Golf Australia has appointed Therese Magdulski as Interim General Manager – Events & Operations.

Magdulski takes on the role after Simon Brookhouse, who has stepped down to take up a new position in sport.

She will oversee event operations across the country and play a leadership role in supporting Golf Australia’s golf operations and team members nationally.

Importantly, Magdulski will play a pivotal role in Golf Australia’s general managers’ team, helping plan and implement organisational strategies.

Golf Australia interim CEO Rob Armour said Magdulski’s appointment brings “vast and diverse experience to the position”.

“The addition of Therese obviously is a step in the right direction of gender balance at management level within our sport, but it’s much more than that,” Armour said.

“We are delighted to have Therese’s enormous golfing background in a role in which she will have a significant impact. She has had previous state and national responsibilities, most recently as Victorian state manager of GA.

“But she has consistently, throughout her career, been involved in internal and external stakeholder management at all levels and her experience in the event area will be invaluable.”

“Her appointment role models the standards by which Golf Australia wants to lead our sport.”

Magdulski is no stranger to breaking down gender barriers, having been the first female referee on the Australasian PGA Tour.

Armour also acknowledged Brookhouse’s “huge contribution” to the sport, both from a national and state perspective, in the past 10 years.

“Previously as chief executive of Golf Victoria, then in his recent role, Simon’s ability to build and maintain relationships, especially within government, has been crucial in achieving funding for the Australian Golf Centre and tournament golf,” Armour said.

“He has overseen structural change throughout the industry, firstly in the amalgamation of men’s and women’s Victorian golf, but perhaps most notably in driving the innovative Vic Open to its current prominent status in international golf.

“We wish him well in the future.”

Tim Witherow will replace Magdulski as Interim Golf Operations and State Manager, Victoria.