The PGA of Australia says it is proud to extend honorary membership to Karrie Webb AO in recognition of her services to the Australian golf industry.
One of Australia’s most successful golfers of all time, Webb has represented her country at the highest echelons of the game for more than 20 years, notching up an incredible 51 wins worldwide including seven Major titles.
While her playing resume speaks for itself, just as impressive is her work behind the scenes to foster young talent via her Karrie Webb Series and subsequent scholarship being provided to two Australian females amateurs each year since 2008.
“I’m really chuffed,” says Webb of her honorary PGA membership.
“When (PGA of Australia CEO) Gavin Kirkman called me late last year, I wasn’t sure what he wanted to speak to me about and I definitely wasn’t expecting that.
“It’s a very, very nice honour and I’m really thankful to the PGA of Australia for thinking of me like that.”
As a vocal supporter of increasing female participation in golf, it was fitting that Webb received her honorary membership of the PGA of Australia at the ISPS HANDA Vic Open; a golf tournament leading equality in golf.
“Obviously the Vic Open’s had this format for I think six or seven years now and what I love about it is it’s actually gotten the world’s attention now that the LPGA have co‑sanctioned and the men’s European Tour have co‑sanctioned. World media are talking about it,” adds Webb.
“I spoke to Geoff Ogilvy for the first time today. Our paths just don’t cross. It would be nice, just as the tennis does, that we have a handful of events a year that we’re all together and you get to know everybody.”
Throughout her career Webb has had a strong association with the PGA, most notably with PGA professional Ian Triggs.
“I had a fabulous time working with Triggsy. He really got my game – it wasn’t in great shape when he started helping us out, you know, from the swing obviously to just refining a few bad habits.
“But for me, we did a lot of great work on my short game, just tidied all of that up. His knowledge tee to green, every shot in the bag was fantastic. I learnt so much from him.”
But it is the work that the PGA is doing to produce more female PGA professionals which excites Webb.
“I know a lot of the female PGA of Australia professionals have great junior programs, so that’s boys and girls. You know, I think they’re great nurturers, women,” adds Webb.
“Women might have a different approach to coaching that identifies with certain people, whether it’s men or women.
“I think it’s great that the PGA of Australia’s really making it a little bit more accessible for women to go into that field and knowing that that is an option if they want to stay in the golfing world and have a career in golf.”
With 2,800 PGA professionals across Australia, PGA chairman Rodger Davis said that it is an honour to have the support of Webb.
“Karrie Webb is a wonderful ambassador for Australian golf not just as an athlete but as a role model,” says Davis.
“We are privileged to welcome Karrie to the PGA of Australia with honorary membership. To count a person of her calibre amongst our ranks is truly wonderful.”
