Passion, dedication and hard work have paid off for Maleny Golf Club’s course superintendent Mick McCombe in the form of a prestigious achievement award last night at the Queensland Golf Industry Awards at Jupiter’s on the Gold Coast.

Mick (left) receiving his award from Dave Morrison of Living Turf Queensland. Photo courtesy of Captum Imago Photography

Mick was one of five finalists in the running for the 2015 Living Turf Superintendent’s Achievement Award following his nomination by Maleny Golf Club’s President Dr Max Whitten.

One receiving bis award Mick said “This award is owed to the long term vision of the club and it’s board of directors and with the second 9 holes of the course due to open in the not too distant future, I am very privileged to be working at such a great progressive facility”

Dr Whitten said the nomination recognised Mick’s insight in interpreting the design by golf architect Graham Papworth, diverse operating skills and ability to manage and motivate volunteers who helped build and then maintain the nine-hole course.

“Mick McCombe has played a pivotal role in translating a weed-ridden, largely abandoned dairy farm into an operating golf course which is now receiving high praise from both members and visitors alike,” Dr Whitten said.

“When Mick came on board he worked closely with the design and construction team under the leadership of Club Vice-President and engineer Rod Richards to tweak the bulk earthworks to ensure the tees, fairways and greens reflected Graham Papworth’s vision and the outcome speaks for itself.”.

On accepting the award Mick acknowledged the unqualified support he had received from Dr Whitten and Maleny Golf Club Greens Director Rob Bailo since taking on the daunting challenge in September 2014.

“I would not have been able to build the course the way we have without their full backing and of course I want to thank our fantastic team of volunteers who’ve enabled us to achieve such a high standard of presentation,” he said.

Dr Whitten said Mick’s prowess as an A-grade golfer and ability to operate dry-hired earthmoving machinery had proved to be valuable attributes.

“Above all his personal capacity to work with and motivate volunteers and contractors has played a huge part in constructing a good golf course in a short time frame and with a modest budget,” he said.

Mick said he was now looking forward to starting construction of the second nine holes at Maleny.

Prior to taking on the role of Course Superintendent at Maleny Mick was the Course Foreman at Headland Golf Club, Buderim, and during a 15-year industry career gained international experience at Coombe Hill Golf Club in London.

Mick hard at work on the fairway mower

Following are some glimpses of Mick on his night of nights.

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