Mick’s passion for golf wins state award

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Mick Murnane at Bundaberg Golf Club.

In 12 months Mick Murnane inspired 2200 kids to try golf for the first time, a feat which saw him named Queensland MyGolf Deliverer of the Year.

The PGA Golf Coach said winning the state award had come as a shock as he didn’t even know he had been nominated.

“The award goes to the person who is the most proactive in encouraging junior participation,” Mick said.

“It was a bit of a surprise for me.”

He said the judges considered his efforts to encourage more juniors in to the sport.

In the last 12 months that has included 17 school visits, running junior coaching programs at five regional clubs including Bundaberg, Innes Park, Childers, Gin Gin and Gayndah.

Mick said he also attended sports expo days and an inclusive sports expo for children with disabilities.

“That was what they used to nominate me and why they chose me over anyone else,” he said.

“They look at how many juniors I’m working with and how many have increased year on year.

“When I started there was four kids out of Gin Gin up to 26 now, similar at Childers.

“Innes Park didn’t have a junior program and they’ve got about a dozen now.”

mick golf
Mick Murnane teaches Elianne Sheild the correct way to swing.

The win qualifies Mick for the national award which will be decided on December 17 at the annual Greg Norman Medal Dinner on the Gold Coast.

Win or lose at that event, Mick said it was just an honour to be recognised at a state level and as being in the top seven in the country.

If successful, Mick will receive a $1500 grant to get new gear to support his junior coaching.

Growing up playing golf, Mick said he loved encouraging children to give the game a try.

“If I can pass on that little bit of passion, encourage them to get out and about … it’s a great game you can play it for the rest of your life.”

Mick's golf career destined for coaching

Mick said he had tried his hand at going pro but found that his real passion and talent lay in coaching.

“When I was playing I thought ‘man, this man’s one shot better than me’ and I knew I could make him one shot better than him even though I can’t beat him myself!”

A golfing job brought Mick to the Bundaberg Region and three years ago he went out on his own as a PGA Golf Coach.

“It’s awesome,” Mick said.

“I can see that there are a lot of golfers who want to improve around here.

“The guys I’m working with have had a whole lot of success.”

He said he loved to coach no matter the ability level – whether it was someone looking to go pro or someone who just wanted the confidence to play with friends.

“It’s always about giving someone a reason to be better.”