Golf Industry Central Wins QLD Golf Supplier of The Year Award

The annual QLD Golf Industry Awards night was held on Tuesday, 20 March at the Star Casino on the Gold Coast, with a record of 460 guests in attendance.

The gala night, which surpassed last year’s record of 453 attendees, was held in order to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals, golf clubs and companies from across the industry over the past year.

A total of 30 awards were presented during the night’s three-course dinner, with Golf Industry Central (GIC) taking home the accolade of Golf Supplier of The Year.

Golf Industry Central Managing Director and PGA Member Mike Orloff said:

“What an honour to be bestowed this award especially when we were up against some big brands. Congrats to the other nominees and thank you to the award review panel.”

“I started in the golf industry 30 years ago and Golf Industry Central 10 years ago. It’s my life and I live and breathe it every day. Half of my career in the US and the second half here in Australia. I’m very fortunate to have met so many great people who make up this industry. I always had hoped to make some kind of difference within the industry, and now winning this award validates the endless hours of work and travel and vision I had of the company when I started it.”

“A special thanks to Paul Orloff, Andrew Howes and now Mathilda Andersson for the support given to help grow our little company over the past 10 years.”

“Thanks to my wife Chelsea and kids for supporting me as well as I chase this dream. There are still many more goals to achieve!”

Another prestigious award, the GMAQ Golf Club of the Year Award, was given to the City Golf Club, who has played host to the QLD PGA Championship for the last decade. It was the third time the club took home the award.

“2017 has been another great year for us at the City Golf Club,” said Golf Club President Ed Britnell.

“Award’s like this don’t come easily and I would like to thank my fellow board members as well as the management and staff, for all the tireless work and effort they put in to make our club so great.”

Other recipients of the GMAQ Awards include, Links Hope Island’s Ashlee Kachel who took out the Staff Member of the Year Award, McLeod Country Clubs Carolyn McIlvenny who won the Board Member of the Year Award while Parkwood Village’s Luke Altschwager claimed the title of GMAQ Manager of the Year.

Of the PGA Awards presented, Sanctuary Cove General Manager, Paul Sanders winning the PGA Management Professional of the Year, Emerald Golf Club Head Professional Matthew Victorsen taking out the PGA Game Development Professional of the Year, Adam Norlander from Headland Golf Club was presented with the coveted PGA Club Professional of the Year Award and Grant Field claimed the PGA Coach of the Year Award.

“It has been another successful year for a number of the golfers that I teach, but none of this would be achievable without the great team that surround me,” said Field, outlining the importance of surrounding himself with other quality coaches throughout the year.

“As a coach, I work alongside fellow PGA coaches Richard Woodhouse, Matthew Ballard, Tony Meyer and Virginia Irwin. We all want to succeed in what we do and it’s great to have these people to push you to maximise your ability as a coach.”

Queensland’s superintendents were recognised by the GCSAQ, with Parkwood Village’s Col Thorsborne taking out the Superintendent’s Achievement Award for completing work on the club’s irrigation system of all 18 holes, while successfully restructure four holes.

“It is a real privilege to receive this award, especially with so many great course superintendents applying their trade on courses around Queensland,” said Thorsborne.

“It is great to be back at a facility where my passion is at its greatest and I am looking forward to what the future holds for me at Parkwood Village.”

The evening also celebrated the graduation of 15 PGA Trainees graduates to Full Vocational PGA Members.

Full list of Award Winners: