A distinguished crowd of dedicated swingers gathered at Crown Barangaroo this month to celebrate “a year of outstanding achievements” at the 2024 NSW Golf Industry Awards.
The event is presented by Golf NSW and Jack Newton Junior Golf, alongside industry partners Golf Management Australia (GMA), The PGA of Australia (NSW) and the NSW Golf Course Superintendents Association (NSWGCSA), celebrating outstanding contributions of individuals, clubs, and professionals.
Eighteen awards were presented, spanning on field aspects such as player performance, volunteering and coaching, as well as club management.
Recognised as 2024 Golf NSW Male and Female Players of the Year were rising stars Ella Scaysbrook and Declan O’Donovan.
O’Donovan, out of Avondale Golf Club, earned the Award for a year that included wins in the NSW and Avondale Amateurs, capped by representing Australia in the Nomura Cup in Vietnam, in October.
Scaysbrook, from Australian Golf Club, is said to be “one of Australia’s brightest golf talents” and picked up several victories this year, including a WPGA Tour win at Bathurst, the Rene Erichsen Salver, and the Bowra & O’Dea Women’s 72-hole classic, in Western Australia, and she was selected for the first-ever Australian Junior team to take on the USGA in Wisconsin in June.
Volunteer of the Year went to Bruce McMullen of Uralla Golf Club, who has been “a cornerstone” of the Club for almost 30 years, having served on the Board of Directors, as Vice-Captain and as Vice-President. He launched junior coaching clinics in 2003, which continues to thrive, and his commitment earned him PGA Professional coaching status.
“Bruce’s influence is evident in the increasing number of juniors who return to the club as adults. He has inspired young and senior golfers alike, fostering a love for the game that spans generationsand ensuring the ongoing growth and sustainability of Uralla Golf Club.”
Service to Golf in NSW was awarded to Greg Hohnen of Killara Golf Club, who has seen a 50-year career at Killara, starting as an assistant professional in 1973. His mentorship is said to have shaped the careers of many aspiring PGA professionals, earning him a beloved reputation at the club and inspiring future generations through “a lasting legacy” in the golfing community.
Acknowledged for their exceptional impact on the sport in their respective communities, top honours Metropolitan and Country Clubs of the Year went to Massey Park and Mollymook (respectively).
Mollymook secured the award for its financial and membership growth, after recently completing an $8 million renovation of its Beachside Clubhouse, and setting a record for rounds played.
Massey Park Golf is known for its inclusive environment and financial performance. It reported a significant profit increase this year, benefitted by the installation of a money-saving 70kW solar system to boost sustainability, and introducing a range of successful participation programs for juniors and women.
“We are all very proud of the award. Mitch Harry our Golf Professional has been instrumental in growing women’s and juniors’ participation and clinics,” explains GM Pat Cullen, who notes they “couldn’t do it without Enrico and the Family Brasserie team”, churning out huge volumes of high-quality cuisine.
Cullen says they have a good story at present, seeing record participation and good financials, and a “happy cohesive” team.
“Being in division 1 men’s pennants – the first time in our history – has us all walking a bit taller. Our team is looking forward to mixing it with the ‘Big Boys’. Although, our real pennants story is that we participate in all grades of Pennants.
“There is a game for everyone.”
Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser portrays that the future is bright, as the association celebrates excellence ‘across all categories’.
“These awards honour the very best of our golf community.
“Each of these honourees has not only excelled individually but has also played a pivotal role in strengthening the fabric of our sport across NSW.
“We are deeply grateful for their contributions, which ensure that golf in our state continues to grow, innovate, and inspire future generations.”
The complete list of winners:
- Club of the Year – Metropolitan Sponsored by AustralianSuper: Massey Park Golf Club
- Club of the Year – Country: Mollymook Golf Club
- Volunteer of the Year: Bruce McMullen – Uralla Golf Club
- Services to Golf in NSW: Greg Hohnen – Killara Golf Club
- Player of the Year – Amateur – Male: Declan O’Donovan (Avondale GC)
- Player of the Year – Amateur – Female: Ella Scaysbrook (The Australian GC)
PGA NSW Awards:
- PGA NSW/ACT Tournament of the Year: PSC Insurance Brokers Wagga Wagga Pro-Am
- PGA NSW/ACT Coach of the Year – Game Development: Andrew Walkley
- PGA NSW/ACT Coach of the Year – High Performance: Ben Paterson
- PGA NSW/ACT Management Professional of the Year: Robert Blain
- PGA NSW/ACT Club Professional of the Year: Rodney Booth
GMA NSW:
- Future Leaders Scholarship – Sponsored by MiClub: Matthew Lamerton – Cumberland Golf Club
- Women’s Management Scholarship – Sponsored by MiClub: Victoria Trilikis – New South Wales Golf Club
NSWGCSA:
- Outstanding Achievement Award Sponsored by Living Turf: Craig Bevan – Palm Beach Golf Club
- Environment Award Sponsored by Environmental Golf Solutions Australia: Robert Biddle – Avondale Golf Club
- Assistant Superintendent of the Year Sponsored by Waterwise Consulting: Chris Fiadino – Pymble Golf Club
- Superintendent of the Year Sponsored by Australian Turf Projects: David Sommerville – Bankstown Golf Club
JNJG:
- Junior Club of the Year: The Rock Golf Club
