Nortje claims second Titleist Footjoy Excellence in Education Scholarship Award

Jacques Nortje (Grange Golf Club) has been awarded his second straight Excellence in Education Scholarship award in two years after finishing top of the Year II Trainee education standings over the course of academic and playing year.

Nortje received his award last Thursday night at the annual Trainee Graduation Dinner at Titirangi Golf Club.

"It is truly an honour to be able to accept this scholarship. It has been a hard year - the traineeship so far has been fun and I am enjoying the challenge - but it is hard work! In saying that, receiving an award like this certainly makes all the late nights worth it."

"I would just like to thank my employer Auckland City Golf, Derek Cribb my PGA Trainer and a special thanks to Acushnet New Zealand for the generous sponsorship of the Excellence in Education Awards. Also thanks to Accomplish CashManager for your sponsorship of the CashManager Cup and end of year trainee dinner".

Other scholarship winners on the night to receive training fee scholarships for 2010 courtesy of Acushnet New Zealand were:

Richard Wright - Year I Excellence in Education Scholarship
Jeremy Carlsen - Year III Excellence in Education Scholarship

The Trainee Order of Merit winners were also announced. This year two trainees, Nick Davey (Te Puke Golf Club) and Andrew Henare (Sharpies Golf and Driving Range, Hastings) tied for order of merit honours on -0.63 under par for the best 80% of 30 match cards over the playing year.

The major award of the evening for Trainee of the Year went to Jeremy Carlsen (Maraenui Golf Club) who just took the honours from Jordan Dasler (Greenacres Golf Club, Nelson). Carlsen, after transferring from the USPGA in 2008 performed consistently across all subject areas and playing to finish with an overall ranking for the term of his traineeship of 2.00, just ahead of Dasler on 2.50.

As a reward for his efforts Carlsen will receive an all expense paid trip to the APGA Srixon Coaching Summit on the Gold Coast in 2010. He will be joined by the 2009 Trainee of the Year, Jay Carter.