Long-term pro, John Mellish, says members have made his job a pleasure
By Kirra Livingstone
BEERWAH Golf Club pro John Mellish has been lauded for his tireless work at the hinterland course, after notching up an incredible 40 years at the club. An emotional John detailed his career at Beerwah, which began on August 1, 1984.
“It’s been a great ride, I still have got four more years to go, I think I’m one of the longest serving club pros, one continual stint is a pretty proud achievement,” he said.
John’s success as a pro included coming fourth in the Queensland Open in 1980 and fifth in the Queensland PGA in the late 1980s.
John said it was thanks to the members for why he had stayed at Beerwah for so long.
“I get a bit emotional,” he said. “I’ve stayed for the members, to see the golf club grow into a position where it’s as good as anywhere else on the Coast.
“That’s a proud achievement to see it go from about 300 members, to 900 now.” Beerwah Golf Club described John’s 40 years as a remarkable achievement.
“It is a rare and commendable achievement to reach such a significant tenure, and it reflects John’s unwavering commitment, exceptional work ethic, and profound loyalty to Beerwah Golf Club,” they said.
“Over the past four decades, John has been an integral part of our club’s growth.”
John added there were thousands of fond memories, but it was often those conversations with a player who has had a good round, which stayed with him the most.
“There would be 50,000 great memories I’ve had, but to have Ian Baker-Finch come back for the Pro Am last year was special, because he hadn’t been back here for 15 years,” John said.
“The accolades we get from pros like Peter Senior, and everyday golfers who come and play is special.”