More than six years later, Hook’s dedicated service to the club and its membership remains in mind, being proud to serve the club’s growing membership base.
Positioned in a thriving neighborhood of Port Stephens, Hook is focused on growing golf in the Pacific Dunes; running group golf programs, women’s and youth clinics, and corporate days to make the game more accessible to more players than ever before.
“I have a responsibility to the membership,” he explains. “That’s everything from providing a well-stocked pro shop, increasing participation for everyone, and providing the best advice and service I can.”
While Hook’s focus may have shifted, his prowess on the course remains – something that has been highlighted by his recent strong performances.
Hook claimed a two-stroke victory in the final of the PGA Professional Championship at Links Hope Island and followed it up the following week with a strong showing at the Australian PGA Championship where he made the cut and finished tied for 31st.
“I’ve never been someone who needed to play all the time to be in good shape,” explains Hook.
“I knew I could still play and work, I just knew I couldn’t devote my focus to playing full-time.”
Hook is once again looking forward to doing his best on this course as he represents his club, country and the wider PGA membership at the Four Nations Cup in South Africa from 2 September.
It’s a selection that continues a proud line of representative honors for Hook, who has represented his state and district in the past, the opportunity to play in Australian colours, a feat that is understandably a source of great pride.
“I started out wanting to be a professional golfer, but I never thought I’d get the chance to represent my country,” he says. “I am truly honored.”
This sense of pride and genuine excitement is one that has been echoed by the membership at Pacific Dunes, indicative of the strong bond that Hook has been able to create in his role as Head Professional.
“My golf scores and journey have always been well received by the members,” says Hook. “That’s everything from a tournament on Wednesday, to the PGA Professional Championship.
“It’s really nice. They support it all and definitely enjoy celebrating the success with me.”
While that support will expand when he makes it for Australia, Hook remains wary of one thing.
“I consider many of the members to be my close friends, which is great – but that means they’re more than willing to let me know if they don’t think my performance is good!”
Regardless, Hook is confident he and the team can put on a strong showing in South Africa, where they will be up against PGA professionals from South Africa, Canada and New Zealand.
“I know we’re all looking forward to it and I’m sure once we get there and see the Australian flags, the competitive spirit will kick in,” he adds.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a great week.”
Australia’s Four Nations Cup representatives were drawn by the top four finishers in the final of the PGA Professional Championship at Hope Island Links. This year’s PPC Final will be held at Yarra Yarra Golf Club in Melbourne from October 10-11.
