Azzopardi handed in his resignation on Wednesday and will remain at the club for the next two to three months as he prepares for a move to Queensland.

He is the only current professional to have seen both the new and old Ballarat courses. This July will mark the six-year mark since Azzopardi joined Ballarat and it is with an air of satisfaction that he makes his departure.

“It’s been really good to see the improvement in the golf course, but also to be involved in an important

part of this club’s history.”

Azzopardi has been instrumental in helping the club land several of the region’s biggest golf events.

This year has seen Ballarat host its own pro-am tournament and coaching clinic with Australian golf legend Craig Parry, and the club is gearing up for October’s National Futures Championship.

However, Azzopardi sees his greatest achievement in the coaching department.

“I’m probably most proud of the development of our junior development squad,” he said

“We’d probably have 60 to 70 kids that we’d teach on an annual basis but we’ve got about 10 really strong young golfers with low handicaps that will be the future of the golf club.”

The Ballarat board of directors is already looking for Azzopardi’s successor, who could come from within the club should assistant professional David Wallis put his hand up for the role.

“Dave’s a full member of the PGA and eligible to take over,” Azzopardi said. “He certainly has the skills and the ability to do a great job in a role like this.”

Meanwhile, third-year trainee Kacey Heywood will also leave the club in the next few weeks.

michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au