BATHURST'S Peter O'Malley has achieved plenty in his long playing career, but last week he was bestowed with another honour without even pulling a club out of his bag.
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The accomplished tournament professional and highly respected industry figure was appointed as the chairman of the board of directors of the PGA of Australia.
Effective immediately, O'Malley replaces renowned PGA professional Mark Gibson, who stepped down after successfully serving two full terms as the chairman of the PGA over the past six years.
O'Malley has been a much-respected member of the PGA Tour of Australasia since 1987 and has been a member of the board since 2010.
Throughout his career O'Malley has competed all over the world. His highlights include wins on the European Tour at the 1992 Scottish Open, the 1995 International Open and 2001 English Open.
On his home tour, O'Malley's victories also include the 1995 New Zealand Open, 1998 Canon Challenge, 2002 Clearwater Classic, 2005 New Zealand Open Championship and 2010 New South Wales Open.
For all his success, the man known as 'Pom' has also given back to the club where he started his career. Each year in conjunction with the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation, the Bathurst Golf Club stages the Peter O'Malley Junior Masters.
Known for both his playing prowess and approachable demeanour, O'Malley's appointment as chairman was unanimous and strongly supported by his fellow PGA professionals.
"I am incredibly proud to be a PGA professional, so to be chairman of the board of directors of the PGA is an honour," O'Malley said.
"Guiding the PGA and ensuring the long term health of the Australian golf industry is a responsibility I do not take on lightly," he added.
"I have been afforded many great opportunities over the years and by serving on the board, now as chairman, I hope I can continue contributing to a positive future for PGA professionals and can give a little back to the broader industry."
O'Malley also extended his gratitude to outgoing chairman Gibson.
"Throughout his career Mark has been instrumental in growing the game, particularly at his home base on the Gold Coast," O'Malley said.
"Over the past six years he has guided the PGA through a large period of change."
