4 PGA Professionals Available for Coaching

For the first time in Pacific Dunes Golf Club’s history, and surpassing all other local golf clubs, Pacific Dunes are pleased to have 4 PGA Coaching Professionals available for private coaching and clinics.

Pacific Dunes Golf Club recently welcomed to the club a new Assistant Director of Golf, Mark Alison to the staff base and also as a resident of Pacific Dunes. Having completed his PGA Traineeship last year, he was awarded a number of prestigious accolade; finishing first for the country in ‘PGA academics’ and winning both the NSW AND the Australian ‘PGA Trainee of the year’ awards.

With vast golfing experience Mark has been working within the golfing industry for 15 years, all over the world, from a prestigious country club in the USA, caddying in Europe, to junior programs for over 200 kids in the Sutherland Shire; Mark’s vast golf knowledge, experience and recent awards and achievements have established him as a reputable and well-sought after golf professional.

Not only are Pacific Dunes lucky enough to have had Mark join the team, but his wife, former Port Stephens resident and former European and LPGA Tour Professional, Cherie Alison is also providing coaching and assistance at the Golf Shop. With a successful career beginning as an Amateur, representing both NSW and Australia, Cherie turned professional in 2000 when she earned her ‘tour card’ in the ladies European tour. Playing in Europe for 8 years, including 1 year in the US on the LPGA tour, Cherie beat over 2,000 applicants for the Golf Professional job at the newly opened Hamilton Island Golf Club, and then was awarded the Platinum Eminence Award for Staff Member of the Year, over 1,200 staff members. Cherie has worked and played at many prestigious courses across the world and is thrilled to be back in her home town, taking some time to get back onto the course, relax and enjoy the Port Stephens lifestyle.

“Cherie & Mark are invaluable members of the Pacific Dunes team, using their wealth of golf experience to coach players of all ages and abilities. They have even had students travel over two hours to visit them at Pacific Dunes for some lessons since leaving their previous course.” Mr Linde said.

In addition to the dynamic-Alison duo, Membership Manager & General Manager, Kurt Linde who is PGA professional and former touring professional , is available for private lessons and coaching for Members and Non members alike. Kurt’s appointment to General Manager in late 2014 follows a strong golfing career at both Pacific Dunes as Director of Golf – Teaching Professional 2 years  and previously Head Golf Professional  Belmont Golf Club and Director/ co founder of Lake Macquarie Golf Schools for 7 year, this all followed a 3 year Playing career covering Australasian , South Pacific and Canadian tours .

Whilst the former touring PGA professionals may have hung-up their ‘touring clubs’, trainee professional Eli Richardson has spent the past 18 months at Pacific Dunes, training and learning about everything involved in the PGA golfing world. Following a 3 year career in the police force, Eli realised that he was spending all of his spare time and money playing golf, something that he has always had a drive and passion for. So whilst he is working his way through his study and touring, being coached and guided by Kurt, Mark & Cherie, Eli confidently confirms that although he enjoyed his time in the police-force, he is undoubtedly living out his dreams and on the way to a successful golfing career.

Monday, 2pm-Ladies ($20pp)

Wednesday, 4pm- Juniors ($10pp) 

Friday, 1pm- Mixed ($20pp)

Skills:

Grips/ basic swing on driving range

Chipping/ putting on driving range

Chipping/ putting/ bunker play

Woods/ iron play and full swing

Bookings: Please call the Golf Shop for entries (02) 4916 0500 or email markalison@pacificdunesgolf.com.au

 Own equipment is advised and dress regulations apply. For more information please visit the website www.pacificdunes.com.au.