Hampshire-based club professional Ian Mowbray is among a handful of PGA Professionals to be awarded Advanced Fellow status in the first batch of awardees in 2024.
Mowbray, who has been the club professional at Liphook golf club for over 20 years, is a shining example of an individual who is committed to self-learning. Alongside his role as club professional, Mowbray sets aside time to study and continuously learn.
He has recently completed The PGA’s ASQ Level 5 Golf Club Management Studies diploma and plans to carry on his studies in between coaching and the day-to-day role of running a business. We spoke to him about the PGA Excel process he used to gain his Advanced Fellow Professional status and the importance of the recognition that comes from furthering your career.
How do you think employers view the PGA Advanced Fellow status and why do you think it is important for them to understand and appreciate PGA Excel?
I think it should weigh a lot of importance with employers. If you get two people applying for a job who are of a similar standard, but one of them has a higher qualification from The PGA, then you would like to think that would give that candidate the edge. I imagine that at the typical golf club, their club secretary, committee member or captain for instance, don’t know much about it, so it’s important to communicate that.
Is there any advice you could give to other PGA Members looking to start PGA Excel?
Put the time aside to do it because it’s very worthwhile. Don’t be deterred by what you must complete. Also use your PGA Regional Development Officer for help and advice or if you have any doubts, I certainly did. And think about your specialism – you can stay as a PGA Professional but there’s also the option to be a PGA Coach or PGA Manager if you want to and that can be done straight away.
How simple was the process?
If I’m honest I found the process tough, writing about myself didn’t come easily for me. But that’s because I’m not an academic individual. I struggled at school, but I enjoy learning. Whether it’s just reading books, watching old coaching videos or more formalised learning such as completing a degree. I just enjoy the process of learning. I particularly enjoy a variety of learning across a wide spectrum of the business - teaching, retail, display techniques - things involving communicating with the members. All the things that I enjoy I am constantly trying to get better at.
Do you think that completing ASQ Level 5 Golf Club Management diploma contributed to helping you get your Advanced Fellow Professional status?
Yes undoubtedly. I started the diploma just before Covid, so it was a good 3-4 years of study. I took it to further myself, not because I’m aspiring to move into golf club management. I just wanted to have the qualification and to have the knowledge. I wanted to learn more things that would benefit my business because I enjoy being an all-round club professional. I wouldn’t necessarily want to specialise in just one thing. I’ve never wanted to be solely a teacher or a manager, I like the whole aspect of the job. All components of the day-to-day role.
How important is CPD and on-going learning to you?
It’s very important. I was at the TGI Business conference at The Belfry a few weeks ago which I always enjoy attending. It’s really good to continue learning and going to seminars and various things that The PGA organise. I encourage my staff to do the same. I think it’s really important that they try to better themselves as well.
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