[Photo: Golf Australia]
The PGA of Australia and Golf Australia have congratulated four members of the Australian golf community recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
PGA Professional Nicholas McCormack OAM led the golf recipients, receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to golf.
He was joined by Carmel Smith AM, Ian Hannah AM and Diana McLaurin AM, who were each appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to golf and the broader community.
McCormack has spent 55 years as a PGA Professional and has made an outstanding contribution to junior golf and game development.
Introduced to the game by his father in Goulburn, NSW, at age 13, such was McCormack’s instant affinity for golf that he began a PGA Professional traineeship under Bob Payne and Noel Matthew at Kooringal Golf Club at the age of 16.
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Prior to his father’s encouragement, McCormack had viewed golf as a sport for old men, yet he has devoted much of his 55-year career as a PGA professional to growing the game at the grassroots level.
His work has included leading the growth of junior participation in South Australia by driving the inclusion of golf in South Australian school sport, establishing various junior development programs, and maintaining a long-running commitment to creating opportunities for young people to experience golf at The Grange Golf Club in particular.
“The game teaches you to be who you are,” McCormack said in 2022.
“It also teaches them respect, honesty and discipline and brings the confidence out in some of these kids.
“Because most sports are team sports, golf teaches you that if you’re out there on your own and you do make mistakes, you pick yourself up and focus on the next shot.
“It’s building their character, understanding who they are and how they can develop themselves. Golf teaches kids all of that.”
PGA of Australia Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Kirkman, said McCormack’s honour was a fitting recognition of a PGA Member who had dedicated his career to growing the game.
“On behalf of the PGA of Australia, I congratulate Nicholas McCormack OAM on this wonderful and richly deserved honour,” Kirkman said.
“Nick’s career is a great example of the impact PGA Members have at the coalface of the game.
“For more than five decades, he has given his energy, knowledge and care to junior golf, coaching and participation, and generations of young people have benefited from that work.
“PGA Professionals play a critical role in communities right around Australia. They coach, mentor, lead facilities, support clubs and introduce people to golf in a way that can stay with them for life.
“Nick’s recognition is a proud moment for him, his family, South Australian golf and the PGA more broadly.”
Carmel Smith AM was recognised for significant service to golf through governance roles, and as a player and administrator.
Smith has been involved in golf for more than 40 years, including as a former Director of Golf Australia and Golf Queensland. She has contributed across governance, amalgamations, state championships and handicapping, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Golf Queensland.
Ian Hannah AM was recognised for significant service to golf administration, surf lifesaving and community sport.
Hannah, known widely as Max, has made a significant contribution to golf in Western Australia and nationally. He was the inaugural Chair of GolfWA following the amalgamation of the men’s and women’s state associations, a former President of the Western Australian Golf Association, a Life Member of GolfWA and served as National Director of Coaching at the Australian Golf Union (now Golf Australia).
Diana McLaurin AM was recognised for significant service to the arts, to golf and to environmental conservation.
McLaurin has strong links to South Australian golf, including through Royal Adelaide Golf Club, where the McLaurin–Lyons Medal has supported the growth of junior girls’ golf.
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Golf Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the honours were an important recognition of people who had given long and meaningful service to the game.
“Golf in Australia has been built by people who give their time, expertise and leadership over many years, often without seeking recognition,” Sutherland said.
“Carmel, Max, Diana and Nicholas have each contributed to the game in different ways, from governance and administration through to junior development, community golf and support for the next generation.
“These honours are a wonderful reflection of their service, but also of the strength of golf’s volunteers and workforce.
“On behalf of Golf Australia, we congratulate each recipient and thank them for the role they have played in Australian golf.”
