Australian Senior Golfer

Golfing great Peter Thomson

SOME of Victoria’s finest ever golfers including Peter Thomson and Geoff Ogilvy were honoured at Royal Melbourne Golf Club this week as part of the PGA of Australia’s Centenary awards program.

In total 28 PGA professionals from across Victoria were named as award recipients, recognised for their contribution to Australian golf and the PGA across a number of areas including playing and coaching.

The evening was the final state-based awards night for the PGA who has held ceremonies in all states since commencing Centenary celebrations in September 2011.

The award recipients honoured by the Victorian Division of the PGA were (in alphabetical order);

Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Steve Bann, Michael Clayton, John Davis, Ian Denny, Bruce Devlin, Trevor Flakemore, Stewart Ginn, David Graham, Bruce Green, Jack Harris, Michael Harwood,  Graham Kelly, Peter Knight, Harold Knights, Kel Llewellyn, Dale Lynch, Howard McHutchison, Paul Moloney, Tim Moore, Geoff Ogilvy, Bob Shearer, Brian Simpson, Ian Stanley, Peter Thomson, Brian Twite and Russell Wilson.

PGA Centenary Patron and award recipient Greg Norman, although unable to attend last night’s function, sent a message to all the award recipients acknowledging their place within Australian golf history.

“You are all among some of the most highly skilled PGA Members the world over and I hope will take great pride in being part of such an historic occasion,” said Norman.

PGA Chief Executive Officer Brian Thorburn added to Norman’s sentiments saying: “PGA Members Australia wide have been the cornerstone of the Australian golf industry for the last 100 years and I congratulate all tonight’s award winners on their part in this illustrious history.”

“You are all 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.”

The PGA was formed on 19thSeptember 1911 by 15 Professional golfers looking to advance their profession.

Today, the PGA consists of over 2500 Members including both professional golf coaches and players.

Ponting: "Apart from my family and cricket, golf is my passion."

The former Aussie cricket captain is joining the likes of fellow golf lovers Livina Nixon and Brendon Goddard heading a PGA ambassador initiative called “The Club” which was launched this week.

In the process, Ponting let slip just how deeply the golfing hooks are set, revealing if he can’t get on a course or practice range every day he at least practices putting in his hotel rooms wherever he is around the world.

The Club is a PGA of Australia promotion that intends for some of that sort of passion to rub off on other Australians and encourage them not only pick up a golf club and have a go but also to increase their enjoyment of the game.

It is the first of a series of marketing measures foreshadowed by the Australian PGA this week.

“We approached The Club Members based on their love of golf and desire to get more out of their game from both a skill and enjoyment perspective. While they are all at different levels from beginners to single markers each of The Club members love to get out on the golf course and have a go – and that’s what The Club is all about,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA.

The high profile golf lovers delighted to sign up for the venture include St Kilda footballer Sam Fisher, TV presenters Brodie Harper, Shura Taft, James Tobin and Scott McGregor and socialite Lili Romano.

As part of the program The Club members have been making the most of their opportunity to work with the PGA and its Professionals, taking lessons primarily in the PGA’s state of the art Learning Centre under the guidance of PGA Director of Coaching Stuart Leong at the Sandhurst Club in Melbourne.

PGA Professional Lorien Scott from Bonnie Doon Golf Club will also take part in the The Club assisting the development of Sydneysiders Ponting and Tobin.

“Apart from my family and cricket, golf is my passion. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t try to get out on a course, driving range, practice green or even set up putting practice at home or in my hotel room wherever I am in the world,” said Ponting.

“I’m really looking forward to be involved in The Club and taking full advantage of what it has to offer.  I love the fact that golf can be played by people of all walks of life and abilities and the PGA has come up with a great initiative here that will drive golf participation and enjoyment.”

Speaking about his involvement with the program, PGA Professional Stuart Leong says he hopes The Club will help illustrate the benefits of seeking advice and tuition from PGA Professionals, at the same time promoting the sport he loves so much.

“It’s not about being the best but it is about getting out there and enjoying the game, hopefully more and more every time you pick up the club,” said Leong.

“That’s really what golf’s all about- and if I or any other PGA Professional can help these guys or anyone else have more fun on the golf course, we’re doing a good job.”

While The Club members will be out and about at PGA events and tournaments throughout the year, you can also stay up to date with how they are working on their game at The Club webpage here.

The Club site feature profiles, blogs, photo galleries and video content from The Club members showcasing their individual journeys to improve their game and love for the sport.

The launch of The Club precedes the arrival of the PGA’s new marketing campaign which is set to hit Australian TV screens in coming months.

“Last September the PGA turned 100 and we celebrated with one of the most successful seasons of Australian golf on record, so this year our focus is on showing everyone just why we’ve been around for so long and why our Professionals really are the best in the business,” added Thorburn.

“The Club is an integral component of this process and we hope golfers and non-golfers alike will be able to identify with our ambassadors and hopefully begin on their own personal journey to get more out of the game of golf.”

While still in its infancy, the PGA has big plans for The Club in 2012 with a further announcement expected in the coming weeks.

GEELONG Golf Professional James McLean has taken the second round lead at the Adroit Insurance Group Victorian PGA Championship with a six under par 64 at the Forest Resort Creswick.

McClean started the day two under the card and four shots from the lead but after birdieing the first soon found himself moving up the leaderboard.

“I had a fairly solid round today, kept it out of the trees most of the time and was lucky enough to hole a few putts,” he said.

“I didn’t really do anything special, I birdied the first, I hit a really good shot in there and rolled the putt in to get off to a good start.”

The big hitting McLean was conscious to keep the driver in the bag and play a more conservative game around the newly revamped Forest Resort Creswick course.

“I was definitely playing quite conservatively; I only hit the driver a couple of times today. It was three iron almost every tee.”

McLean had a successful 2011 going close to his break through win on the PGA Tour of Australasia at the WA PGA Championship (T4) and NSW PGA Championship (T2) finishing just short each time.

“I am starting to hit the ball a little bit better and more consistently and rolling in a few putts so hopefully I can continue it.

“It would be great to win, just to get the monkey off the back for the rest of the year. I am playing up in Asia and Japan this year so it would be a great start to the year.”

New Zealander Gareth Paddison and Victorian Leighton Lyle both shot two under par to be tied second at six under.

A further shot back at five under is successful touring professional Andre Stolz while drawcard Craig Parry unfortunately had to withdraw from the tournament due to a back injury.

Round Three of the tournament tees off at 9am Saturday with free entry for spectators.

The 2011 Australian golf season will be one of the best ever with the Presidents Cup headlining a series of events that have attracted some of the biggest names in world golf.

As well as the cup there are eight PGA Tour of Australasia events and three PGA Legends Tour championships getting underway from late October.

To highlight what will be a massive summer season the PGA of Australia has launched a new campaign encouraging sports fans to ‘Play, Watch, Discover’ golf.

“Never before have we seen so many of the world’s best players in Australia and what’s more fans will get to see the likes of Tiger Woods, Darren Clarke, Y E Yang, Luke Donald and Bubba Watson as well as our own top players contend for our Australian titles,” said PGA CEO Brian Thorburn.

The PGA Tour of Australasia’s 2011 schedule gets back underway from October 20 with the Brunel WA PGA Championship set to tee off at Novotel Vines Resort and Country Club in Perth.

The WA PGA starts two weeks of golf in the west with the John Hughes Geely Nexus Risk Services WA Open Championship to be contested the following week at Royal Fremantle Golf Club.

The Tour then moves to the New South Wales South Coast for the NSW PGA Championship at Wollongong Golf Club from November 3-6.

The NSW PGA, last year won by Stephen Bowditch, is a precursor to the Emirates Australian Open the following week which will see the likes of Woods, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy contend for the Stonehaven Cup at the Lakes Golf Club.

The week of November 17 -20 will see the focus of world golf firmly on Australia with Greg Norman and Fred Couples set to lead their teams into battle for The Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

That same week the NSW Open Championship will be staged at a new venue, Newcastle Golf Club.

It will be followed by the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola to be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Coolum for the 10th consecutive season.

The action then crosses the ditch to Christchurch for the BMW NZ Open to take place at Clearwater Resort from December 1-4.

The final tournament of the 2011 PGA Tour of Australasia schedule will fittingly take place at Melbourne’s famed sandbelt.

The JBWere Masters to tee off at Victoria Golf Club from December 15-18, the winner of which will be granted an automatic exemption in to the 2012 WGC- Bridgestone Invitational.

It is also here that the 2011 Norman Von Nida Order of Merit medal will ultimately be decided.

In total 14 players from the World Top 20 are headed to Australia in the coming weeks, with 19 of the World Top 100 set to contest the PGA Tour of Australasia’s events outside The Presidents Cup.

The top 100 players confirmed for the PGA Tour of Australasia’s events include Luke Donald (1), Dustin Johnson (5), Jason Day (7), Adam Scott (8), Matt Kuchar (9), Nick Watney (11), Bubba Watson (16), Hunter Mahan (19), Ian Poulter (23), Darren Clarke (34), Geoff Ogilvy (37), Y E Yang (38), Matteo Manassero (43), Aaron Baddeley (49), Tiger Woods (52), John Senden (59), Robert Allenby (60), Richard Green (74) and Brendan Jones (92).

The PGA’s campaign includes a television commercial promoting the upcoming season named ‘Its golf season.’ It will be shown on Network 10 and selected regional markets.

You can view the PGA campaign and pre-register for a new related iphone application here.

The summer’s main Legends Tour events begin with the 2011 Fiducian Legends Australian PGA Senior Championship from October 27 to 29 at the Killara Golf Club in Sydney.

The Legends action will then move to Perth where an impressive international field will fight out the 2011 ISPS Handa Australian Senior Open at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club from 4-6 November.

The 2011 Australian Legends Tour Championship is then due to be held at the Byron Bay Golf Club from December 11 – 13.

ONE HUNDRED is usually a very unwelcome number in golf but that’s not the case for the PGA of Australia which today celebrates its centenary birthday.

Formed at Royal Sydney Golf Club on 19th September 1911, the PGA has grown from 15 Members to over 2500 today.

There are a number of special events and functions planned for the centenary year, including a PGA members day at Royal Sydney today.

Others can celebrate the birthday in a number of ways, including entering the trivia quiz to win a Sureshot GPS and other prizes or by visiting the PGA website and leaving a birthday message.

Amateur golfers who have themselves reached the magic 100 number recently – at least score-wise – might like to visit a local PGA pro for some solace and lessons.

We republish some of the birthday messages from some well-known names below and there are also some centenary related PGA links.

“Congratulations to the PGA of Australia on reaching its first century! Over the years, I have met many wonderful people through the PGA and some of my closest mates are members of the Association. I congratulate the whole organisation and everyone that it has represented over the past 100 years for making such an outstanding contribution to golf in Australia. This contribution speaks for itself but it has also played a significant role in the broader sports, leisure and corporate landscape of our country. Here’s to a double ton!” Ricky Ponting

“Congratulations on 100 years… unfortunately that number ‘100’ reminds me of a bad day or two in miserable stroke rounds…but not such a bad number for the PGA when it is your birthday. I so admire your members….you all make me strive (and struggle) to be a better golfer! Now at 100, you have inspired millions of Australians to play a great sport and play it well… Keep driving PGA!” Kerri-Anne Kennerley

“Congrats to the PGA of Australia for reaching 100. Although, considering we love golf, 100 is not really a number worth celebrating. I would have much preferred to send a congratulatory message for a 70 (two under the card). Well done all the same.” Andy Lee

“Golf is a game that is not only challenging but also rewarding. The challenge to beat your own best score , the reward is way to much to explain to anyone who has never played golf. Try it and you will find out what I mean. The PGA has helped the game grow in this country and not only introduced thousands and thousands of young people ( and old like me ) to the game but it has helped build the love of the game in many young Australians who have gone on to be world beaters . Thank you to the PGA of Australia on behalf of all Australians for helping give us so many champions to be proud of and to inspire us to get out and play the hardest most rewarding game ever. “ Jimmy Barnes

“Congratulations to the PGA reaching 100 years… such a great game that I have been a part of for many years. It is a great honour to have met and call friends some of their outstanding members, seeing this sport create many champions, I look forward to the fantastic Summer of Golf ahead.” Shane Warne

PGA of Australia Birthday Wishes, Trivia Competition

PGA of Australia Centenary

FOR the third year running the PGA Tour of Australasia is heading to Wollongong Golf Club for the 2011 NSW PGA Championship.

After a very successful two years, Wollongong Golf Club is delighted to again play host to the prestigious NSW PGA Championship.

“We’re very proud to be hosting the NSW PGA again this year,” said Geoff Jones, President of Wollongong Golf Club.

“We’ve worked hard over the last two years to create an event that can be enjoyed by players, officials and spectators alike.

“The course is also in great shape and we think this year’s event will be our best yet.”

While this may be the third time Wollongong has been involved with the Championship it will be the first time, since the 90’s, playing the event for one of Australia’s premiere and most loved golfers, Craig Parry.

A prolific winner on the world stage, Parry, has won events all over the world including in Japan, Europe, Canada, Asia and Australia but is yet to add the NSW PGA Championship to his list of titles.

“I have had a very fortunate career and have had the opportunity to play and win all over the world yet to be missing one of my home State titles is something I look forward to correcting this year,” said Parry.

“I am really looking forward to playing at the Wollongong Golf Club, I have heard great things from guys who have played in past years, and hopefully a big local crowd come out to support me.”

The PGA Tour of Australasia has enjoyed much success in Wollongong since 2009 and is again looking forward to a successful 2011 NSW PGA Championship.

“The Championship has been very successful since moving it to Wollongong, the course is immaculate, local support is always high and importantly the players all enjoy their time there,” said Simon Butterly, General Manager of the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“This year is set to be the biggest ever for golf and we are happy to be able to bring this excitement to regional areas of the country through our State Based Championships, we are looking forward to another great Championship at Wollongong.”

The event immediately precedes The Australian Open and Presidents Cup and will be played at Wollongong Golf Club from Thursday 3rd November to Sunday 6th November 2011.

The field will by vying for their share of the $120,000 prize purse.

TWENTY20 has done wonders for modern cricket and organisers are hoping for similar results when a radical new golfing format hits Australian television screens this Sunday.

The fourth day of the revolutionary Surf Coast Knockout will be screened live on Channel 10 and OneHD from midday with the final shortened matchplay rounds of the hybrid event screening in prime time.

With a knockout format and the final day matches reduced to six holes the stage will hopefully be set for some thrilling finishes.

Organisers and players are excited by the prospect, with 2010 Australian PGA Champion Peter Senior one of those taking part.

“It will be a great event and something I’m really looking forward to,” Senior said this week.

“I think it’s important that we are trying something different for our Tour and it will definitely be a new challenge for the players.”

Fellow competitor Stephen Leaney believes the concept could take golf to another level.

“Six holes will make each player take a more aggressive approach if they want to make it through to the next round – so there will be nothing boring about this format,” Leaney said.

Andre Stolz was also positive, saying: “This is something new and exciting and has got to be good for the game. Twenty20 has revitalised the game of cricket and the Surf Coast Knockout has the ability to do the same for golf.”

The Surf Coast Knockout will be played from January 20 – 23 at The Sands Torquay in Victoria.

The first three rounds will be played as qualifying stroke play with the top 32 competitors making it through to the Sunday matchplay.

On Sunday there will be 16 matches starting at 10 minute intervals. Each match will be played over 6 holes with the losing player eliminated.

The second round will be 8 matches (16 players) and so on till the final round when the first, second, third and fourth placings will be determined.

“What we are trying to do through the Surf Coast Knockout is attract a broader audience and create something that non-golfers and golfers can watch, understand and enjoy,” said Max Garske, CEO of the PGA of Australia.

“The final day format of the Surf Coast Knockout will be faster and will produce more immediate results which will translate into more entertaining viewing for both the audience on site and the television audience at home.”

The tournament will screen on Network 10 from12 midday to 5pm and on ONE from 12 midday to 7pm.

Entry to the course for spectators is free.

INTERNATIONALLY respected Australian golf coach Steve Bann has been named as the 2010 PGA Teacher of the Year.

Bann has been recognisied not just for his coaching of the likes of Stuart Appleby, Robert Allenby and K.J. Choi, but for his continued and developing commitment to all levels of the game since becoming a PGA Member in 1983.

His work has included designing and implementing the Victorian Institute of Sport Golf Program of which he was also the head coach from 1991-1997.

“There are so many high calibre golf coaches amongst the PGA membership so to be selected is an honour,” Bann said this week.

“It is made particularly great by the fact that I have won this award based on the voting by my fellow members.”

Bann made special mention of his business partner Dale Lynch with whom he has worked with since the 1970’s and to the many other coaches that he has learnt from along the way.

“I’ve always found that by working with other golf coaches and sharing ideas, the cumulative knowledge is always far greater than trying to do things by yourself.”

“The opportunities that being a professional golf coach has given me have taken me far and wide and its something I’m very excited about and I really enjoy what I’m doing.”

Max Garske, CEO of the PGA, congratulated Bann on his achievement.

“Steve Bann is a credit to the PGA and his fellow members and a very deserving winner,” Garske said.

“Steve is a fine example of the high calibre of teaching professionals that we have amongst our membership, and he has contributed significantly to the reputation of Australian PGA Members the world over.”

The PGA Teacher of the Year is awarded the ‘Ross Herbert Award’ in memory of the late Ross Herbert who was the inaugural Head Coach of the AIS Golf program and a PGA member for 20 years.

HAVE you ever dreamt of becoming a tour professional? Thought you had missed the boat? Well think again. The E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour offers all golfers aged over 50 the chance to join in the glory and excitement of professional golf.

The E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour managed by the PGA of Australia for male golfers aged 50 plus, stages over 50 events throughout Australia and New Zealand annually with prize money totalling in excess of $1.2million dollars.

The E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour attracts some of Australia’s greatest golf legends including Michael Harwood, Rodger Davis and Wayne Grady. But what many may not know is that you don’t have to be one of the game’s greats to secure a place on the tour. The annual qualifying school is open to male golfers over 50 who have an official handicap of 3.4 or better.

Scheduled for January 2011, Qualifying School gives all eligible golfers the opportunity to win their tour card for the 2011 season. Qualification provides graduates access to play in E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour events including the Fiducian Legends PGA Senior Championship and the Handa Australian Senior Open, an event that  in 2010  will be co-sanctioned by the European Senior Tour.

“In many respects the PGA Legends Tour provides a second chance for elite golfers who have reached that magical age of 50,” said Sam Hartrick from the PGA of Australia.

But it’s not just about the elite competition as Hartrick explains.

“The Legends Tour has been better known for its relaxed and friendly environment, being on tour is an exciting life where players get to enjoy travelling throughout Australia and New Zealand playing on some of the best courses whilst also enjoying good company.”

Just like other main Tours, the Senior Tour movement has quickly become global with the European Senior Tour and the US Champions Tour fast becoming an aspiration for many a player who has achieved the age of 50 years.

Australian players enjoying success on the overseas tours include David Merriman, Peter Fowler and European Tour Rookie of the Year, Mike Harwood while Peter Senior and Graham Marsh continue to flourish on the US Champions Tour.

For those interested in joining the legends on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour, Qualifying School will be held at Camden Lakeside Country Club in New South Wales from Monday 10-12 January 2011 and will be decided by 54-holes stroke play event.

For more information on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour or Qualifying School, please visit the PGA website or contact Sam Hartrick from the PGA of Australia on +61 (3) 8320 1911. 

2011 PGA Legends Tour Qualifying School Entry Form PDF (374kbs)

2011 PGA Legends Tour Qualifying School Information PDF (57kbs)