PGA Director of Golf Qualification attracting more interest from overseas Members

More and more PGA Members based internationally are enrolling on the PGA Director of Golf qualification after the first stage of the qualification, the Induction Day, was moved online.

Coronavirus restrictions meant last September’s 'Induction Day' for the course did not go ahead as planned at The PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry, England.

However, the induction was held online via Zoom and was attended by 12 candidates. A second induction, held in December, attracted 14 Members, seven of which are based abroad.

Commenting on the success of the Induction Day, Regional Manager for International Members, Matthew Davies, said: “I am delighted to finally see the Induction Day being held online which has no doubt made this fantastic qualification more accessible to our 1500 International Members.

"No longer do you have to attend PGA HQ to start the qualification which was often prohibitive due to cost and time away from the business, especially for our Members travelling from abroad."

The one-day workshop was delivered by assessors Julian Richards, Mansell Richards and PGA Master Professionals Michael Braidwood and John Mulgrew.

Adam Kritikos, Golf Operations Manager at Dunes Course & Golf Academy, Greece, was impressed with the Induction Day and sees the qualification as a 'great investment' for PGA Members working overseas. He commented: “The PGA Director of Golf programme is a great investment for those PGA Members looking to specify in the management side of the business.

“The Induction Day was very professionally organised by The PGA, despite the difficult circumstances due to COVID-19. The online Zoom seminar was very easy to access, with great instruction by the assessors.

“I would recommend the programme to all PGA Members looking to embellish their CV and expand their knowledge base.”

Harrison Boundy from Les Bordes in France, also saw great benefit in attending online. He said: “I was planning on travelling to The Belfry to attend the Induction Day which would have cost me up to €250 in travel, so as you can imagine, I wasn’t looking forward to that.

“It worked better for me than if I was in a classroom; it was more relaxing being at home which helped me take more from the day.

“I’m currently working through the workbook and I look forward to working towards becoming a fully qualified Director of Golf.”

Malcolm Young also found the induction very worthwhile, adding: "The opportunity to start the PGA Director of Golf qualification as an overseas member was previously more challenging due to timings and travel costs so the move to an online option was of particular interest and very worthwhile.

"The induction day gave a good understanding of the programme content which I'm looking forward to working through with the guidance of the tutors. It was also good to meet like-minded professionals, in the virtual setting, also enrolled in the course.

“I'm sure that working through the course will be of great value for my future goals and prepare me for the variety of roles now undertaken by PGA Professionals worldwide.”

The PGA Director of Golf qualification was created in response to the demand from Members who were working in the golf industry in roles with responsibilities that extend from and are additional to those normally expected of a golf club professional.

The PGA examined this situation, researched various possible solutions and developed the PGA Director of Golf qualification. This qualification is designed to provide a means of recognition for those who already perform effectively in the role, as well as a framework for acquiring the skills needed for those who aspire to such a role.

To attain the qualification, Members must complete three stages: Induction Day, Certificate of Golf Management Theory and PGA Director of Golf.

Training Assistants can attend the Induction Day only, however they would need to qualify and be elected to membership and also meet the requirements of the Certificate of Golf Management Theory to gain the full Director of Golf qualification.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the PGA Director of Golf qualification.

The next online Induction Day is being held on the 4^th March 2021. To register, please CLICK HERE

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