Janelle Smith, formerly Janelle Lynch, a golf product of Cowra has been presented the national club pro of the year award, along with her husband Ryan.
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The duo were accepted the prize from former Cowra Golf Club professional Dave Stretton, now the Deputy Chairman of the PGA of Australia, at last Tuesday’s Greg Norman Medal at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast
Janelle and Stretton have known each other since she was a prodigious 12-year-old tearing up the fairways at Cowra Golf Club.
The Charlestown professional represented NSW and beat club finalists from every state. Each finalist was judged on various facets including coaching, game development and retail.
“It was a great thrill and totally unexpected,” Janelle said.
“To have Dave present it to us, made it that extra bit special. I was 12 when he came to Cowra and he coached me all the way through. Then when he got the job at Morisset, I did my traineeship there and worked with him for seven years.”
Stretton said he was proud to present to the award to deserving winners.
“Our journey started 22 years ago and I can't believe I had this honour,” he said.
“We are so very proud of these two as they truly deserve it. They are role models for all club professionals to aspire too.”
The Smiths have been at Charlestown for six years.
“One of the biggest things the judges look at is game development and promotion,” Janelle said.
“We have a free beginners clinic which is the most popular program we run. If kids like it, they move on from there. We have a development squad and an advanced group. Seeing juniors develop is one of the most rewarding aspects.”
As well as recognition, the Smiths receive a trip to the Golf Show trade fair in Orlando in January.
“It is where are the companies release their new products and there are seminars conducted by Scotty Cameron and other industry leaders,” Janelle said.
“As well as the seminar, the winners from the various countries will get together for a mini conference and a round at the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill course.”