Two changes have been made to the Golf Australia board following the recent election process.
Chairman John Hopkins today welcomed a pair of Sydneysiders, Jeannene O’Day and John Robinson, as new directors.
But while excited with the new additions, Hopkins said it was tinged with sadness with the departures of two extremely well performed members.
“It’s an exciting time for golf in Australia in a dynamic era for the sport and we are very confident that both Jeannene and John will be valued contributors to the board and the game’s direction around the country,” Hopkins said.
“We have undergone some major changes in the past year or two and it’s important that we continue that momentum to maximise the sport’s enormous potential.
“For that, we are very much indebted to two fabulous, long-serving board members whose terms have expired in Jill Spargo and Bob Crosby.
“Both have gone above and beyond in the time and passion they’ve committed to the board, and both have left the sport in better position as a result of their tireless efforts.
“They’ll both be missed, but I’m sure will continue to contribute in other ways.”
O’Day is a member at Sydney’s Avondale Golf Club and has more than 25 years’ domestic and international experience in the financial services sector.
She has also been actively involved on boards and organisations dedicated to women’s and community issues, developing and directing websites and social media campaigns.
Robinson, a former chairman of Golf NSW, is well known to many in the golf community for his work as a national referee and is a member of both Elanora Country Club and The Australian Golf Club.
He is a semi-retired IT specialist and business owner, having previously been an IT data communications manager for Westpac and a director and chairman of several companies.
“It’s great that both have a passion and knowledge of golf,” Hopkins said.
“But we’re excited about their business acumen and other skills across different walks of life that they’re bringing to the Golf Australia board.”
The full board is: John Hopkins (WA, chairman), Sarah Chia (SA), Peter Castrisos (Qld), Kerri-Anne Kennerley (NSW), Andrew Newbold (Vic), Richard Allen (Vic), Peter Ritchie (NSW), Jeannene O’Day (NSW) and John Robinson (NSW).