Robert Irvine is helping Castlerock Golf Club reach new heights after levelling up in his own career by completing the PGA Top-up Degree in September 2023.
Irvine, who also holds a degree in Sport Science from the University of Edinburgh, undertook the PGA Top-up Degree while relocating his family from his native Scotland to his new role at Castlerock Golf Club in Northern Ireland.
Now the founder of RM Irvine Golf, he has built a strong reputation in the industry for delivering outstanding customer service, first-class coaching, competitive retail, and state-of-the-art club fitting.
Irvine admits that juggling such a major life change - moving from Douglas Park Golf Club in Glasgow to Castlerock - was a challenge during his studies. Nonetheless, he thoroughly enjoyed the course and believes its practical nature has had a real and lasting impact on his career.
“The reflective pieces were really important for me during the course. I’ve never been particularly good at reflecting on what I’ve done, but it was incredibly affirming to look back and see what I’d achieved.
“A sports psychologist once told me that reflecting is something I need to consciously do as it doesn’t come naturally. As a result, I gained a lot of self-confidence from it. I’d usually be the type to just say ‘I can do this’, but now I actually know I can. I have the evidence, authority, and belief to back it up.”
The BSc (Hons) in Professional Golf is delivered jointly by The PGA and the University of Birmingham, while the BA in Professional Golf is offered in partnership between The PGA and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Students following the UHI pathway can progress to a full BA (Hons) degree through additional study, typically completed over two years part-time, or in just one year full-time.
Having completed his Foundation Degree before the Top-up Degree was introduced, Irvine chose to return to his home nation to continue his studies with UHI. He couldn’t speak more highly of the quality of education on the course.
“Now that I’ve completed the Top-up, I would say to any PGA Professional that they absolutely should do it. It brings back into focus all the things you know or think you know and even highlights things you didn’t realise you knew. The ability to reflect practically on your work and identify areas for improvement was a real eye-opener for me.
“Hand on heart, if anyone asked me whether it’s worth doing, I’d say it’s 100% money well spent but you only get out of it what you’re willing to put in.
“I worked hard and dedicated a lot of hours, making sacrifices, including family time. You have to carve out the time, but it’s one of the most affirming experiences I’ve ever had in education.”
Now settled into life at Castlerock Golf Club, Irvine says the PGA Top-up Degree has only further enhanced his career.
“Of all the goals I had, I really wanted to see if I could achieve a First-Class Honours and I managed it. When I looked back at the reflective assignments, I realised I’d accomplished everything I set out to do, from making the move to Castlerock to securing the job here.
The Top-up Degree is also a valuable asset for PGA Members seeking opportunities overseas, as it plays a significant role in supporting successful visa applications for international roles.
“The degree has opened doors I never imagined. I’ve been able to attend the PGA Show in Orlando, take part in tourism conferences, and connect with new people – all opportunities that simply wouldn’t have come my way without the PGA Top-up Degree.”
