Celebrating 20 Remarkable Years – Joe Janison

This month, we proudly celebrate a milestone that holds special significance in the rich history of The Brisbane Golf Club. Joe Janison, our Director of Golf, has completed 20 years of dedicated service.

Early Years

Joe’s story is a distinctly Queensland one. Born in Brisbane and raised among the paddocks and pastures of the Scenic Rim, Joe first picked up a club at Boonah Golf Club. By the age of 15, he was playing off a 10 handicap and had already begun to demonstrate the passion and discipline that would define his career. His final two years of high school were spent at Brisbane’s prestigious Marist College Ashgrove.

The journey to becoming a golf professional was not without its hard yards. Joe began working in the bar at Keperra Golf Club before moving into the golf shop, where he started his professional traineeship. After earning his PGA qualifications, he honed his skills in both coaching and customer service with casual roles at the Hyatt Coolum Resort. Then, in April 2005, Joe found what would become his professional home, The Brisbane Golf Club.

Three years later, in June 2008, Joe was appointed as the Club’s first ever Director of Golf, a title and role he has since defined through excellence, leadership, and integrity.

Roles and Responsibilities

His responsibilities are vast: overseeing all aspects of golf operations, enhancing the member experience, and delivering results both on and off the course.

Achievements

Throughout his career, Joe has continued to develop professionally. He is a Certified Member of the PGA of Australia with ‘Advanced’ coaching status and a graduate of the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School in Colorado, USA where he trained under one of the world’s leading short game coaches. In 2015, he was a finalist for the PGA Club Professional of the Year Award. In 2022, he reached the pinnacle, being named both the Queensland and National Club Professional of the Year.

Joe is now the second-longest serving golf professional in our Club’s 120-year history, behind only Mick Stafford, who served for 48 years. Errol Hartvigsen, who held the role for 17 years, follows close behind. Joe’s 20-year tenure, however, is all the more impressive considering his pioneering position as the first to take on the Director of Golf title, a role he has shaped with distinction.

Recognition

In recognition of this incredible milestone, the Board of The Brisbane Golf Club presented Joe with the following letter of appreciation:

Letter of Appreciation

Dear Joe

As we celebrate your remarkable 20-year milestone at The Brisbane Golf Club, I take this opportunity—on behalf of the Board and Committees past—to extend our appreciation and heartfelt congratulations.

Twenty years of leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment is significant.

Over the past two decades, your influence has shaped the golf program and the spirit of our Club. Your steady guidance, deep knowledge of the game, and tireless dedication have created a culture of excellence that resonates throughout every fairway, green, and gathering.

Your contributions have been felt in every corner of our Club. From developing young talent to hosting unforgettable events, from building lasting relationships to inspiring those around you. You are a mentor, a steward of our history, and a true ambassador for the values we treasure.

We are profoundly grateful for the countless hours you invest, the challenges you embrace, and the standard of professionalism and warmth you exemplify.

The Brisbane Golf Club continues to be more than a golf course—it’s a community, a home, and a legacy that you help shape every day.

Congratulations on 20 outstanding years. Here’s to all you have accomplished and to the continued impact of your leadership for many years to come.

With sincere appreciation

Deborah Kember
President
The Brisbane Golf Club