JNJG Coach Named Best in Australia
Last night saw members of the professional golf circuit, corporate world and golf community gather to celebrate the achievements of both vocational and tour PGA Professionals throughout the country. The Greg Norman Medal Dinner took place on the Gold Coast ahead of the 2018 PGA Championship.
It was a night to share the success of all PGA members in Australia and the work they are doing in the game of golf. Our very own supercoach, Khan Pullen, was named 2018 Australian PGA Coach of the Year.
Coach of 2017 Australian Open winner Cam Davis, Khan made it through to the National Award after his success in claiming the NSW PGA Coach of the Year at the State Golf Industry Awards in October.
When asked how he felt receiving the award he replied, “Very honoured. I certainly don’t do what I do for the awards, but it is nice to know that the work that I am doing has been recognised by the PGA.”
He is a passionate coach and in his role as Player Development Manager at Jack Newton Junior Golf he has assisted countless juniors, many who have gone on to pursue golf in the professional ranks.
His commitment to developing the golf games of so many is outstanding and this award is proof of that passion.
“In my position at Jack Newton Junior Golf, I am very lucky to be able to work with some talented and highly motivated individuals that have set lofty goals for themselves,” said Pullen.
“I am very passionate about them achieving these goals and it drives me to continue to improve myself because I know that they are doing the same. I also think my empathy with the players is important. I am on this journey with them through the ups and downs and this helps strengthen the relationships.”
He believes that this passion and constant education is what is needed to truly be a great coach.
“I think you need to passionate about what you do. You also need to take the time to get to know the players you coach. What makes them tick, what their goals are and develop a road map to take them there. Be on that journey with them.”
“I also think you need to be constantly educating yourself and upgrading your skills in all areas, not just technical knowledge. The more experience I am gaining throughout the years, particularly as my players make their way up the playing levels and from my learnings garnered from other players, coaches and study, yes the players need to be technically proficient and have all the required skill sets for the level of competition that they aspire to play at, but the environment around the players can have much more impact on long term motivation and player performance.”
From all the team at Jack Newton Junior Golf, The Board, juniors, parents and supporters we congratulate Khan on this outstanding achievement. He is a worthy recipient of the accolade.
The other awards presented on the evening included:
Greg Norman Medal: Minjee Lee - WA
PGA Club Professional of the Year: Adam Norlander – Headland Golf Club – QLD
PGA Management Professional of the Year: Gary Booby – The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range – NSW
PGA Game Development Professional of the Year: Jason Laws – Newcastle Golf Club – NSW
PGA National Trainee of the Year: Cooper Ecclestone – Victoria Park Golf Complex – QLD
ALPG Player of the Year: Minjee Lee – WA
Legends Tour Player of the Year: Brad Burns – QLD
ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year: Matt Millar – ACT
The Greg Norman Medal Dinner, which is proudly supported by the City of Gold Coast, tees off the PGA’s flagship tournament, the Australian PGA Championship, at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from 29 November – 2 December.
