Given that he’s been involved with The PGA for over 40 years, you could say that David Scott is the embodiment of Continuing Professional Development.
“The excitement of learning and doing something I love drives me,” said the incoming PGA captain. “I’m 61 but I feel 41.”
With a vast amount of expertise and experience accumulated during his career, Scott’s own CPD event focusing on club management was a tremendous success. The Dumbarnie man outlined his career journey with the PGA and provided attendees with valuable insights, guidance and professional nourishment.
Some of Scott’s pearls of wisdom had an inspiring impact too. “I had some really nice responses,” said the PGA Master Professional.
“I got an email from Daniel Flannery, who is the head pro at The Renaissance Club, and he wrote: ‘I’d been swithering for a while about what I’d like to do in the future in the golf industry. After this event, I’m convinced it’s moving into club general management. Thank you for your inspiring words, leadership, and motivation. I’ll take things away from the day that I’ll never forget.’”
“Those kinds of words are music to my ears,” added Scott.
Scott’s dedication to learning has been a driving force throughout his career. That commitment was rewarded in 2018 when he achieved the esteemed title of PGA Master Professional. His journey with PGA Excel (previously APAL), the association’s professional accreditation framework, was both enlightening and transformative.
“Many years ago, my goal was to get Master status, and first time around, I attained Advanced Fellow,” Scott reflected.
“Over the next few years, I worked hard to gain more experience and was thrilled to be awarded PGA Master Professional. I would highly recommend that any qualified professional who wants to compare themselves to others in the membership should undertake their PGA Excel journey.
“I found it most rewarding reflecting on many years of passion working in the golf and hospitality industry. It gave me the chance to look inwards and see where my blind spots were so I could work on possible weaknesses.”
Scott also emphasised the satisfaction that comes from supporting others in their careers.
“It’s personally rewarding to know the people you have helped along the way, whether through coaching, administration, mentoring, or supporting team members to better themselves and get bigger and better jobs,” he said.
“Golf clubs and employers will look favourably on PGA Pros with a PGA Excel designation, rather than just a PGA Professional status.”
By his own admission, Scott was never a star pupil at school. The PGA, however, provided him with an education that he continues to benefit from.
“I wasn’t bright at school,” said Scott, who would go on to hold prestigious posts at Kingsbarns and the Old Course Hotel before his move to Dumbarnie Links.
“I called myself ‘a dunce.’ All my pals were set for university, but I wasn’t university material. I didn’t have a focus in my life really. I went to college for a couple of years but didn’t enjoy that.
“I then started off as an assistant professional and all of a sudden the doors opened. I thought, ‘this is what I’m meant to do.’ From that point, it’s been a learning journey every single year.”
That journey has had its share of challenges. During his CPD event, Scott was keen to highlight professional adversity and how he and his team have overcome difficulties. It’s all part of the continuous learning process.
The opportunity for Scott to pass on his professional proficiency was embraced with great enthusiasm.
“I got a great buzz from doing this, and I’d urge all PGA Members to get involved with CPD,” he added. “One of the people I learned a lot from was Stephen Carter OBE at the Old Course Hotel.
“He would always say, ‘if you stop getting better, you stop being good,’ and I shared that advice during the event.
“There were lots of questions from the people who were there, and that was great. One or two even asked if I could be their mentor too.
“I was fortunate to have someone like Jim Farmer, who we sadly lost last year, in my life. Having a mentor like that is a huge benefit, and I’d be keen to do that for somebody else. It’s always nice to give back, and this CPD event was a great opportunity to do that.”
The success of Scott's event has highlighted how valuable Member-led CPD initiatives can be. The PGA is increasingly looking to experienced professionals like Scott who are willing to share their expertise with colleagues. This approach not only enhances the variety of learning opportunities available to Members but also strengthens the professional community.
Mark Skinner, Head of Business and Management at The PGA, emphasised this point: “David’s CPD event showcases exactly why we want to encourage more Members to consider hosting their own CPD events,” said Skinner.
“The 2024 Member Survey is telling us that Members would like to get involved in events like these, and the wealth of experience within our membership is extraordinary, so we want to create more opportunities for professionals to share their expertise. When Members learn directly from other Members who have walked in their shoes, the insights gained are particularly relevant and practical.”
If you are interested in hosting your own CPD event with The PGA, please contact the PGA Learn team at pgalearn@pga.org.uk
For more information on all upcoming CPD events, click here
