Ashley Dart - 'I've found investing in myself and growing my knowledge within each facet of my job so exciting'

Ashley Dart (Swinley Golf Club) was made a PGA Advanced Professional earlier this year having completed his APAL application. We speak to Ashley about the importance of self-development and how improving your PGA status through the new PGA Excel system can help with career progression.

PGA Excel is a new, best-in-class assessment framework that enables PGA Members to demonstrate your impact and achievement to employers, golfers and the wider industry.

CLICK HERE to find out everything you need to know about PGA Excel and to download a useful brochure.

What made you decide to engage with APAL?

My life ambition was to become a professional golfer. Fairly vague, I know! As soon as I became fully qualified, I had to reassess and focus my career objectives. Specifically, I needed to have a more succinct, ambitious goal with a plan of how to get there. What became clear was that the route to becoming an excellent PGA Professional starts when becoming fully qualified and doesn’t finish there! I enjoy every aspect of the traditional club professional role which is why I've found investing in myself and growing my knowledge within each facet of my job so exciting.

What was your motivation to start your self-development process?

My motivation for APAL involvement and progression comes from my need to compete and achieve. I've found additional motivation from the quiet competition provided by friends and fellow PGA colleagues. I'm very fortunate to have connected with some excellent professionals who I've watched grow personally and professionally too within the association. My competitive nature provided the motivation to keep up with the progression of others. I suppose I've observed others set a standard which I aspire to achieve and eclipse.

What do you hope to get from engaging with APAL/CPD?

The goal is to become the best PGA Professional I can be. To continue developing gives me the best opportunity to achieving my career aspirations. It's always fascinating to attend courses and undertake learning, to only then realise the depth of knowledge actually required to become an 'Expert'. I'm very self-aware. I'd be comfortable stating that I haven’t 'specialised' or become an expert in a specific field but that also provides the opportunity and space for growth.

How important is APAL/CPD to your career progression?

I am very proud to have achieved my PGA Advanced Professional status and my intention is to enhance and embrace that. I have some very ambitious career aspirations, so I have no doubt that I'll have to develop further along the PGA Excel pathway to gain the opportunity to reach these objectives.

How important do you think self-development is to your employer and potential new employers?

Employers need individuals who strive to be better and have that need for achievement. Individuals and clubs can grow and progress together with positive communication and correct objectives. If I were an employer, I'd need to believe that the person coming into a working environment wanted to utilise resources and grow. My employer provides full encouragement for my development and his support has created the most amazing working environment. I would suggest that his role has evolved from manager to mentor which I've found invaluable for my development.

Why do you think it is important for PGA Members to engage with PGA Excel?

It's important for your employer; for your future employers; for your own self-awareness and for the individuals which you may teach or mentor. CPD can create tangible results which allows you to measure performance. In an industry which boasts many associations, we need to ensure that as PGA members we're always radiating value. It's essential for the modern day professional to be accountable and self-driven with CPD to become/remain a valuable asset within the business.

Why do you think some PGA Professionals aren't doing APAL?

Many individuals who are either training or fully qualified have achieved honours degrees and diplomas prior to their PGA qualification. The drive to continue with voluntary education and developmental activities can be suppressed as lifestyle priorities occur. Another reason surrounds the opportunity for growth within an individual’s employment or club structure. In a scenario where there is limited room for promotion or internal growth, an individual could feel that the time & financial investment to progress through APAL wouldn't have the potential value or reward necessary to start.

What would you say to other PGA Professionals to encourage them to engage with The PGA's new APAL system, PGA Excel?

You're never finished. We learn every day. The journey to becoming the best version of yourself as a person or as a PGA Professional is never complete. CPD often leads to incredible opportunities and unexpected recognition. Have an aspiration and invest enough time and effort to give yourself the greatest opportunity to succeed.

CLICK HERE to find out everything you need to know about PGA Excel and to download a useful brochure.

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