Kicking off the annual black-tie event, this year held at Country Club Johannesburg, was MC Dale Hayes who entertained the crowd with his usual antics. A surprise speech by Barry Richards on the state of SA cricket added to the night’s festivities, while two-time Major winner Sally Little also took to the podium.

Up-and-coming stars, including Branden Grace, as well as long-time role models such as Retief Goosen, received awards for their outstanding performances on the course.

Although stars such as these may be the public face of the game, those making contributions to golf behind the scenes were not forgotten, and Beau Barnard, the name behind Acushnet in South Africa, walked away with the prestigious Contribution to Golf Industry award. Michael Vilsmas took home the Telkom Journalist of the Year award for his many hours spend reporting on South African Golf.

For a full review of the star-studded event, be on the look out for the April issue of Compleat Golfer.

The award winners:

Disabled Golfer of the Year Jennie Frost

Club Manager of the Year Danie Appel

Course Superintendent of the Year Gordon Johnston (Serengeti)

Telkom Journalist of the Year Michael Vlismas

Contribution to Golf Industry Beau Barnard

PGA CG Club Pro Champion Ashley Roestoff

PGA Apprentice of the Year Wayne Hugo

PGA Teaching Pro of the Year Martin Briede

PGA Club Professional of the Year Michael de Villiers

5-Star Award from PGA of Europe Cobie Legrange

5-Star Golf Experience Awards (retaining status) Durban CC, Atlantic Beach, Blair Atholl, Country Club Johannesburg, Leopard Creek, Pecan Wood, Royal Johannesburg, Sun City, De Zalze, Simola, Zimbali, Eagle Canyon, Erinvale, Pinnacle Point, Fancourt, Pearl Valley, Oubaai, Euphoria, Steenberg

5-Star Golf Experience Awards (new awards) Glendower, Randpark, Simbithi, Vaal de Grace

Sunshine Tour Order of Merit Anders Hansen

Sunshine Tour Rookie of the Year Graham de Laet

Sunshine Tour Stroke Average Branden Grace

Junior Golfer of the Year JG Claassen

Amateur Ladies Golf of the Year Kim Williams

Amateur Men’s Golf of the Year JG Claassen

WGSA Player of the Year Lee-Ann Pace

WGSA Coach of the Year Val Holland

Golfer of the Year Retief Goosen

Contribution to Golf Sun International