Greg Turner, New Zealand golfer

Greg Turner, born on February 21, 1963, in the picturesque city of Dunedin, New Zealand, emerged as a distinguished figure in the world of professional golf. His journey from the green fairways of his homeland to the international stage saw him leave a significant mark, particularly across the European and Australasian tours.

A Promising Career on the Greens

Early Forays and Collegiate Path

Turner's early passion for golf led him across the Pacific to the United States, where he honed his skills at the University of Oklahoma. This period in American collegiate golf often serves as a crucial training ground for aspiring professionals, providing competitive experience and exposure. However, despite his time in the US, Turner primarily built his professional career much closer to home and on the European circuit.

Dominance on the European and Australasian Tours

Over the course of his professional career, Greg Turner dedicated most of his competitive efforts to the challenging greens of the PGA Tour of Australasia and the prestigious European Tour. His talent shone brightly, culminating in an impressive four tournament victories on the demanding European Tour. A testament to his consistent performance and skill, Turner achieved a career-best ranking of 18th on the European Tour Order of Merit in 1997. The Order of Merit is a season-long ranking system that recognizes players based on their earnings, highlighting the cream of the crop in European golf.

International Representation: The Presidents Cup

Turner's prowess was also recognized on the international stage, where he proudly represented New Zealand in various competitions on numerous occasions. A pinnacle of his career came in 1998 when he was selected by captain Peter Thomson as one of two crucial wild card picks for the International Team in the Presidents Cup. This prestigious Ryder Cup-style event pits a team of non-European international players against a team from the United States. Alongside fellow New Zealander Frank Nobilo, Turner was part of the victorious International Team, marking a significant and memorable achievement in his career and for New Zealand golf.

Life Beyond Competitive Golf

Upon retiring from the rigors of professional tournament play, Greg Turner channeled his extensive experience and passion for golf into new ventures, further contributing to the sport he loves.

Entrepreneurial Ventures in Golf

Post-retirement, Turner successfully transitioned into the business side of golf. He established a golf course design company, lending his expert eye and deep understanding of course architecture to create challenging and enjoyable layouts. In parallel, he also founded a corporate hospitality business, offering unique experiences centered around golf, leveraging his network and knowledge of the sport to provide exclusive events.

Fostering New Talent: The Golf Tour of New Zealand

Demonstrating his commitment to the growth of golf in his home country, Turner was instrumental in founding the Golf Tour of New Zealand. This series of tournaments provides invaluable competitive opportunities for both amateur and professional golfers within New Zealand, helping to nurture local talent and elevate the sport's profile domestically.

A Family Steeped in Sporting and Cultural Achievement

The Turner name carries considerable weight in New Zealand, extending beyond Greg Turner's golfing accomplishments to embrace significant achievements in sports and culture.

His brothers include Glenn Turner, a legendary figure in New Zealand cricket who captained the national team, and Brian Turner, an acclaimed, award-winning poet whose literary contributions have enriched the nation's cultural landscape. Furthermore, Greg's sister-in-law, Sukhi Turner, is a prominent political figure, having served as a respected former mayor of Dunedin, the very city where Greg was born. The family's legacy continues with the next generation, as Greg's son, Jack Turner, at just 15 years old, impressively won the club championship at "The Hills," the family's home golf club, signaling a promising future for the young golfer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Greg Turner

Who is Greg Turner?
Greg Turner is a New Zealand professional golfer born in 1963, known for his successful career on the European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia, as well as his representation of New Zealand in international competitions.
When and where was Greg Turner born?
Greg Turner was born on February 21, 1963, in Dunedin, New Zealand.
What were Greg Turner's major golfing achievements?
He won four tournaments on the European Tour, achieved a career-best ranking of 18th on the European Tour Order of Merit in 1997, and was a key wild card selection for the winning International Team in the 1998 Presidents Cup.
Did Greg Turner represent New Zealand internationally?
Yes, he represented New Zealand in international golf competitions many times, including his notable appearance in the 1998 Presidents Cup.
What is Greg Turner doing after retiring from tournament golf?
Since retiring, Turner has established a golf course design and corporate hospitality business, and he was also active in founding the Golf Tour of New Zealand.
Is Greg Turner related to other notable figures?
Yes, his brothers are former national cricket captain Glenn Turner and award-winning poet Brian Turner. His sister-in-law, Sukhi Turner, is a former mayor of Dunedin.