“As our sport moves forward, I believe that we need to be both modern and relevant to today’s society and inclusive in terms of those working in the game and playing. I see The PGA embodying these sentiments in the way it is broadening to embrace the skills and talent across the golf industry as a whole, not only among PGA professionals. It will enable our sport to come together more and be consistent and efficient in delivery and expertise.”
Golf Industry Unites Behind 2020 Vision
The PGA’s 2020 Vision recognises that golf is changing and reflects the evolving role of both Members and the Association itself, offering increased specialisation for PGA Professionals plus group membership opportunities for all who work in the golf industry – including business professionals and club volunteers.
Enabling PGA Members to select a specialism that better reflects their role and area of expertise will ensure that they occupy a more valued position at the heart of their clubs, and that their skills, status and reputation are recognised in the wider golf business.
By bringing in all those who work and volunteer in golf under the umbrella of The PGA, we’re positioning ourselves at the heart of golf for years to come. Establishing these two new group Membership categories will hopefully ensure that everybody involved in the business of golf is speaking the same language.
Before unveiling the new Membership groups we presented 2020 Vision to all partners and industry associations via a series of webinars to ensure that our plans were open, transparent and had the support of the key players.
The response to these presentations on Business Management Group and Club Volunteer was overwhelmingly positive and we’re delighted it was so well received by so many important groups. Here's just a selection of the responses...
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of the R&A
Keith Pelley , Chief Executive of The European Tour
“The PGA and its members are an incredibly important part of golf’s ecosystem, performing a key role at all levels of our sport. 2020 Vision seeks to provide a structure which enables even greater engagement, participation and development. It is vital that golf continues to evolve and this initiative reflects that, striving to bring our industry closer together for the benefit of all involved.”
Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation
“PGA Members are at the heart of Golf Foundation initiatives, providing high quality coaching, outreach programmes in schools and a friendly welcome to new juniors and their families at golf clubs. At a wider level, they have contributed significantly to our success as a charity and the development of the game through wider roles within our organisation, and also as managers of golf clubs that operate our junior programmes. The 2020 Vision membership structure provides a rallying point for the industry and we are particularly excited about the two new industry membership categories.
“The Business Management Group will help to bring the entire industry together and align understanding, while the recognition of Club Volunteers is also welcome as they play a huge role in supporting PGA members and our junior development programmes within golf clubs.
“We look forward to being part of the 2020 Vision.”
Richard Dixon, Chief Executive of Wales Golf
“The role of volunteers at golf clubs cannot be underestimated, and we view them as being vital to the development of the game across the country.
“The PGA’s Club Volunteer group is very much aligned to our way of thinking and we wholeheartedly support an initiative that will provide high levels of additional training and support for the volunteer workforce, helping them to upskill and contribute even more.
“Bringing these volunteers closer to their Professional colleagues can only be a good thing for raising standards across all aspects of golf club governance.”
Jim Croxton, Chief Executive of BIGGA
“Governance in the UK’s golf facilities has a huge impact on BIGGA members.
“We have many examples of clubs where the volunteers responsible for club governance are excellent; fully understanding of their role and providing challenge and support appropriately to their professional course management staff.
“However, there are sadly many other examples where volunteers, though well-intentioned, cause all manner of problems for club employees and, by extension, the business as a whole. I very much welcome The PGA’s Club Volunteer initiative as an attempt to identify and instil good practice amongst volunteers.”
Doug Poole, CEO of the UK Golf Federation
“Given the challenging times we are faced with, it’s never been more important for the golf industry to be more joined up.
“A consistent voice, better collaboration and all the various Associations aligned and working together can only be a good thing.
“That’s why I welcome The PGA’s 2020 Vision initiative and the introduction of the Business Management Group, which I firmly believe can bring the golf industry together. Many of the UK Golf Federation members are PGA Professionals and the diversification of the Association is timely because it better reflects the fact that Professionals are not just coaching or playing anymore, they are running and owning golf facilities.”
APPLY NOW
Applications for the Business Management Group and Club Volunteer by PGA are now open. To apply click on the relevant link below and complete the application form.
