Industry news
BRIAN THORBURN STEPS DOWN
AS PGA CEO AFTER SIX YEARS
After completing his second
three-year contract with
the PGA of Australia, the
organization announced
last week that CEO Brian
Thorburn will be leaving in
February next year at the
end of the term.
Gavin Kirkman, a long term and highly
regarded PGA executive who has
been responsible for the Vocational
Professionals and Stuart Hergt, PGA
CFO for more than five years, will
be taking over as Interim Joint CEO’s
reporting to the Chairman and the
PGA Board.
Chairman of the board, Peter O’Malley,
congratulated Thorburn on his
leadership over the past six years, and
his significant contributions during his
time as CEO.
“Brian was appointed in 2011, by a new
Board and together we immediately
implemented a comprehensive
restructure and change agenda which
has seen the PGA deliver a financial
surplus each year for the last four
years, extend the services provided to
Members, reduce Member subscription
fees and grow tournaments on the ISPS
HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia by over
50% to 17 tournaments offering $8.9
million in prize money,” Peter
O’Malley said.
“Australia’s golfing fortunes have
thrived over this period with several
players in the top-50 in the world
including two world No 1’s in Jason Day
and Adam Scott.
“Brian oversaw the PGA Centenary in
2011, the relocation of the Australian
PGA Championship to the Gold Coast
in 2013, an expanded relationship
with the European Tour and the
establishment of new international
tournaments in Fiji, Darwin, New
Caldeonia, Papua New Guinea
and Perth.
“Two other very significant events
were held during his tenure being
6
The Presidents Cup in Australia in
2011 and the World Cup of Golf also
in Melbourne this year and 2013,”
continued O’Malley.
“With the PGA enjoying high brand
recognition and respect, Brian leaves
at a time when we are in a powerful
financial position well placed to
continue to expand and grow.
“The PGA looks to build greater
alignment with all the other golfing
bodies in Australia maximising
the value and importance of its
brand, celebrating its history and
strengthening the position and
circumstances of both its vocational
and tour professionals.
“Brian effectively represented the
PGA & the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of
Australasia on the world stage, has
been most constructive for the future
of the game and he leaves with our
thanks and gratitude for
his contribution.
“Last week’s successful staging of the
Australian PGA Championship at RACV
Royal Pines Resort and the standing
of that tournament is a credit to Brian
who has driven not only the transition
The Golf Marketing Professionals www.golfindustrycentral.com.au
from Coolum to the Gold Coast but a
number of other initiatives such as the
Greg Norman Medal, the inaugural PGA
Immortal Award which was presented
to Peter Thomson, and the SONIQ
Million Dollar Hole as a few examples,”
concluded Chairman O’Malley.
Brian Thorburn stated that he was very
proud of his achievements as CEO of
the PGA.
“It’s been a privilege to run the PGA and
I’m very pleased to have left the legacy
of making a worthwhile contribution to
the PGA and to the future of the great
game of golf in this country,” he said.
“Living in Sydney, travelling each
week to the PGA’s national office at
Sandhurst in Melbourne and being on
the road for over 180 days each year
has been a big commitment and I am
looking forward to returning to my
consulting firm based in Sydney and
spending more time with my
young family.”