Bernard Gibbons Scoops “Golf Manager of the Year Award”

Powerscourt Golf Club Manager Bernard Gibbons was recognised in the golf industry this week by being awarded the prestigious 2014 “IGTOA Golf Manager of the Year” award. The annual Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA) awards ceremony took place in Knockranny House Westport, with guests including An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Ryder Cup hero Christy O’Connor Jnr.

Sarah Slazenger Managing Director of Powerscourt Golf Club said of the award “Bernard is an exceptional man as well as an exceptional manager. At Powerscourt we have known for 17 years about his great ability. It is therefore only appropriate that this year Powerscourt has been chosen as Best Parkland Venue and Bernard has been chosen as Golf Manager of the Year. I congratulate Bernard on this special honour.”

(L-R) Bernard Gibbons (General Manager, Powerscourt Golf Club), Denis Kane (Chairman of the Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association)

With nearly 50 years’ experience in the golf industry, Bernard has enjoyed a wide and varied career since beginning as an apprentice to the legendary John Jacobs at age 15 at the driving range in Leopardstown Race Course. His numerous roles have included Golf Professional, RTÉ golf pundit and commentator, Chairman of the Golf Course Owners Association and board member of the Special Olympics Committee. He has been at the helm of Powerscourt for the past 17 years since the golf club opened in 1997.

At the reception Bernard said “From the time I started my golfing career I always wanted to be at the top, whether it was playing the game, teaching, or administration; this award has achieved that for me. I am honoured to have been chosen as Golf Manager of the year, and thank all those who have helped me achieve this honour.”

Some highlights during Bernard’s career at Powerscourt Golf Club include hosting prestigious tournaments such as the 1998 Irish PGA Championship, won by Padraig Harrington, the 2001 Irish Seniors Open and the 2012 PGA Southern Championship. It has been the venue of choice for many of the Mens’ and Ladies Golfing Unions of Ireland events, as well as the popular annual Powerscourt PGA PRO AM. In 2014, the Golfer’s Guide to Ireland rated Powerscourt ‘Best Parkland Venue in Ireland.’ Powerscourt Golf Club is a member of the East Coast Golf Alliance.

(R-L) Bernard Gibbons (General Manager, Powerscourt Golf Club), accepting his award from Shane O’Donoghue (Host of “Living Golf” on CNN)