Keperra Country Golf Club Sweeps Queensland Awards
Brisbane's Keperra Country Golf Club earned three key accolades at the 2026 Queensland Golf Industry Awards, including Most Outstanding Metropolitan Club and Junior Golf Program of the Year.
Keperra Country Golf Club Leads Queensland Awards
The 2026 Queensland Golf Industry Awards, held on October 14, 2026, saw Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane collect three significant distinctions. The club was named Most Outstanding Queensland Club, Facility or Place to Play in the Metropolitan category, acknowledging its overall operational excellence.
Furthermore, Keperra's commitment to nurturing young talent was recognised with the Junior Golf Program of the Year award. Adding to its success, Jake Newbery, a staff coach at the club, received the Coach of the Year award for Game Development.
These wins underscore Keperra Country Golf Club's comprehensive approach to golf development and community engagement across various age groups and skill levels within Queensland's capital region.
Regional Excellence and Management Recognition
Beyond the metropolitan area, the awards programme also celebrated leading facilities across Queensland. Maleny Golf Club was honoured as the Most Outstanding Queensland Club, Facility or Place to Play in the Regional category, highlighting its contribution to golf outside Brisbane.
Landers Pocket earned recognition for innovation in the off-course sector, being named Most Outstanding Facility in the Off-Course category. Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club also achieved a dual triumph.
Paul Sanders, associated with Sanctuary Cove, was appointed PGA Management Professional of the Year, while Cameron Smith, also from Sanctuary Cove, received the Superintendents Achievement Award. These awards collectively show the diverse strengths within Queensland's golf sector, from course management to regional facility provision.
Top Players and Coaches Recognised
Individual achievements were a central focus of the 2026 awards, with several figures defending their titles from the previous year. Billy Dowling and Grace Rho both repeated as Male and Female Amateur Golfers of the Year, respectively, affirming their consistent performance.
James Corkill of Yamba Golf and Country Club retained his title as Club Professional of the Year, marking a consecutive win. Dominic Azzopardi, representing Dom Azzopardi Golf, also successfully defended his Coach of the Year title in the High Performance category.
The future of Queensland golf was also acknowledged, with Alicia Ludi named Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year and Hennessey de Guzman receiving the Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year honour. These repeat successes and emerging talents show a strong competitive landscape in the state.
Industry Service and Corporate Support Honoured
The awards also paid tribute to individuals and partners whose long-term efforts underpin the Queensland golf industry. Justin Kelly was presented with the Superintendents Industry Recognition Award, acknowledging a distinguished 37-year career in sports turf management.
His career includes significant roles at Logan City, Riverlakes Country Club, Gainsborough Greens, and Parkwood Golf Club, alongside four years on the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Queensland executive. Furthermore, the Services to Golf Award was jointly given to corporate partners Asahi Schweppes and Coca-Cola Europacific Enterprises.
This recognition highlights their sustained support for the golf sector across the state, underscoring the importance of corporate engagement in the sport's continued development.
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