After three years of dedication and hard work, the newest Members of NSW/ACT Division of the PGA of Australia were officially recognised and inducted to full membership at the annual Trainee Graduation and Awards Ceremony held at the Royal Sydney Golf Club.
 
The Royal Sydney Golf Club was a fitting venue for an historic evening which saw Ray Harrison recognised for his exceptional service to the golf industry with a second Golden Tee Award, while Rebecca Blain won the NSW/ACT PGA Trainee of the Year.

Blain, who is in her final year at Antill Park Golf Club created history becoming the first female Trainee to win the award. In her acceptance speech she spoke with poise and humility thanking all those who had supported her.

“I am so grateful for everything and extremely honoured to win this award. I’ve had great support and I can’t thank enough my Pro Brett Chappell and also the PGA for everything they do.” said Blain.

For Harrison, it was further recognition for his lifetime service to the game of golf. Harrison was awarded a special industry award 21 years ago for his dedication and support to PGA Professionals however in the PGA Centenary year he was again recognised for the work he continues to carry out today.

Along with the trainee graduates, both individuals and clubs were recognised for their achievements and involvement in the promotion of the game of golf.

Dubbo Golf Club Professional Craig Mears was honoured with the title of NSW Club Professional of the Year while Colin Arnold was awarded the Teaching Professional of the Year Award.

Mears was recognised for his development of golf in both Dubbo and the surrounding areas through event and programs such as Junior Clinics, Holden Scramble and social golf initiatives.

Arnold was recognised for his success in coaching both Club and Elite golfers, highlighted by the successes of his sons and students Jamie and Scott Arnold who are both PGA Touring Professionals. Before turning professional, Scott was ranked the number 1 amateur in the world and in 2012 broke through for his first PGA Tour of Australasia win at the 2012 Victorian Open.

The Pro-Am circuit tournament organisers received their due recognition with five categories presented. The Muirfield Gloria Jeans Coffee won the City Pro-Am of the Year while Wagga Wagga Country Energy and Morisett Noraville Earthmovers won the Southern and Northern categories respectively. Murrumbidgee Lannock Motors won the ACT Pro-Am award while the Tour Championship at Byron Bay won the Legends Category. 
 
Other awards winners included:
Piranha Golf Order of Merit Winner – Martin Dive
NSW/ACT Legends Order of Merit Winner – Mike Zilko
NSW/ACT PGA Player of the Year – Andre Stoltz
NSW/ACT Rookie of the Year – Ryan O’Flaherty