Air Force golf tees off as one

Air Force golf has entered a new era, with the sport’s regional committees uniting under a single national body in a move designed to strengthen the game for its 425 members across the country.

For years, regional committees in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory each ran their own events, managed their own budgets and applied individually to the Air Force Sports Council for support. 

The amalgamation into the official Air Force Golf Association (AFGA) replaces five sets of paperwork with one association and one front door for every aviator keen to hit the fairway.

AFGA president WGCDR Conan Brett said amalgamating would combine the members.

“It strengthens the communication and the information flow for the membership while also introducing efficiencies for the running of the committees,” WGCDR Brett said.

For members, the benefits are practical. A single membership database means golfers hear about every event, Air Force and triservice, wherever they are, while the posting cycle becomes an opportunity rather than a disruption.

“When you move between states, you just send an email to the membership officer and you get connected with the planners and the people in that region,” WGCDR Brett said.

AFGA welcomes players at every level, from complete beginners through to elite golfers, with each active region running two events a year in match play and individual formats.

“We definitely welcome all skill levels, from novice through to elite,” WGCDR Brett said.

“There are certain events which are more appropriate for novices, and others for those moving towards elite golf.”

The ambition is growth. Of the 10 recognised golf regions across Australia, five currently run Air Force events – and the new association intends to change that.

“Our intent is to have Air Force golf events being run in all 10 recognised golf regions across Australia,” WGCDR Brett said.

Having played golf for a quarter of a century, WGDCR Brett admits his role as Commanding Officer 32 Squadron at RAAF Base East Sale doesn’t leave him as much time on course as he’d like – but that isn’t the point.

“It’s my way of recognising the benefit I took over the years and giving back to those younger players who are joining now and coming up through,” he said.

For WGCDR Brett, the game and the uniform ask for the same things – excellence, respect and integrity. He also said golf had always been a positive way to decompress and connect with other service members during deployments.

“Golf is a game where you’re always trying to improve, so it aligns with excellence,” he said.

“And it’s such a self-policing game. There are no referees. If you break a rule, you’re meant to call it, even if it’s accidental. You’re out there with your playing partners and you need a high level of integrity.”

Air Force golfers will wear the new Air Force branding on team shirts for the first time from September, with the NSW team to take on Navy and Army in match play at Cypress Lakes in the Hunter Valley from October 19 to 21.

As for why aviators should pick up the clubs, the president’s pitch is simple.

“It’s a game of self-discipline, enjoyed at all ages and very social in its construct,” WGCDR Brett said.

To get involved, contact your region on the AFGA’s intranet site or via the Air Force Sports Council.