Emma Elliott becomes first woman to Chair GolfWA

Emma Elliott has succeeded Greg Higham as Chair of GolfWA – becoming the first woman elected to the role in the process.

Following Higham’s decision not to seek re-election at the 2024 AGM, Elliott was unanimously elected by fellow Directors at GolfWA’s March board meeting.

The current CEO of the Australasian Legal Practice Management Association (ALPMA) not-for-profit membership organisation, Elliott has been a GolfWA Director since 2020. A keen golfer, she has been a member of Hamersley Ladies Golf Club for the past four years.

“I am honoured to have been elected into the role,” Elliott said. “It is not something I take lightly and the leadership of Greg Higham during my tenure has been exemplary. I thank Greg and the Board for their confidence and I’m excited for the journey that lies ahead.

“Since joining the Board, I have witnessed many positive GolfWA initiatives that allow clubs to grow the game locally, promote diversity, inclusion and the many health and wellbeing benefits of golf while breaking down perceptions and barriers to entry. It is an exciting time for golf in Western Australia.”

On her aspirations for her time as Chair, Elliott added: “Over the past four years, golf has been blessed with a renewed level of interest, with all forms of the game growing. My ambitions are centred around continuing to foster, promote and advance the game of golf, in all its forms, in Western Australia.”

Gary Thomas, GolfWA Chief Executive, welcomed Elliott’s election saying: “I’m delighted to welcome Emma into the role and very excited to work with her and the rest of the Directors to shape the future direction of golf in WA. Emma’s contribution since joining the Board has been first-class and I have no doubt she will excel as Chair of GolfWA.

“I extend my sincere thanks to Greg for his commitment to GolfWA and to golf in WA for the past 10 years. It has been a pleasure working with him so closely in this time.”