It was the turn of Turf Management South Australia (TMSA) to acknowledge its award winners as part of last Saturday’s South Australian Golf Industry Awards evening held at the Hilton Adelaide. Fresh off preparing his course for the third consecutive Webex Players Series South Australia tournament a fortnight ago, Willunga Golf Club superintendent Sam Smith was announced as recipient of the TMSA Excellence in Turf Management Award, sponsored by John Deere and Metropolitan Machinery.

As superintendent for 11 of his 28 years, Smith has led significant improvements with limited resources at Willunga. Under his guidance, the course’s reputation has soared and has become home to the Webex SA Players Series event since 2023. He oversaw a complete irrigation system renewal, enhancing efficiency and sustainability, while restoring natural creek lines, planting native vegetation, and improving biodiversity, helping to elevate the course’s quality and appeal for members and visiting golfers alike. In winning the award Smith beat home fellow finalists Ben Hallam (Tea Tree Gully GC), Aaron Kelly (The Vines GC) and Simon Prosser (Aston Hills GC).

Royal Adelaide’s Oliver Davis was officially recognised in front of the South Australian industry after being named the TMSA Golf Graduate of the Year earlier this year. That qualified Davis to represent TMSA in the final of the ASTMA Graduate of the Year Award, sponsored by Toro, which he would go on to win in what proved a stellar night for the South Australian industry. Oliver joined Tim Warren (Glenelg GC) and Peter Foreman (Adelaide Oval) in winning awards in Sydney.

Recognising and supporting emerging talent is a key part of the TMSA’s remit with the Graduate of the Year Award continuing to shine a spotlight on the bright future of golf course turf management in South Australia. Oliver’s success in winning both the state and national award is a testament to his dedication, talent and the strength of the development and mentorship programs offered by clubs and industry professionals across the state. Oliver headed a strong field of quality graduates coming through in South Australia at present, with fellow finalists including Jared Charlton (The Grange GC), Mathew Jordan (Flagstaff Hill GC), Adam Keen (Mount Compass GC), Nathan Morrell (Mt Osmond GC), Timothy Stewart (The Grange GC) and Jackson Tarte (Thaxted Park GC).

TMSA extends its appreciation to Corey Clark (John Deere), Chad Norsworthy (Metropolitan Machinery) and Luke Partridge (Nuturf) for their generous sponsorship of the association’s awards. A sincere thank you also goes to Jeff Zadow (Innovision Consulting) for once again undertaking the judging process for Excellence in Turf Management Award. The TMSA thanks all clubs and individuals who supported both awards through their nominations and looks forward to their support again when award nominations are called for in 2026.