothers here who were involved with the club for an accumulative total of just on 120 years.”

Other major events on the Centenary calendar include opening day on January 21 – which a number of Golf Queensland dignitaries will attend; Centenary Sporting and Service Clubs Open on April 14 and the Centenary Challenge on April 29; Isis Centenary Junior Carnival on May 20; and in August the Isis Ladies Centenary Carnival (5th) and the Mixed Foursomes championship (26th).

Special Centenary medals have been struck for monthly medal winners and the Centenary logo has also been printed on sandblasted whisky glasses, pens and club shirts.

Mr Royan first started playing at Isis GC in the 1970s and says the course has never looked better.

“It is an absolute picture at the moment and could well be described as pristine for our Centenary year,” he said.
“Five of the nine greens have been re-built during the past decade and all greens have been changed from blue couch to 328. It is the best I have ever seen our greens.”

Although only nine greens exist, the course presents as an interesting 18-hole challenge with a par 70 course covering 5556 metres.

“We may be biased, but we believe it is one of the best nine-hole golf courses in Queensland,” Mr Royan said.
And he has now doubt which hole is the signature of the golf course – the opening hole, a par three.

Framed by hoop pines which the locals suggest could be up to 80 years old, the distance is 176 metres (for men and women) on the first visit and 187m (176m women) when played as the 10th hole. On the left is an out-of-bounds cane field and the right is protected by more trees and a greenside bunker.

“It is a beauty, and members and visitors alike never tire of playing it,” he said.

Article by Tony Durkin, Golfer Pacific

Isis Golf Club life member, May Brain, plans a golf comeback in 2012 to celebrate the Centenary of the Childers-based club.

May, who has been a member at Isis for more than 50 years and now lives at nearby Hervey Bay, is keen to celebrate the historic attainment of the club she describes as ‘absolutely delightful’.

“I first joined when I was 10,” says May, with tongue firmly tucked in her cheek and preferring not to disclose her age.

“I am not a good golfer, and never was, but I enjoy playing the game and I just love the Isis golf course. I certainly intend to be there to help celebrate the Centenary.”

A knee replacement two years ago and overseas travel has thwarted May’s attempt to get back in to serious golf following the recent death of her husband, Arthur. Fifteen years ago the couple moved to Hervey Bay, but May says Childers will always be ‘home’.

“I was born there and moved to Mackay and then New Zealand in the 1970s, but Isis Golf Club is where I learned to play golf and I am proud to be a life member,” she said.

Her lowest handicap has been 16, but that did not stop her from winning an A grade and half a dozen B grade titles. But conducting competitions for juniors has been her proudest achievement.

“I recall one young member – Brian Long – wrote me a letter just after he had moved away from here, thanking me for my patience with him and encouraging him to play in my competitions,” she said.

“I’m not sure where he went when he left here, but he had just won a big event and obviously felt I had helped him. It was a big thrill to receive his letter of thanks.”

May is one of eight life members of Isis Golf Club.

Article by Tony Durkin, Golfer Pacific

The 2011 Queensland Golf Industry Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday 13th March 2012 at The Sebel & Citigate King George Square, Brisbane, presented by the PGA – Queensland Division.

The evening is the perfect opportunity to celebrate another successful year of Golf in Queensland with fellow industry representatives and to also recognise the results and achievements by members of Queensland’s four major golfing bodies.

You and your guests will be treated to a three course meal, drinks, entertainment and we will also welcome the 2011 graduating class of Queensland PGA Trainees.

Please join us in this celebration of golf in the Sunshine State.

Click here for further information.

Golfers who are resolving to improve their game in the New Year are invited to open clinics across Australia from 12 to 21 January 2012, run by the developer of an award-winning technology that helps players’ line-up their shots on the putting green with incredible accuracy.

The clinics will be led by the founder of Aimpoint Golf, Mark Sweeney, along with his senior instructor for Europe, Jamie Donaldson, and selected Top Australian PGA Professionals.

“Participants at the AimPoint Fundamentals clinic will learn which factors control the break of a putt, how to identify them, and how to begin reading putts based on position,” said Mr Sweeney.

Mark Sweeney is the developer of AimPoint - best known as ‘that line’ on the US Golf Channel’s PGA Tour broadcasts. The line is superimposed over a green to show how much break a golfer needs to read to make a putt.

Sweeney pioneered a revolutionary green-reading method based on the highly accurate, Emmy Award-winning AimPoint Technologies seen on the Golf Channel. The AimPoint Green-Reading Method takes the guesswork out of how much break to play for any putt regardless of length of number of breaks. The method shows how putting is predictable and reveals the most effective and reliable ways to determine the direction and precise amount of break for any putt.

When Sweeney realised the green-reading method had a far more beneficial application for all golfers, he developed an AimPoint teaching method that applied his mathematics to all greens, depending on their Stimpmeter speed and slope.

The Australian clinics will demonstrate:
• How to accurately identify slope
• How slope direction and grade affect break
• How your position on the slope influences break and speed
• How to identify your position on the slope
• How to determine precise break amounts based on position
• How to handle changing or multiple slopes
• How position relates to speed control
• How to determine optimum approach shot strategies

A full schedule of clinics can be foundby clicking here.

*Mark Sweeney will not be attending the Melbourne clinics.

Golf Australia is very pleased to announce that Malcolm Speed has joined the Board of Golf Australia as an Appointed Director.

Mr Speed has a successful and significant background in sport administration. He was the Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council from 2001 to 2008 and also served the Australian Cricket Board as Chief Executive from 1997 until 2001.

Before joining cricket, Mr Speed served Australian basketball from 1980 until 1997 including long periods as Executive Chairman of the National Basketball League and Basketball Australia.

Mr Speed practised as a Solicitor from 1971 until 1982 and as a Barrister from 1983 until 1994.

He has served a variety of other sporting organisations including the Australian Sports Commission, Australia and New Zealand Sports Law Association, the Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports and the World Economic Forum Global Sports Council.

Golf Australia Chairman John Hopkins said he welcomed the extensive experience Mr Speed would bring to Golf Australia.

“On behalf of the Board, I’m very pleased to welcome Malcolm to Golf Australia,” Mr Hopkins said.

“Malcolm is well known and respected both here and overseas and will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Board, along with a strong understanding of our game,” Mr Hopkins said.

Mr Speed said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“I am a passionate golfer and I see this as a tremendous opportunity to contribute in any way I can to Golf Australia and the continued growth of golf,” Mr Speed said.

Mr Speed’s directorship takes effect immediately.

Golf Australia Board

John Hopkins (Chairman)
Bruce Langford-Jones (Vice Chairman)
Stuart Cox
Anne Lenagan
Michael Sammells
Carmel Smith
Malcolm Speed

The Golf Queensland Board today announced the appointment of Lorraine Matthews as a replacement Director following the recent resignation of Carmel Smith.

In accordance with Golf Australia’s constitution Carmel Smith was required to vacate her Directorship on the Golf Queensland Board following her election to the Board of Golf Australia in November.

Golf Queensland Chair Tom Crothers in welcoming Lorraine to the Board also thanked Carmel for her significant contribution to Golf Queensland.

“Although we have lost Carmel from the Board of Golf Queensland she will remain a vital supporter of the state’s golf industry,” Mr Crothers said.

Mr Crothers said he was pleased the Golf Queensland Board now had the opportunity to elect a representative from the north of the State with some considerable experience in golf administration.

“Lorraine has been a Councillor to Golf Queensland for two years and was in her second term as President of the Far North Queensland Ladies District,” he said.

“She was a member of the Gordonvale Golf Club for 10 years and during that time she served as Captain and as Vice-President before relocating to the Half Moon Bay Golf Club.”

Lorraine is currently employed by Queensland Health as the FNQ Elective Surgery Coordinator and her work brings her to Brisbane regularly.

The Golf Queensland Board consists of:
Tom Crothers (Chair)
Peter Castrisos
Trish Harding
Matthew Toomey
Carmel O’Keeffe
Graeme Mathers
Brad Petley
Lorraine Matthews

AAA rated Golf Professional Matt Victorsen has taken up the MYGolf challenge and signed up 43 junior golfers into his new-look program on the Sunshine Coast.

Victorsen, a firm believer in growing the game, has done a fantastic job in 2011 with his junior program at the Headland Golf Club.

When asked if today’s junior golfers were an integral part to the future success of the game, Victorsen had no hesitation in stating; “If there were no juniors coming through the ranks, the future for golf would look very poor”.

That’s why Victorsen revamped his junior program, which now includes the national junior program, MYGolf and a clear pathway for juniors wanting to get more involved with the game at a participation capacity.

Victorsen’s passion for junior golf development is very clear and has worked tirelessly with golf club officials and Golf Queensland to raise the profile of the sport at the junior level.

The results speak for themselves. Since launching of the program this year, the club has increased its junior membership by more than 50 per cent.

One of Victorsen’s most recent successes included the Schweppes Junior Classic held on Sunday, 4 December at the club.

Headland’s management granted juniors valuable playing time and as a result attracted 71 participants from across the South East to take part in this fun filled day. This event included 18, 9 and 5 hole participants.

A great rivalry has also developed in the Victorsen family from this new program. Victorsen’s uncle and brother, golf professionals at the Pacific Golf Club stacked up a team to take on the might of Victorsen’s Headland contingency. Headland juniors were the winners on the day.

Victorsen’s work hasn’t stopped at Headland with the Professional taking his program to regional Queensland. Over 120 juniors, many from Indigenous communities including Wondai, Murgon and Mundubberra, enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Victorsen.

The regional program was provided with the assistance of the Learning, Earning, Appreciation Program, an Indigenous initiative funded by Sport and Recreation Queensland who supports the introduction of golf in the communities through professional coaching.

In 2012 Victorsen’s goal is to have the most number of juniors participating in the MYGolf program across Queensland.

To assist in achieving this goal Victorsen has come up with a schedule of junior school holiday events. Please take a look at www.headlandgolfclub.com.au or call Matt Victorsen on (07) 5444 5944 for further information.

Golf Queensland recently released its latest publications designed to assist golf clubs in their operations.

Golf Queensland’s vision is to see ‘more people playing more golf’. To achieve this vision, it will need the help of all clubs throughout Queensland to attract and then retain new and old members. The recent Membership and Attrition study found that Board and Management often overlook the area of member satisfaction.

As in the game of golf, if you are not keeping score, you are usually only practicing. With that in mind, Golf Queensland has developed a simple Club ScoreCard: A Club Diagnostic Tool to assist clubs in identifying and then addressing areas where they could improve their performance.

One of the key goals in Golf Queensland’s Strategic Plan is ‘Club and District Health’. We recognise that developing a simple, easy to use Strategic Plan is the foundation upon which efficient and effective club management is based.

As simple as it may sound, if you don’t know where you are going, how will you know when you get there? The Planning to Win: Club Planning Workbook and Strategic Plan Template is designed to assist clubs in developing a simple Strategic Plan that will chart the direction of your club for the next five to 10 years.

Additional copies of both publications are available online by clicking here.

Golf Queensland provides young golfers from across Queensland a fantastic opportunity to develop their golfing ability in the Advanced Junior Clinic. See below for further information on a clinic in your area.

Cairns - 25 & 26 June 2012

Click here for further information

Townsville - 25 & 26 June 2012

Click here for further information

South East Queensland - 28 & 29 June 2012

Click here for further information

Rockhampton - 2 & 3 July 2012

Click here for further information

The journey of Townsville Golf Club to once again become the best golf facility in the city is underway, with an announcement expected soon on just who will design the much-anticipated makeover.

But irrespective of which course designer receives the nod, North Queensland’s golfing darling, Karrie Webb, will have an input in to the new 18-hole layout and design.

In light of the dwindling number of patrons and difficult economic times, Townsville Golf Club hatched its redevelopment plan more than five years ago. The idea was to cull nine of the existing 27 holes, redesign the remaining 18 holes and develop the centre of their 72ha property in the inner-city suburb of Rosslea in to an upmarket housing estate.

Chairman of the club’s Development Advisory Group, Bob Evennett, said the visionary and exciting journey was ‘about to begin’.

“We believe this is the most attractive and desirable residential land available close to the centre of the city, and view the development as a no brainer,” he said.

“Obviously, at the moment, the economic situation world wide is a little tenuous and it was simply not sustainable to operate a 27-hole golf course in Townsville.

“But we are confident things will improve and this development will be a winner for the club and our members. Our aim all along has been to turn our golf club facility in to a sustainable enterprise.”

An agreement has been struck with Townsville developer Ingenta Pty Ltd, which will act as project developer hand-in-hand with the club’s Development Advisory Group.

“I suspect the first sod will be turned towards the end of next year,” said Mr Evennett, managing director of Phoenix Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd.

“The new course will be a composite of the existing 27 holes. Some of the holes will not change, but many will undergo modification of some kind.

The development will involve the construction of between 240 and 250 free-standing homes, the vast majority of which will have frontage to the golf course. The plan does not envisage terrace or apartment homes.

“We will be developing high-quality 450-500sq m blocks which will be sold with covenants to ensure a high standard of housing,” Mr Evennett said.

“Although the fractious economy will no doubt play a role, we predict the project will take about four years to complete. And our overall aim - to redevelop the golf course and provide a long-term viable golf club for our members – remains our priority.”

Article by Tony Durkin, Golfer Pacific

Q&A with Amy Rosanowski, Senior Consultant with Red Tape Busters

Q. Our club has a number of projects that we would like to get funding for – how do we decide what to apply for?

Firstly you and your committee need to discuss what projects have the highest priority for you. Then you need to get an indication of the project cost, as this will impact on what projects are likely to be successful in funding applications. You can contact Shane Bowering or me at Red Tape Busters to help identify the projects with the greatest likelihood of success.
Shane Bowering: shanebowering@redtapebusters.com.au or 0402 210 664
Amy Rosanowski: amyrosanowski@redtapebusters.com.au or 0402 132 394

Q. Once we’ve decided on our project what else do we need to do?

You should complete the Expression of Interest form on the Golf Queensland website and send it through to Golf Queensland as a request for grant writing assistance.

If you already have information to support your application, include this with your Expression of Interest. This might include quotes or letters of support, although it is not necessary to have these at this stage.

Read more in Q-Golf Online.

 

Mornington Peninsula Golf Tourism, in conjunction with Tourism Victoria and Mornington Peninsula Shire is again proud to announce details of their 3rd Annual Tournament.

The tournament showcases all that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer and reinforces the region as” Australia’s Number One Golf Destination”.

The event commences with a Welcome Party on Sunday 30th April at RACV Cape Schanck from 5pm till 7pm. The 1st two days of golf will be held at the Portsea Golf Club & the RACV Cape Schanck Resort.

On the final day you will get the very rare opportunity to play at the Exclusive National Golf Club. Ranked amongst Australia’s very best courses, The National will provide a spectacular conclusion to this wonderful event.

Lunch & Presentations will be provided each day along with overall Presentations at The National.

• 3 Magnificent Mornington Peninsula Courses: Portsea, RACV Cape Schanck, & The National
• Welcome Party, Show bag including Polo Shirt, 3 Lunches, Golf,
• Graded Competitions, Daily & Overall Presentations,
• All for just $315 (Early Birds $295 if paid by 1st Dec)
• Full fields expected, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Details & entry:-www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

Mackay golfers pitched in to help their club with major improvement works on Sunday.

About 20 members turned up to help lay turf from the adjoining Mackay Turf Farm and clean up to allow holes which have been affected by works to get back in play.  Read more

Fifteen-year-old Blake Proverbs may well go on to become one of the best golfers in the world, but it is unlikely he will ever shoot a round to match his eight under on the front nine at Nudgee Golf Club recently.

Playing in the Jack Downs Junior Pro Am, the Queensland schoolboy’s representative shot six birdies, an eagle and two pars to scorch home in 27 shots. Blake had played the back nine first, and was three over after carding three bogeys in his first four holes.

However his scorching 66 was good enough to beat the professionals on the day, with four of them – Ben Fletcher, Renton Ritchie, John Hempstock and Elliott Sullivan – each shooting 67 to finish second behind the Moreton Bay Boy’s College student.

“It was obviously one of those days,” said his grandfather and mentor, Barry Ridley.

“Blake does not get too excited or show much emotion, but I’m sure the 27 he had on the front nine at Nudgee in 2011 will be something he won’t forget in a while.”

Mr Ridley says that apart from returning the best score for the event, the biggest thrill for Blake was beating John Hempstock, the trainee pro at Pacific Golf Club where Blake is a member.

Coached at Pacific by Mark Victorsen, Blake has set himself the goal of one day becoming a professional golfer.

“I understand this may be construed as the opinion of a biased grandfather, but he has a great attitude, works hard at his game, his temperament is good and he doesn’t take himself too seriously,” said Mr Ridley.

“He is playing off a plus one handicap at 15 years of age and earlier this year shot 68 in the Australian schoolboy’s championships at Tea Tree Gulley in South Australia, so he obviously has some natural ability.

“But his future no doubt depends on how his game develops over the next few years, his worth ethic and his attitude.”

Article by Tony Durkin, Pacific Golfer

 

 

If junior golf is the future, Ingham’s Paul Hobbs asks, why wait?

That’s why Hobbs has initiated a junior golf program at Ingham Golf Club, located about an hour north of Townsville.

For $50, juniors get a cap, 50 per cent off a club shirt, free membership to Golf Australia’s MYGolf program, 10 per cent discount on golf equipment and discounts on accommodation.

Since the launch of the program late last year, the club has increased its junior members by more than 50 per cent.
Hobbs, the club’s junior golf coordinator, is not a member of the golf club, but he is passionate about junior golf development and has worked tirelessly with golf club officials to raise the profile of the sport at junior level.

“Two other children’s parents and I discussed the future of the club at the end of 2010,” Hobbs said.

“We focussed on participation and did that by being more community minded.”

In an effort to gain support, Hobbs almost wore out his shoe leather knocking on local businesses’ doors.

“I walked around the town talking to businesses about sponsorship and membership packages we could offer their staff,” he said.

The local newspaper and a number of other businesses jumped on board to support the club’s exciting junior program.

“The Herbert River Express offered a full page write up for our junior open and closed events,” he said.

“Zaghini’s IGA gave us packages at cost price for fund raising and Honeycombe’s gave us caps and a number of local tradesmen and local businesses donated money to help rebuild the club.

“We were getting support from local businesses and wanted to offer support back to the businesses that supported the club.

“So, we formed a charity fund because we are always asking for donations so we wanted to show we give back and don’t just take.

“We donated four sets of golf clubs to the Ingham Early Learning Centre and in return for our support they have put golf in as a sport in vocationally care.

“In the September school holidays we had 60 kids attended clinics and out of that we have got five kids that have started to play regularly.”

Kids as young as five are getting into the swing of golf and loving it. That’s because the program is based on fun.

The youngest kids start off on a shortened three-hole course. On the par-4s and par-5s they tee off from the 150m mark and are allowed to lift and place their ball in the rough, bunkers are GUR, but air swings are counted. Read more

Article by David Newbery

With golf season in full swing, Golf Australia is making getting into golf easier than ever with the recent launch of a new golf information portal www.playgolf.com.au.

Advertised nationally during The Presidents Cup TV coverage and on the ground at the Emirates Australian Open, playgolf.com.au covers the main entry points for new players to the game as well as information on equipment, lessons, facilities, events and golf for all age groups.

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the site was part of a range of initiatives designed to increase participation with the national spotlight on Australian golf.

“Our Game Development team have worked hard to produce a site that delivers the essential information to new or regular golfers in a user-friendly way,” Pitt said.

“We’re often asked if there is a site that covers all the areas of Australian golf – whether that be equipment, veterans golf associations or women’s golf networks and this is a big step forward in answering that question,” Pitt added.

Golf Australia Golf Development Manager Cameron Wade said the TV spots had seen large traffic volumes to the site.

“It’s been amazing to see how quickly people have noted it down from the broadcast and logged on,” Wade said.

“The site will continue to evolve as we add more elements to it. We now have a place which has the information and the links to the things people want to find out about getting into golf in Australia or increasing their involvement.”

Website: www.playgolf.com.au

Abby Driver was awarded the Queensland Sport Volunteer of the Year at the Queensland Sports Awards last night in recognition for her work in the golf industry.

Abby has successfully led a team of 60 volunteers to deliver the largest project ever undertaken by the amateur golfing organisations across Australia.

Golf Queensland chair Tom Crothers said the award highlighted the huge contribution that volunteers make to the golf industry and praised Abby’s commitment.

“Queensland’s golfers can be very grateful for the dedication and diligence of Abby Driver in delivering a fair, equitable and transparent framework for the rating of golf courses right across Queensland in a very cost effective way,” Mr Crothers said.

“In the last 12 months Abby and her team of volunteers have completed course inspections and data collection for mathematical ratings for over 240 courses across Queensland.

“The Queensland Course Rating Project is recognised as an industry leader across Australia and this is due to the efforts and passion of Abby and the hundreds of hours of time she has devoted to its delivery.”

Abby has had a long association with the administration of golf, both at the District, State and National levels.

She was President of the Wide Bay Burnett Women’s Golf District from 2003 – 2006, Co-ordinator of Course Rating in the Wide Bay Burnett Women’s District from 1993 – 2009 and in 2009 was appointed as Chair of Golf Queensland’s Technical Committee to manage the roll-out of the National Course Rating Project across Queensland.

Abby was successful against an esteemed group of dedicated volunteers from other sports including cycling, cricket, AFL and basketball.

Greg Norman was also inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame for his career achievements including being the number one golfer for nearly seven years.

He has won 88 tournaments and at 56 years he will line up against a star-studded field at Coolum this week for the Australian PGA Championship.

In Queensland, the role out of Golf Australia’s MYGolf program has well and truly met expectations.

According to the latest data, Golf Queensland reached its annual target of 50 MYGolf centres and 400 participants three months ahead of schedule.

And that’s despite getting off to a slower than expected start following the devastating Queensland floods.

St Joseph’s Nudgee College Golf Club currently leads the way with 117 participants followed by Brisbane Boys College with 63, Royal Queensland Golf Club 43 and Victoria Park Golf Complex 41.

It’s a feather in the cap for Golf Queensland staff, who relished the MYGolf challenge set by the national body.

“The results have certainly surprised us,” said Adrian Hewat, Golf Queensland’s manager – participation development.

“We (Golf Queensland) are well ahead of other states and have met our targets for the year already.”

Golf Queensland is now urging all Queensland golf clubs to join the program.

“I’d like to see every club sign up to the MYGolf program because it creates a nice pathway into kids’ participation.”
Brisbane’s Brookwater Golf Club and Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast recently joined the program. Teaching professionals Ian Triggs is based at Brookwater while PGA chairman and teaching professional Mark Gibson operates out of Royal Pines.

Because both men are passionate about junior development, Hewat expects a further surge in participation.

“The main focus of the MYGolf model is to strengthen junior programs within golf clubs,” Hewat said. Read more in Q-Golf Online.

Article by David Newbery

Following today’s Annual General Meeting, Golf Australia is pleased to announce the election of two new directors to the Board of Golf Australia.

The new directors are Stuart Cox and Carmel Smith.

Stuart is the Managing Director of Alldis & Cox Estate Agents. He is a former president of the New South Wales Golf Association and a former board member of the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation.

Stuart has captained Australian Eisenhower Trophy teams on two occasions.

Carmel worked in the Queensland education system as a school principal and has been involved in golf for more than 40 years.

She has worked across a range of areas in Australian golf including amalgamations, state championships, handicapping and corporate governance.

Golf Australia Chairman John Hopkins said he was pleased to welcome the new directors.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome Stuart and Carmel to the Board,“ Hopkins said.

“Stuart and Carmel have a wealth of experience in Australian golf and will be integral in our work at this important stage for the sport.”

Golf Australia would like to thank outgoing board members David Cherry and Alison Holden for their dedication and enthusiasm in their roles over several years.

The new Board positions take effect immediately.

Golf Australia Board
John Hopkins (Chairman)
Stuart Cox
Bruce Langford-Jones
Anne Lenagan
Michael Sammells
Carmel Smith

Casual golfers and non-club members around the country will now be able to obtain a recognised casual handicap and access some of the best courses in the country thanks to the Crown Lager Social Golf Club. The program launched yesterday with a stellar line up of high profile golf enthusiasts challenging each other on a putting green set up on top of the MCG scoreboard.

Helping to tee off the launch of the program at the top of the MCG on Tuesday were Australian golfer Stuart Appleby, Andy Lee (TV and Radio celebrity); Brendon Goddard (AFL Footballer); Steve Johnson ( AFL Footballer); Sharelle McMahon (Australian Netballer); Phil Waugh (Former Australian Rugby Union Wallabies Captain); and Ian Curley (Head Chef at The European). The group braved the heights to show off their skills on the sky high putting green and for their efforts became the first members of the Crown Lager Social Golf Club.

The Crown Lager Social Golf Club is a program developed by Golf Australia in partnership with Crown Lager and is Australia’s newest and most innovative casual golfer program. The aim of the program is to encourage more people to take up golf, provide a pathway to play golf more frequently and be more engaged with the game in the hope that they stay in the sport in the long term.

Crown Lager Social Golf Club is an online program and once members play three rounds of nine to 18 holes and enter their results, they’ll receive a Golf Australia Casual Handicap (calculated by Golf Australia’s official handicap software provider, GOLF Link) to use in social competitions. This handicap is automatically updated when members enter more results.

Crown Lager Social Golf Club members will also be invited to exclusive golf days at prestigious private courses including Huntingdale Golf Club (VIC), New South Wales Golf Club (NSW), Indooroopilly Golf Club (QLD), and Lake Karrinyup Country Club (WA).

Golf Australia CEO, Stephen Pitt, said the new program was designed to increase participation and maintain interest among social players over the long-term. ”The Crown Lager Social Golf Club is a fantastic new program which Golf Australia is very proud to present in partnership with Crown Lager,” Pitt said.

“Australia has nearly 700,000 casual players on course each year. We can now offer these players a program that ensures golf is more fun than ever, has a competitive edge and keeps them involved in the game in the future. We welcome Stuart Appleby as lead ambassador in the program and all our ambassadors from the worlds of sport, food and entertainment.”

Crown Lager Group Marketing Manager, Vincent Ruiu, says the program is a golfer’s dream. “The Crown Lager Social Golf Club is a winner for anyone who loves their golf but doesn’t want to sign up for a private club membership. A recognised Golf Australia handicap and the opportunity to play on some of Australia’s finest courses is a golfer’s dream!”

Joining the Crown Lager Social Golf Club is simple - just complete the online registration form at www.crownlagersgc.com.au and sign up for a 12 month membership for $49.95 (plus transaction fee). Upon joining, members receive a Welcome Kit valued at over $100 which includes Srixon merchandise, Drummond Golf and Crown Lager vouchers and more.

Follow the Crown Lager Social Golf Club on Twitter @clsgc and on Facebook at Crown Lager Social Golf Club.

The Isis Golf Club, which is situated along Goodwood Road Childers, Queensland, is celebrating 100 years in 2012.

The Club is planning to host a number of functions and golf days throughout the year culminating with a gala event on the weekend of the 15th and 16th of September, 2012.

The Club is calling for past members to join them in the celebrations throughout the year. If you are a past member of the Isis Golf Club please contact:

Sue Royan
29 Hamanns Rd
Apple Tree Creek
Qld 4660

Phone: 07 41261341
email : sue@royanexcavations.com.au

Golf Queensland invites all members of the Karana Downs Country Club to meet at the Sandy Gallop Golf Club, 100 Lobb Street, Ipswich, on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 at 6:30pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to inform the members of their current playing status, player insurances and answer any further queries.

Please email info@golfqueensland.org.au to register your interest in attending by Monday, 21 November.

Tom Crothers
Chair of Golf Queensland

The Australian Golf Media Awards which have now become an integral part of the Australian golf scene were presented last night at the annual Australian Golf Writers Association dinner at the Lakes Golf Club in Sydney the venue for this years Emirates Australian Open.

The awards which are judged annually by representatives of Australia’s governing bodies and noted sports journalists honour golf writers, photographers, radio commentators and TV presenters for their coverage of Australian golf and golfers in 2010 / 2011 and are keenly contested by members of the media.

The winner of the best photograph was well known Melbourne photographer Gay Lisbon for his excellent shot of the Lost Farm golf course in Tasmania.

The award for the best feature story or report was won by the very popular ABC Grandstand for its coverage of the final round of the 2010 J.B. Were Australian Masters.

Melbourne’s Herald Sun chief golf writer Mark Hayes was one of two noted journalists who won two awards for their work. Hayes picked up an award for the Best Feature Story newspaper and then took off his second when he tied with veteran golf journalist Peter Stone from the Sydney Morning Herald for the best report in a newspaper. Stone won his second award of the night for the category of Best Feature or Report in a newspaper on Women’s Professional Golf.

Queensland based Bruce Young who has picked awards in the past took off another one last night for the Best Feature Story or Report Electronic Media for his online work for iseekgolf.com. Click here to read the story. 

The Tourism Ireland sponsored award for the best international story was won by John Huggan of Golf Australia Magazine.

Australian Golf Digest’s senior writer at large Rohan Clarke was another who won more than one award when he took off the coveted Best Feature Story magazine and Best Feature Story Amateur Golf. Clarke was joined by the legendary Jack Newton who picked up the Best Column Award once again for Australian Golf Digest giving that magazine a total of four awards in all.

Jason Bennett a U.S. based Australian who works for the ESPN network picked up the Television award for the best feature story or report. Whilst Brett Robinson who is the editor of the Australian Golf Course Superintendents journal and who has dominated this particular award once again showed his journalistic prowess by taking off the Best Feature or Story in a Trade magazine.

The most coveted and sought after Tom Ramsey Award for Excellence which was instituted in memory of the late doyen of Australian golf writers and which was not awarded last year when the judges deemed no entry good enough was won for the second time by Brett Robinson from Turfgrass Management News for his excellent article on West Australian John Bourne, the course superintendent at the Cottesloe Golf Club who sustained a crippling injury.

For Brisbane-based Korean national Jessica Park, “practice makes perfect”. When it comes to work ethic, the talented young amateur is proving she is no different from her fellow countrywomen.

It’s a well-known fact that Korean women golfers have an insatiable appetite for practice. Hard work is in their DNA.

You only have to look at the women’s world rankings to see that 10 of the world’s top-25 professionals are Korean. There are three in the top-10.

Now, you don’t get there unless you are prepared to spend long days honing your skills on the practice fairway.

While it’s still early days in the career of Jessica Park, all indications are she will one day make it in the tough play-for-pay ranks.

At least her Indooroopilly Golf Club-based coach Garry Calder thinks so. Calder is a two-time recipient of Queensland teaching professional of the year and can spot talent at a distance.

“I’d be very surprised if she didn’t make it as a professional,” he said.

“She’s a clever thinker, is pretty smart when it comes to shot-selection and doesn’t get ahead of herself.

“She makes enough birdies now and is working hard and getting physically stronger so distance isn’t an issue.
“Jessica’s driven, but in a nice way. She’s not the arrogant type and she treats people very well and is a good kid with it.”

Jessica first picked up a golf club five years ago and a short time later joined the “practice makes perfect” club.

Read more in Q-Golf Online.

Story by David Newbery.

 

Numerous junior clinics and demonstrations will be held during the PGA Championship at Hyatt Regency Coolum November 23-27th . The demonstrations will be presented by Greg Norman, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Adam Scott, Robert Allenby, Geoff Ogilvy and Matt Kuchar.

Juniors 14 years and under are admitted to the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola free when accompanied by a PGA Member or full paying adult.

If your family or Members are also looking to get to the golf, tickets for the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola can they be purchased through Ticketek.

This year the PGA launched ‘Free Ticket Saturday’ for the Australian PGA Championship which means EVERYONE can get to see the likes of Darren Clarke, Rickie Fowler and our own Jason Day at Coolum. Those hoping to take advantage of the free ticket offer must still pre-book their ticket via the Australian PGA Championship Ticketek page.

If you cannot get to the course for the upcoming events are broadcast live on television. The Emirates Australian Open is live on Network Ten for all four days from noon to 5pm AEDST and the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola is on One on Thursday and Friday, and Network Ten on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm AEST.

Visit the Australian PGA Championship website for further detail.

Queensland Women’s Senior champion Wendy O’Connell really is an “I’ve been everywhere” golfer.

A leading contender for the Australian Women’s Senior at Toowoomba Golf Club from October 24-28, Wendy has played from Groot Island to Broome, Katherine to Kalgoorlie…and enjoyed every minute.

A member of Wantima since moving from New South Wales in 1980, Wendy’s achievements in the game range from winning the 2006 Australian Seniors at Bribie Island to success in Queensland Sand Green titles at Boulia and Wandoan. And there are plenty of stories in between…

Her love of the game was sparked as a girl growing up on the NSW central coast at Tuggerah Lakes.

“We lived right on the golf course and, like a lot of kids, I started off with a cut-down 3-iron with a wooden shaft,’’ she recalled. “I probably started to get serious about golf when I was 13 or 14.’’

Wendy’s father, Alan Higinbotham, had become the inaugural secretary of the NSW Golf Association when it was formed in 1947 and served in the position until he retired.

“My father was very involved and we were also members of the Pymble club in Sydney,’’ she said.
Wendy was a talented junior…until another sport intervened.

Article by Bernie Pramberg.

Read more in the Spring / Summer edition of Q-Golf Online. Click here>

PGA TOUR Championship winner Bill Haas, David Toms, Australia’s Aaron Baddeley and US Amateur champion Kelly Kraft are the latest players to commit to the 2011 Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club from 10-13 November.

Haas collected the US$10 million winner’s cheque after winning the FedEx Cup at the end of the regular PGA Tour season in September and plays the Emirates Australian Open for the first time.

Toms, a winner of 13 PGA Tour titles, had seven Top 10 finishes on Tour this year including victory at the Crowne Plaza Invitational in Texas. Baddeley also won on Tour in 2011 and the two-time former Australian Open champion will be looking for his third Stonehaven Cup.

Kelly Kraft won the US Amateur championship in Wisconsin in August and earned invitations to the 2012 US Open and 2012 Open Championship.

Haas, Toms, Baddeley and Kraft join an already stacked field including Tiger Woods, Matt Kuchar, Nick Watney, Dustin Johnson, Robert Allenby, Hunter Mahan, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Bubba Watson, Greg Norman, Fred Couples and defending champion Geoff Ogilvy in an extraordinary year for the Open.

“It’s a star studded field and like everyone else, we can’t wait for the action to get underway at The Lakes in November,” Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said.

The stars of the championship will also have some the best views of Sydney with The Star signing on as Official Hotel and Entertainment Sponsor for the Emirates Australian Open.

The Star is nearing completion of an $870-million transformation which includes the reorientation of the building to embrace Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. The Star now boasts more than 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, a new luxury boutique hotel and 16-room spa, upscale retail collection, a 4000-capacity entertainment centre and world class gaming areas.

The Star Managing Director Sid Vaikunta said “As Sydney’s new one-of-a-kind entertainment destination, The Star is proud to be partnering with such an esteemed and iconic event as the Emirates Australian Open. We look forward showcasing our new 5 star boutique hotel The Darling which will open just in time to host some of the best golfers in the world.”

The Emirates Australian Open is again sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia and will be broadcast live on Network Ten across all four days.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or by phoning 132 849. To book travel packages for the championship, contact Flight Centre on 1300 778 433.

The 2011 Emirates Australian Open will be played at The Lakes Golf Club from 10-13 November.

www.australianopengolf.com.au
Twitter: @ausopengolf
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The GCSAQ committee has announced the winners of its inaugural Assistant Superintendent Recognition Award, presented in partnership with sponsors Simplot Pro-Line and Toro Australia.

Following an unexpected large number of nominations and quality of the applications, the committee has bestowed the award on three GCSAQ assistant superintendent members – Matt Duff (Bonville International Golf Club), James Gordon (Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club) and Ray Lawrence (Brisbane Golf Club).

For winning the award, the trio will now attend the Barclay’s Singapore Open 2011 Golf Course Maintenance Tournament Preparation/Education Program which is being put together by Sentosa Golf Club superintendent Andy Johnston in mid-November.

“We are very pleased to announce the winners of this new award which provides due recognition for our assistants who are such a valuable part of our organisations,” says GCSAQ president Peter Lonergan. “We are hoping that this will become an annual award and continue to provide some great exposure to tournament golf preparation at the highest level.

“The interview panel, which comprised GCSAQ committee members Dave Morrison (Windaroo Lakes GC) and Mark Hauff (The Colonial GC) as well as sponsor representatives Colin Thorsborne (Simplot Pro-Line) and Ben Cavanagh (Toro), was very impressed with all the applicants and it was most pleasing to see all the applicants present themselves, their superintendent and their club in a most professional manner.”

Golf Australia has announced the 2012 Performance Benchmarks for automatic selection into the National Squad.

Players also have the ability to be selected at any time into the program by the selection panel if they feel the player has the potential to be a world class player at the elite amateur and professional levels.

The benchmarks have been updated for 2012 and will be among the key criteria used to select the 2012 National Squad. The squad will be announced during the week of The Presidents Cup in Melbourne.

Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said the benchmarks would ensure Australian players were in line with their international counterparts.

“We can’t overstate how competitive the international environment is for our emerging elite players. These benchmarks will help to ensure our players are aware of the level of performance the Golf Australia National Program is trying to reach, as we work to provide the best possible resources to help our players reach their potential."

View 2012 National Squad Performance Benchmarks

More of the world’s top 20 players are set for Sydney with World Number 9 Matt Kuchar, World Number 11 Nick Watney, former champions Robert Allenby and John Senden, and American Hunter Mahan all confirming they will be part of the action at the Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club from 10-13 November.

Watney has won twice on the PGA Tour this year and plays the Emirates Australian Open for the first time.
“I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Championship in Sydney,” Watney said. “Most of my family are coming down for it”.

“There seems to be a real buzz around this year’s Open leading into the Presidents Cup and it is amazing how many top international players have won the tournament” he added.

Kuchar will play the Emirates Australian Open for the second time since his debut in 2000 at Kingston Heath Golf Club.

A holder of three PGA Tour titles, Kuchar has had another exceptional year on the PGA Tour including ten Top 10 finishes and twice runner-up.

Robert Allenby lifted the Stonehaven Cup in 1994 and 2005 and returns to the Emirates Australian Open for the first time since 2008.

Hunter Mahan, a three time winner on the PGA Tour, plays the Emirates Australian Open for the first time.
Kuchar, Watney, Allenby, Mahan and Senden join Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Bubba Watson, Greg Norman, Fred Couples and defending champion Geoff Ogilvy in one of the best fields in years.

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the anticipation for the Emirates Australian Open was building rapidly.
“The excitement around the Open is extraordinary and we want to make sure no one misses out. Get in and buy your tickets now so you can come straight in and get into the thick of the action.,” Pitt said.

“Having players of the calibre of Matt Kuchar, Nick Watney, Hunter Mahan, Robert Allenby and John Senden to Sydney only add to an already spectacular field. The countdown to the Open is well and truly on.”

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris welcomed the news of more world class players coming to Sydney for the Emirates Australian Open.

“The NSW Government through Destination NSW is pleased to support the Emirates Australian Open which is a key international sports event on the NSW Events Calendar.

“There is no doubt our city is synonymous with the Australian Open, having hosted the inaugural championship in 1904, on 35 occasions overall and continuously since 2006.

“This year’s Australian Open is shaping up to be one of the best yet,” he said.

The Emirates Australian Open is again sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia and will be broadcast live on Network Ten.

“The 2011 Emirates Australian Open will boast the best field in recent years and we are delighted to welcome so many of Australia’s and indeed the world’s best golfers to play on the PGA Tour of Australasia,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“This year Australian sports fans have a great opportunity to see so many of the world’s best golfers compete in Australia and I hope everyone gets to be a part of such a special year for Australian golf.”

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or by phoning 132 849. To book travel packages for the championship, contact Flight Centre on 1300 778 433.

The 2011 Emirates Australian Open will be played at The Lakes Golf Club from 10-13 November.

www.australianopegolf.com.au
Twitter: @ausopengolf
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Ashley Ona has been selected as one of 5 Finalists in the St Aidan’s Junior Sportswoman of the Year Award to be presented at the Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Awards on October 15, 2011!

The nominations have been fantastic and the judges will have a difficult job to decide our winner.

A worthy finalist

Ashley Ona wears the crown as Queensland’s brightest female golf stars on the amateur scene. Over the past two years, Ashley has been a high achiever in major Australian amateur tournaments. Her results have not escaped the attention of the Australian selectors and she has been selected to represent Australia on the international stage.

Her ability to remain focussed and determined are traits of a good golfer. This was displayed when she won the 2011 Royal Canberra Ladies Classic in January. This was Ona’s breakthrough win in a professional tournament. The high class international field featured seasoned international professionals as well as former world number one Laura Davies.

Ashley backed up this performance when she represented Australia in the St Rule Trophy in May at the home of golf, St Andrews (Scotland). Despite appalling conditions including fierce winds and hail, Ashley gritted out a fantastic win in the international amateur event. Her contribution also allowed the Australian team to win the event for the second year in a row.

Despite Ashley’s rise to the top of the amateur scene, she remains grounded. She continues to readily offer her time as the ambassador for the Special Olympics. Ashley also continues to support her home golf club at Gailes, located in the western suburbs of Brisbane.

Background

Ashley Ona started playing golf when she was seven and competitively when she was nine. She was hooked on the game after finding her father’s set of clubs in the back garage. She rates her dad as having the biggest influence on her game so far.

Ashley’s biggest goal is to win a US Open although the Australian Open and ANZ Masters in Australia would be icing on the cake. She recently played a practice round at the Australian Open with Karrie Webb, and later travelled to the US to follow Karrie around the US Open after finishing second in the Karrie Webb Series.

During the last 12 months Ashley has been selected in the Australian team competing in numerous countries and currently sits in second place on the Australian Women’s Open Amateur Rankings list. She is the top-ranked Queensland amateur golfer. She is also an integral member of the Queensland State Women’s Team, is a current QAS squad member and was Captain of the winning Interstate Team Matches in 2010.

The highlight for the year was her success in the Royal Canberra Ladies Classic which saw her beat professional golfers from across the world to win her first major title at the age of 19-years-old.

Ashley practices six days a week ranging up to four to six hours a day and hopes to one day living the life as a touring pro on the LPGA Tour.

Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Awards

The 19th Annual Hyundai Queensland Sportswoman of the Year awards celebrates the amazing achievements of Queensland Sportswomen throughout the year.

This year, celebrity MC Victoria Carthew from 4BC and Channel 7 will host the awards on October 15, 2011 at the Sofitel Brisbane.

The night is a celebration of women in sport with the presentation of the winners of your nominated award, plus:

• Contribution to Sport Award
• People’s Choice Award
• Rising Star Awards
• Team of the Year Award 2011
And the Hyundai Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Award!

Click here to visit the Queensland Sportswoman of the Year awards website.

The Board of Directors of the Australian Golf Course Superintendents' Association (AGCSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Frewin to the position of general manager, effective from Wednesday 2 November, 2011.

Peter brings an obvious wealth of knowledge of not only the association as a past president and board member, but of the entire golf industry as a whole following time spent as course superintendent and general manager at Barwon Heads Golf Club, VIC and also in his most recent position with Globe Australia.

Peter’s appointment to the AGCSA general manager role follows an extensive procurement phase with a large number of applicants being assessed on their suitability, resulting in a list of 34 possible candidates. These applicants were then rated on a number of key criteria and a matrix developed where their suitability was assessed. From this a short list of eight interviewees was selected with seven accepting an interview.

These interviews were conducted at the offices of the AGCSA auditor, APL Financial, by a panel consisting of AGCSA directors Darren Wilson (Wembley Golf Complex, WA), Tony Fogarty (Club Catalina Country Club, NSW) and Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD). Former AGCSA director Pat Pauli (Horton Park Golf Club, QLD) joined the panel as did AGCSA auditor Jon Griffin who was present as an independent observer.

The interviewees consisted of a number of people from within the golf industry and some from outside the industry from varying backgrounds. It was an exceptionally difficult decision with all interviewees impressing the panel with their varied expertise, but it was Peter’s zest for the position and positive ideas on moving the association forward on behalf of the Board and membership that came to the fore. The Board would like to sincerely thank all applicants for the time they invested in their applications and interviews and for their valuable ideas on how the organisation can improve services to members and move forward.

Peter began his career in turf management as an apprentice at Melbourne's Cheltenham Golf Club in 1981 before taking up positions at Maryborough Golf Club and Rich River Golf Club. Following a two year stint as assistant superintendent at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, in 1988 Frewin was appointed course superintendent at Barwon Heads Golf Club on Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula, a position he held until June 2009 when he resigned to embark on a role with Globe Australia.

During his career as a superintendent Peter was highly active at both state and national association level. Joining the Victorian Golf Course Superintendents Association committee in 1992, Peter was elevated to president in 1993 and held that position until 1997. In 1998 Peter was elected president of the AGCSA, taking over from Wayne Hinton, and served in that position until stepping off the Board at the 2002 Australian Turfgrass Conference in Brisbane. In 2009, at the 25th Australian Turfgrass Conference in Hobart, Peter was bestowed the national association's highest honour - the AGCSA Distinguished Service Award.

As mentioned, Peter will start as general manager of the AGCSA on Wednesday 2 November and the AGCSA Board looks forward to a very exciting next phase for this great association.

For more information please contact the AGCSA on (03) 9548 8600 or email info@agcsa.com.au

Golf Australia is seeking nominations to fill the two positions of Director to the Board of Golf Australia which will be announced at the AGM in Melbourne on November 21 2011. These positions will become active immediately following the AGM

The existing Board Members are as follows:

John Hopkins - Chairman
David Cherry
Alison Holden
Bruce Langford-Jones
Anne Lenagan
Michael Sammells

The two current Board positions that will become vacant are David Cherry and Alison Holden.

Please be aware that nominations close by 5pm (AEST) Friday October 21 2011.

To download a memorandum which outlines the nomination process as well as a nomination form please click here. 

If you require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt on 03 9626 5043.

The UQ Long Drive Heroes Competition team yesterday hit the UQ sports grounds for round 2 of the event.

 

Over 70 students and staff participated in the second of three Long Drive events to be held at the University of Queensland, St Lucia.

Students were given two opportunities to register their longest drive in the search to become the UQ Long Drive Hero.

The longest drive recorded on the day was a massive 229.9m by Ben Jones using the 'almost' golf ball which is set to travel only 70% of the distance of a normal golf ball. The leading lady was Tanya Maxwell with a distance of 176.2m.

Congratulations to all who participated in the day and we look forward to the next UQ Long Drive Heroes Competition on Wednesday, October 19.

Results - Top 5 

Women

Tanya Maxwell - 176.2

Katelyn Fines - 175.1m

Christina Mew - 167.5m

Pamela Dyall - 161.2m

Valentina Sardi - 145.7m

 

Men

Ben Jones - 229.7m

Yastele Jugmohan - 215.9m

Nathan Dougherty - 214.4m

Matthew Wood - 212.9m

Matt Hallanoro - 208.8m

 

Staff – Female

Carina Baur - 110m

Adin Hewat - 109.9m

 

Staff – Men

James Hudson - 197.7m

Rob Olding - 191.4m

Paul Jensen - 190.5m

Keith Webster - 183.5m

Adam De'ath - 181.9m

Golf fans can get up close and personal with some of the world’s best golfers for FREE thanks to the PGA’s ‘Free Ticket Saturday’ initiative launched today.

In a year that marks the PGA’s 100th birthday, the PGA has opted to give a gift to golf fans everywhere with admission to the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola free of charge on Saturday 26th November 2011.

With the field set to feature the likes of Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Geoff Ogilvy, Bubba Watson, Darren Clarke, Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddeley, PGA CEO Brian Thorburn says the initiative is set to ensure everyone gets the opportunity to see Australian golf at its best.

“This year will be the biggest year in Australian golf for many, many years and the PGA want to give everyone the chance to be a part of the Australian PGA Championship,” said Thorburn.

“Since 2002 the PGA Championship has been an extremely successful event at its Sunshine Coast home and this year we hope fans will come from far and wide to be part of such a huge occasion.”

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said this year’s Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola was shaping up to be the most exciting yet – and welcomed the initiative to give golf fans free entry to see the world’s best in action.

“This is shaping up to be a great event for golf fans of all ages, locals and visitors alike,” Ms Bligh said.

“The Queensland Government is pleased to support events like the PGA Championship through Events Queensland because not only is it fantastic for spectators, it showcases the local region and supports the tourism industry by drawing visitors from all over.”

Tickets for the remaining days of the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola are on sale today from 9am.

Get in quick to secure the early bird rate and get $10.00 off the price of purchase at the gate.

Those wishing to take advantage of the ‘Free ticket Saturday’ offer will still need to book their complimentary ticket through Ticketek. No booking fees will apply.

Tickets are now available - click here to go to Ticketek's Australian PGA Championship page.

The 2011 Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will again be co-sanctioned by OneAsia.

It will be the penultimate stop on the Asian series for the 2011 season, with top players from all over the region expected to head Down Under to go head-to-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.

Full coverage of 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.

Complete travel packages including tickets are now available through Flight Centre at www.flightcentre.com.au/golf

Commercial and corporate hospitality opportunities are also available – see the below commercial contact to get involved today.

The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be played at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast from November 24-27, 2011.

To get all the details regarding the upcoming changes to the Australian Handciap System - to come into effect on Wednesday, September 21 please CLICK HERE. 

It is important that a Junior Coordinator and/or Coach have a supply of equipment that can be used for running junior activities for different age groups and in different activity spaces.

MYGolf Kits

Golf Australia has developed a MYGolf Kit which caters for children aged 8-10 years and 10-12 years.

The kit can be purchased for $374.00 and contains the following items:

• Heavy duty bag with wheels
• 7 irons: right hand 8-10 years (3)
• 7 irons: right hand 10-12 years (7)
• 7 irons: left hand 8-10 years (1)
• 7 irons: left hand 10-12 years (1)
• Putters: 8-10 years (3)
• Putters: 10-12 years (7)
• Putting targets (10)
• Hitting mats (10)
• Rubber tees (10)
• Guide rope
• PVC balls (50)
• MYGolf Schools 1 Manual

Individual items can also be purchased. 

Click here to download an order form.

If you would like to purchase additional MYGolf golf balls please click here to download an order form.

ANDREW MARSHALL heads to the ‘Garden County’, home to the 2011 Open Championship to sample some of the best English golf.

Mention the county of Kent and several images may spring to mind: beer and hops, Canterbury Cathedral, the White Cliffs of Dover, seaside towns, orchards, historical homes, castles and gardens. But there’s more to the ‘Garden of England’ than this.

Within a varied landscape of mature woodlands, rolling hills and open coastal regions, Kent boasts around 100 scenic golf courses. From Chart Hills, with its American-style fast greens and Florida-style bunkering, and world-class wind-blown links such as Royal St. George’s in Sandwich, to established parkland and wooded inland courses - all types are covered. As an added bonus the county is within easy reach of London making the capital’s sights, attractions and nightlife just a short train or car ride away.

A WALK IN THE PARK

It’s a sunny mid-May morning at Heathrow Terminal 5, and after picking up our hire car and successfully negotiating the M25’s frenetic traffic, we drive along narrow country lanes to arrive 50-minutes later at the London Golf Club draped over the undulating hills of the North Downs of Kent. From the main gates and sweeping one-mile drive, to the dedicated bag drop, award-winning clubhouse and superb practice facilities, everything about the place is top-drawer.

Two quality championship courses designed by legendary Jack Nicklaus make up the club; the tougher Heritage Course, a par-72 parkland layout (home to the European Open in 2008 and 2009) that’s reserved for members and their guests, and The International, a par-72 inland links that offers a good test for visiting golfers with four sets of tees to suit all abilities.

Many of the holes at the International are of the risk-reward variety, such as the 532-yard par-5 13th, a dogleg left with two options. Big hitters can take on the bunker on the left to lay up short of the lake, then hit a risky long second shot across water to the green for a birdie or possibly eagle chance, or like ourselves choose two shots up the fairway on the right and then a short iron across the lake to the dance floor.

There’s more daunting shots over water, this time from elevated tees at two of the International’s terrific par 3s that have more teeth than a grinning crocodile. Usually played into a strong breeze, the 201-yard eighth has a huge lake in front of the tee with a very narrow green tucked away on the back left-hand side, and the 190-yard 12th, also plays over a lake onto an elongated green held back with boards so the green is angled sideways to the tee. Read more in Q-Golf Online now

The Australian Open is set to soar to even greater heights with the announcement that Emirates will partner with the championship as the new naming rights sponsor for the next three years in an agreement with event promoters World Sport Group.

The sponsorship further deepens Emirates’ commitment to golf and sport Australia-wide. In addition to the Emirates Australian Open, Emirates is the Official Airline for 18 other golf tournaments worldwide including the Australian PGA Championship.

“Emirates has enhanced our partnership with the Australian Open, one of the world’s oldest national golf opens, in conjunction with our continued support of the Australian market,” said Barry Brown, Emirates’ Vice President Australasia.

“Since joining as the Official Airline of the Australian Open in 2009, Emirates has been an integral part of the success of Golf Australia and the growth of the championship, and we look forward to the future of the event as well as the promotion of the game of golf in New South Wales and Australia.”

“We anticipate this year’s event will be one of the biggest ever, with a first class field of players competing to have their name inscribed on the Stonehaven Cup – alongside golfing greats such as Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Tom Watson and Peter Thomson,” added Brown.

“This is wonderful news for the Australian Open. Emirates is well known for being one of the world’s premium airlines and a leading supporter of golf tournaments across the globe,” said Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt.

“The reputation of the Emirates Australian Open is built on winners from all over the world who are among the finest players in history and we’re very proud to welcome a major partner who also shares that commitment to excellence in everything they do,” Pitt added.

The 2011 field already includes Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Jason Day, Bubba Watson and defending champion Geoff Ogilvy.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris welcomed the news of Emirates coming on board as naming rights sponsor of the Australian Open.

“Emirates’ support is a strong endorsement and takes the event to a new level. This year there is an outstanding line-up of players coming to Sydney including Tiger Woods, Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott, Presidents Cup captains Greg Norman and Fred Couples, Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson.

“The NSW Government through Destination NSW is pleased to support the Emirates Australian Open which is a key international sports event on the NSW Events Calendar.

“There is no doubt our city is synonymous with the Emirates Australian Open, having hosted the inaugural championship in 1904, on 35 occasions overall and continuously since 2006,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of the PGA Tour of Australasia Brian Thorburn said it was great news for this year’s Tour schedule.

“Emirates has been a supporter of Australian golf for a number of years and we are thrilled to see their involvement grow to such a level for the Australian Open. This year’s Emirates Australian Open is sure to be a pinnacle event on this year’s Tour schedule and we look forward to working with them into the future,” said Thorburn.

The 2011 Emirates Australian Open championship will be played at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney from 10th to 13th November.

Members of the Australian Defence Force today took time to help motivate the QAS squad in the lead-up to the Men’s and Women’s teams defending their Interstate Series titles in Western Australia next week.

Captain Andrew Crowe and Captain Jay Canham of the Australian Defence Force attended the Golf Queensland State Training Facility to speak to members of the QAS Golf Program as well as Men’s and Women’s State Team representatives.

The session focused on motivation, leadership, preparation and mental strength while providing an insight into the Australian Defence Force.

Golf Operations Manager Luke Bates said the athletes found the sessions very beneficial with aspects of getting the most out of yourself, training hard and motivational methods having parallels with the elite golfer.

“The Captain’s opened the eyes of the athletes, with the parallels being noted on excelling in elite tournaments to excelling in the Defence Force,” Bates said.

“Captain Canham encouraged the athletes to find their true motivation and to use it to get the most out of themselves as a person and as a golfer.

“The session proved to be a great personal development and team building exercise moving into the 2011 Interstate Series to be played next week in Western Australia.”

The Men’s and Women’s team will be defending the 2010 title and although there have been changes in the teams over the past 12 months, Golf Queensland is confident in strong results being achieved.

Queensland Interstate Series Teams

 

Men’s Team

 
Maverick Antcliff
James Gibellini
Tim Hart
Taylor Macdonald
Kevin Marques
Daniel Nisbet
Cameron Smith
Chris Wood
Richard Harris (Coach)
Don Palmer (Manager)

Women’s Team

 

Jessica Jenkins
Christina Mew
Ashley Ona
Ali Orchard
Michelle Pericic
Corinne Swan
Tony Meyer (Coach)
Hayley Wilkinson (Manager)

The Australian Open has extended its international coverage with the addition of pan-African sports network SuperSport to its broadcast roster.

Under the agreement with event promoter World Sport Group, SuperSport, the leading pay television platform in the sub-Saharan African region, has acquired the rights to broadcast up to twenty hours of the event on all platforms including television, internet and mobile across 48 territories.

“The time is right for OneAsia to bring its exciting brand of Asia-Pacific golf to Sub-Saharan Africa. SuperSport International's impressive distribution will connect two of the world's emerging golf markets. The addition of SuperSport International to the OneAsia family of international television partners further strengthens Asia-Pacific's best distributed brand of golf,” said Sang Y Chun, Chairman and Commissioner of OneAsia.

“SuperSport is thrilled to be broadcasting the Australian Open as it showcases a top-quality field at a world-class venue. Australia has some of the top young golfers in the world, and they are sure to challenge the big names already confirmed for the event. This is the perfect addition to our already excellent November golf offering for our viewers across the whole of Africa, ensuring they won’t miss a moment of the top golf from all corners of the globe,” enthused Brandon Foot, Head of Acquisitions at SuperSport International.

The US$1.5 million Australian Open which is co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia will be held at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney from November 10th to November 13th. Australian Geoff Ogilvy will return this year to defend his title and will be joined by a host of stars including Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Fred Couples, Greg Norman, Bubba Watson and Jason Day.

The event will be broadcast in Australia on Channel Ten’s One HD free-to-air sports channel, across Asia on ESPN Star Sports, in the United States and Canada on One World Sports and in Europe on Bloomberg Television. It will also be broadcast in Korea on SBS and in Japan on Jupiter Golf Channel. World Sport Group, Asia’s leading sports marketing, media and event management company manages the television distribution for the event.

About SuperSport

SuperSport is a pay broadcaster, which operates on all platforms throughout sub- Saharan Africa and the adjacent islands in more than 50 countries on 3 HD and 25 SD channels. It broadcasts most major sporting content.

About World Sport Group

Headquartered in Singapore, World Sport Group is Asia’s leading sports marketing, media and event management company. The company features almost 600 sports event days and more than 5000 hours of sports programming annually, across more than 30 countries in the region.Learn more at www.worldsportgroup.com

About OneAsia

 OneAsia is a non-profit organisation developed to maximize elite tournament opportunities in Asia-Pacific. The Founding members of OneAsia are the China Golf Association, the Korea Golf Tour, the Korea Golf Association and the PGA of Australia. The mission of OneAsia is not just to allow the region's best players to gain access to more events, but to ultimately provide them with an alternative destination to the PGA Tour and the European Tour, thus retaining the best golfing talent in the region without compromising their development.
www.oneasia.asia  
 

 

The long-term future for the Horton Park Golf Club is a step closer to being assured thanks to a landmark agreement negotiated between the Sunshine Coast Council and the Club's board.

Club President Geoff Davies described the agreement, which will be considered by club‟s members at a meeting to be held on September 20, as a 'win-win' outcome for the club's members, council and the wider community.

“This agreement provides certainly for the club with members being able to play golf on the current site until June 2014,” Mr Davies said.

“The agreement reinforces that council is committed to working collaboratively with the club to achieve long-term positive outcomes for the members and the wider community.

“This agreement has been reached in good faith with council and no other agreement will be considered by council.”

Mr Davies also said that a new site for the club has been identified following a rigorous independent selection process.

“The new site is located on David Low Way, on the corner of Finland Road, and is approximately 119 hectares and will accommodate 18 holes with space available for additional nine holes,” he said.

Mayor Bob Abbot said this agreement demonstrates council‟s willingness to negotiate with the club to achieve successful outcomes.

“The new agreement affords the club the necessary time to develop their new golf course, and provides council with certainty of possession which will enable a proper and long-sighted planning process to commence for the Maroochydore CBD,” Mayor Abbot said.

“This agreement provides members with an iron clad certainty over the club's future and will enable it to make an ordered and well executed transition to a new, alternate golf course site.”

Under the key provisions of the agreement, the Club has been offered:

• $42 million in compensation for acquisition of the land, and payments as required for the development and relocation to the new golf course site.
• Continued occupation of its current site until 30 June 2014.

Mayor Abbot said the 'win-win' outcome was another positive step for the local economy.

“Firstly, we retain a major golf course on the Sunshine Coast which is of significant importance to the local tourism industry; secondly, golf course staff retain their jobs; and finally, a significant number of new jobs will be created with the construction of the new site.

“This agreement also provides council the opportunity to comprehensively plan for the Maroochydore CBD to ensure it delivers maximum long-term social and economic benefits to the community.”

Mr Davies and Club Captain Michael Moore have been involved in lengthy and complex negotiations and they thanked the council for their amicable and positive approach to reaching this outcome.

“We know there have been mixed feelings in the past and getting to this point has taken considerable effort and goodwill from all parties,” Mr Davies said.

“If the golf club members vote 'yes' when they meet later next month - and I am confident they will - we will finally be on our way.”

Rockhampton’s Dean Bunt shot a par round of 72 to take out the inaugural Central Queensland Champion of Champions event in weather that was not suitable for golf as rain fell most of the day during the tournament at Gladstone.

Dean won the event by just two shots from the inform Central Queensland representative player Michael Neaten on 74.

Dean qualified for the event by being runner-up to Michael in the Rockhampton men’s closed championships in July. Dean, who started his golf as a junior member of the Rockhampton Golf Club and was always featured in junior tournaments, now finds himself performing well in the men’s tournaments.

Gladstone’s Dave Rauter had a comfortable win in the B grade winning the event by 10 shots finishing with a 78 from Miriam Vales Bill Collins on 88.

Calliope’s Doug Young also had a comfortable win the C grade with a 89 from Gracemere’s Dean Dawson on 97.

The nett events went to Gladstone Scott Kean A grade from Boyne Island Mark Jefferies, Gracemere’s Kelvin Brook won the B grade from Neil Clark of Capricorn and John Maher also of Capricorn won the C grade from Josh Horkings.

To qualify to compete in this event a member had to win or runner-up in a club championship event.

 

Centracks Teams Events

The Gracemere number one team of Wayne Towns 68, David Wilson 70, Kelvin Brook 72 and Terry Schulor and supported by Scott Black and Daniel Dawson with a combined nett score of 289 won the Centracks Trophy.

The Gracemere team won the popular event from Capricorn Country Club team of Darkie Donnolan 70, Brett Wines 73, Neil Clark 75 and Colin Berry 78, with the support of Randal Coulthurst.

The individual gross went to Dean Bunt from Michael Neaton, with Dave Rauter winning the best nett from Wayne Towns.

Centracks representative Rod Green presented trophies to all winners on the day.

Pin shots:
A grade - Scott Kean and Ean Bunt
B grade - Alan Sharp and Dave Rauter
C grade - Geoff Simmers and Josh Horkings

Pictured: Left to Right: Dan Dawson, Wayne Towns, Kev Brook, Terry Schuler & Dave Wilson (Scott Black, not pictured, was the 6th Team Member)

Leading Australian golf website, iseekgolf.com, has launched ‘Ask-a-Pro’, a teaching forum that is available for all iseekgolf.com members and guests to ask questions via a newly formed panel of national and international PGA golf instructors. Golfers will receive free online instruction, tips and swing analysis from leading PGA experts.

The group is made up of numerous experts from all areas of the game such as coaching, full swing, short game, mental game and biomechanics.

Each of the pros will have their own designated discussion (thread) as well as several group panel discussions.

“The tour pros don’t depend on one instructor anymore, they rely on a team of experts to help in a much more holistic way and iseekgolf.com members now have easy access to the same expertise,” said Mike Orloff, PGA Member and co-owner of Golf Marketing Group, which manages content and advertising for iseekgolf.com. “We invite you to join in, “Ask-a-Pro” some questions, submit your swing via video for all to evaluate (if you’re brave!), hear the pros offer their particular insight into teaching at the high performance level, and do it all in the comfort of your own home or office.”

The iseekgolf.com official “Ask-a-Pro” team of golf professionals will be headed up by PGA “HeadPro” Grant Garrison. Grant and the team will be on hand to answer all of your questions about instruction, equipment, club repair and all things golf. The team’s pros also will regularly contribute to the site’s "Golf School" vault of articles, videos and interviews.

As an added bonus, several “guest” contributors from all facets of the game will pop in from time to time, so stay tuned.

For more information, visit http://forums.iseekgolf.com/forums/18-ask-a-pro-golf-instruction

The official iseekgolf.com Ask-a-Pro teaching panel is made up of Australian PGA Members David Nable, Peter Knight, Derek Hooper, Peter Croker, Lawrie Montaghue, Steven Giuliano, Paul Hart, Lee Harrington, and Glenn Whittle. Additionally, American PGA Members Bob Duncan and Rick Sessinghaus, NZ PGA Member Grant James, along with other teaching experts Henry Boulton (Swinglab), Loren Wilson (The Golfing Machine), Scott Beaumont (Zenolink) will fill out this initial panel.

Golf Queensland's Lee Harrington joins the panel

ISG Name TBD
Name Lee Harrington
Website www.thegolfschool.com.au
Email lee@golfqueensland.org.au
Phone 61 413 163 312
Expertise Junior Golf / Women’s Golf / Executive golf

Lee Harrington is one of the most accredited female professional in Australia and is a Participation Development Officer for Golf Queensland. She owns and manages one of the most successful executive golf schools on the Gold Coast of Australia, specializing in one week programs for corporate clients. Lee’s passion began from a degree in biomechanics and the challenge and love of developing the golfer from a beginner level to their highest standard. Lee also actively consults to education providers in also delivering the community coaching course, to enable golf to reach more and more children in schools and clubs. Lee is a leader in women’s golf and junior golf promotion.

About:

iseekgolf.com is Australia’s leading website for everything golf. As well as being the number one site for booking public tee times, it contains the latest tournament news, course reviews and golfing forums. With over 1 million page views per month, iseekgolf.com is the website of choice for golfing enthusiasts.
iseekgolf.com is managed by Golf Marketing Group a jointly owned company of Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd, publishers of Inside Golf, the PGA Magazine and golfandstay.com.au, and Morlo Pty Ltd, publishers of Golf Industry Central.

Members of Queensland’s Academy of Sport (QAS) golf program have again delighted students of the Mater Hospital Special School with a visit to the School’s Southbank facility in Brisbane on Monday.

Accompanied by QAS head coach Garry Calder and Golf Queensland Operations Officer Chris Evans, the team took students through some basic golf skills and fun golf games utilising modified junior equipment in the School’s outdoor playground area. The Squad also signed a collection of golf caps for the students supplied by equipment sponsor Srixon.

Squad members, who included Queensland state representatives Tim Hart, Daniel McGraw, Courtney Massey and Ashley Ona, described their day out with the students as a ‘rewarding experience’. They also got the chance to interact with several of the students over some board games during morning tea.

Following on from an extremely popular visit by the Squad last year, Principal of the Mater Hospital Special School Susan Christianson said her students always enjoy the QAS team dropping in and going through some golf drills.

The QAS squad are already planning to return later this year.


About the Mater Hospital Special School

The Mater Hospital Special School is an Education Queensland facility serving day students and hospitalised children at the Mater Children's Hospital, the Mater Adult Hospitals and the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Students attending the school include children from the various hospital wards as well as children from country regional areas and interstate whose parents are hospitalised, siblings of country children who are receiving hospital treatment and students admitted through the joint School/Hospital Child Youth and Mental Health Day Program.

The School also provides educational services directly to the various wards of the Mater Children’s and Adult Hospital and the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

A full field of 124 junior golfers (28 Girls & 96 Boys) teed off in the Rodney Pampling Junior Classic played at the Caloundra Golf Club on July 31.

Mr Ken Pampling (pictured centre) was in attendance to present the Boys Open and Closed Champion to Wade Stockill from Horton Park who shot a great round of 70 (1-under) to take home the trophy.

The Girls Open winner was Lauren Mason (Horton Park) who also had a great round of 1-over (74). Ken presented the winners with their trophies as well as a signed photograph of Rodney who is currently in the USA.

The President of the SC&SBDGA, Mr Jim Dalrymple, thanked the Caloundra Golf Club for the use of their facilities which was in great order and the help of their staff which was terrific.

The Director of Junior Golf for the District, Mr Moss Thistlewaite, presented all other major trophy winners and it was just a great event for junior golfers in Queensland.

Special thanks must also go to the Hills Golf Academy on the Gold Coast, run by Tom Brendt, for providing 34 International junior golfers to the event which was an outstanding effort. 

CLICK HERE to view the results.

Golf Queensland in conjuntion with UQ Sport launched the UQ Long Drive Heroes Competition on Tuesday, August 2.

Over 60 students and staff particpated in the first of three Long Drive events to be held at the University of Queensland, St Lucia.

Students were given two opportunities to register their longest drive in the search to become the UQ Long Drive Hero.

The longest drive recorded on the day was a massive 214.4m by Nathan Dougherty using the 'almost' golf ball which is set to travel only 70% of the distance of a normal golf ball. The leading lady was Valentina Sardi with a distance of 145.7m.

Congratulations to all who particpated in the day and we look forward to the next UQ Long Drive Heroes Competition on Wednesday, September 21.

Results - Top 5

Women
Valentina Sardi - 145.7m
Chloe Langbroek - 134.8m
Erin Payne - 131.8m

Men
Nathan Dougherty - 214.4m
Dara Jones - 209.9m
Nick Turner - 205.9m
Gavin Ong - 205.2m
Shayne Watson - 205.1m

Staff - Female
Carina Baur - 110.1m
Adin Hewat - 97.9m

Staff - Men
James Hudson - 197.7m
Rob Olding - 191.4m
Paul Jenson - 190.5m
Keith Webster - 183.5m
Gene Tyson - 160.1m

 It seems fitting that Cameron Smith and Ashley Ona should wear the crowns as Queensland’s brightest male and female stars on the amateur scene.

Over the past two years, both have been high achievers in major Australian amateur tournaments. 

Their results have not escaped the attention of the Australian selectors and both have been selected to represent their country on the international stage.

It says something about Queensland’s rich production line of talent that keeps producing top-class players at regular intervals.

Just when you think the talent well is about to dry up another couple of stars arrive on the scene.
It’s always been that way.

Before they won majors, Greg Norman, Karrie Webb, Wayne Grady and Ian Baker-Finch honed their skills in the amateur ranks and have their names etched on amateur trophies to prove it.

And then there are others like Peter Senior, Adam Scott, Jason Day and Katherine Hull – the list is endless.

So, will Ashley and Cameron follow in their footsteps? Only time will tell, but in the meantime we put the pair head-to-head through a variety of questions posed to them.

Let’s see how they handle the various challenges that players regularly face when they compete on the fairways and greens. READ MORE...

Article by David Newbery





CLICK BELOW TO view the Winter Edition of Q-Golf Online.

It’s a new look all around for Golf Queensland. A new brand and new website marks a time for significant change in the organisation.

The change to a new website provider allowed the organisation to take a fresh look at its branding which identified the need for a stronger visual statement.

Golf Queensland Chair Tom Crothers said the new corporate brand now clearly demonstrates who we are and what we are about without any confusion.

“It’s important to get this right, particularly when we are competing against other strong sporting organisations for participation and funding,” Mr Crothers said.

“The new brand unmistakably identifies golf and Queensland without the need for any text.

“We are also planning to step up our marketing and promotion of our sport and this change will help get our message across to non-golf club players and existing club members.”

Mr Crothers said the new website is significantly more sophisticated in its functionality and is a lot more visually appealing.

“We looked at what people did when they visited our site and we have made changes to get the information to them easier, quicker and more direct,” Mr Crothers said.

“The first stage is to get the basic information live so we don’t disrupt our business and more importantly our state tournament entry processes.”

“Progressively, we will be looking at introducing other elements to the website to further improve its functionality.”
The brand changeover will begin rolling out from July.

Following the disastrous floods, the BDGA Management Committee agreed that some of it's reserve funds be distributed to the more severely affected clubs.

Initial advice was given to the BDGA Management Committee to suggest that the existing constitution did not allow for such donations. With the help of Club Delegates the constitution was amended to allow for donations of such kind. The club delegates also agreed in principal to a sum of money of $50,000 being distributed as a one off payment to those clubs severely affected.

After initial feedback from work carried out by Golf Queensland the BDGA management committee agreed based on a number of factors to distribute the $50,000 to the following clubs:

Wolston Park Golf Club $12,000
Jindalee Golf Club $12,000
Indooroopilly Golf Club $8,000
Brisbane Golf Club $6,000
McLeod Country Golf Club $5,000
Oxley Golf Club $5,000
Keperra Country Golf Club $2,000

The BDGA Management Committee and Delegates recognise that the money is well short of what is needed, however are pleased to contribute in any way to see golf clubs back up and running as quickly as possible.

Picture: Oxley Golf Club

Golf Queensland is pleased to announce a key partnership with leading industry marketing and golf operations company Golf Industry Central.

Golf Industry Central (GIC) will produce Golf Queensland’s quarterly online magazine, Q-Golf Online, and manage all website advertising from July 1 this year.

Golf Queensland's Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Ellis said he was confident the partnership with GIC would assist the organisation in building its’ profile.

“Golf Industry Central’s reputation is regarded very highly and I look forward to a partnership that will strengthen Golf Queensland’s relationship with key industry organisations,” Mr Ellis said.

“In the last 12 months our website has attracted about 195,000 visits and we expect this number to increase when we launch the new site in July.”

GIC, Managing Director, Mike Orloff said “We look forward in supporting Golf Queensland with their online marketing strategies along with assisting in other ‘grow the game’ initiatives.”

About

Golf Industry Central is the leading golf industry site that provides operation and marketing services to the golf industry throughout Australia, New Zealand, and SE Asia. They also produce a quarterly online magazine along with weekly newsletters helping the industry stay informed on what is happening in the region.

Mike Orloff, an Operations and Marketing Specialist, is a US and Australian PGA Member with over 22 years of experience with two of the biggest international golf management companies and at various levels of facilities from 2-star to 5-star operations in the USA and Australia.

Golf Queensland has announced the election of two new members to the Board following its Annual General Meeting on Friday.

Matthew Toomey and Carmel O'Keeffe were elected to the Board by the council members replacing retiring Directors Barry Shepherd and Lyn Hughes.

President Tom Crothers was also re-elected to the Board after being required to stand down following a two-year term but was eligible to re-nominate for a position.

The new Golf Queensland Board comprises of Tom Crothers, Carmel Smith, Peter Castrisos, Trish Harding, Graeme Mathers, Brad Petley, Carmel O'Keeffe and Matthew Toomey.

Mr Crothers will remain as interim President until the first Board meeting which is scheduled for June 27. This meeting will elect its President for the next 12 months.

In accepting his appointment to the Board, Mr Crothers thanked the retiring Board members for their significant contribution to Golf Queensland.

"Barry Shepherd has been involved in the administration of golf for over 25 years," Mr Crothers said.

"Although he has stepped down from his role at Golf Queensland, Barry will continue to be a member of the Match Committee and Chair of the State Selectors as well as providing assistance at tournaments.

"Lyn Hughes was appointed to the Board in 2008 and was also a valuable member of the Golf Queensland Board for three years.

"On behalf of Golf Queensland I would like to thank both Barry and Lyn and wish them all the best in their future involvement in golf."

Mr Crothers welcomed the new Directors to Golf Queensland and said the Board was looking forward to working with them.

Matthew Toomey, who plays off +1, has played the game for over 20 years. He is currently the Captain of Virginia Golf Club and is the Director - Accounting and Reporting at The University of Queensland.

Carmel O'Keeffe has been involved in the Springsure community for over three decades. She has held many positions in the Central Queensland area including Delegate for the Central Queensland Women's Golf District and more recently, Secretary for Golf Central Highlands.

GOLF Queensland and the Australian Golf Course Superintendents' Association (AGCSA) have teamed up to get flood stricken courses back on track.

Many of the Queensland golf clubs affected by this year's devastating floods were severely damaged by silt.

Golf Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Lindsay Ellis, said many of the flooded courses were well on the way to a full recovery but there was some benefit in providing them with additional guidance.

"The AGCSA were keen to assist clubs and together we identified those who would benefit the most from their expertise," Mr Ellis said.

"We recognised superintendents around Queensland have been doing a terrific job in getting courses back on track following the floods and believed the AGCSA's role would provide additional advice to further aid in the recovery."

Mr Ellis said the AGCSA conducted site visits to the following clubs:

• Brisbane Golf Club
• Capricorn Country Golf Club
• Chinchilla Golf Club
• City Golf Club
• Dalby Golf Club
• Emerald Golf Club
• Indooroopilly Golf Club
• Ipswich Golf Club
• Jindalee Golf Club
• Karana Downs Golf Club
• McLeod Country Golf Club
• Oxley Golf Club
• Rockhampton Golf Club
• Wolston Park Golf Club

AGCSA General Manager John Neylan said they were pleased to assist clubs and provide guidance and advice to those whose courses were significantly damaged.

"While visiting the courses we found the turf recovery on many of the fairways was definitely being impeded," Mr Neylan said.

"We found one of the toughest jobs superintendents had to manage was removing this layer of silt and in many cases it continues to impede water infiltration.

"We assisted clubs in identifying the priorities for the course and in some cases took soil and disease samples from greens and fairways for further investigation."

The AGCSA will be preparing reports for many of the courses they visited and will provide follow up consultations where necessary.

While Golf Queensland is contributing financial assistance towards the advisory program, the AGCSA has provided significant resources and expertise at its own cost.

To contact the AGCSA please visit www.agcsa.com.au or phone (03) 9548 8600.