Bayhood No.9 extends PGA licence

One of China’s highest profile golf resorts has extended its licence agreement with The PGA until 2020.

Under the arrangement, the impressive Bayhood No. 9 will continue to house a PGA Golf Academy, staffed by expert PGA Professionals utilising the latest high-tech coaching systems and software.

The impressive facility is situated in the centre of China’s capital city, Beijing, and was the PGA’s first branded academy in Asia when it was officially opened in March 2007 by the then British Ambassador to China Sir William Ehrman.

The PGA Golf Academy is one of the most technologically advanced in the world with equipment including Trackman, SAM PuttLab and K-Vest.

Guy Moran, The PGA’s head of property and development, commented: “The PGA Golf Academy at Bayhood No.9 is a fantastic facility which has made great efforts to make high quality golf tuition by PGA Professionals available to all.

“We are delighted that we have achieved an extension of our agreement and we look forward to continuing our work with the owners to help further develop the business.”

PGA Fellow Professional Adrian VA Cafaro (pictured below) is the director of instruction at the academy and has seen a rise in demand for the coaching skills of his team.

The Scot, who has just graduated with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree in Sports Coaching from the University of Birmingham, has a dual role in managing the academy and is also hands on as a coach where his efforts to learn Mandarin are starting to pay off.

“Coaching the Chinese has been very interesting, ranging from their work ethic to how they behave and nurture their children,” said Cafaro.

“I realised that coaching through a translator was sometimes laborious and broke the flow of the lesson so now I have managed to learn basic golf terminology in Mandarin.

“The rapport I have with the pupils is now much stronger and is continually improving. It is also appreciated by the Chinese who will acknowledge and compliment foreigners trying their best to learn their language which no doubt increases the student’s golf lesson experience.

“This helps break barriers and can allow two cultures to briefly work together for the common good, which is the ability to improve their golf.

“Longer term I have set goals relating to the business, including trying to improve coaching standards.

“If certain of the Chinese coaches do not have access to the latest ideas on how best to facilitate learning then we can all sit around the table and share our experiences and expertise.

“I’m hoping my experience of managing golf resorts in Egypt and golf academies in London coupled with the recent obtainment of my Master's degree from the University of Birmingham can help the PGA Golf Academy at Bayhood No.9 be seen as the flagship international brand role model."

The PGA also has branded academies at Mission Hills and Lan Hai International Golf Club helping create career opportunities for PGA Members who are leading the way as coaches, directors of golf and other managerial roles in the many courses sprouting up across the country with 38 currently employed in China.