PGA recognises Torquay Pro-Am days before tee-off

THE Sands Torquay is riding a wave of confidence in the lead up to its annual Pro-Am after being named the Professional Golfers Association of Australia’s Regional Pro-Am of the Year.

The Torquay-based resort edged out Warragul Golf Club and Axedale Golf Club at the Victorian Golf Industry Awards Night.

The resort’s general manager of golf Patrick Young said it was terrific timing to receive the honour just days prior to yesterday’s Pro-Am, but reiterated it was the result of a lot of hard work.

“The owners had put in a significant amount of money to renovate the hotel, the golf course and its machinery to re-establish the membership base,” Mr Young said. “We had a very small team, so it was all hands-on deck and there was plenty of blood, sweat and tears that went into getting it all completed.

“But to get that recognition of a job well done, made everyone involved so proud.”

The accolade, voted on by players who compete in more than 60 Pro-Am tournaments across the country each year, sits high up on the resort’s list of achievements.

A professional golfer in Asia for more than two decades, Mr Young knows what appeals to a golfer’s eye; something The Sands always aims to cater to.

“To receive the award above a vast number of other courses in such a short period of time is no small feat to accomplish,” Mr Young said.

“I’ve been in the golfing industry for over 40 years now running events all over the world and I always tackle it from a player’s point of view.

“So, with the budget that we have and trying to make our whole Torquay Pro-Am experience and enjoyable one, it is something that set us apart from other clubs.”