The PGA of New Zealand proudly announces its members voted unanimously at their recent Annual General Meeting, to award Lydia Ko, Steven Alker and Ryan Fox with the organisation’s highest honour, Life Membership of the New Zealand PGA.
PGA of New Zealand Chairman Phil Ellison is grateful for the commitment and passion Ko, Alker and Fox have displayed to reach the pinnacle of the sport while being fantastic NZ ambassadors that inspires current and future generations of Kiwi golfers.
“I am delighted to announce that the organisation has awarded these three Life Membership of the PGA of New Zealand. This award recognises not only the incredible and unique performances that all three recipients achieved last year (with Alker being #1 on the PGA Tour Champions, Ko reaching the Number one ranking on the LPGA Tour, and Fox finishing the DP World Tour in Number two position), but also the amazing role models all three have shown throughout their careers – both on and off the course,” said Ellison.
“They epitomise all that is good in the game of golf and all three are welcome additions to our select group of Lifetime Members. All three players have been inspired and coached to the pinnacle of their game by fellow PGA members, who all work tirelessly in their coaching profession, imparting their own knowledge and skills to players at all levels, on an ongoing basis.
“Lydia has been the consummate professional for many years, having turned pro at such a young age, holding the number 1 spot in the world in 2015 at aged 17, and then returning to the top again last year. Her performances, determination and honesty are so genuine, and we are proud she is a Kiwi who flies the flag for not only New Zealand but for female athletes all around the globe.
Steve’s rise to fame has come late in his professional career, and much can be read online about his journey, but he optimises the Kiwi “can-do, never give up” attitude. Watching him lift the 2022 Charles Schwab Cup on the PGA Tour Champions last year was a very proud moment for everyone at the New Zealand PGA. And then to have him return to play the New Zealand Open earlier this year was a real treat for golf fans throughout the country”.
With his recent Major performances, Ryan Fox is now cementing his place in the top ranks of the golfing world. It’s great to see him starting to fulfill his potential on the world stage and we are excited to watch his career blossom over the next few years,” said Ellison.
Lydia Ko expressed her pleasure at this award, saying that “even though I don’t get to go home very often, I always keep New Zealand close to my heart and proudly play under the flag. So, to become a life member of the NZPGA is a huge honour, and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”
Alker commented “I am very honoured to be inducted as a life member of the New Zealand PGA. The PGA has always given me opportunities and been supportive of my playing career, and for that I am extremely grateful.”
“To have the support of my fellow PGA members in New Zealand is a something I am very proud of,” said Ryan Fox.
“Growing up, watching, and hearing the stories of some of New Zealand’s great professionals like Sir Bob Charles, Frank Nobilo and Michael Campbell I was really inspired to push as hard as I could to reach the top. And I hope that my performances and results can help the next wave of golfers in New Zealand take their game to the highest level on the world stage” added Fox.
Ko, Alker and Fox join fellow Life Members Sir Bob Charles, Michael Campbell, Frank Nobilo, Allan McKay, Geoff Smart, Gillian Bannan, Dennis J Clark, Dennis M Clark, Terry Kelso, Richard Ellis, John Lister and Bob McDonald.