Club and Volunteer Phil Armstrong Recognized for Outstanding Contribution.
Yea, Victoria – Yea Golf Club has achieved outstanding recognition at the Dalhousie District Golf Associations 2025 Awards, taking home both the esteemed ‘2025 Golf Club of the Year’ and ‘2025 Volunteer of the Year’ accolades. The awards were presented at the Association’s Annual Tournament last Sunday, celebrating excellence among the region’s 20 member and associate clubs, which span from Trentham and Euroa to Cathedral, Healesville, and Hidden Valley Golf Club.
Accepting the ‘Golf Club of the Year’ award, Yea Golf Club Captain, Alan Pell credited the dedication of the club’s volunteers for this achievement. “Our Club’s success has been due to the commitment of its member volunteers who drive the maintenance of the course, catering for events, advertising the club and raising funds. This enthusiasm has in turn generated a high level of member engagement and pride in the club, the course and the facilities,” Alan added.
Club volunteers play a vital role in promoting golf throughout the community by maintaining the club’s website, advertising events and social activities via WhatsApp groups, organizing ‘Crazy Golf’ deals, securing sponsorship for the Men’s Pennant Team, contributing articles to the local newspaper, and hosting “introduction days” such as the highly successful 2024 Melbourne Cup Golf Day event.
In a bid to foster future talent, the Club offers free memberships to juniors, encouraging them to build their skills and confidence in the sport. “This has significantly boosted the number of junior members at Yea, which should bolster our adult member numbers in future years,” Alan added.
Volunteers also generously provide training for new golfers, covering essential skills, rules, and etiquette in a welcoming, social atmosphere aimed at sharing knowledge and fostering a love of the game.
The Club has seen significant growth, with more than 1,200 green fee rounds played last year—an increase of 400 rounds. Yea Golf Club continues to enhance its sporting facilities for both residents and visitors from Melbourne and beyond, contributing to the vibrancy of the local community.
“These visitors often stay in one of the town’s accommodation options, have meals at the many local cafes and restaurants, and enjoy other tourist attractions, bringing important economic outcomes for the Shire and upper Goulburn region,” Mr. Pell noted.
Phil Armstrong receives DDGA ‘2025 Volunteer of the Year’ Award
Celebrating Phil Armstrong’s Outstanding Contribution to Club Growth
Phil Armstrong
Phil’s leadership drives innovation and community engagement at the Yea Golf Club
The Association’s Award highlights the exceptional contributions of Phil, whose dedication and initiative have been instrumental in Yea Golf Clubs growth over the past year. As an active committee member, Phil spearheaded the acquisition of a secure container for storing club and members’ carts, improving both convenience and safety for all.
Phil’s commitment extends to assisting with club cart hire for the public, making Yea’s facilities accessible and welcoming. He has also organised a major raffle featuring golf clubs, expected to raise important funds to further support club activities and improvements.
Serving as Yea’s greens manager, Phil has played an important role with significant upgrades at the club, including the installation of a new putting green and enhancements to the 7th green. He regularly interacts with green fee players, encouraging them to join as members and fostering a sense of community.
Phil’s creativity shines through the introduction of monthly Friday night Socials at the clubrooms, which bring together members and guests for an evening of golf, games and dinner. As head chef and entertainment director, he ensures these events are memorable and inclusive. He was also instrumental in signing up the Club to the popular ‘Crazy Golf’ Deals.
In addition, Phil is an integral member of Yea’s Match Committee, stepping in seamlessly for Captain, Alan Pell on competition days when required. His leadership, enthusiasm and commitment have made a lasting impact, and the DDGArecognises Phil as a driving force behind Yea Golf Clubscontinued success.
Phil has been central to the golf club’s growth and development over the last year.
Phil says, “While it’s great to be acknowledged, I’m just one of the wonderful team of volunteers, both Men and Ladies at Yea Golf Club who do so much to make ‘Royal’ Yea GC a welcoming, fun and socially enjoyable place to enjoy the game of golf’.