Learn about our Wide Bay Golf Professionals!
Our first profiles are of the Bargara Golf Professionals Shaun & Natalie Piper
Shaun Piper:
I was born in Mackay, QLD in 1983 and moved to Papua New Guinea with my family when I was just three months old. We returned to Australia in 1987, settling in Bundaberg, where I was introduced to golf at the age of eight by my grandmother, Doreen Piper—a long-serving member of the Bundaberg Golf Club. Her encouragement set me on a path that would shape my life. In 1995, we relocated to Townsville, and I became a junior member, coached by Phil Curd. Working as a range boy for Phil gave me valuable experience and mentorship. At 12, I received my first official handicap of 27, which quickly dropped to 6 by the time I was 13, and I was playing off scratch by the age of 16.
In 2000, I was fortunate to receive a golf scholarship to The Kooralbyn International School to complete Year 12, where I represented Queensland and Australia at the school level. My traineeship began in 2004 at Ipswich Golf Club, and I became a PGA member in 2007. I served as assistant pro at Mount Coolum for three years, before securing my first club pro role at South West Rocks in NSW, where I stayed for a decade. While I enjoyed my time in New South Wales, Queensland always felt like home. When the opportunity at Bargara Golf Club arose, I was eager to return. With deep family roots in Bundaberg—my dad, grandmother, and extended family all connected to the area—I knew Bargara was the place for me. Bargara is a beautiful community, and I am grateful to be part of a club with wonderful members and a supportive environment.
Natalie Piper:
I was born on the Northern Beaches of Sydney in 1982 and started playing golf at the age of twelve as a junior member at Monash Country Club. My favorite part of the game was putting, especially on Monash’s fast, sloped greens, which were a great test every round. I represented New South Wales at the junior interstate series in 1998 and joined the NSW Institute of Golf in 1999—a truly rewarding experience. When I met Shaun, I was in the NSWIS and they were in the QLD Academy of Sport. Shaun still claims they beat me, but I’m not so sure about that!
In 2002, I moved to Queensland so Shaun and I could be together, and I was selected for the QLD Academy of Sport and later the QLD Ladies State Team. I qualified to play in two Australian Opens, which was an incredible experience. Turning professional in 2004, I attended Tour School in Spain and received a partial tour card. Although the professional circuit was demanding, I embraced new opportunities and found fulfillment working full-time at Brookwater Golf Club.
A few years later, Shaun and I welcomed our beautiful twin daughters, who transformed our lives in the best way possible. Living in Bargara and being part of this vibrant golf club brings me genuine joy. I am thankful for the mentors, teammates, and friends who have supported me throughout my journey, and for the warm community we have found here.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our story. We are excited to continue contributing to the Bargara Golf Club and look forward to sharing many memorable moments with our members and community.