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Peter Thomson, a long time president and life member of the PGA of Australia, officially opened the Association’s new national office at Sandhurst Club in Melbourne.
“This is a proud day for the PGA,” said the five-time British Open during the ribbon cutting ceremony.
“During my time as President of the Association for 32 years, I couldn’t have imagined the PGA would grow to such a size that we were able to build this kind of facility, and so it gives me great pleasure to open this building.”
Following the opening ceremony, which also included addresses from PGA president Geoff Scott and Sandhurst Chairman Ken Roche, assembled guests were given a tour of the new office complex before teeing off on the Thomson Perrett designed North Course, which forms part of the wonderful 36-hole facility.
Thomson Perrett has also masterminded the design of the Champions Course at Sandhurst Club that is scheduled to open for play later in 07.
A broad cross-section of corporate and industry representatives attended the PGA opening, including PGA sponsors and corporate partners Cadbury Schweppes and GM Holden.
Also present were representatives from the PGA Tour of Australasia, the New Zealand PGA, Australian Ladies Professional Golf, Golf Australia and state golf associations from New South Wales and Victoria.
Peter Thomson has been right behind the PGA relocation to his beloved hometown of Melbourne ever since the idea was first mooted.
“It’s an enormous step for the PGA,” said the national sporting legend.
“But it’s a sensible step to locate to a golf club. I know the PGA has wanted to have its own championship course. And this one is it. We’re following the American trend. The PGA of America has such a base in Florida, as does PGA Tour. It’s all about locating on a golf course instead of in a downtown high-rise building. We won’t go far wrong if we really follow along behind the US PGA and the British PGA.”
