Steve Keipert
IT WAS hardly a shocking result but it was deserving: Jason Day claimed back-to-back Greg Norman Medals in a glittering awards dinner last night at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
While neither the medal recipient nor the man the prize is named after were present, it remained a sparkling occasion with multiple popular PGA of Australia professionals recognised for their efforts. Day’s mother, Dening, gratefully accepted the main award on her son’s behalf while Day and Norman spoke to the gathered dignitaries via video links.
The 29-year-old received the Greg Norman Medal – which acknowledges the best Australian golfer of the year – over Adam Scott and Minjee Lee, who won two tournaments apiece on the PGA and LPGA tours, respectively.
“I am incredibly honoured to win the Greg Norman Medal for the second year in a row,” Day said. “Australian golf is in a great place right now. Adam and Minjee both had excellent seasons, so to be selected again is a real privilege.
“I am really appreciative of everyone’s efforts back home in Australia. My mum and sister are with you tonight. Also to Peter O’Malley and the PGA of Australia, I just want to thank everyone and especially Greg … what you have done for the game in Australia and around the world, I just want to thank everyone for making this possible for me.”
Day won three times on the US PGA Tour during 2016 and in March re-assumed the world No.1 ranking, which he has now held for 40 weeks in three separate stints. As the year nears a close, he owns almost a full-point advantage over No.2 Rory McIlroy.
He captured the Arnold Palmer Invitational and WGC–Dell Match Play in consecutive starts in March before adding the Players Championship in May. In doing so, Day joined an elite club as a Major champion and owner of WGC victories and the Players title. Day’s best shot at a second Major came during his defence of the US PGA Championship where he eagled the 72nd hole at Baltusrol to draw within a stroke of eventual victor Jimmy Walker, who made a nervy closing par to win by one.
Day now has a perfect 2-0 Greg Norman Medal record, shutting out all others in the prestigious award’s young life. Other award winners on the night included: Adam Blyth (PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year), Stacey Keating (ALPG Player of the Year), Ryan and Janelle Smith (PGA National Club Professionals of the Year), Richard Woodhouse (PGA National Teaching Professional of the Year) and Luke Bleumink (PGA National Trainee Professional of the Year).
Five-time Open champion and PGA of Australia life member Peter Thomson was present to be elevated to Immortal status.
