Gore and Galvin Green become Scottish Associates

** L-r: Brian Mair, Eric Dawes, Paul O'Hara (2013 Scottish Assistants Champion),
John Overdijking and Stuart MacINNES (Galvin Green agent in Scotland).

Two leading brands are set to give PGA pros a boost north of the border after being unveiled as new Associates of The PGA in Scotland.

Scottish secretary Brian Mair (above left) has announced that as part of the partnership, W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore) and Galvin Green will be sponsoring the Assistants’ Order of Merit and also a pilot apprenticeship scheme aimed at giving school leavers a taste of the golf industry.

The two well-known brands are also supporting the ongoing development of PGA pros and assistants through joint education seminars/workshops and on-site visits (at Gore’s innovative and impressive fabrics plant in Livingston) while the modern apprenticeship pilot scheme will be launched in the autumn with the Sports Academy of Scotland.

John Overdijking, (second right) GORE-TEX® fabrics– key account manager – said: "As a brand which has a long history with Galvin Green protecting golfers from the elements we are delighted to become an Associate of the PGA Scotland.

“We strongly believe that the assistant professionals need as much support from companies like ours as possible and we very much look forward to this partnership.”

Mike Johnson-Hill, managing director of Galvin Green (UK & Ireland) Ltd, added: “Galvin Green is proud to be joining with Gore in supporting the PGA in Scotland and sponsoring the Assistants’ Tartan Tour.

“Scotland is where the Galvin Green brand is most widely recognised as a market leader in golf outerwear with our comprehensive range of GORE-TEX® jackets and trousers. 

“We look forward to helping the PGA in Scotland take the game forward and clothing the five brand ambassadors who come through this year's Order of Merit.”

Mair commented: “We are thrilled to have agreed this deal. To align ourselves with world-class brands such as Gore and Galvin Green represents a wonderful opportunity to support and nurture the next generation of PGA Professionals in Scotland.”

Meanwhile the creation of The PGA in Scotland Apprenticeship Scheme will set it run in conjunction with the Sports Academy of Scotland.

It offers the chance for young people to gain a modern apprenticeship qualification in their chosen sport. The Sports Academy of Scotland was founded twelve years ago, and already includes rugby, cricket, tennis, judo and canoeing in their portfolio.

Mair added: “The Apprenticeship scheme is a hugely exciting development which will give school leavers the chance to get involved in the golf industry. This scheme will be of benefit to golf clubs in general, but in particular to PGA Professionals, and we anticipate there will be great interest from our members in this new opportunity.”

Eric Dawes, director of Sports Academy (Scotland) Ltd, (pictured second left) said: ’’The Sports Academy of Scotland is delighted to be the vocational training provider for the PGA Golf Club Modern Apprenticeship Programme.

“We are confident that this programme will allow the modern apprentices to flourish within their golf club development vocation.”

** 2014 Galvin Green/GORE-TEX® Products Assistants’ Tartan Tour

June 23-24 Greenburn Assistants’ Matchplay Championship, Greenburn

July 3           Scottish Young Professionals Championship West Lothian

August 1718          Shotts Young Professionals Pro-Am                        Shotts

September 1      Title/Format tbc                                           Ranfurly Castle

September 21-22 Sandy Pipey Masters                              Royal Dornoch