Gary Thomas has announced that he will step down as Chief Executive of GolfWA at the end of the year.
Thomas first worked for the WA Golf Association (WAGA) as its Junior Development Officer prior to stints as Director of Golf at Singapore Island Country and General Manager at both Royal Perth and Lake Karrinyup.
He rejoined WAGA as Chief Executive in November 2010 and oversaw the long-planned merger of WAGA and Womens’ Golf Western Australia that resulted in the creation of GolfWA in 2011.
Thomas will leave golf in WA in a healthy position, with participation rates at an all-time high; club membership at levels not seen for decades; increased club support through GolfWA’s Regional Club Support Officers; and several players shining on the global stage having come through the GolfWA system.
“I am very proud of what GolfWA has achieved across all our areas of responsibility – participation, game development, club support, government relations, high performance and tournaments,” said Thomas.
“I’m also humbled by the impact that the WA Golf Foundation has had in raising significant funds to support junior golf and other initiatives across Western Australia since it was launched in 2012.
“In addition, we have recently completed the first 12 months of our Australian Golf State Service Agreement with Golf Australia, which has provided considerable benefits to our operations and to golf in WA as a whole.
“Finally, we have just completed a move into our new office at SportHQ, where we will be joined by the PGA in October. This will mark the first time the amateur and professional governing bodies will operate under one roof.”
Gary plans to spend more time on the golf course when he steps down as GolfWA Chief Exec
Thomas will remain in the role until December to allow the recruiting process to unfold and to ensure a smooth handover to his successor.
“I will always be grateful for the strong support GolfWA has enjoyed from our affiliated clubs and members; the State Government; Healthway and our major corporate partners; and for the many, strong relationships I have personally forged during my tenure,” he added.
“I also want to acknowledge the work of the various GolfWA staff, as well as past and present Board members. Without them, much of what has been achieved couldn’t have been realised.
“However, after 15 years I believe it time to hand the baton for someone else to drive GolfWA over the next exciting period.”
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