The ASTMA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Pambula Merimbula Golf Club superintendent, Rain Bird area manager and TAFE teacher Greg Smith after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Smith, who was just 65, will be farewelled by family and friends at a memorial service next Wednesday (5 November) at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Parish in Terrigal, NSW followed by a wake at Mercure Kooindah Waters (see details here).

Smith holds a unique place in the history of the ASTMA/AGCSA as the inaugural recipient of what was then the AGCSA Fellowship Award. Back in 1990, when Smith was superintendent at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club, the then board of the AGCSA instituted what would be its very first industry award. Originally sponsored by John Deere, the Fellowship Award was aimed at elevating the status and recognition of superintendents and acknowledging their hard work that largely went unheralded. Thirty-six years on, the award is still handed out annually and is now known as the ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award, sponsored by Envu.

Starting out as an apprentice in Penrith, Smith had arrived at Pambula Merimbula three years earlier in 1987 having previously been the assistant at Sydney’s Roseville Golf Club under Mark O’Sullivan. At the time an 18-hole layout, Pambula Merimbula was looking to increase to 27 holes and charged Smith with designing and constructing the new nine. It would be that body of work which would form the basis of Smith’s application for the Fellowship Award. His was one of 16 submissions that the judging panel – containing then Australian Golf Union president Colin Phillips, Terry Woodcock (Turfgrass Technology) and Ian McIvor (Australian Turfgrass Research Institute) – vetted before coming up with a shortlist of three finalists.

Following face-to-face interviews in Sydney they anointed Smith as the award’s inaugural recipient. In his judging notes, Phillips would comment that Smith “had interviewed impressively and that his achievements at Pambula, for a fairly young man, were outstanding.” He also noted with approval “the concern shown by the winner with matters relating to conservation, and how that concern had been reflected in the design of Pambula’s new holes.”

Smith’s award was conferred upon him at a gala dinner on the eve of the 1990 Australian Open at The Australian which featured the likes of golfing greats of the time Greg Norman and Nick Faldo. In the March 1991 edition of former industry publication TurfCraft International, editor Ted Drinkwater recalled the night in an article summarising Smith’s achievements. CLICK HERE to read the article. A handy golfer, Smith was also a former winner of the ASTMA Golf Championship and his name is etched on the trophy that sits in the cabinet at ASTMA HQ in Melbourne. Smith collected the title at Lake Karrinyup Country Club, WA in 1988.

Following his influential 13-year tenure at Pambula Merimbula, Smith would go on to join Rain Bird for over a decade before starting his own consultancy. In later years he became a welcome addition to the teaching team at TAFE NSW’s Kurri Kurri campus. Over a period of 12 years he imparted his knowledge onto the next generation and also played a critical role in modernising and developing teaching guides for the irrigation units and qualifications.

Tributes have been flowing from across the industry for Smith who was a much-loved figure over many decades and below are some of those. The ASTMA has also been in contact with Smith’s daughter Karina and conveyed its sincere condolences to the family on behalf of all association members. Vale Greg…

DAVID STONE (superintendent, Pymble GC)

“Greg was always such a great mentor to me. I first met Greg a little over 25 years ago at Terrigal Golf Club. Greg had just moved up to the Central Coast and started with Rain Bird. I was building a couple of greens and had just been thrown into running the small nine-hole course. Looking back I was so lucky to have someone like Greg move close by. He had such a passion for the trade and real willingness to help the younger generation. Greg always remained a great friend and mentor to me.

"I know Greg has had such a positive influence on so many apprentices he worked with and students he taught at TAFE in the later stages of his career. I was so happy to be play a role in the fundraiser at last year’s Rube Walkerden Day at Pymble and to bring Greg down for the day, giving him the chance to catch up with so many old friends.”

ALBERT SHERRY (ASTMA training manager, ex-Kurri Kurri TAFE teacher)

“Greg was a highly valued member of the sports turf department at Kurri Campus and was a close mate to all. He always enjoyed working with the students and passing on his vast knowledge to the new generation of sports turf managers, especially his broad knowledge of irrigation which he specialised in. He helped to modernise the TAFE’s sports turf irrigation teaching and was part of the subject expert group developing the irrigation units and qualifications. He will be sorely missed for his expertise by all that knew him.”

DAVID THOMSON - CSTM (superintendent, Bermagui CC)

“While I was still in the midst of my sports turf management apprenticeship at Tura Beach, Greg Smith reached out to me with an opportunity to join him as his assistant at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club. From that moment, he introduced me to the various aspects of turf management, providing me with a sense of trust that empowered me to take on any challenge that came my way on the golf course.

“Under Greg’s mentorship, many skilled turf managers flourished at Pambula Merimbula. His impact on the field will be difficult to replicate. I will always be thankful for his guidance and will genuinely miss our lengthy conversations, which continued until his final months. Rest in peace Smithy; you were a great human.”

PAT WILSON (superintendent, Pambula Merimbula GC)

“The greenkeeping industry has lost one of its true gentlemen and many of us have lost a mentor, a mate and an inspiration. Greg Smith, known to many as ‘Smithy’, was one of those rare blokes who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Whether you were a colleague, apprentice or just someone passing through the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club (PMGC), Smithy made time for you. He was genuinely liked by all.

“I was incredibly fortunate to be the last apprentice greenkeeper that Greg employed during his time as superintendent at PMGC. From day one, it was clear that Greg wasn’t just a great boss but a legend of the industry. He had this unique ability to mentor and guide you while also being someone you could laugh with, talk to and learn from every single day. The leadership style he passed on is still one I carry with me today and now use in my role leading the current crew at PMGC. That’s the kind of legacy Smithy left behind!

"Smithy was instrumental in shaping PMGC into what it is today. His vision and dedication brought to life the new 9-hole expansion, transforming the course into a 27-hole facility. It was a project he was immensely proud of and, rightly so, it earned him a NSWGCSA (and AGCSA) award.

“Greg’s impact didn’t stop at one course or one crew. He trained and mentored so many great greenkeepers over the years, many of whom have gone on to do amazing things in the industry. He also helped open doors for me overseas, using his network in the States to support my career when I needed it most. Even after he left PMGC we stayed in touch, our long chats about life, turf, footy and family… but somehow, we’d always circle back to his time at the club.

“Smithy, thank you. For the opportunity, the lessons, the laughs and the example you set. You helped shape my path and I know I’m just one of many who can say that. We love you mate. You’ll be missed, but never forgotten."

Story: Brett Robinson; Photos: TurfCraft International/Smith family