Industry news
PETER THOMSON AWARDED
PGA IMMORTAL STATUS
A NEW HONOUR WAS INTRODUCED
AT THE YEARLY GREG NORMAN MEDAL
DINNER WITH GOLFING LEGEND AND
PGA LIFE MEMBER PETER THOMSON
BEING ELEVATED TO IMMORTAL STATUS.
“Am I not a luck man! Most people have nice things
said about them at their funerals when it is too late for
their own enjoyment, but you’ve all jumped the gun
as it were and given this lovely tribute for me to hear,”
said Thomson.
“Now to be serious, I thank you all sincerely. Peter
O’Malley, Chairman, Brian Thorburn, CEO all of the
board members of the PGA. To Peter Senior and every
member of our Association.”
“I am most truly thrilled to be recognised and
honoured by my peers of this great Association.”
Thomson’s stellar career features no less than five
Open Championship victories amongst 89 professional
tournament wins, which made him a household name
for almost 70 years.
“As most know, the PGA has been a huge part of my
life since I was 19 years old.
“Success came slowly but sweetly and I would like
to say in fairness, that I have always felt that I never
worked a day in my life, such was the pleasure and
challenge this wonderful game of golf provided.
“To become President of the PGA in the Sixties
was a huge thrill and my 32 years in that role was
tremendously rewarding. At last I felt I was giving
something back to an Association that had given me
so much,” added Thomson.
“Life has been very kind to me and I’ve much to be
thankful for.
“Finally, I would like to say something about the
unsung heroes of our PGA. They are the men and
women who run our Pro Shops at clubs and courses
around our country.
“They teach and toil for long hours and nurture this
splendid game in the young and old who pass
their way.
“Without their dedication where would our game be?”
He also holds the record of longest tenure in the PGA
history as a Chairman of 32 years.
Photo credit: PGA of Australia
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The Golf Marketing Professionals www.golfindustrycentral.com.au