Bundaberg’s own Mick Murnane is in the running to win one of golf’s most coveted awards.
The PGA golf coach at Bundaberg Golf Club is already recognised as one of the best coaches in the region and in recognition of that has recently been nominated as a finalist for the Queensland Golf Industry Awards game development professional of the year.
The Bundaberg golf coach said he’d known about the nomination for some time, but it was only officially announced recently.
“The nomination went out in February and the awards were meant to be held in April, but then everything got shut down because of Coronavirus,” Mick said.
“Instead of an awards dinner they’re going to do an online webinar on 14 July.”
Win or lose, Mick said it was an honour to be recognised in the top eight coaches around the state.
It’s unsurprising he was nominated, with the award recognising Mick’s proactive work within the community.
That work includes school visits, retirement village visits, and running junior coaching programs at five regional clubs including Bundaberg, Innes Park, Childers, Gin Gin and Gayndah.
“I work really hard to try and promote the game,” Mick said.
“Currently I do a fair bit of work with schools and I’ll go out and take golf as a PE class.
“I also try to enhance independence in senior golfers. Pre-COVID, I was managing to get out to five local retirement villages and more were planned for later in the year.”
Growing up playing golf, Mick said he loved encouraging people to try the game.
“I’ve always liked being able to help people,” he said.
“Even when I was playing and competing, I’d often look at their game and pick out things that could be improved upon.
“Now with my students you can see their enjoyment and enthusiasm when they hit the ball right, and as a coach you feel their excitement.
“If I can make one person a day love golf then it’s been a good day for me.”
The awards will be live-streamed on 14 July at 7pm.
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Hope you win Mike – you’re an awesome coach