The club, along with the NSW committee, voted for Mears for the prestigious title, which was a mere testament to his promotion of junior golf in Dubbo.

Mears has conducted clinics at the club for the junior players, and was recognised for his development of golf in both Dubbo and the surrounding areas through events and programs such as junior clinics, the Holden Scramble and other social golf initiatives.

The long serving member of the club has introduced the sport to his young family, as they live on the green in Grangewood.

“My eight-year-old daughter occasionally has a hit, and it’s good to pass my knowledge on to my kids,” Mears said.

Mears said he would like more kids to get involved in golf, even if it were to get them off the streets.

“We have had a few juniors train at the club on the school holidays, and I think it’s a good hobby to have, and a great sport to play,” he said.

His push to get more juniors involved got him highly recognised in the workplace, with the PGA award the biggest highlight of his career.

“It’s easily the biggest thing I’ve ever gotten, and it really encompassed all the work I’ve done up to this point, so it’s an important award.”

Mears, who has seen many proteges go on to compete professionally overseas, said it was good to see them get to that level.

“I have at the moment three golfers competing in America, and one in Canada, it’s important to see how far they have come,” he said.

Mears said there was a Fiji golf compeition taking place in May, but the club’s main focus would be on the Super 6 finals, which take place at the end of March.

“Our sights are set at doing well in the Super 6 series, as we’ve put in a lot of work over the past few months,” he said.

PGA Australia is celebrating its centenary year, making the honour of receiving the title of Professional of the Year all the more worthwhile for Mears, who would like to remain in Dubbo and work closely with the Dubbo Golf Club for many years to come.