2017 NSW/ACT PGA Award winners announced
Over 160 guests (including our own Mike Orloff) from various part of the industry were on hand at The Royal Sydney Golf Club Thursday night. The awards evening celebrated the achievements of PGA Members across a variety of roles including management, game development, coaching and those working in clubs. On hand to witness the presentations were PGA Life Members Geoff Scott, Tom Moore, Colin McGregor and the highly praised David Mercer.
Mercer, who was the Club Professional at Killara Golf Club for over 40 years, received recognition from all award winners highlighting his professionalism, welcoming nature and his love of the game.
“David Mercer is the epitome of Club Professionals and I’m humbled to accept this award. I remember my first lesson as a junior was with him at Killara and it’s what got me hooked,” explained Robb in his acceptance speech.
In other awards, Armidale Professional Andrew Walkley was awarded the NSW/ACT Teaching Professional of the Year (Game Development) for his work within the local community in both junior development and inclusive golf through regular Special Olympics golf clinics.
The inaugural NSW/ACT PGA Manager of the Year went to Thornleigh Golf Centre’s Steve Aisbett who spoke of how a concept that began 30 years ago, became a reality through the building and development of the state of the art, automated and multi-purpose practice facility.
The tournament awards were tightly contested with the Coca-Cola Shelly Beach Pro-Am (18 holes), the Better Homes Port Macquarie Pro-Am (36 holes) and the Mollymook Legends winning their respective categories.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the induction of the PGA’s newest members, the 2016 graduating trainees. After three years of intensive work, study and tournaments 14 graduates were on hand to accept their certificates from PGA Life Member Geoff Scott.
Award Winners
NSW/ACT PGA Player of the Year – Sam Brazel
NSW/ACT PGA Rookie of the Year – Lindsay Wilson
NSW/ACT PGA Pro-Am of the Year (18 holes) – Coca-Cola Shelly Beach Pro-Am
NSW/ACT PGA Pro-Am of the Year (36 Holes) – Better Homes Port Macquarie Pro-Am
NSW/ACT PGA Legends Tournament of the Year – Mollymook Golf Club, Australian PGA Seniors C’ship
NSW/ACT PGA Trainee of the Year – Robbie Hogan (Toukley Golf Club)
NSW/ACT PGA Club Professional of the Year – Nicholas Robb (Cromer Golf Club)
NSW/ACT PGA Manager of the Year – Steve Aisbett (Thornleigh Golf Centre)
NSW/ACT PGA Coach of the Year – Jason Laws (Jason Laws Golf Academy)
NSW/ACT PGA Teaching Professional of the Year – Andrew Walkley (Armidale Golf Club)
