WA Golf Industry Finalists Announced Ahead of Gala Night

POSTED ON March 10, 2026 @ 6:24 pm

The finalists for the prestigious ADH Club Car Western Australian Golf Industry Awards have been officially unveiled, highlighting a “booming” period for the sport across the state.

The winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner hosted at Optus Stadium on Friday, March 27. The event, a joint initiative between GolfWA, the PGA of Australia (WA), the Golf Management Association, and the Golf Course Superintendents Association, will see 21 awards presented to the industry’s top performers.

A “Night to Remember” for a Growing Industry

This year’s awards feature several new categories, including recognition for off-course facilities and venues that have excelled in driving participation growth. Over 500 industry professionals and supporters are expected to attend the ceremony.

Brendon Allanby, WA State Manager for the PGA of Australia and Chair of the Awards Organising Committee, noted that the depth of the finalist list reflects a thriving local scene.

“Golf in WA is booming right now, and a lot of the people and establishments most responsible for that will be in the room with us at Optus Stadium on March 27,” Allanby said. “We’re particularly pleased to see the whole industry get behind these awards, with a turnout of well over 500 set to make it a night to remember.”

Path to National Recognition

The stakes are high for the nominees, as several winners will move on to represent Western Australia at the 2026 Golf Australia National Awards for Excellence in September and the PGA National Awards in November.

2026 Finalist Highlights

The finalists span the entire breadth of the industry, from metropolitan powerhouses to regional standouts. Notable categories include:

Metropolitan & Regional Excellence

Metropolitan Golf Course of the Year: Mount Lawley GC; The Vines Championship Course; Wanneroo Golf Club.
Regional Golf Course of the Year: Bunbury GC; Busselton GC; Kalgoorlie GC.
Most Outstanding Off-Course Facility: Albatross Lounge; Karratha Indoor Golf; Matagarup Mini Golf; Pin High; X-Golf Rockingham.

Professional & Coaching Ranks

PGA WA Club Professional of the Year: Jeremy Crabb (Dunsborough Lakes); Peter Maidment (Mount Lawley); Correy Price (Kalgoorlie); Matthew Sturmer (Melville Glades).
PGA WA Coach of the Year (High Performance): Alex McKay (Mount Lawley); David Milne (Lake Karrinyup); Ritchie Smith (Royal Fremantle).

Maintenance & Operations

Course Superintendent of the Year: Steve Abbott (Araluen Estate); Oliver Bell (Dunsborough Lakes); Brad Hebble (Nedlands); Callum Hitching (Karratha CC); Roger Innes (Kalgoorlie); Rod Tatt (Mount Lawley).
Course Apprentice of the Year: Harrison Allardyce (Busselton); Jordon Luyton (Mount Lawley); Jack Tucker (Capel).

Community & Participation

Volunteer of the Year: Clay Godwin (Gosnells); Joan Martain (Pinjarra); Tim McAuliffe (Mount Lawley); Karen Sloper (Scarborough Ladies); Trevor Stephens (Lakelands).
MyGolf Venue of the Year: Albany GC; Bunbury GC; Dunsborough Lakes GC.

Additional awards to be presented on the night include the Women & Girls in Golf Award, Environmental Initiative of the Year, and Outstanding Golf Achievement.