President
Jan Cogger
Joined club: 2011
On board since: 2016
Why the board: I very much enjoy being part of and able to contribute to our friendly, progressive golf club.
Why I love golf: Not sure at times because it can be very frustrating, as we all know. It’s probably more the enjoyment of being out in the fresh air, the friendships made and the ambience of the after-golf camaraderie.
Finance Director
Darryl Kennedy
Joined club: 2018
On board since: 2025
Why the board: It’s a great honour to be involved in this community club at board level and play a part in the implementation of the new Master Plan. There are exciting times ahead for our club.
Why I love golf: Golf provides moments of exhilaration amongst hours of utter frustration. There is no better way to spend four hours and then a few beers with your mates.
Captain
Jenny Edmanson
Joined club: 2007
On board since: 2019
Why the board: Having been at the club for more than a decade, I thought it was my turn to put a bit back into the club that’s given me so much enjoyment. I’m excited about the club’s new strategic plan and looking forward to making it a reality for all of us.
Why I love golf: I love all sports, but there’s no greater challenge than golf. Plus you get to be out in the open air and play it anywhere you like around Australia.
Director
Geoff Holland
Joined club: 2020
On board since: 2021
Why the board: To be involved in community sport and hopefully contribute to the club’s future success.
Why I love golf: It’s a great way to meet people from all backgrounds and of all ages. Many stories are told during a round then later discussed over refreshments at the 19th. I love to travel and take my clubs with me to new courses and take on the challenge.
Director
John Bowman
Joined club: 2009
On board since: 2018
Why the board: I love the club and was on the golf committee from 2011, then served as both vice-captain and captain. I guess I enjoy being involved.
Why I love golf: It is a great way to become frustrated and meet some great and funny people
Director
David Newman
Joined club: 2021
On board since: 2026
Why the board: I have a strong belief that all successful sporting clubs that have strong leadership and active volunteers supporting them can deal with any challenges, and I’m proud to be a part of this. I’m very confident that the master plan’s coming to fruition in coming years will be a great opportunity for the members to continue to enjoy fantastic facilities into the future.
Why I love golf: A great way to experience utter exhilaration and absolute devastation all in a 4-hour time span! The golfing community is the best place to make friends and can be played anywhere in the world.
Chief Executive Officer / Secretary
Michael Phillips
Began at PGC: 2020
Purpose of your role: To make Portarlington Golf Club the place “Where golf & friendship come together”.
How this is achieved: My role is to manage the overall operations and resources of the club and deliver the strategic plan of the organisation as set out by the board. I bring an expertise and understanding of the complexity of golf clubs – the ability to balance the needs and expectations of our members alongside the commercial aspects of our business, plus the importance of delivering an exceptional experience to our members and guests.
Administration Manager
Jackie Durbidge
Began at PGC: 2016
Focus of your role: I get a kick out of telling anyone who’ll listen that I’m the Jackie of All Trades. My roles are many and varied, but the premise largely is to ensure that members are happy, paperwork is filed and golf events swing along nicely.
Pro golfer, Mayor of Geelong or in your current role: Pro golfer has a nice sound; I’d just like to skip all the hard yards getting established.
Business Development Manager
Mark Hayes
Began at PGC: 2021
Focus of your role: To drive value into club memberships and, in line with the PGC purpose statement, to seek and build relationships that benefit the club, its members and the community. And have a bit of fun while we’re all at it!
Pro golfer, Mayor of Geelong or in your current role: Point me at the first tee, right now!
Human Resources & Compliance Manager
Bernadette Turley
Began at PGC: March 2021
Focus of your role: I’m passionate about all things people including HR and recruitment and ensuring we get our compliance right. My gig focuses on people and culture by training and developing staff, with the goal of up-skilling and retaining the best talent. Better staff means a better environment for all.
Pro golfer, Mayor of Geelong or in your current role: If mini golf becomes an option, I’m in. Failing that, I’ll chauffeur people around our beautiful course in golf carts, otherwise it’s back to the HR desk.
Finance Manager
Dale Morrison
Began at PGC: 2021
Focus of your role: Deliver accurate financial reports and analysis that provide the PGC board and management with business performance insight to support good decision making on operational direction, strategic planning and execution. Hopefully I can also contribute to a harmonious and fun environment.
Pro golfer, Mayor of Geelong or in your current role: Pro golfer
Course Superintendent
Steve Burchett
Began at PGC: 2005
Focus of your role: To make sure you all get to play our wonderful course in the best possible condition all year round, regardless of droughts, floods or pestilence. My team and I work hard and are very proud of the ongoing development of all things course and foliage related in our thriving natural environment.
Pro golfer, Mayor of Geelong or in your current role: I’d have too big a sleep-in if I had to work those other jobs, so I’ll probably just keep plugging away.
Executive Chef
Richard Hall
Began at PGC: 2022
Focus of your role: To ensure a great dining experience and menu that pleases as many of our visitors as possible. Our focus is always fresh and local first.
Pro golfer, Mayor of Geelong or in your current role: I love my job, I’ve been doing it for 30 years and besides, I’m rubbish at golf.
Member Services Supervisor / Function Co-ordinator
Kaelyn Radford
Began at PGC: 2020
Focus of your role: To navigate our members and visitors on their experience at the golf club with a smile; to look after our social media accounts; and to co-ordinate events or functions to ensure everything runs perfectly!
Pro golfer, Mayor of Geelong or in your current role: Definitely I’d be the Mayor. Oh, the things I would change!!!!
