New PGA roles for Scottish pair

PGA Master Professional John Mulgrew, (above right) who has climbed every Munro in Scotland, has set his sights on scaling the heights as the new chairman of The PGA in Scotland.

The experienced Mulgrew succeeds Lanark head pro Alan White (above left) who has been co-opted onto the PGA Board of Directors.

Mulgrew brings a wealth of experience to the role as a PGA tutor in business management, education lead for The PGA’s director of golf programme and also as a coach developer for ClubGolf.

Among his priorities is to further highlight the contribution made by PGA pros across golf.

“Becoming chairman of The PGA in Scotland is something I never thought about but I am really delighted about it, it’s a great pleasure and honour to take over and I’ll have to be pretty good because Alan has done such a good job,” said the 67-year-old.

“Something I really feel is important is to try and make sure we promote the club pro as much as we can and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Meanwhile White, son of former Rangers boss, David, and a PGA Advanced Fellow Professional has described his election to the PGA board as an exciting challenge.

“The profession has changed a lot from when I started as an assistant at Gleneagles in 1982 but I am quite optimistic for PGA pros in the future,” said White, who steps up following the election of Crieff pro David Murchie as the new PGA chairman in place of the outgoing Dr Phil Weaver OBE.

“Coming out of recession, PGA pros are really well trained and we’re finally starting to get that message across of how well trained they are and how well placed they are to move the golf industry forward and also in an increasing number of different roles.”

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones commented: “Alan has been a long serving member of the Scottish executive committee and will be a great addition to the PGA board.

“I have also known John for many years during which he has made an outstanding contribution particularly to the education side of the Association.”

Outside of his committee duties, Mulgrew, who has conquered all 282 peaks over 3000 feet, is undertaking another marathon walking effort with fellow PGA pro and ClubGolf developer Allan Martin.

The pair are targeting a 570-mile route from the Borders to the north.

“We are doing it a stage at a time and zig-zagging our way northwards. At this stage it is just a personal challenge but we may well look at doing some fundraising from it too,” added Mulgrew.

“Allan calls himself my carer to stop me getting lost!”

Mulgrew nearly died in 2009 when he got lost having climbed Sgurr na Sgine in Kintail and took a wrong turn and unknowingly headed back up another mountain.

Attempting to walk through the night, exhaustion set in and he lay unconscious for 10 hours before he was found by mountain rescue teams.