In golf we celebrate the winners of tournaments and competitions, however every now and again it’s nice to reward and acknowledge the work behind the scenes, particularly of those men and women that prepare and present our great golf courses for play.
In recognition of these unsung heroes, we’re pleased to present a few winners of major awards from the 2023 Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) National Turf Industry Awards Night.
Craig Walker from Devonport Country Club in Tasmania (pictured) has been bestowed the ASTMA’s longest-running award. In front of an audience of more than 270 at a gala dinner held at the Adelaide Oval on 19 June, Walker received the ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award, sponsored by association Gold Partner Envu.
The National Turf Industry Awards dinner opened the 2023 Australian Sports Turf Management Conference which was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 19-22 June. The ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award was one of six awards handed out on the night which recognised the achievements and successes of Australia’s sports turf management professionals.
Walker has been a golf course superintendent for 13 years and in his current role at Devonport Country Club for the past four years. During that time he has played a key role in the club’s metamorphosis into one of the premier golf and sporting facilities in Tasmania. Six years ago, in a bid to secure its future, the then Devonport Golf Club made the bold move to merge with two local bowling clubs and a croquet club to form Devonport Country Club. Funding of $11 million was secured and a new state-of-the-art country club was constructed at the golf course site in Spreyton.
Other awards on the night included Mount Lawley’s course superintendent Rod Tatt - the ASTMA Claude Crockford Sustainability and Environment Award, sponsored by association Gold Partner Syngenta.
Jayden Zappelli, from Kalgoorlie Golf Course in Western Australia, has been adjudged Australia’s top golf course turf management apprentice.
Our congratulations to all the winners and thanks for keeping our great golf courses so great!