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Peak bodies team up for
junior golf
G
olf Australia and the PGA of Australia
have signed an historic joint venture
agreement that will boost the
landscape of junior golf development in
Australia.
Under the agreement, the PGA and
Golf Australia will govern a single junior
development program, MyGolf – as the one
nationally recognised junior golf program
that will act as the main driver of junior
participation in Australia.
The joint venture was created in an effort
to both unite the Australian golfing industry
under one brand and reduce duplication in
introducing Australian juniors to golf.
Heath Reed overcame a late rain delay in
the final round to claim his third Coca Cola
Morobe Open, outlasting Jake Stirling in
trying conditions over the closing holes.
Reed’s final round 70 to finish on
10-under was good enough for a oneshot win, with Stirling who briefly shared
the lead after 10 holes, holding onto
outright second. First round leader Brett
Rankin finished in third, while Michael
Hansen and Martin Dive tied for fourth.
Reed was certainly pleased with the win,
his third at the Morobe Open, though
somewhat surprised considering the
amount of golf he has been playing over
the past 12 months. “It is a great feeling
to win, especially considering there
were times when I thought that I may
never have another opportunity to win a
tournament again,” Reed said.
Representatives from Golf Australia and
the PGA of Australia will administer the
agreement with former AFL General Manager
of Operations and interim Cycling Australia
chief executive Adrian Anderson taking on
the role of independent chairman.
Previously, both the PGA and Golf Australia
promoted and delivered separate junior
development programs.
Triple treat
for Reed
“Together with the PGA of Australia, I am
delighted to see us unite under one junior
participation program to promote junior
development growth across Australia.”
Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the
agreement was an historic step forward for
the sport.
PGA of Australia Chief Executive Brian
Thorburn added, “Our game is in great shape
at the moment and what our industry now
needs is collaboration and cohesion.”
“This agreement is designed to make things
easier for children who want to make their
start in golf. This joint venture sends a clear
message to the industry that the peak bodies
are working together to grow the sport and
introduce as many children to golf as possible.”
“This agreement will see PGA Professionals,
clubs, schools and community coaches
working together under a united banner
and in time will ensure that golf competes
with some of Australia’s most popular junior
participation programs.”
New independent chairman Adrian
Anderson said, “This is a very positive step for
the future of junior golf in Australia. This level
of cooperation between the peak bodies
enhances the program and gives children
and families a clear picture of the junior golf
opportunities available to them. I’m looking
forward to working with Golf Australia and
the PGA of Australia as they enter this new
and exciting stage of the program.