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Home , 1995 PGA Championship, Alan Murray (golfer), Andrew Coltart, Australian Open (golf), Bill Dunk, Bob Shearer

IT’S BEEN A GREAT WALK 100 YEARS OF THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

THE RICH HERITAGE OF THE PGA 2 EARLY ERA 1905-1945 4 ERA 1946-1964 10 INTERNATIONAL ERA 1965-1995 18 MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND 30 A CENTURY OF CHAMPIONS 42 Dan Soutar, winner of four of the first six PGA titles and the PGA’s first president, shows his artistry from the sand. THE RICH HERITAGE OF THE AUSTRALIAN PGA

Just to play for the PGA In many ways the history of Championship players had to the PGA of reflects qualify from their scores in the the amazing growth of the game which normally here and the high standing that was played the week before. Australian professional golfers enjoy around the world. The Australian PGA has the singular distinction of having There were very few professional been played on each of the eight golfers in Australia when the courses in Australia which have first PGA Championship was been accorded the honour of played in 1905 and yet today BORN IN POOR, YET PROUD, CIRCUMSTANCES, THE having the Royal prefix attached Australia is the most dominant AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, WHICH CELEBRATES ITS to their club’s name – Royal nation in the world on a CENTENARY IN 2005 IN DAZZLING STYLE, HAS FABULOUSLY , Royal , Royal per capita basis. Indeed only ENRICHED THE GAME OF GOLF IN THIS COUNTRY. , Royal , the US, with 47 players in the Royal , Royal , Royal top 100 world rankings, was The Australian PGA Fremantle and Royal Canberra. ahead of Australia which had Championship, which, after 11 top 100 players late in 2005. being disregarded in its early Another indication of the true years by the hierarchy of golf as national flavour with which merely a low prize money match the PGA Championship has play aftermath to the Australian enriched the game is that it is Open, has become our most the only title which has been prestigious professional title. played in not only every state’s capital city, including Canberra, The PGA Championship is but also on a string of leading unique in that during its first regional layouts. 60 years it was played as a match play event at least 40 From Australia’s top course, times. With 11 years play lost to the world renowned Royal the two world wars and gaps in Melbourne, to short sub-70 the early records, the Australian suburban layouts, the PGA PGA was only rarely played champions have achieved their under conditions moments of glory in every golf before 1964. corner of the country. 3 EARLY ERA 1905- 1945 MATCH PLAY ERA 1946-1964 INTERNATIONAL ERA 1965-1995 MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND EARLY ERA 1905-1945

THE PGA’S SCOTTISH ROOTS

SCOTLAND, THE HOME OF GOLF, Carnegie Clark, who won the IS ALSO WHERE THE ROOTS Australian PGA Championship in OF THE AUSTRALIAN PGA 1908 and 1909, was also one of CHAMPIONSHIP ORIGINATED. the PGA of Australia’s founding SCOTTISH-BORN PLAYERS, DAN fathers. The association’s first SOUTAR AND CARNEGIE CLARK, meeting was held on Monday DOMINATED THE EARLY YEARS September 19, 1911, in Clark’s OF THE PGA TITLE WINNING THE pro-shop at Royal Sydney Golf FIRST SIX CHAMPIONSHIPS. Club. He was the first player Scottish pair and lifelong friends, Carnegie Clark (left) and Dan Soutar were Australia’s first professional golfers. to win the Open as an amateur The pair were lifelong friends, and as a professional. He was both hailing from the esteemed the first pro to manufacture golf nursery of . In clubs on a large scale in 1902 Soutar followed Clark by Australia and Carnegie Clark migrating to Australia at age Golf still operates at St Peters 20 after serving a five-year in Sydney. apprenticeship as a carpenter. The Scottish connection didn’t Three months after his arrival end with Soutar and Clark – he won the 1903 Australian other Scottish-born winners Amateur Championship of the PGA Championship are: and two years later turned Rufus Stewart (1929), Fergus professional. He promptly McMahon (1932), won the 1905 Australian Open (1980) and and followed up to win the first (1994 and 1997). Australian PGA Championship. In all, 11 PGA titles have been He was never to win the Open won by Scots, second only to again – finishing second seven the number won by Australians. times – but won the next two Australian PGAs and again in 1910. He became the first President of the PGA of Australia in 1911.

5 When the Blue Mountains Parrot beat pipe-smoking Howard

THE CLASH OF CHARLIE According to the PGA’s Howard, the long-term pro at CAMPBELL AND TOM HOWARD Pro Golf: Out of the Rough, Concord , in Sydney’s First Aussie IN THE AUSTRALIAN PGA Campbell, the pro at Leura Golf western suburbs, was similarly CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL IN 1922 Club in the Blue Mountains, a golfer out of the ordinary in AT ROYAL SYDNEY ATTRACTED was known as the “Blue that he mostly played his shots winner HUNDREDS OF SPECTATORS Mountains Parrot” and would smoking a tobacco pipe WHO WERE TREATED TO A chatter away while he played, clenched in his teeth. He also THRILLING DISPLAY BY TWO pausing only to hit a shot, often had a unique style in looking at OF AUSTRALIAN GOLF’S MOST mid-sentence. the hole and not the ball when a Bondi boy UNIQUE CHARACTERS. he putted. He was also was known as “miss’em quick Campbell” As Howard put it so succinctly: WITH THE OFFICIAL FORMATION OF THE due to his speedy play which “If you were going to throw a PGA OF AUSTRALIA AT ROYAL SYDNEY IN 1911, once saw him and a pro-purse rock at a bird sitting on a fence, THE STATURE OF THE GOLF PROFESSIONAL ROSE partner race around The you would not look at the rock, DRAMATICALLY, AS DID THE PUBLIC’S PERCEPTION Australian in about but at the bird.” OF THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, WHEN an hour and a half – and both CHARLIE CAMPBELL BECAME THE FIRST shot 75. It obviously worked because AUSTRALIAN-BORN WINNER THAT YEAR. after his narrow loss to Campbell, fresh from winning Campbell in 1922 Howard the 1922 Australian Open with collected the PGA title twice Born in nearby Bondi in 1890, a record low score of 307 for in 1924 and 1925, first beating Campbell was only 21 when he an Open championship played Arthur Le Fevre 3 and 2 at shot a 36-hole total of 154 to at Royal Sydney, ran into a Royal Melbourne and then beat a string of players on 157 tough and talented opponent in defending his title against including the dominant Scottish- Howard before winning 1 up. Fred Popplewell 3 and 1 at born greats Carnegie Clark and The Australian. Dan Soutar.

Not only was Campbell home- grown, it was the first time that someone other than Soutar (who had won in 1905, 1906, 1907 and 1910) or Clark (1908 and 1909) had won the title in its seven-year history.

The tough and talented Tom Howard. EARLY ERA 1905-1945

TRICK SHOT JOE

JOE KIRKWOOD, THE GOLFER WHOSE NAME IS IMMORTALISED ON THE TROPHY AWARDED EACH YEAR TO THE WINNER OF THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, WAS AUSTRALIA’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL GOLF SUPERSTAR AND FAMOUS AS THE WORLD’S GREATEST TRICK SHOT PLAYER.

Sydney-born Kirkwood It often appeared that the two unofficially won the 1920 PGA balls would collide in flight. Championship – a result never He said the trick that was his confirmed. This was the same most difficult was when he year, carrying just seven clubs, portrayed a duffer, first missing that he became the first golfer to the ball, then topping it barely off score less than 300 to win the the , topping it progressively Australian Open at The Australian further and finally hitting a Golf Club in Sydney. perfect shot down the middle.

Kirkwood was a freakish golfer. Kirkwood’s most spectacular He could play right or left-handed and skilful shot was to hit a golf and in 1918 at of 21, ball from a tee held in the mouth and already a professional, he by a women lying between his held the course records for feet. He had no shortage of Royal Sydney, 69; Royal Melbourne, volunteers to be the tee model, 70; Metropolitan, 66; and his as his stage shows were thronged home club Riversdale, 65. by thousands and very popular with the sophisticated theatre The Riversdale members actually crowds. He also hit shots off paid the way for their 23-year- watch faces, once scoring a hole old pro to play in the 1920 in one. Another amazing trick Australian and was to balance three balls on top Open Championships, the first of each other and to only hit the staged following , middle one. and he rewarded them by winning both titles. In between making a fortune from his exhibitions, Kirkwood Kirkwood left Australia soon after could still play world-class golf, to become the first Australian finishing ninth in a US Open golfer to make his mark on the and fourth, three times, in world. He teamed up with the British Opens. world’s top professional, , in a series of stage shows Kirkwood, who died in 1970, and exhibitions and became is said to have played more than world famous for his amazing 6,000 courses in his career and Joe Kirkwood hits a ball from a tee held in a woman’s mouth – just another part of his amazing trick-shot routine. golf trick shots, one of which was he is credited with 29 holes-in- to rapidly hit two balls, one a one, including two performing hook and the other a slice. while on television and 11 in competition. 7 Australia’s giant killer tamed

MANY GOLF BOOKS TRACING THE GROWTH OF HAIL THE 1934 AUSTRALIAN OPEN ONLY THE PGA HAS WIN AT ROYAL SYDNEY BY BILL BOLGER OVER THE US SUPERSTAR AS A PIVOTAL UNIQUE ROYAL HISTORY MOMENT IN AUSTRALIAN GOLF. WHILE THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP WAS LOOKED DOWN Bolger not only beat Sarazen UPON IN ITS EARLY YEARS BY THE HIERARCHY OF GOLF IN AUSTRALIA but shot a 72 hole total of 283 AS MERELY A FOLLOW-ON EVENT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN, IT – five under par – which then CAN CLAIM A UNIQUE “ROYAL BLUE-BLOOD FIRST” OVER THE OPEN. was considered a national record.

The following week Sydney’s The Australian PGA Championship The earliest PGA championships Lou Kelly provided his own has the singular distinction of alternated between Royal giant-killer effort when he having been played on each of Melbourne and Royal Sydney, scored his career best win by the eight courses in Australia and over the past 100 years the upstaging Bolger to win the which have been accorded the Alister McKenzie classic PGA Championship match honour of having the Royal Victorian course has staged the decider 2 and 1 at Royal Sydney. prefix attached to their club’s event 13 times, in 1905, 1907, name – Royal Melbourne, Royal 1924, 1933, 1939, 1947, 1953, Sydney, Royal Queensland, Royal 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 Adelaide, Royal Hobart, Royal and 1983. The Rose Bay Royal Perth, Royal Fremantle and Sydney course has been the Royal Canberra. venue six times, in 1906, 1911, 1922, 1934, 1954 and 1966. The other six Royal courses in Australia also have each enjoyed the privilege of hosting the PGA Championship: Royal Adelaide five times, in 1923, 1929, 1932, 1935 and 1938; Royal Queensland twice, in 2000 and 2001; and Royal Hobart in 1948, Royal Perth in 1949, Royal Fremantle in 1960, and Royal Canberra in 1969.

Bill Bolger puts on a display for troops in 1943. EARLY ERA 1905-1945

After two PGA wins from his first two starts, Eric Cremin had nine runner-up placings in his next 18 attempts at the title. Cremin’s sweet-and-sour PGA record

WHEN ERIC CREMIN WON THE FIRST TWO AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIPS IN WHICH HE PLAYED AFTER GRADUATING AS A PGA PROFESSIONAL, IT LOOKED AS IF HE WAS GOING TO MAKE IT HIS PERSONAL TITLE.

Cremin won the title in 1937 He didn’t appear in the final in and successfully defended it in 1939 but after professional golf 1938 but his savouring of success resumed in 1946, following in the PGA Championship World War II, Cremin was to proved to be a sweet-and-sour suffer being runner-up in five of experience. It was deliciously the next seven PGA titles. He sweet for him winning at his was destined never to win the first two attempts but the taste Kirkwood Cup again but reached soured somewhat over the the final another two times in following 25 years. 1958 and 1962.

Cremin won the 1937 PGA So in the 20 years the PGA was beating Vic Richardson 4 and 2 played, from his first win in at in 1937 to his second placing in Sydney and successfully 1962, Cremin had two wins and defended it by beating Charles nine runner-up finishes – quite Booth 2 and 1 at Royal Adelaide. a record.

9 EARLY ERA 1905- 1945 MATCH PLAY ERA 1946-1964 INTERNATIONAL ERA 1965-1995 MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND MATCH PLAY ERA 1946-1964

THE VON A MATCH PLAY MARVEL was small in stature but was a huge help to a string of Australian champions. WHEN 32-YEAR-OLD As he relates in his marvellous At home he was the benchmark QUEENSLANDER NORMAN little book, The Von, he was not for all aspiring Australian pros – VON NIDA ARRIVED broke for long, winning about if you could beat The Von you UNHERALDED IN £750 in a betting match generally could win. IN 1946 WITH JUST £17 IN at the famous Wentworth course HIS POCKET HE WAS NOT TO just days after his arrival. By the He won the Australian PGA KNOW HE WAS EMBARKING end of 1946 The Von, as he Championships in 1946, 1948, ON A GOLF JOURNEY WHICH became universally known, was 1950 and 1951, and the WOULD HAUL AUSTRALIAN no longer unheralded, having Australian Open in 1950, 1952 PROFESSIONAL GOLF ONTO won twice in England and then and 1953. Overall he won almost 40 professional events in THE WORLD STAGE. returning to Australia to win his initial national title, the Australia and over nine years in Australian PGA Championship, Britain, from 1946 to 1955, he the first played after World War II. won an impressive 16 tournaments. His exciting 1 up win over Eric Cremin at Manly Golf Club He came close to winning a in Sydney added to his success world major, finishing fourth in that year in the NSW Open the 1946 British Open, sixth in and the , 1947, third in 1948 and ninth and ushered in a golden era in 1952. His great legacy to the for professional golf. game was that each year he ventured overseas he would The Von, complete with his convince a cavalcade of his distinctive black beret headwear, fellow Australian pros to join took Australian golf on a him in showing the world how tumultuous trip around the well those from “down-under” world over the next 20 years. could play the game. He returned to England to win seven tournaments there and won the scoring averages on the European Tour with a record low total of 71.25 for each of his 52 rounds. 11 Ossie Pickworth won both the Australian PGA and Australian Open in 1947 and is pictured above putting in the PGA at Cream rose Huntingdale in 1957 in a match against South African who went on to win the title. to the top in postwar PGAs

NORMAN VON NIDA, AUSTRALIA’S INTERNATIONAL STAR WHO ALWAYS RETURNED EACH YEAR TO PLAY IN THE OPEN AND THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIPS, INSPIRED AND FOSTERED MANY TALENTED PROS SUCH AS OSSIE PICKWORTH, ERIC CREMIN, , , ALAN MURRAY AND TO HEAD OVERSEAS, AND THEY ALL SUCCEEDED.

Of the 15 Australian PGA Championships, played as match play events, from 1946 until 1960, The Von, Nagle and Pickworth won 10 of them. Nagle won four (1949, 1954, 1958, 1959), Pickworth three (1947, 1953, 1955) and Von Nida three (1946, 1950, 1951), and Eric Cremin was the runner-up six times. MATCH PLAY ERA 1946-1964

JUBILEE YEAR PGA CUTS TIES WITH OPEN

THE 1961 AUSTRALIAN PGA With 36 holes stroke play CHAMPIONSHIP AT ROSSDALE deciding the 16 to meet in IN VICTORIA, WHICH MARKED match play, ’s THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE , now a successful PGA OF AUSTRALIA’S tournament organiser, set a hot FORMATION, WAS THE FIRST pace with a course record six TIME MATCH PLAY QUALIFIERS under 66 with just 29 putts. WERE NOT DECIDED FROM THE He followed with a 74 in the FINAL SCORES IN THE afternoon to be joint leading AUSTRALIAN OPEN. qualifier with 69, 71 and Alan Murray, 71, 69. Tuohy was eliminated in the first round PGA prize and Dunk lost in a semi to 1961 Open champion Frank Phillips who Murray beat in the final 2 doubled and 1. The PGA Chairman at the time, Alec Mercer, said the two in a day reasons for the breakaway were that the Open was played in different states at various times THE WINNER OF THE 1961 PGA of the year, making it difficult TITLE, NSW’S 21-YEAR-OLD ALAN for pros playing overseas MURRAY, HAD A PLEASANT and that professionals were SURPRISE DURING THE sometimes balloted from the CHAMPIONSHIP. Open entry, denying them a chance of playing in their A foundation member of the own championship. Victorian Rossdale Golf Club, where the event was being played, donated £500 to the prize money pool which immediately doubled the total money on offer.

In an upset, the young Murray claimed his biggest win in beating Frank Phillips, who the previous weekend had won the Australian Open. 13 One-eyed club pro scores unique double

NOT ALL AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONS BECAME WORLD FAMOUS BUT As he approached the final ALL WERE UNIQUE IN WHAT THEY CONTRIBUTED TO THE HISTORY OF hole, a par three, a Monash THE FAMOUS EVENT. club member asked Johnston if he wanted to know what score Col Johnston is one such little- And Johnston, who played some he needed. “Yes,” said Johnston. known hero, winning two PGA of his best golf in the years “You need a two to win,” the Championships just four years following the removal of his member replied. So Johnston after losing his right eye. eye, which had become infected hit a five to four metres after a work accident in 1959, below the hole and rapped the The PGA club professional had the honour of beating the putt home. “If he had said you in the at the Monash rising star Bruce Devlin in the need three to tie I probably Country Club, in the Northern stroke play title. would have played safe and had Beaches region of Sydney, four,” Johnston said. Johnston set a record that it The week earlier Devlin had was thought would never be lost the Australian Open to Surprisingly 10 years later equalled. in a play-off at Queenslander Randall Vines The Lakes, but the club pro repeated Johnston’s unusual He won the PGA Championship Johnston was not overawed. PGA title double, but in reverse. as a match play event in 1963 He won in style finishing Vines won the 1972 stroke play when he beat American Ron birdie-birdie against Devlin’s event from Bill Dunk at The Howell 3 and 2 at Oatlands – a earlier par-bogey closing. Lakes and the following year par 70 course in Sydney’s north defended it by beating Stewart west – and the following year Ginn 2 and 1 in a one-year defended it successfully under a only return for the PGA title stroke play format and on his to match play . . . the last time home course at Monash. that format was used. Despite the loss of his right eye, Col Johnston won the 1963 PGA title and is seen here holing out to win again in 1964 at his home course, the Monash Country Club. MATCH PLAY ERA 1946-1964

Sam Richardson, the winner by the biggest margin in history in a PGA final, beating Arthur Spence 9 and 7 at Royal Melbourne 1933. NO MATCH PLAY SUDDEN-DEATH PGA CHAMPIONS

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT OF THE KNOWN RESULTS OF ABOUT 40 AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIPS FROM 1905 TO 1963 WHICH WERE DECIDED BY MATCH PLAY – NOT ONE FINAL WAS FORCED TO GO INTO EXTRA HOLES.

The narrowest winning margin was 1 up. This occurred when Charlie Campbell beat Tom Howard in 1922 at Royal Sydney, when Norman von Nida pipped Eric Cremin at Manly in 1946, when Ossie Pickworth shaded Peter Thomson at Royal Melbourne in 1953 and when Kel Nagle beat the Royal Sydney PGA club pro Jim McInnes on his home track in 1954.

The most convincing win was the 9 and 7 runaway by Sam Richardson over Arthur Spence at Royal Melbourne in 1933.

15 PGA’S STROKE OF GENIUS ENDS AN ERA

IN DECEMBER 1963 THE BOARD OF The PGA’s book Pro Golf: Out of “The first stroke play was a THE PGA OF AUSTRALIA DECIDED the Rough reported: “This move great success and saw the start A TRULY NATIONAL THAT THE AUSTRALIAN PGA was vigorously opposed by the of increased sponsorship which CHAMPIONSHIP WOULD IN FUTURE Australian Golf Union which raised the status of the event to BE DECIDED AS A STROKE PLAY insisted it remain where it was. world standards. For the first CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT OVER 72 HOLES. The PGA stood fast, despite time the event also received threats that the AGU would live television coverage.” deny it use of all courses under THE AUSTRALIAN PGA its jurisdiction. However an So ended an era of about 40 CHAMPIONSHIP IS THE ONLY offer by the Monash Country PGA titles decided by match play. NATIONAL TITLE WHICH HAS Club in Sydney to stage the BEEN PLAYED IN NOT ONLY EVERY event that year, regardless of STATE’S CAPITAL CITY, INCLUDING AGU objections, was accepted. CANBERRA, BUT ALSO ON A STRING OF LEADING REGIONAL LAYOUTS.

From Australia’s top course, the world renowned Royal Melbourne, to short sub-70-par suburban layouts, the Australian PGA champions have achieved their moments of glory from every golf corner of Australia.

The championship has been played at least 35 times in NSW; 28 times in Victoria; 10 times in Queensland; five times in South Australia; three times in and once in and Canberra. It was not played for 12 years during the two word wars, nor in 1995, and the details for 1912, 1920, 1927 and 1928 are unknown.

The PGA’s first 72-hole stroke play event was held at Monash Country Club in the Sydney Northern Beaches suburbs in 1964. MATCH PLAY ERA 1946-1964

PGA-trained winners dominate

OVER THE PAST 100 YEARS AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONS HAVE INCLUDED A RANGE OF COLOURFUL CHARACTERS WHO HAVE ADDED TO THE RICH TAPESTRY OF GOLF IN AUSTRALIA. BUT MANY OF THEM HAVE SHARED A COMMON THREAD – THEY BEGAN THEIR CAREERS AS PGA-TRAINED CLUB PROFESSIONALS IN GOLF CLUB PRO-SHOPS.

Hands-on experience in the pro- Ossie Pickworth, Peter Thomson, shop, building and remodelling Kel Nagle and Bill Dunk and clubs, has been the hallmark of modern-day PGA champions Ian many of the game’s greatest Baker-Finch, and players from the time of the all served a PGA early Australian professional Traineeship – a diploma of golf stars and PGA champions such excellence recognised around as Carnegie Clark and Charlie the world. Campbell. Pickworth trained at Manly Golf Today this pro-shop background Club in Sydney, Thomson served applies to such Australian golf his traineeship at Riversdale club icons as Peter Thomson and in Melbourne, Nagle trained with Greg Norman, arguably not only Tom Popplewell at Pymble ’s most internationally Club in Sydney, Dunk with Peter famous and successful players Churcher at Gosford, Norman but also among the world’s best with Bill McWilliam at Beverley course designers. Park and with Charlie Earp at Royal Queensland, Baker-Finch The majority of Australian PGA graduated after training with champions and almost all of the Gary Wright at Gympie and amazing array of competitors in with Tim at Caloundra the 100 years of the title learned and Peter Lonard trained with about golf – that is how to play Richard Flood at The Lakes and the game, a myriad of club- Bill Exten at Oatlands Golf Club making crafts and instruction in Sydney. techniques at the coalface – PGA title winners Charlie Campbell (second from left) and Carnegie Clark (second from right) at work club-making in in the humble pro-shop. Clark’s shop in Sydney in 1908.

17 EARLY ERA 1905- 1945 MATCH PLAY ERA 1946-1964 INTERNATIONAL ERA 1965-1995 MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND INTERNATIONAL ERA 1965-1995

LOCALS HIT THE HEIGHTS

AUSTRALIA’S GROWING BAND Kel Nagle (1965 and 1968), OF INTERNATIONAL STARS Bill Dunk (1966 and 1971), TOOK TO THE NEW STROKE Bruce Devlin (1969 and 1970) PLAY FORMAT OF THE PGA and Peter Thomson (1967) CHAMPIONSHIP FROM 1964 dominated the seven years WITH GUSTO. following Monash club pro Col Johnston’s surprise win at his home course in 1964.

The PGA Championship was given the true tattoo of international golf standing in 1968 when the great Jack Nicklaus teed up with and Gary Player at the classy Metropolitan course in Melbourne.

However, like so many before, they succumbed to the indomitable Kel Nagle who streeted the field. This memorable, record-breaking performance brought Nagle’s PGA titles to an even half dozen.

Bill Dunk, after his 1974 PGA win. Dunk was one of a string of local stars to dominate the PGA in the 1960s and , winning in 1962, 1966, 1971, 1974 and 1976. 19 Thomson cracks memorable win after 17 years

IT TOOK PETER THOMSON, ARGUABLY AUSTRALIA’S BEST GOLFER, Webster wrote in part: “So many “Despite all this Thomson put With the leaders not playing at 17 YEARS TO WIN THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, BUT WHEN things went wrong with Peter together a three under par 71 the rear of the field in the last HE FINALLY MANAGED THE FEAT AT THE Thomson today that there in one of the most memorable round in those days, Thomson IN MELBOURNE IN 1967 IT WAS A MEMORABLE WIN. seemed no possible way he days of his illustrious career.” was in the final group and after could hold on to his lead in the nine holes he was 11 under for Thomson shot 14 under par After a six under 68 in the first Australian PGA Championship. Thomson was headed for the the tournament and knew what around the par 74 Metro layout round it seemed the PGA might first time after Frank Phillips he had to shoot coming home. but in beating Sydney pair Col become another procession for “But the unflappable Thomson is shot a six under 68 in the third Johnston and Frank Phillips he Melbourne’s favourite golfer as still there at the head of the list round on Saturday morning So he did. He birdied the 10th had to overcome a string of he opened up a two-shot lead with 139 after two rounds of the to post a three round score hole and two more birdies at the health problems. with his course record score. event at The Metropolitan. of 12 under, two ahead of the 14th and 15th put him in front hometown hero. at minus 14. Thomson had already won the Thomson, who during his career “Here are the hurdles put in his British Open five times, in 1954, regularly wrote newspaper path: But in the afternoon’s final Three pars saw him to his first 1955, 1956, 1958 and 1965 articles, reported on his brilliant round Thomson was not to PGA Championship win and he • Early today he had a penicillin when he teed it up in the 1967 first round by writing in the be denied. Before he teed off joined Ossie Pickworth, his injection in the fleshiest part PGA. He was trying to better his Sydney Morning Herald: “I felt he said ominously of Phillips’ mentor Norman von Nida and of his anatomy to counteract four runner-up finishes for the Metropolitan was my sort of chances: “Phillips is the leader his great mate Kel Nagle as the an extremely bad throat. He title – in 1953, to Ossie course before we started in this now – let’s see how he plays only players at that stage to have had another jab tonight as well. Pickworth, 1957 to Gary Player PGA Championship. as a leader.” captured the PGA and the Open and in 1959 to Kel Nagle in in the same year. • He has not been able to keep Not all that well, as it turned match play finals before his “Normally it is a very long any food down for 24 hours. out. Phillips turned in 38 one second to Bill Dunk at Royal course, as shown by the par of over par but after four birdies Sydney under stroke play 74, but we are getting up to 300 • Tablets he has taken have in the run home stood on the in 1965. yards off the tee because of the caused him to lose the last hole with a putt of less than drought. So many of the par sensitivity in his hands. As President of the PGA of fives are drives and iron shots.” a metre to finish 14 under par Australia Thomson was no doubt for the event. Inexplicably he • His wife Mary accompanied missed holing it and joined especially keen to win this title However as the Sydney Morning him during the round and gave and capture the treasured Joe Herald’s golf writer Jim Webster Col Johnston who had shot him some drugs to try and a final 68, on 13 under. Kirkwood Cup. He was in top reported the next day, the beat the infection. form having won the Australian second round would live long Open a week earlier by seven in Thomson memory – and not • He had a triple bogey eight to strokes at The Commonwealth just because of the triple bogey worry about. with an 11 under par total. eight and the nine birdies he produced on the way to a three under 71. INTERNATIONAL ERA 1964-1995

Peter Thomson, dubbed “Placid Pete” by the media, strolled through his career to win five British Open titles, before scoring his memorable win in the 1967 PGA at The Metropolitan.

21 NAGLE BLITZES NICKLAUS, PALMER AND PLAYER

KEL NAGLE IS MOST FAMOUS Nagle’s tally of 276 (69 67 69 The non-smoking non-drinking FOR WINNING THE CENTENARY 71) for 20 under par stands as Nagle enjoyed a cup of tea as he BRITISH OPEN IN 1960 AFTER a PGA record winning score and told Sydney Sun journalist Terry A LAST-ROUND TRIUMPH OVER was a fitting finale as the last of Smith: “I don’t know what all US SUPERSTAR ARNOLD PALMER. his six PGA championship those young blokes were doing wins – another record which out there if an old bloke like me However his 1968 win in the still stands. can win.” Australian PGA over Jack Nicklaus, Palmer and Gary Along the way, Nagle also gave It surely was one of the finest Player, the then Big Three of his British Open rival Palmer a moments in Australian golf, must be one of his drubbing to beat him by 10 history . . . Nagle beat Nicklaus most satisfying. shots over 18 holes in the by six shots, Palmer by 17 and second round. Player by 18. His Aussie mates Not only did Nagle humble fared no better with Bruce Nicklaus, the world’s greatest Playing with first round leader Devlin 11 shots back, Dunk, 14 golfer, by six shots, but he set Bill Dunk – who had shot 67 to behind and Peter Thomson, two PGA records in achieving Nagle’s 69 and Palmer’s 70 – suffering hay fever, was 22 shots the feat. Nagle had only 11 putts on the from his great mate. final nine holes to hit the front To put this win into context, with a 67 while Palmer had 77 The Australian champion said in the Golden Bear was at the and Dunk a 74. his victory speech: “I haven’t height of his powers having been great shakes as a golfer but already won seven world majors Nicklaus, who began with a 71, I have been a reasonable player after five years as a pro, and in provided his own fireworks in and managed to win a few 1968 at age 47, Nagle was giving the second round with a superb tournaments. Nicklaus a 19-year age advantage. 67 which included two eagles, to be two behind. “My putting has always been a However, around the par 74 strong point in my game and Metropolitan course he knew With a 69 in the third round fortunately the touch returned to so well, Nagle gave Nicklaus little Nagle extended his lead to five me for this tournament. The fast chance as he putted brilliantly on over Nicklaus and the final round greens suited my light touch.” the fast Melbourne sand belt greens. was an anti-climax when no charge emerged from the US star. INTERNATIONAL ERA 1964-1995

At the age of 47, Kel Nagle (left) had a record five wins to his credit when Arnold Palmer (above) challenged him at the 1968 PGA title at The Metropolitan in Melbourne. After 72 holes Nagle shot a record 20 under par-winning total that not only beat Palmer by 17 shots, but also blew away Jack Nicklaus (far left) and Gary Player as well.

23 Sam Torrance – the PGA his greatest win

THERE WERE FEW MORE EMOTIONAL WINS THAN THAT IN 1980 BY ’S SAM TORRANCE WHO, AFTER SHOOTING A SIX UNDER PAR 282 TOTAL WITH ROUNDS OF 71 72 69 AND 70 AT ROYAL MELBOURNE TO PIP BY TWO, MADE A TEARFUL TELEPHONE CALL HOME TO HIS PARENTS.

The 27-year-old Torrance, It certainly prolonged his renowned as a doughty and distinguished career and by fearless competitor, was early 2005, and still playing, unashamedly tearful with joy as he held the record for the most he repeatedly told his mother: tournament appearances on the “I am over the moon, I am over European PGA Tour with an the moon . . . This is the biggest incredible tally of 691 events. victory of my career . . . I can’t believe it. Isn’t it just bloody great?” Following his Australian PGA Championship success, Torrance Torrance later admitted that went on to win another 24 “twitching on putts” was proving events on the European Tour. Sam Torrance kisses the Kirkwood Cup in celebration of what he still calls his greatest win. a problem in his game and that he had “twitch three-putted” However, as he recently three times in his final round noted, the Australian PGA of 69. He became more famous Championship is still the win about a decade later when he he views as his most important. overcame his “twitch putting problems” by becoming a trailblazer in using the “broomstick” or “pole” long . INTERNATIONAL ERA 1965-1995 FINAL-ROUND LEADER PENALISED FOR SLOW PLAY

A COSTLY CALLED ON A PLAYER WAS THE EXTRA TWO SHOTS SCOTLAND’S , WHO LED GOING INTO THE FINAL ROUND, HAD TO ADD TO HIS FINAL SCORE IN 1980 FOR PLAYING TOO SLOWLY. CLAYTON’S RUN-IN

To add to Brown’s misery it The officials had a strong came at the end of a disastrous case as Brown’s group, which WITH POLICE day. He teed off leading the included Greg Norman and PGA championship at seven American , was MELBOURNE PROFESSIONAL Golf writer Tom Ramsey under par and was still in front at one stage three holes behind , A STAR PLAYER reported the incident in The with just nine to go. However the field. Brown had been fined Australian newspaper: “Clayton he dropped five shots in four regularly in Europe for slow OF THE 1980S WHO WAS NOTED halted and the policeman, holes resulting in a closing play and noted commentator FOR SPEAKING HIS MIND (WHICH obviously in a case of mistaken effort of 79 after being informed Peter Allis once wrote that LED TO AN EXPANDED CAREER identity in crowd control, said: of his penalty for slow play. Brown was “supposed to be AS A COMMENTATOR AND ‘Get back here’. the slowest player in Britain, JOURNALIST), DIDN’T MINCE HIS if not the world”. WORDS WHEN CONFRONTED BY A POLICE OFFICER DURING THE “Clayton pulled the putter out of FINAL ROUND OF THE 1983 PGA his bag and said: ‘**** off, I’m playing golf’.” CHAMPIONSHIP. The incident clearly upset Clayton, playing in one of Clayton, but not as much as a WHEN the leading final groups, was two-stroke penalty he incurred justifiably upset when a minutes later on the 16th hole policeman, involved in after he wrongly took a “free drop” controlling the huge crowd, away from a water system cover. PULLED THE WRONG REIN yelled at him to “freeze” when he spotted him running across The penalty, which was imposed THE UNPRECEDENTED BARRING OF JACK NEWTON FROM THE PGA a road from the 15th green to after his round, cost Clayton CHAMPIONSHIP IN 1981 CAME ABOUT BECAUSE HE WENT TO THE the 16th tee. dearly, dropping him from five MELBOURNE CUP RACES. over par overall to seven over and from seventh place to 10th Not that there was anything Newton was told at the on the final prize money list. wrong with that – it was the Flemington racecourse when first time the 31-year-old Newton the oversight was realised. He had attended the famous event contacted officials by telephone, – but he had failed to register but his appeal was to no avail. for the 1981 event with PGA The PGA’s highly regarded Tour officials, believing that the Commissioner Jim Moran said: tournament deadline was not “I deeply regret having to do until the next day. this, but we cannot bend the rules for anyone.” 25 Seve’s PGA win at Royal Melbourne

IT WAS THIRD-TIME LUCKY FOR SEVE BALLESTEROS WHEN HE WON THE 1981 AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP HAVING FINISHED THIRD BEHIND IN 1978 AND SECOND TO SAM TORRANCE IN 1980.

The 24-year-old Spanish “Australia was one of the few superstar shot 74 73 66 and places in the world I had never 69 to win by three from Billy won,’ said Ballesteros, who Dunk, with the huge crowd already had captured the 1979 often breaking into chants of British Open and the 1980 US “Seve, Seve” – unprecedented Masters. ‘Now I have won here in an Australian tournament. and the only places I must now win are , Italy, Leading golf writer Jim Webster Ireland and Russia,’ he laughed.” reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, that the PGA win was considered by Ballesteros to “occupy an important place in my career”.

The crowd was right behind Seve Ballesteros in his 1980 win. INTERNATIONAL ERA 1965-1995

ROYAL MELBOURNE PRODUCES A ‘GOLDEN ERA’ FOR THE PGA

NO DOUBT A GOLDEN PERIOD OF THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP’S HISTORY WAS WHEN IT WAS PLAYED ON AUSTRALIA’S BEST COURSE, ROYAL MELBOURNE FOR SIX CONSECUTIVE YEARS FROM 1978 TO 1983 .

It was a time which saw There were champagne the event gain increased performances for Australian international prominence golf followers to enjoy and the attracting many of the world’s clashes between the cream of best players from Europe and Australia’s PGA talent such as the US as competitors. Greg Norman, , Bill Dunk, , Jack Not only did the “Royal Newton, , Stewart Melbourne PGAs” produce the Ginn and and first overseas winner for more the overseas aces proved to be than 20 years in US star a heady mix. Hale Irwin, it introduced the great Spaniard Seve Ballesteros to the Irwin’s win in 1978 was Australian public, along with a highlight. He celebrated world-class players , the return of the PGA and Sam Torrance. Championship to Royal Melbourne for the first time in It was to herald an 25 years with a plundering of unprecedented boom period the course. Irwin opened with for Australian golf with the a composite course record 64 – emerging talent of Greg Norman, knocking a shot off the 65 figure already an international name, shared by and Bob looming larger at home. Shearer – scoring a runaway win from Aussie Graham Marsh with following rounds of 75 70 and 69. Hale Irwin receives the Joe Kirkwood Cup from Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser in 1978.

27 with a big cheque and a big kiss after his upset victory in 1986. Unsung Harwood halts amazing Shark run

GREG NORMAN, LOOKED TO BE ALMOST UNBEATABLE IN 1986 WHEN HE RETURNED TO AUSTRALIA AFTER AN AMAZING YEAR. HE HAD WON THE BRITISH OPEN AFTER LEADING EACH OF THE WORLD MAJORS INTO THE FINAL ROUND THAT YEAR AND HAD WON TWICE IN THE US AND FOUR TIMES IN EUROPE.

He came home to waltz away However Mike Harwood, from with the NSW Open, the Melbourne, who had never won Queensland Open, the South in Australia but had won on the Australian Open and the West European Tour in Sweden that Australian Open. So Norman year, was to pull off the biggest was unbackable to win the PGA upset in years in the PGA Championship being played at shooting 13 under par to Castle Hill in Sydney’s north west. upstage Norman.

To top off his prospects he had an impressive score of 273, 15 under par, to win on the same course the previous year. INTERNATIONAL ERA 1965-1995

RECORD-BREAKER PARRY’S HIGHS AND LOWS

THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP HAS PROVIDED WITH TWO OF THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF HIS CAREER – ONE ENDING IN TRIUMPH AND THE OTHER IN DESPAIR.

The undoubted highlight for Parry’s card credited him with Parry was his record-breaking a 69, the number he and his win at Concord in 1992 where marker Greg Norman had signed with a score of 269 he shot the off on, although he had actually lowest total to win an Australian shot a 70. Parry was only alerted PGA Championship. to the error when his wife Jenny said on the phone that a website The win by three shots from Peter showed him shooting 69. McWhinney was particularly satisfying for Parry as Concord “I told her it must be a mistake Golf Club for many years has because I'd had 70,” said Parry. been his playing base in Sydney “The eighth hole was the hole. since moving from Perth. I had two chips from the left hand side and holed about a Parry is the only player to break 12-foot putt for my bogey but 270 in the PGA but his 19 had a three on my card.” under par total was in fact short of Kel Nagle’s 20 under par to Greg Norman was Parry's win the Australian PGA at the marker and put him down par 74 Metropolitan course in for a three on the short 129m Melbourne (with a 276 total). par-three, obviously not having noticed the duffed chip. But Parry While the Concord win was wasn’t blaming Norman for the Parry’s PGA highlight, the low mishap, saying the total score point came at the 2000 PGA responsibility rested with him. Championship at Royal Queensland, where he disqualified himself for Norman and Parry probably signing an incorrect score card could have saved themselves the after the first round. grief of a wrong score if they Craig Parry has enjoyed the absolute highs and lows of the PGA. had checked with Greg’s mum Toini . . . she was the recorder for the on-course score service walking with the group. 29 EARLY ERA 1905- 1945 MATCH PLAY ERA 1946-1964 INTERNATIONAL ERA 1965-1995 MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND

THE PGA TITLE SHINES AGAIN

AFTER THE CANCELLATION OF THE 1995 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP DUE TO LACK OF SPONSORSHIP FUNDS, THE GOLF INDUSTRY WAS LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL EVENT IN 1996 AND THE TOURNAMENT ORGANISER DELIVERED ON SEVERAL FRONTS.

Not only was the PGA played at The exposed NSW Golf Club the classic world-rated NSW layout twice savaged the strong Golf Club at La Perouse on the field with officials having to Botany Bay headland, it also declare it unplayable because produced a historic winner. of wind blowing balls off the greens – and that was just on , a 26-year-old the afternoon of the first round. New Zealander, who had to rely on a sponsor’s invitation from Tataurangi was eight shots off the PGA just to tee up became the pace going into the final day the first Kiwi winner in the 90- after rounds of 72 71 69 but year history of the Australian swept home with a five under PGA title. 67, despite another storm stoppage, to win by a shot. And in probably another PGA first, the winner’s wife, Melanie, caddied for him.

In 1996 Phil Tataurangi became the first New Zealander to win the Australian PGA at the awesome seaside NSW Golf Club layout. 31 becomes PGA White Knight

GREG NORMAN, THE FACE OF GOLF IN AUSTRALIA FOR THE PAST 25 The Chief Executive Officer YEARS, HAS BEEN THE MOST DOMINANT FIGURE IN THE MODERN of the PGA of Australia, HISTORY OF THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP ALTHOUGH HE HAS WON THE Max Garske, summed it up TITLE ONLY TWICE. well when he said at the time: “The PGA is fortunate that even Norman always has been proud However it was off course that though Greg always was a to be associated with and fly the he stuck his most telling blows. brilliant golfer he has high banner of the PGA since he Early in 2000 Norman, by way regard for the PGA by virtue of began as a PGA Trainee in 1975. of his Great White Shark his PGA Traineeship. He has a Enterprises company, agreed great understanding of, and He excited Australian golf fans to be part of a deal with the identifies with, all levels of the when he won the Australian PGA of Australia. PGA membership.” PGA Championship in 1984 at Monash Country Club and in To say the undertaking has There is no doubt Greg Norman 1985 at Castle Hill Country Club been a glittering success is can reflect proudly on the in Sydney. an understatement. The PGA achievement that he has helped Championship currently is restore the noble event to its Surprisingly, in the bigger enjoying its greatest spectator place as Australia’s foremost picture, many say that Norman’s support and TV ratings. professional title. greatest contribution to the PGA Greg Norman was the dominant figure in reinvigorating the PGA Championship and Championship has been since After two years at Royal bringing it to Queensland. 2000 although the best he was Queensland the PGA able to do on course was sixth Championship was transferred in 2000 at four under and sixth to the beautiful Hyatt Regency at nine under in 2001, both Coolum resort on the Sunshine times at his beloved Royal Coast where it has provided Queensland Golf Club. the event and the state of Queensland with unparalleled worldwide exposure. MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND

PGA PRO-AM A DOUBLE WINNER FOR LONARD

THE HUMBLE PRO-AM EVENT AT THE 2001AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AT ROYAL QUEENSLAND WAS TO PROVE PIVOTAL TO PETER LONARD’S GOLF CAREER EVEN THOUGH HE FINISHED 25TH IN THE TOURNAMENT WITH A FINAL ROUND OF 79, ONE OF HIS WORST-EVER SCORES.

In the pro-am one of his Also just before the same pro- partners was John Dunlop, the am, Lonard decided to use a Commercial Operations Manager broomstick putter for only the for the PGA of Australia, and the second time in 18 months, marketing man was amazed to having won the 2000 Ford learn from Lonard that he was South Australian Open and the actually buying his preferred 2001 ANZ Callaway golf balls by way of his with short . It was to mate Sean Somers, the club pro prove a momentous decision at the Mornington Golf Club. by Lonard who began using the heavyweight Australian A quick telephone call after the Pendulum to great effect. pro-am from Dunlop to Frank McCarthy, the head of Callaway In the following three years in Australia, and that same Lonard won two Australian afternoon several hundred PGA Championships, an various model Callaway balls Australian Open, an Australian arrived for Lonard to use. Masters and a NSW Open using Lonard’s team didn’t win the that putter. He since has reverted pro-am but he was heard to say: to a short putter but he still is “What a pro-am partner,” in using those Callaway golf balls. appreciation of the PGA man’s marketing move.

Somers might have lost a rich pro-shop customer, but Callaway gained a prolific winner and soon after signed Lonard to a performance contract which continues today and has been a Peter Lonard’s linking with the Pendulum long putter and Callaway ball late in 2001 was a huge success. huge success for both parties. 33 In 2000, Queensland’s favourite son Greg Norman brought the Australian PGA Championship to his home state. ace, Lleyton Hewitt, for Greg Norman in 2003 (right). A turning point

“On behalf of the State Government of Queensland I extend to all players and spectators of the Australian PGA Championship a very warm welcome. I am delighted that Queensland is the home of this million dollar event and that you have the opportunity to experience the best our State has to offer – magnificent weather, friendly locals and of course, unforgettable golf.”

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, 2000 BEHIND THE BANNERS

A LONG-STANDING “Early on Queensland Events “In order to the value for RELATIONSHIP HAD BEEN saw how well the Australian Queensland home, we’ve built FORMED BETWEEN GREAT WHITE PGA Championship fitted in up and utilised the popularity SHARK ENTERPRISES AND THE with our strategy of using major of the Championship in a very QUEENSLAND STATE sporting events as economic and strategic manner,” said Des Power. GOVERNMENT THROUGH ITS tourism drivers for the state,” AGENCY QUEENSLAND EVENTS IN said Des Power, Chairman of “Typical activities have included THE FORMATIVE DAYS. Queensland Events hosting international journalists during the tournament and Charged with boosting the “After all, there are few sports in supporting television coverage QUEENSLAND: PAR EXCELLENCE profile of Queensland through existence with closer to the which has seen Queensland major events, Queensland Events business world than golf.” profiled across South-East Asia already had one golden feather and the globe.” FONDLY REGARDED AS THE In fact, it is rare to find a “It has fantastic appeal to both in its golfing cap – the annual ‘CRADLE’ OF MANY OF Queensland golf course out of ladies and men, to a broad “The event has also presented ANZ Ladies Masters, one of the AUSTRALIA’S GOLFING LEGENDS range of one of the state’s range of age groups and, most some wonderful opportunities to richest women’s tournaments in INCLUDING , ADAM beautiful cities, which come importantly, to key markets – to build relationships with key the southern hemisphere and SCOTT, IAN BAKER-FINCH, ROD standard-equipped with superb the decision makers, the leaders, business figures from Asia, such one of the most watched on PAMPLING AND OF COURSE THE dining and shopping options, the visionaries, both in as during 2004 when one of television in the world. GREAT WHITE SHARK HIMSELF, stunning coastal and mountain Queensland and throughout Korea’s leading businessmen QUEENSLAND’S GLITTERING scenery, year-round warm South-East Asia.” from the mining industry played weather and even warmer locals. Queensland Events’ success in EASTERN SHORES HAVE OFTEN securing, managing and hosting alongside Greg Norman in the Yet the sport remains an Indeed, the Australian PGA BEEN REFERRED TO AS THE ‘GOLF leading international sporting Pro-Am.” affordable hobby for leisure Championship paved COAST’ OF AUSTRALIA. events had already seen it create golfers – who often make up the Queensland’s way to a greater A real coup, and just one of the largest portfolio of supported bulk of the spectators at major profile among tourism and many aces this winning Boasting some of the world’s events in Australia. Operating in events such as the Australian business markets throughout tournament has driven home for most spectacular golf courses, the very competitive global PGA Championship. South-East Asia. Queensland. All eyes remain on including those designed by events economy, the organisation Greg Norman and Karrie Webb, the ball as the Cadbury Schweppes Certainly any doubts as to had a solid policy of investing resident and visiting golfers and Prime examples include Australian PGA Championship Queensland’s suitability as the in, rather than simply funding, their loyal fans are spoiled for countries like China and Korea, plays on into the future. location for a turning point in major events. choice in Queensland. two of the golfing world’s fastest the Championship’s reputation growing nations. (More than 200 These investment decisions were, and fortunes were soon laid to golf courses have been built in and continue to be, based on rest. The events in the lead up China since 1984 and another the economic return an event to, and the success of the 2000 200 or more were already on could deliver to its host town or tournament at the Royal the cards for future development city and to the state’s overall Queensland Golf Club in in 2005.) were unmistakable tourism economy. markers of a bright future. With both countries also having The chance to play a role in the the distinction of being key growth of the Australian PGA business and tourism targets for Championship was immediately Queensland, Queensland Events recognised by the forward- has in the Australian PGA thinking agency as an investment Championship found a natural in Queensland’s future. ally in both business and pleasure. 35 Putt of the year makes tied-title history

THERE HAD BEEN PLAY-OFFS BEFORE IN THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP BUT IT’S SAFE TO SAY THAT THE 2002 DECIDER BETWEEN PETER LONARD AND IS THE MOST MEMORABLE – MAINLY BECAUSE IT NEVER ENDED.

The pair played brilliantly to However the announcement of Lonard had begun the final Lonard’s was his mate shoot 17 under par for 72 holes dual winners was cheered and round five shots behind Moseley Maurie Moses, the club pro at but it wasn’t their spectacular welcomed by the thousands of who had set a blistering pace to Nelson Bay Golf Club, and he shots which has earned them a spectators at the Hyatt Regency be 18 under after 54 holes with takes up the story: “Pete said as place in PGA history. They are Coolum and the millions rounds of 65 66 and 67. Lonard we looked at the putt in the the only joint champions listed watching on TV. They had been had shot 65 68 and 70 but fading light: ‘It is about five or in the proud 100 years of the thrilled to witness the drama as saved his best until last to finish six feet right to left, isn’t it? Just event. Moseley just failed to lead all the with a 68 against Moseley’s 73. say yes.’ So I did. He hit it spot way with Lonard catching him When it came to the final hole on and I could tell it was going Lonard, who shot 65 68 70 68 on the final hole. Moseley was safely in the middle in when it was about 15 feet out and Moseley, 65 66 67 73, of the green about eight metres so I pulled the pin. Pete then shared the honour of winning The unusual darkness problem from the hole and still one couldn’t see the hole and only the Joe Kirkwood Cup, after was brought about by a one- ahead while Lonard was about knew it was in when it darkness and travel hour-40-minute storm delay 20m short of the cup. It seemed disappeared, although the commitments the next day earlier in the day and the lack of all Moseley would need was two crowd’s reaction told him it was prevented the play-off from daylight saving in Queensland. putts for a win, but Lonard getting close.” continuing after the first had So poor was the light that wasn’t done with. been squared. Lonard did not see his “putt of the year” on 18 – a 20m uphill The pair was declared joint and downhill swinger from the winners in a decision that right – actually go in the hole. aroused widespread media controversy. In 2002, the in Europe also ended in a tie. After the Australian PGA tie, even World #1 was prompted to wonder aloud “Whose picture do they put on the program next year?” MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND

Jarrod Moseley shows his anguish at missing his putt at the last hole (below). The spectators at Coolum were glued to the action in the exciting closing stages (above), when Peter Lonard, after sinking his 20m putt of the year, forced a play-off (right). Moseley and Lonard share the cup after being declared joint winners in 2002.

37 THE DAY DALY DROWNED HIS PUTTER The deft putting stroke of at the 2002 PGA – before the “drowning”. SUCH IS THE INTENSE MEDIA Few will recall that Daly had Tony Roosenburg, President of SPOTLIGHT WHICH IS FOCUSSED played up to his brilliant best SFX Sports Golf (Australia), who ON ELITE SPORTS STARS ON AND to be four under par and within had organised Daly’s appearance, OFF THEIR FIELDS OF ENDEAVOUR, sight of the leaders with nine summed it up well when he WHEN MOST PEOPLE DISCUSS holes to play in the second said: “He was four-under after US TOUR STAR JOHN DALY THEY round of the event. nine holes and going like a DON’T ALWAYS REFLECT ON HIS rocket but there is BRITISH OPEN AND US PGA However after a volatile incident a fuse in the man and it was lit. CHAMPIONSHIP WINS. at the 13th hole where he We promoted him as the ‘wild disagreed with his playing thing’ and he proved to be Most often they talk about some partners Greg Norman and ‘the wild thing’.” of the controversial aspects of his Craig Parry as well as a PGA The putter Daly hurled into lifestyle – concerning his tour official as to where his the lake by the 18th green was personal life. ball crossed a , Daly self-destructed. retrieved by a diver and is on So, when Daly’s name is display at the Hyatt Regency mentioned in relation to playing He shot a triple bogey on 13 to Coolum. Daly left his clubs in Australia most people reflect slip out of contention and when and bag with friend and former on his sensational “drowning he followed with another seven Australian tour player of his putter” and subsequent at the 18th for 46 home and a and they were raffled for a walk-off from the 2002 78 he drowned his sorrows and children's charity. Australian PGA title at the his putter by hurling it into the Hyatt Regency Coolum. adjacent lake. He then disqualified himself by refusing to sign his scorecard and walked back up the 18th fairway to his accommodation. MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND

SENIOR UPSTAGES KIDS WITH ‘COMEBACK’ WIN on his way to a brilliant win in 2003 (above). The Robert Trent Jones Jr design at Hyatt Regency Coolum is a testing layout in idyllic surroundings. THE WIN BY PETER SENIOR IN THE 2003 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AT HYATT REGENCY COOLUM MARKED NOT ONLY HIS FIRST TOURNAMENT WIN FOR SIX YEARS, BUT CONVINCED HIM THAT AT 44 YEARS OF AGE, HE WAS BACK ON TRACK AS A .

Not long after winning the 1997 He and Edwin certainly were Canon Challenge Senior became happy with how he was so disenchanted with his swing swinging at Coolum in 2003 that he actually contemplated with Senior leading all of the giving away tournament golf. way with rounds of 64 65 69 73 to see off Edwin’s stable star After winning in 2003 he said: (65 69 69 69) “I had a lot of tough times by a shot. where I wasn’t satisfied with the way I was playing even though As if to underscore his veteran I was scoring really well. I was status Senior had the pleasure scared stiff over every shot and of playing the final round with I didn’t want to continue that.” Wade Ormsby (the 23-year-old son of Senior’s good friend Pete Senior said that is why he Ormsby). The young South consulted the highly respected Australian had shot up the Gold Coast coach Gary Edwin leaderboard with a brilliant “to build a he would 63 in the third round. be happy with”. The PGA title win also took Senior past Greg Norman on the Australasian Tour career earnings list with a tally of $3,299,467. 39 Clockwise from above: England’s , winner in 1998, Scotland’s Andrew Coltart (1994 and 1997) and New Zealand’s (1999), kept the Aussies at bay in the PGA for most of the 1990s. (far right) ended the foreign domination with his back-to-back wins at Royal Queensland in 2000 and 2001. MODERN ERA 1996 & BEYOND

Winning Aussies – a proud past and glittering future

THERE IS MUCH FOR AUSTRALIAN GOLF TO CELEBRATE WHEN THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CENTENARY’S HONOUR ROLL IS DISPLAYED – AUSTRALIA’S FINEST PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS HAVE STOOD PROUD IN COMPETING AGAINST MOST OF THE WORLD’S BEST WHO HAVE COME TO CHALLENGE THEM SINCE 1905.

Australians not only have However since the start of the dominated in recent years – 2000 millennium every winner providing the past six winners – has been home-grown and but of the 83 known stagings of amazingly we have done better the Australian PGA Championship than one a year with Peter (with non-play gaps during the Lonard and Jarrod Moseley being war years and lapses in results declared joint winners in 2002, records) locals have won 66 times. joining Robert Allenby 2000 and 2001, Peter Senior in 2003 and True there have been periods of Lonard again in 2004. foreign domination, notably with Scottish pair Dan Soutar and This all-Aussie look to the Joe Carnegie Clark sharing the title Kirkwood Cup in recent years between them for the first six years. is no coincidence, as it comes at a time when Australian golfers Then there was another rash of are second only to US players wins by overseas players in the in the top-100 world rankings. early 1980s with American Hale Irwin, Scot Sam Torrance and The PGA of Australia’s Spaniard Seve Ballesteros winning forefathers could only have it three times in four years. dreamed that the Australian PGA Championship would And as recently as 11 years ago be celebrating its Centenary Scot Andrew Coltart in 1994 just as Australia’s professional began a run of five straight golfers have come of age on overseas winners with Phil the world stage. Tataurangi successful in 1996, Coltart again in 1997, England’s David Howell in 1998 and Kiwi Greg Turner winning in 1999. 41 A CENTURY OF CHAMPIONS

AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONS

THE CENTENARY OF THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP COMPLETES YEAR WINNER VENUE 1961 A Murray Rossdale A SIGNIFICANT AND FASCINATING PERIOD IN THE IN 1962 E W Dunk Rossdale THIS COUNTRY. 1905 D Soutar Royal Melbourne 1963 C Johnston Oatlands 1906 D Soutar Royal Sydney 1964 C Johnston Monash 1907 D Soutar Royal Melbourne 1965 K Nagle Riversdale Almost every aspect of the Through its high and lows 1908 C Clark The Australian 1966 E W Dunk Royal Sydney playing of the game has been it has endured as the trophy 1909 No details 1967 P Thomson Metropolitan 1910 D Soutar Glenelg 1968 K Nagle Metropolitan reflected in the huge variety most cherished by Australian 1911 C Campbell Royal Sydney 1969 B Devlin Royal Canberra of winners of the oldest PGA professionals. Given its 1912-20 No details 1970 B Devlin Surfers Paradise professional tournament continuing high standing on the 1921 A Le Fevre 1971 E W Dunk Surfers Paradise in Australia. Australasian PGA Tour Calendar, 1922 C Campbell Royal Sydney 1972 R Vines The Lakes 1923 F Popplewell Royal Adelaide 1973 R Vines Bonnie Doon the PGA Championship can 1924 T Howard Royal Melbourne 1974 E W Dunk Liverpool From the PGA’s foundation confidently look forward 1925 T Howard The Australian 1975 V Bennetts Burleigh Heads members, the self-taught to another glittering century 1926 F Eyre The Australian 1976 E W Dunk Rosebud (Vic) Scottish golf pros who not only 1927-28 No details 1977 M Cahill Yarra Yarra of success. 1929 R Stewart Royal Adelaide 1978 H Irwin Royal Melbourne played the game at the highest 1930 J Robertson Metropolitan 1979 S Ginn Royal Melbourne level but also worked long 1931 J D Spence Royal Sydney 1980 S Torrance Royal Melbourne hours making clubs and 1932 F McMahon Royal Adelaide 1981 S Ballesteros Royal Melbourne teaching anybody 1933 S Richardson Royal Melbourne 1982 G Marsh Royal Melbourne 1934 M L Kelly Royal Sydney 1983 R Shearer Royal Melbourne and everybody, to the global 1935 S Richardson Royal Adelaide 1984 G Norman Monash travelling multi-millionaire jet- 1936 W Clifford Oakleigh 1985 G Norman Castle Hill set tournament professionals of 1937 E Cremin Royal Sydney 1986 M Harwood Castle Hill 1938 E Cremin The Australian 1987 R Mackay The Lakes today – they all at some stage 1939 E Naismith Royal Melbourne 1988 W Grady Riverside Oaks battled for the honour to hold 1940-45 Not Played 1989 P Senior Riverside Oaks aloft the Joe Kirkwood Cup. 1946 N von Nida Manly 1990 B Ogle Riverside Oaks 1947 O Pickworth Royal Melbourne 1991 W Grady Concord 1948 N von Nida Kingston Beach 1992 C Parry Concord From humble beginnings, as 1949 K Nagle Royal Perth 1993 I Baker-Finch Concord a follow-on match play event 1950 N von Nida The Lakes 1994 A Coltart NSW played for a small cash prize 1951 N von Nida Metropolitan 1995 Not Played to the glamorous event at the 1952 W Holder Roseville 1996 P Tataurangi NSW 1953 O Pickworth Royal Melbourne 1997 A Coltart NSW Hyatt Regency Coolum in its 1954 K Nagle Royal Sydney 1998 D Howell NSW Centenary Year, the PGA 1955 O Pickworth Indooroopilly 1999 G Turner Vic championship has provided 1956 L Wilson St Michael’s 2000 R Allenby Royal Queensland world-class golf performances 1957 G Player Huntingdale 2001 R Allenby Royal Queensland 1958 K Nagle Kooyonga 2002 P Lonard/J Moseley Hyatt Coolum dosed with drama and splashes 1959 K Nagle NSW 2003 P Senior Hyatt Coolum of humour. 1960 J Sullivan Royal Fremantle 2004 P Lonard Hyatt Coolum A CENTURY OF CHAMPIONS

43 The ultimate golfing address

THE CRADLE OF LAND BETWEEN THE GIANT ROCK OF MOUNT COOLUM AND THE SANDY SHORES OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN IS THE PERFECT HOME FOR THE HYATT REGENCY COOLUM AND THE ULTIMATE GOLFING ADDRESS.

With the Australian PGA A host of environmental and Championship course on your social initiatives have been doorstep and the luxury of five- identified for the site, including star resort facilities, Hyatt the preservation of coastal Coolum is a truly unique rainforest, creation of new destination. exciting events and the creation of new resort communities. Now, as the PGA celebrates another year of golf on the Using timeless, sophisticated famous Hyatt Coolum course, architecture, the new the resort and surrounds are communities will complement also entering a new era. the existing facilities and blend into the natural treed Brought in 2003 by Lend Lease, surroundings. The new Hyatt the Hyatt Regency Coolum is Coolum will epitomise coastal undergoing a transformation elegance across a range of from a luxury coastal resort to inspiring living options. a modern five-star resort community. To date, two exclusive resort living options have been created. Just as golf has evolved, with Visage is a precinct of longer drives and more accurate architecturally designed luxury putters, Hyatt Coolum is now a residences nestled between the place you will want to stay a 12th and 17th fairways, while little longer. The refurbishment Vantage offered purchasers the of existing accommodation and chance to create their dream facilities, the creation of new home on their own land in the exciting golf challenges and the tree-lined streets of Hyatt opportunity to live permanently Coolum. at the resort is lifting this special place to new heights. For more information about the new Hyatt Coolum, call Lend In partnership with resort Lease on 1800 688 530. managers Hyatt International, Lend Lease has a vision to create a resort community that honours the heritage and unique natural assets of Hyatt Coolum. A Golf’s Great Walks publication by Churchill Press © 2005 Golf’s Great Walks is proud to have published this collection of memorable moments from the first 100 years of the Designed and produced by Bonser Design Australian PGA Championship. Suite 17, 336 Churchill Ave, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008 T (61 8) 9382 1155 True to our goal to deliver the magic of golf to everyone with a passion for the game, we have many other new and Text by Bill Colhoun exciting projects under development for release in 2006, Images © PGA of Australia Ltd 2005 including regional golf experiences, quality golf publications, imaginative and stylish golf apparel – and much more. Photo credits: Sport the Library (22); Newspix (19,24,26,27,28,43); David Kapernick/The Courier-Mail (34) For more information, visit our website:

This book is printed on environmentally friendly paper. www.golfsgreatwalks.com Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication data:

It's been a great walk : 100 years of the Australian PGA Championship. This book has been produced in co-operation with the PGA of Australia.

ISBN 0 9758263 0 1. www.pga.org.au

1. Professional Golfers' Association of Australia - History. 2. Golf - Tournaments - Australia - History.

796.3520994 . . . delivering the magic of golf to everyone with a passion for the game.