The achievements of the South Australian Golf Industry have been celebrated by more than 270 golfing representatives from around the state at the South Australian Golf Industry Awards Night held at the Adelaide Oval on the evening of Saturday 27 October.
Master of Ceremonies Wayne Phillips once again kept guests entertained as the PGA of Australia, Golf SA, Golf Management Australia and Australian Golf Course Superintendants Association recognised those that have made outstanding contributions to the game in South Australia.
Pauline Sanderson and David Cherry received standing ovations as they were inducted into the SA Golf Hall of Fame joining the likes of Rhonda Watson OAM, Murray Crafter, John Crosby OAM, Jane Crafter and Bob Tuohy.
Executive Officer of the PGA Southern Division Geoff Stewart presented four South Australian PGA Awards; 2011 Coca-Cola SA PGA Professional of the Year, 2011 SA Trainee of the Year, 2012 SA Pro-Am of the Year and 2012 SA Legends Pro-Am of the Year.
Paris Fowden (CCA) & Matthew Dent (Right)
The 2011 SA PGA Professional of the Year was awarded to Blackwood Golf Club’s Head Professional Year Matthew Dent.
“Since joining the PGA in 1986 Matthew’s effort and dedication to the game have been second to none”, explained Stewart.
“Amongst his 26 year history as a PGA Professional Matthew has raised over $100,000 for charity, been a Member of the South Australian PGA committee for 17 years, four of which he was the Chairman, all whilst running a popular and successful Pro-shop.”
“I’m extremely honoured to receive this award and I certainly don’t go about my work in order to receive an award however it’s nice to know that I’m on the right track”, said Dent.
The PGA awarded Chris Duke from Blackwood Golf Club the 2011 SA Trainee of the Year which recognises the Trainee with the most outstanding academic achievements and playing results whilst being involved in actively promoting the game.
“During Chris’s three years as a Trainee he’s featured in the top 15 on the national playing averages, won the national excellence in education award in 2010 and finished fifth in 2011, claimed the 2011 SA Trainee Order of Merit and the SA Trainee Championship as well as being the 2011 SA Trainee Captain”, told Stewart.
The PGA also recognised the outstanding contribution that Professionals and Clubs make to the South Australian Pro-Am circuit.
This year’s SA Pro-Am Circuit included six legends and five open events throughout the metro and regional areas.
Pete Ormsby receiving Legends Pro-Am of the Year award
The 2012 SA Pro-Am of the Year was awarded for the second year in a row to the SA Italian Golf Club Pro-Am held at the Grange Golf Club whilst the Legends Pro-Am of the Year was announced as the Swanbury Penglase SA PGA Championship at Adelaide Shores Golf Park.
“It takes a great number of stakeholders to run a successful Pro-Am circuit including clubs, Professionals, committees, amateurs as well as volunteers, and in addition to those that have been honoured tonight I’d like to congratulate all those that have been part of making this year a fantastic circuit”, said Stewart.
The PGA welcomed the following new Members into the Association after successfully completing the PGA Traineeship;
Shanan Scott
Matthew Liebeknecht
Adrian Wickstein
Zac Rollins
The PGA would also like to congratulate the following award winners from its industry partners;
Golf SA Junior Boy's Vardon - Anthony Murdaca (The Grange)
Golf SA Women's Vardon - Caitlin Roberts (Royal Adelaide)
Golf SA Men's Vardon - Brad Moules (Royal Adelaide)
SAGCSA Graduate Award (Sponsored by Toro) - Ryan Smooker (North Adelaide)
SAGCSA Award for Excellence in Golf Course Management (Sponsored by Globe) - Richard James (The Grange)
SAGCSA Distinguished Service Award (Sponsored by Metropolitan Machinery) - Mal Grundy (Murray Bridge)
GMA Club Manager of the Year (Sponsored by MiClub)- Alan Tarry (South Lakes)
GMA Club Employee of the Year (Sponsored by Innovision Consulting) - Kerry Crossman (Glenelg)
SA Golf Industry OHS Award (Sponsored by Monit) - Royal Adelaide Golf Club
Metropolitan Female Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Schweppes) - Nora Estcourt-Hughes (Royal Adelaide)
Country Female Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by BGC Industrial Cleaning Supplies) - Beryl Hawthorne (Pinnaroo)
Metropolitan Male Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Programmed Property Services)- Russell Miller (Penfield)
Country Male Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Golf Car Solutions)- Gary Lloyd (Jamestown)