Director of Golf

Philip Baird - AAA Accredited Member of Australian PGA

Philip graduated from the PGA Academy in 1986 achieving accolades in Business Management. His practical induction into the world of golf was as a Professional caddie on the European PGA Tour where he rubbed shoulders with the best players in the world. From there he progressed to 3 years of competitive play throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia & Canada.

He then commenced his business career, developing skills in a number of areas including Corporate Golf, Incentive Travel and Golf Schools. He was responsible for implementing the "All at Sea" Golf Program for Cunard' "Crown Monarch" which delivered on-board clinics, seminars and daily trips to the ports of call throughout the South Pacific.

Philip continued ongoing development of new product concepts focussing on combining travel with golf where he moved to California, USA for the next 3 years to develop Golf Tours out of North America for Air New Zealand destined to Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific.

Philip moved back to Australia to pursue teaching with the highly accredited Jack Nicklaus Golf Schools before joining Macquarie Links International Golf Club as Director of Golf, for the next 3 years.

He became Director of Golf at Manly in 2003 and leads an enthusiastic team of golf shop staff who look forward to assisting you in any way possible.

In 2008 Philip was awarded the annual 'Business Scholarship' by the Australian PGA Chief Executive Office Max Gaske.

Ben graduated from the British PGA Academy in 1994. After a short stint on the local PGA Tour, Ben commenced employment as Head Professional at a new Golf Club in the South West of England named "The Isle of Wedmore" in the early stages of development through to a fully operational facility. He then focussed solely on teaching for the next 5 years. In that time he established himself as a reputable teacher with the British Junior Foundation.

Ben joined Philip at Manly in 2003 and has since established a strong following of students. He will always make members and their guests welcome when visiting the Club.

Nathan King - 2nd Year Trainee

Nathan originally from Bathurst, represented Manly Golf Club both in Major Pennants and Eric Apperly Shield. He won the Club Championships in 2005 & 2006 as well as 3 consecutive Colt Club Championships.

Nathan is in his 2nd year of his PGA Australia traineeship here at Manly G.C and is currently the number one player in NSW after a great start to the 2008 season. He looks forward to assisting the members of Manly G.C.

Ben Hearsch -

Ben joins the team in a full-time capacity after 5 years of casual work at the golf shop. He has represented the club in Junior Pennants, Eric Apperly Shield and Major Pennants following the footsteps of his father Darryl.

After 12 months at Macquarie University where he commenced his Bachelor of Science degree, Ben now is working part time in the Golf Shop whilst studying at University.  We welcome him to the team at Manly Golf Club.