Stampy steps down after 50 years service to the industry

Editor: Thank you Stampy for your dedication to the Golf Industry over all these years.

The Australian golf industry farewelled a legend of the sport with the retirement of John Stamp, whose career was celebrated by several hundred people at Royal Melbourne Golf Club last week.

Stamp, 67, is stepping away from the sport owing to health issues, having battled cancer since 2012.

His career in management – both at golf clubs and at Golf Victoria and Golf Australia – dates back to 1973 when he was appointed trainee manager at Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club in Melbourne.

John Stamp is leaving golf administration after more than 50 years. SOURCE: Golf Australia

Subsequently, he served as an assistant general manager at Metropolitan GC then as general manager at Kew GC, Northern GC, Spring Valley GC (for 20 years) and Woodlands GC before “crossing to the dark side” and joining Golf Victoria as a club support manager.

In later years he was club support manager for Golf Australia, notably during the Covid-19 pandemic when the Victorian Government prevented golfers from playing for long periods, causing widespread angst.

He was also president and a life member of Golf Management Australia and was profoundly respected throughout the industry.

Stamp has a passion for turf management and in his time with Spring Valley, was known to be hands-on. “I liked to hop on the machinery and help the boys out,” he said.

Stamp is battling leukemia and with his departure from day-to-day work hopes to spend more time with his family – wife Melanie, their daughter Bianca, and stepdaughters Rebekah and Annaliese.

“All in all it’s been a fantastic career,” he said. “I’ve made great friends. I’ve lost a few along the journey. I might have probably antagonized the odd board member. It’s been a terrific journey and I’m grateful for all the friends that I’ve made.”

SOURCE: Golf Australia