Charlie Earp is regarded as one of the world’s foremost golf coaches and his name is synonymous with the British Open winner Greg Norman, US Open winner Wayne Grady, Women’s British Open champion Corinne Dibnah, and many other outstanding professional and amateur players.
In 1958 Charlie was appointed the Professional at Royal Queensland thereby curtailing a promising playing career. Then in 1962 he was appointed president of the Queensland Professional Golfers’ Association. Instrumental in this time, Charlie helped to establish the ‘Sunshine Circuit’ for Professionals throughout Queensland, the Northern Territory and New Guinea.
In 1978 Charlie was awarded Life Membership to the Australian PGA in recognition of services performed and in 2000 was awarded the PGA Lifetime achievement Award.
In 1982 Earp was appointed Queensland state coach to both the senior and junior amateur teams under the auspices of the Queensland Golf Union and in 1987 assisted in the set up of the Greg Norman Junior Golf Foundation to encourage junior golfers.
In 1993 Earp was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to golf.
The remarkable resume of Charlie Earp OAM
Career Highlight Coached Greg Norman and Wayne Grady
1958 Appointed Head Pro at Royal Queensland Golf Club
1962 Became president of the Queensland PGA (Division)
1978 Awarded Life Membership of the PGA of Australia
1982 Appointed Queensland state coach of both the senior and junior teams
1987 Assisted in setting up the Greg Norman Junior Golf Foundation
1990 Inducted into the Sports Australia Hall of Fame as an Associate (Coaching) Member
1993 Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to golf
2000 Presented with PGA Lifetime Achievement Award
2003 Retired from his position at Royal Queensland Golf Club in 2003 after 45 years
Current Patron of Junior Golf Queensland
Charlie Is the Australian Junior Age Division Patron, and usually runs a free clinic for the juniors. He’s often seen on the range helping the juniors iron out last minute gremlins.
