Australian golf loses two industry stalwarts this week

POSTED ON August 30, 2023 @ 9:31 am

Vale

The golf industry is mourning this week the passing of both David Townend (54) and Glenn Joyner (58), both succumbing to battles with illness.

Townend passed away in Australia on Monday after a two-year battle with prostate cancer. Joyner passed away over the weekend, after a year-long battle with Stage 4 bowel cancer, a week shy of his 59th birthday.

David Townend

Townend chalked up over 30 years of experience in senior executive roles in Australasia, developing and operating world-class golf courses, resorts, and residential communities for discerning owners.

A prominent figure in Asian golfing circles for more than two decades. He had previously held various management roles in Australia, including at Royal Pines Resort, before venturing to Asia where he quickly became a valued and respected voice in the golfing community holding leadership roles at Shan-Shui Golf & Country Club (Malaysia), The Westin Ta Shee Resort (Taiwan), Sheshan International Golf Club (China), The Mines Resort & Golf Club (Malaysia) and The Els Club (Malaysia).

Early in his career, David was charged with overseeing the construction and opening of Brookwater Golf and Country Club in Queensland and was a Director of Troon Golf in the Australian-Asia Pacific Region. More recently David shared his expertise through his consultancy company and was the Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“We’re deeply saddened to hear this news. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time,” said Chris Gray, President of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).

Gray paid tribute to Townend during his welcome message at the opening session this week at the AGIF Danang Conference.

“David served on the AGIF Board and as Vice President, making valuable contributions. We’d been speaking with him in recent weeks and he’d been helping out on plans to grow the Federation. He will be sorely missed,” said Gray.

As a pioneer of the Asian golf resort industry, he honed his professional, language, and cultural skills working in China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, and through his corporate business development role he established first-hand experience in most Asian countries.

David became a Full Member of the PGA of Australia in 1990, completing his Traineeship at Helensvale Golf Club under PGA Professional Brandon Coleman.

Glenn Joyner

The world of golf is mourning the loss of a true legend with the passing of Glenn Joyner after his courageous battle with cancer. A member of the esteemed Legends Tour and an enduring figure in the Australian golfing community, Joyner leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and influence players for generations to come.

A winner of some 153 tournaments and pro-ams in Australia and throughout the world, Joyner went toe-to-toe with some of the game’s greats throughout his career.

A three-time winner on the Legends Tour in the early months of 2022, Joyner qualified to play the Senior Open last July but began to feel fatigued as he missed the cut.

He travelled to Canada shortly thereafter and after being encouraged to seek medical help by close friend Guy Wall, returned to Australia.

It was then that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer and given 12 months to live.

He defied his diagnosis to record an emotional victory at The Australian Legends Pro-Am last November where he stated that he would, “just keep showing up and just keep playing while I still can”.

Joyner continued to play early in 2023, hosted and finished tied for 12th at the inaugural Glenn Joyner Legends Invitational at Thaxted Park in March but a trip to Western Australia saw his health take a turn for the worse.

While Glenn Joyner’s life may have been tragically cut short, his impact on golf in Australia and beyond is immeasurable. His presence on the course was not only defined by his impressive skills but also by his sportsmanship, humility, and genuine camaraderie with fellow golfers. Joyner’s friendly demeanor and willingness to share his insights and experiences made him a beloved figure in the golfing community.

Beyond the fairways, Joyner’s contributions extended to mentoring young and aspiring golfers, passing on the wisdom he had accumulated over years of dedicated play. His story serves as a reminder that the true essence of a sport lies not only in competition but in the relationships forged and the inspiration provided to those who follow in one’s footsteps.

“Glenn first became a Member of the PGA in 1987 and he has touched countless people within golf worldwide in those 36 years,” said PGA of Australia CEO, Gavin Kirkman.

“Glenn was always a jovial character but I don’t know that anyone could have expected the strength of spirit he has displayed for the past year.”

“He refused to let his diagnosis stop him from playing the game he loved with his friends on the Legends Tour and he has left many people with memories that they will treasure forever.”

“Glenn made a magnificent contribution to Australian golf which will never be forgotten.”

PSA: If you haven’t done so recently GO GET CHECKED!

Early detection and screening – Cancer screening saves lives