How is the golf industry shaping up for PGA Professionals?

Our experts on the ground, PGA Member Support Managers, dissect what they are witnessing to help you navigate and thrive in the industry, providing insights into the current trends and required skill sets.

As new PGA Members emerge, and current Members search for their next career move, it’s important to understand the dynamic landscape of the golf industry. The roles available to PGA Members are evolving, with some areas becoming more prevalent, while others see a shift in demand. The golf sector is increasingly looking for adaptable professionals who can manage multiple responsibilities across different aspects of the business.

Which roles or areas are becoming more popular/prevalent/important?

Roles in Club Management. For those with or working towards additional qualifications in business or management, there is an increasing pathway to roles such as General Manager or Director of Golf (DoG).

Facilities value PGA Members who combine a deep understanding of the game with strong management skills. This is an area that Member Support are keen to offer additional support on. The PGA Director of Golf Qualification is a fantastic starting point and will ensure Members stand out when applying for new positions. The demand for PGA Members who hold this qualification and are able to take on management roles has grown massively over recent years. That’s representative of the expanding market and will become something of great importance in the coming years too.

What key skills are employers now increasingly valuing and how has this requirement evolved over time?

The biggest value of the PGA Member has always been in the adaptability they can offer to a golf business. While roles have modernised, the premise of multitasking is still as prevalent. For employers, PGA Members who possess both a broad knowledge base and adaptability are sought after, as they offer clubs and facilities versatile professionals capable of handling a range of responsibilities.

This combination enables them to fulfil multiple roles, from coaching and operations management to digital engagement, streamlining staffing and providing value across departments. They can enhance the member experience by adapting to changing needs and trends, delivering programmes, tailored coaching and engaging events that boost satisfaction and retention.

Additionally, PGA Members with business, technology and management expertise can drive operational efficiency, helping clubs run smoothly, embrace new technologies and adopt sustainable practices to gain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving golf industry.

Are there any roles you are seeing that require very particular skillsets?

Social media management and digital marketing are areas that seem to be more important as technology advances. PGA Members with an involvement in these areas need to keep up with trends and ensure their skills and knowledge are up to date. The PGA offer resources across pga.info and PGA Learn which you can utilise to upskill in these areas.

How can Members adapt/prepare themselves to improve chances of securing these roles?

CPD is how Members should be looking towards the future. Never stop learning, whether formally or informally. If there is a set career path you want to specialise in then pick the education that takes you there. With resources and frameworks such as PGA Learn and PGA Excel, there are opportunities to improve skillsets and showcase that via Excel. Continued development is crucial for people to progress and we as an Association will do all we can to support that. Members just need to reach out to take advantage of the support and guidance that is available.

Member Support Managers

Here are contact details for each of the MSMs, along with their areas of expertise. While you are welcome to reach out to any of the three, it may be more beneficial to consult the MSM whose specialisation most closely aligns with your Membership category.

Fiona Champness

Specialism: PGA Professional

Contact: fiona.brown@pga.org.uk

07900 490645

Sam Carr

Specialism: PGA Coach

Contact: sam.carr@pga.org.uk

07830 315052

Simon Fitton

Specialism: PGA Manager

Contact: simon.fitton@pga.org.uk

07796 619799