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Partner Spotlight – Gold Coast Direct Charters

Partner Spotlight - Gold Coast Direct Charters

Gold Coast Direct Charters are an accredited Gold Coast/Brisbane transfer service, and a trusted partner of SGA.

Whether you're going to/from the Brisbane or Gold Coast airport, theme parks, hotels or special events, Gold Coast Direct Charters will get you there in style and comfort. And you'll always get friendly, reliable and efficient service.

Rock-Star, VIP Treatment

With nearly 10 years of experience (and thousands of satisfied customers), Gold Coast Direct Charters provide an “Exclusive Use” direct transfer service. You can go to or from a destination of your choice, at a time of your choosing.

It's like having your own personal/dedicated driver.

You'll feel like a VIP as you are met at the airport, given assistance with your luggage, and driven to your hotel in air-conditioned comfort. Plus, you'll be treated with friendly, convenient, first-class service throughout.

Best of all, they do it for one inclusive price. So, you can go where you want, when you want. And, since it's an Exclusive Use, you won't have to worry about other people being picked up or dropped off along the way. It's your own personal transfer service.

Small or large groups - it's all good

Gold Coast Direct Charters offer Private & Personal Transfers for up to 21 passengers. (Groups over 21 passengers can be accommodated upon request):

1 to 11 seats: Air-conditioned, well-appointed Toyota Commuter mini-bus. Large luggage capacity and, when required, carpeted luggage trailer.
21 seat Toyota Coaster. Air conditioned. Trailer available.
Also, there is room for Extra luggage, golf clubs or surfboards.

So, whether you're a holidaymaker or resident of the area, GCDC has you covered.

About Gold Coast Direct Charters and SGA

GCDC are SGA's preferred Gold Coast on-ground logistics partner for our annual SGA Championships. GCDC Owner Julie Ridler has always provided ultra-reliable, friendly, affordable and efficent service for the thousands of SGA competitors over the years.

In 2020, when Covid-19 forced the usual nation-wide event to be a Queensland-only event, Julie and the team went above-and-beyond. They helped all Qld competitors not only get to/from our event, but also provided immeasurable logistical help with the overall event. (And, for those of you who know how important this event is to SGA--and how careful we are with running it in a professional manner, you'll realise how much trust we put in Julie and her team.) Thus, the event was an amazing success, due largely to the assistance by Julie and the team.

That's just one reason why we highly recommend Julie and her team for any group transfer needs.

Visit the Gold Coast Direct Charters website here

Golf Industry Veteran, Richard Fellner, joins SGA

Golf Industry Veteran, Richard Fellner, set to grow the game in new role

AUSTRALIA’S Largest Golf Club and Golf Network, Social Golf Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of highly-esteemed golf industry veteran, Richard Fellner, to the newly-created role of Media Manager.

Previously the Editor of Inside Golf Magazine—where he led the editorial and design team for over 12 years—Fellner is a multi-award-winning photojournalist, columnist and marketing/media professional. In addition, he is highly respected in the Australian Golf Industry, and brings decades of international golf and media experience to the role.

Fellner’s dedication to growing the game of golf at a grass-roots level has resulted in numerous awards from the Australian Golf Media Association, and has earned him high praise from the top levels of the wider golf industry.

A key focus for the new role is to help SGA boost awareness and community engagement with its expanding stable of industry-leading, game-growing products and services. These include SGA’s Official Australian Golf Handicaps, and their highly-popular Major Golf Events & Travel Getaways. Additionally, he will aim to boost traffic at SGA's fortnightly Golf Open Days at clubs and courses across Australia, and drive a variety of exciting online projects, promotions and Social Media campaigns to add value to both SGA customers and industry partners.

A HOMECOMING

The appointment represents a “homecoming” of sorts for Fellner, who has been a customer of (and occasional consultant to) the SGA Team since Matthew and Sally Pitt founded the business in 2004. Fellner was one of the business’ first Golf Handicap customers, and has played regularly in their various golf events over the last 17 years.

“I watched Matt and Sally grow the business from a tiny social golf club—run from their living room table—to what is now Australia’s largest golf club and handicap provider, with nearly 10,000 GolfLink numbers issued,” Fellner says. “Matt and Sally both worked extremely hard over the years—with plenty of ups and downs along the way. But their positive attitudes, dedication to their dreams and incredible work ethic eventually began to bear fruit. It’s been one of those true ‘Aussie Battler Success Stories’—one that has been a real joy to witness.

Matthew Pitt, founder of SGA, echoed Fellner’s remarks, noting that Fellner’s appointment has added importance.

“We are delighted to have Richard join the team,” says Pitt. “Richard and I have been golfing pals since before either of us were in the industry. It was our shared love of the game that brought us together as friends many years ago, and we have remained good pals throughout our parallel paths in the golf industry.

“As a family business, we place a very high value on loyalty, honesty, communication and relationships which makes Rich a perfect fit for SGA. Richard also knew my late wife, Sally, who founded SGA with me which makes him being part of our family business very meaningful to me.”

A Strategic Step

SGA General Manger, Mick David, regards Richard’s arrival as a key strategic step for SGA.

“SGA’s approach has always been to support and grow the game of golf. Our handicap model was established in 2006 in partnership with Golf Australia to create a pathway of access to golf club membership. We have succeeded in delivering 1000s of new members to clubs around Australia and have seen the model we established replicated by other providers.

"We are proud of our position as an innovator in golf. And Richard joining our team is a huge boost to continuing our growth and success in growing the game. His deep knowledge of the game and its history, his core values that reflect golf’s commitment to integrity, his broad understanding of the industry and his skills and experience as a writer make him a perfect addition to our team and central to our future growth, success and continued innovation in golf.”

Additionally, the appointment represents an opportunity for Fellner to join a team that operates under an inspiring set of principles and values.

“One thing that has always impressed me about SGA is Matt’s (and the team’s) unwavering dedication to their core values,” Fellner says. “They operate the business using the same values upon which the game of golf itself was founded: honesty, integrity and respect. SGA foster an inclusive and welcoming community (both to the staff and customers), and have built a reputation in the industry for professionalism, credibility, loyalty and trust. Thus, I’m extremely proud and fortunate to now be a part of this business.”

ABOUT RICHARD FELLNER

Richard Fellner has previously held top-level media-related roles at Sensis, Realestate.com.au, Oracle Corporation, INVESTools and many other world-class organisations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Eastern Golf Club, and is a member of both the Australia Golf Media Association, and the Golf Society of Australia (which works in partnership with Golf Australia).

Fellner also has a long history in the game itself. As a player since the age of 4 in the United States, Fellner competed at the junior, high school, state (Nevada) and university level (University of California, golf scholarship). He has played and reviewed courses all over the world, and has interviewed many of the great players of the game (including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Greg Norman). Additionally, Fellner has been a featured guest on many Australian "sports talk" radio shows and networks, including ABC Grandstand, SEN 1116, Melbourne Talk Radio 1377, 2GB and others.

ABOUT SOCIAL GOLF AUSTRALIA

Social Golf Australia is a golf service provider offering official golf handicaps and golf events. Their approach is to offer golfers value, flexibility and choice in a user-pays model where they can select the services that suit them and pay only for what they need.

SGA is the biggest golfing community in Australia and have a range of industry partners (Including Srixon & Cleveland Golf, Garmin, The Card Network, Mantra Hotels and others) that support SGA offering great value golf services. They currently offer official golf handicaps, host over 120 events a year in six states, six annual major tournaments (from 3-7 days long) and other feature events and golf tours. The business focusses on fostering a friendly and welcoming golfing community based on the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and trust.

More information:

Richard Fellner
Media Manager
e: media@sgatour.com.au
m: 0407 000 440

Matthew Pitt
Founder, Managing Director
e: matt@sgatour.com.au

SGA launches Golf and Wine Tours

SGA Launches Golf and Wine Tours

Social Golf Australia are excited to launch a brand-new golf service: our fully-hosted Golf and Wine Tours! The new service gives our golfers access to fun, professional and high-quality Australian golf travel adventures. And, best of all, they are affordably priced.

Imagine playing some of Australia’s best golf courses, and sampling some of the world's best wines. Then, after golf, you explore quaint Aussie towns, and tour local attractions. At the end of the day, relax in high-quality accommodation, and enjoy world-class food!

It's a dream holiday for many.

Best of all, SGA will do all the work. We'll take care of the planning, scheduling, tee-times, transfers and arrangements. All you do need to is show up, play golf and, most importantly, have fun!

Each tour is fully hosted by a member of the highly-experienced SGA Travel staff. With decades of travel and touring experience under our belts, and a huge network of travel partners, SGA provides fun and memorable travel adventures!

Plus, the non-golfing partners will be taken care of, too. A range of activities are on offer for each tour. Whether it's shopping, or enjoying a spa treatment, or just exploring the local landmarks or attractions, there are plenty of adventures on the menu!

DESTINATIONS

Our first tour will be the 2021 Golf and Wine Tour of South Australia and The Barossa Valley, November 14-20! In the future, we'll add more packages and destinations. These will include Western Australia’s Margaret River, NSW’s The Hunter Valley, and many more. (so watch this space!)

For more on SGA Travel, including customised tours other locations across Australia and internationally, visit our SGA Hosted Trips and Travel Page.

Upcoming Tours

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SGA Founder featured on Woke Blokes Podcast

SGA's Matthew Pitt on The Woke Blokes Podcast

SGA Founder Matthew Pitt featured on Woke Blokes Podcast

SGA Managing Director and founder Matthew Pitt is featured on a recent episode of the popular Woke Blokes podcast. In this episode, Matt talks about dealing with grief--and the subsequent rebuilding of his life--after the devastating loss of his wife.

Moving forward following the loss of a loved one is never an easy task. Let alone when the survivor is suddenly tasked with raising three small children and running a small business. And Matthew faced this exact scenario in 2018.

Following the loss of his wife, Sally, to breast cancer, Matt began picking up the pieces to his life--emotionally, mentally and physically. He tried to find a way to forge ahead, both for himself and his children.

In the Podcast, Matt shares his experiences in an open, honest and tear-jerking discussion. He delves into a man's journey of dealing with heartbreak, and helping his children cope with their loss. He also shares how he found inspiration and life lessons through the game of golf. In addition, he discusses how he is slowly finding a way to take small steps forward.

Matt also talks about the important part golf plays in his life, and how Social Golf Australia works as a caring community; not only for him but also for people that join the various events every year.

The Woke Bloke Podcast is hosted by Nick Sutherland from MyndFit. MyndFit is a community helping people become mentally fitter, stronger and healthier by training the mind to think differently. Also on the episode is Ryan Hassan from The Centre for Healing.

Listen to the podcast here

Or watch the YouTube video below:

In The Media: Social Golf Australia featured in Inside Golf Magazine

Golf mag: Social Golf Australia (SGA) is # 1 Social Golf Network

In December 2015, Inside Golf Magazine ran a feature on Social Golf in Australia. Below are some excerpts from the feature.

The Social Network – December 2015, Inside Golf Magazine

Social Golf in Australia is, in a word, booming. What was once a small (and often disdained) segment of the golf arena has now become the majority player in a flourishing industry, with the words “Social Golf” becoming the hot buzzword at many clubs.

Social Golf numbers have outpaced the private clubs in terms of growth over the years, as time-poor families and individuals have changed their habits when it comes to playing this great game of ours. This has led to the establishment of many highly respected Social Golf Networks and clubs. Social Golf Australia led the way in this regard back in 2006, and they have now been joined by other professionally-run organisations/groups throughout the country*, with many offering official Golf Australia handicaps, professionally-run events, golf tours and more.

* New businesses such as The Social Golf Club and GenY Golf are examples of recent attempts by competitors of SGA to imitate the model that has been developed by SGA over the last decade.
Social Golf Australia

Social Golf Australia (SGA) is Australia’s largest and longest-running Social Golf network and has long been considered to be innovators in the Australian social golf market.

SGA founder Matthew Pitt says the idea for SGA formed in 2006 when he learned there were 700,000 social golfers in Australia. He and his pals were in that group but there were few options for social golfers to get a handicap and play competitions.

After meeting with Golf Australia, it was clear to Pitt that there was an opportunity to offer handicaps and events for social golfers. Pitt qualified as an official handicapper, became a national handicap provider and started organising events for golfers around Australia.

“We decided to go with the name Social Golf Australia at a time when the words ‘Social Golf’ weren’t popular. In some circles there was an unfair stigma attached to being a social golfer. My wife Sally and I have always been social golfers and we decided to go with the name SGA even though many advised us against it,” says Pitt.

A family business which started from a home office, SGA now has event managers around Australia hosting over 100 SGA Tour events each year. Today, SGA events feature over $75,000 of prizes thanks to major sponsors Srixon, Golf Clearance Outlet, Good Food Gift Cards, Heathcote Winery and Garmin. The SGA Golf Club has also provided handicaps for 1000s of Australian golfers.

In 2014 SGA partnered with GOLF Link to be the official event manager for the GOLF Link Race Series. SGA continues to go from strength to strength but, according to Pitt, SGA being an innovator and the first in the Social Golf market means very little.

“Social Golf is the flavour of the month now and we have competitors jumping on the Social Golf bandwagon, some even imitating the model that SGA has been developing for years. That’s ok – it’s a free market and it gives golfers options.”

“It’s not important that we were the first - our priority is continuing to offer golfers an affordable alternative with flexibility and choice. We are a family business offering personal service and we want golfers enjoying the game and friendships built on the golf course. SGA offers an inclusive club culture that all golfers are welcome to share and enjoy. We think that approach has served us well for a decade and fostering a fun and friendly golfing community is important to our golfers and is what sets SGA apart.”

In The Media: Hacker Golf Quarterly magazine profiles Bushranger Golf / SGA

In the Media: Bushranger Golf (SGA) featured in Hacker Golf Quarterly

Bushranger Golf (SGA) is now appearing in glossy print in newsstands across the land with a November 2006 feature in Hacker - The golf magazine with attitude! Following on from this month’s Growling Frog course review in Inside Social Golf, Bushranger Golf has become a publicists dream and there are already rumblings that we are risking becoming over-exposed, a bit like The Beatles, or Jesus or Hamish & Andy. Hopefully this news item will help dampen the media frenzy.

Richard Fellner spoke with Freddo from Hacker who writes the Social Club Corner. The piece is over three pages and includes a range of full-colour photos of several of our most handsome members. Taking centre stage is Bushranger Golf stalwart, Mikey Dee, who features in the “What’s in my bag?” section, which is a rather titillating. Some of the other juicy bits include the startling revelations on who are the best golfers at BRG and who is the worst. The nominee for the latter category won his place, not so much for his game, as for his consistent and ongoing commitment to shabbiness.

Hacker is a quarterly magazine written by and for golfers like us who could win the Grand Slam if they wanted but are content with a hit and a laugh with mates. It has news, trivia, profiles and reviews on all sorts of golf matters of interest to Aussie hackers. It is available at all good newsagencies and the current issue edition features ‘our’ Geoff Ogilvy on the cover in a dashing pink shirt striking a rather nice pose. Inside there is a rating of Victoria & NSW's top public access courses and details on entry into the 3rd annual Hacker Cup being played at Eagle Ridge next January. I think I can hear some Bushrangers saddling up for that already!

In a remarkable twist, Freddo enjoyed writing about Bushranger Golf so much he became a member. We look forward to seeing Freddo out on the course sometime soon.