Thomas Honoured with Distinguished Service Award in WA

POSTED ON March 31, 2026 @ 4:58 pm

PERTH – Former GolfWA Chief Executive Gary Thomas has been formally recognized for his monumental contributions to the sport, receiving the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at the WA Golf Industry Awards gala dinner.

The honor follows Thomas’s 15-year tenure as the head of GolfWA, a role he retired from in December 2025. The presentation took place on Friday night at Optus Stadium in front of a record crowd of nearly 550 industry representatives.

A Career Spanning Three Decades

Thomas, a former teacher, began his journey in the WA golf sector in the 1990s as a Development Officer for the Graham Marsh Junior Golf Foundation. His career trajectory took him internationally as the Director of Golf at the Singapore Island Country Club, before he returned to Perth to serve as General Manager for both Royal Perth and Lake Karrinyup.

In late 2010, Thomas returned to state administration with a significant mandate: overseeing the amalgamation of the separate men’s and women’s organizing bodies. Under his guidance, these entities merged to form GolfWA, with Thomas appointed as its inaugural Chief Executive.

A Legacy of Leadership

WA Golf Industry Awards Committee Chair Brendon Allanby praised Thomas’s enduring impact during the ceremony.

“Gary has had a long and influential career in the golf industry, spanning more than three decades,” Allanby said. “His contribution to golf administration and the broader golfing community stands as a testament to a lifetime of service to the game.”

Accepting the award—which he admitted came as a “complete surprise”—Thomas was joined by his wife, Denise. He paid tribute to the staff and Board members who supported him, highlighting five key achievements from his 15 years at the helm:

The successful formation of GolfWA.
The creation of the WA Golf Foundation.
The strengthening of ties with regional golf clubs.
Navigating the industry through the impact of COVID-19.
Transitioning into a State Services Agreement with Golf Australia.

A Lasting Impact

The award was presented by current GolfWA Chair Emma Elliott, who emphasised that Thomas’s influence would be felt for years to come.

“Gary’s commitment to GolfWA has been nothing short of extraordinary. His leadership, integrity and unwavering passion have strengthened our game and our community,” Elliott said. “We are deeply grateful for Gary’s years of service. His contribution has shaped the organisation we are today, and his legacy will continue to guide us well into the future.”

The Distinguished Service Award was one of 21 honors presented during the evening, celebrating excellence across all facets of the Western Australian golf industry.