There is nothing like a sunny Sydney sky to set the scene for a successful ASGA NSW Golf Day, and that’s what the Harbour City delivered yesterday, giving the 72 attendees who lined up across the 18 tees at the Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club the perfect golfing experience.

In what was another great story for the sign, graphic and print industries in NSW, a mix of industry suppliers, sign making and print companies took part in the Ambrose-format competition, which focuses on fun and camaraderie with generous handicaps to ensure limited golfing talent is no impediment to enjoyment.

This year, the challenge for participants was not only to attempt to win individual hole prizes like long drive and nearest the pin, but to challenge the Shann Group who won the team event last year – and they brought their best.

Amari Visual’s team of Mark McInnes, Matt Fuda, Hayden Lamond and Darren Hawes eventually claimed victory, winning the team event – first time winners – with the Graphic Art Mart team led by Steve Howland and comprising Jason Thompson and Shane Zelinka runners-up.

The list of individual hole winners showcased the spread and variety of companies taking part, with staff and clients from numerous businesses receiving prizes. Mike Jovanovich (Signco Manufacturing), Glen Rogers (Signarama), Warren Redmond (Rowmark), Lee Dunks (ORAFOL), Greg McCabe (KwikKopy) and Greg Woolfrey (Shann Group) were amongst those winners.  Darren Hawes of Amari took away the new driving club presented by Cory Bourne of Rowmark for the Long Drive on Hole 11 whilst a new putter also presented by Cory for Nearest the Pin on the challenging Par 3 17^th hole was won by Glen Rogers (SAR). Sydney Aluminium / Direct Aluminium were the winners of the ASGA membership draw, winning a year’s free membership to the association.

After a full round on the beautiful course, participants enjoyed drinks and lunch in the venue’s outstanding function room while prizes were presented – once again wrapping up one of the NSW industry’s most popular events.

As always, such an event would not be possible without the strong support of sponsors and ASGA Events Manager, Michael Punch, thanked them all as did NSW State Chair Marc Martello (Comcut Group). Event sponsors were:  Graphic Art Mart (Principal), Signarama, HEXIS, Bounce LED/Letter Tech, ORAFOL, Visual Connections, Mulford Plastics, Rowmark, Roland DG, Ball & Doggett, Direct Aluminium, Sign Manufacturing Insurance Brokers (SMIB).

Mark also explained to the gathering that any profits made on the day will be directed to the Sign & Print Career Connections program. Designed to attract new talent to the print, sign and graphics sector, the program is being run by Visual Connections in partnership with ASGA and other industry associations. Damian Nielsen, ASGA’s Vice President, took the opportunity to highlight the benefits of ASGA Membership, particularly in challenging times.

Damian said the popular event once again proved its important role in building connections and maintaining the strength of the industry.

“The opportunity to get together with industry colleagues and make new connections is so important, and we’ve seen once again in Sydney not only how effective days like this can be in building those industry relationships, but how enjoyable it is for everyone involved.

“Such events are made possible by the generous support of sponsors, and by the support of the sign making, printing and installation companies who take the opportunity to step back from their businesses for the day, set aside healthy rivalries, and join together to ensure we always have plenty of good competition and fun on the day,” he said, paying particular tribute to the hard work of Michael Punch in organising and running the event.

The association is now looking forward to our next, similar industry event which will be held in Perth on 30 May. For information about the Perth Golf Day, please contact [email protected]