I KNEW PGA professional Phil Curd, one of the most popular and successful club pros in Australia, had racked up more than four decades in the golf industry, but it did surprise me to learn he will soon pull the pin on a decorated golf career.
In June, Curd will wave goodbye to the pristine fairways of Bargara golf course in the Bundaberg region of Queensland and dip his toe into the life of caravanning.
Yes, he will join the thousands of other grey nomads on the highways and byways trekking his way around this great land. Curd disagreed with me when I suggested he was too young to retired at 63.
“No mate, I am starting to feel it now so I think I’m ready,” he said.
Curd and his wife Janice will link up with fellow PGA pro John Victorsen and his wife Jenny on a journey that will take them around Australia.
“I was John’s first trainee at Headland Golf Club,” he said. “Vico and I will have plenty of fun. We have always had a few laughs together and I can’t see that changing.
“Between us we know just about every pro in Australia so I’m sure we will call in a have a few beers with the guys in different towns.”
Curd has spent 25 years servicing the members and guests at Bargara. Prior to that he was at The Willows in Townsville where he, Ian Baker-Finch and others formed a syndicate to purchase the place.
Prior to that Curd worked at Sanctuary Cove, but it was at The Willows where he helped coach Karrie Webb.
“I don’t know how it came about, but Karrie worked for us at The Willows,” he recalled. “We gave Karrie her first job and I’d like to think we helped her along a bit.
“Kelvin Haller, her then coach, had an accident and ended up in a wheelchair so I helped Karrie for a couple of years until Kelvin got set up again.
“My other big highlight was I coached Korean, Eun-Hee Ji, who went on to win the Women’s US Open in 2009,” said the renowned club and teaching pro.
“That was a thrill. She holed a 25-footer on the last to win.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t there. I was on Hamilton Island at a PGA conference with about 70-80 golf pros so we watched it together and that was special to have all of them around enjoying the moment as well.
“My wife Janice and kids, Jordan and Zoe, were there as well so we all got to enjoy it.
“Then Eun-hee flew me to Korea the next day and we had a massive party.
“Coaching has always been my passion. I was lucky enough to coach Ji Eun-hee and that has probably been a highlight of my coaching career.”
In 2000 and again in 2008 Curd was named PGA Queensland Club Professional of the Year.
And he has another award double. In 2018, Curd took out the Queensland and National Franchise of the Year for On-Course Golf at the group’s annual conference in Bali.
“That came as a nice surprise,” said the affable club pro.
On-Course Golf has more than 200 On-Course outlets in Australia and to be named Franchise of the Year means ticking all the boxes including a neat and tidy golf shop, correct ticketing on products, fitting centre for lessons and, importantly, customer service.
I ask Phil who will be his successor at Bargara Golf Club.
“Shaun Piper and his wife Natalie will take over when I retire and I’m really excited about that,” he said. “They are a terrific young couple and they will make a success of it and do a great job.
“It’s a great result for the club … and for me. I know I can walk away and the club and members will be in good hands.”
Curd has no intentions of slowing down in the run-up to retirement.
“I won’t be cruising,” said Curd. “I think I’ll run over the finish line.”
By year’s end the Curds will be cruising into Western Australia to catch up with son Jordan, a trainee pilot.
“Jordan will be in Perth to get his wings towards the end of this year so we want to be there for that.
“And daughter Zoe let us know we are going to be grandparents for the first time in July.
“It’s all happening and we are enjoying life at the moment. It’s been a nice journey.”
Chief writer David Newbery has been living, breathing and writing and editing golf for more than 30 years. His extensive knowledge of the game comes from covering golf around the world. Hired by Inside Golf in 2009, David previously worked as the editor of The Golfer for 25 years and before that worked for numerous daily newspapers in Australia and overseas. The Brisbane-based journalist describes his golf game as “a work in progress”, but has had the privilege of playing golf with some of the game’s best players including nine-time major winner Gary Player. David enjoys travelling, reading, music, photography and spending time with family and friends – on and off the golf course. 
