Murphy awarded C.K. Doig Leadership Award

New Zealand Golf CEO, Dean Murphy has been recognised at the 2018 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards in Wellington, receiving the C.K. Doig Leadership Award.

The C.K. Doig Leadership Award recognises outstanding leadership by an executive sport and recreation leader.

Murphy who joined New Zealand Golf in 2007 has strategically negotiated the changing environment within golf and has led the transition of the organisation towards a more secure and sustainable future.

It was a humbling occasion for Murphy who travelled to Wellington to receive the award.

"Its really humbling to see the people who have stood before me and held this award," said Murphy.

"I really love what we do and I really love the organisation I work for.

Its been quite a ride and our sport in particular has grown so much and theres still so much to do and Im quite enthused for the future, but right now I think this is an award for the board, all the staff that arent here and our organization."

Starting his career at New Zealand Golf as the Commercial Manager he quickly formed successful partnerships and was always seen as a future leader of the organisation. Murphy spent a year as the acting CEO before officially taking up the role in 2010.

Fronted by Sport NZ Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin, the awards were once again a huge success and he made it clear how important these award winners are to the worldwide sporting community.

"Its vital that we recognise the work and people that support and encourage New Zealanders to be physically active and to win on the world stage, and for me, this is a highlight of the year. The awards ceremony brings together leaders from across the sector to recognise the top achievements and to acknowledge leadership and lifetime achievement," said Miskimmin.

"In Dean we have a superb leader, but what sets him apart is not what he has done, but more how he has led. He is an extremely good listener and an empathetic friend. People warm to him and believe in him."

In the past eight years, Murphy has led the organisation from strength to strength overseeing a new community-focused approach in the sector, employing several Sector Support Managers around the country.

Murphys commitment to the future sustainability of the sport is evident in several other projects which came to fruition during 2017 - including the Golf Sector Plan for Auckland, the Casual Golf initiative, plus the Love Golf and She Loves Golf campaigns.

The New Zealand Mens and Womens Open have not only grown, but Murphy has removed the financial risk of both events to New Zealand Golf. The Womens event has made history by reaching LPGA status, which saw over 30,000 fans come out to watch Lydia Ko while the Mens Open has adapted into a unique pro-am format playing for in excess of a million dollars on the Australasian Tour and broadcasted throughout Asia.

Former winners of the C.K. Doig Leadership Award include Steve Tew from New Zealand Rugby and Keryn Smith of the New Zealand Olympic Committee which holds Murphy in great company.

New Zealand Golf would like to congratulate him on his award and thank him for his contribution to our great game.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ