In a virtual broadcast on Tuesday 14 July, the winners of QLD Golf Industry Award were announced with Links Hope Island, Atherton Golf Club and KDV Sport amongst those who were recognised.
Coordinated by the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia, Golf Course Superintendents Association of QLD and Golf Management Australia, the awards were broadcast in a unique setting online with the same original purpose – to recognise those who had excelled in 2019.
Including a visit from reigning Australian PGA Champion Adam Scott, the virtual awards night saw winners from as far north as Atherton and Cairns Golf Clubs, representation from Central QLD including Bundaberg and Rockhampton Golf Clubs as well as those in South East QLD.
Former Golf Club General Manager Don Gregory was presented a Service to Golf Award for his longevity and impact on the golf industry and in a pre-recorded acceptance speech, was humbled by his award.
“I feel very proud that many of the juniors at clubs I have been at have gone onto a career within the industry and in particular the management of Golf Clubs, and I am very honoured to be acknowledged in this way” said Gregory.
KDV Sport took out the hotly contested Junior Golf Program of the Year Award with their Director of Instruction Richard Woodhouse also announced as Coach of the Year. Woodhouse had an outstanding year with many of his students including Daniel Nisbet and Brett Rankin recording numerous victories in 2019, and was proud to win his third QLD Golf industry Award.
“Thanks to each of the athletes and players who are the reason I work so hard to assist to reach their potential and I feel very humbled to win this award given the accomplished group of finalists” said Woodhouse.
RACV Royal Pines Superintendent Lincoln Coombes won the Superintendents Achievement Award with his fellow Superintendent Ben Tilley recognised for his significant contribution to Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of QLD and the wider turf industry.
Links Hope Island and Atherton Golf Club took out what many call the top honours of the night with their Golf Club of the Year Awards. Atherton Golf Club’s award for Golf Clubs under 400 members was magnified when their Superintendent Brendan Clark also won the Environment and Safety Excellence Award. For Links Hope Island it was recognition for a year that saw the club increase green fee revenue by 25% as well as continue their reputation as an accessible facility staging several events for the surrounding community.
Keperra Country Golf Club were also multiple winners with long term member Leo Scott winning Volunteer of the Year and Michael Dash winning the Golf Club Staff Member of the Year award for his professionalism and enthusiasm to continually innovate to ensure the club continues to evolve.
A full list of all of the winners can be found by clicking here.
A full version of the QLD Golf Industry Virtual Awards broadcast can be found here – https://pga.org.au/pga-tv/