PGA launches 2020 Vision to help Members specialise and bring golf business together

The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) has announced significant changes to its Membership structure, designed to reflect the changing role of PGA Professionals and the Association itself within the golf industry.

Following 18 months of consultation and planning, The PGA has revealed details of the new initiative, which sees the traditional PGA Professional Membership category evolve into three clearly defined categories - PGA Professional, PGA Coach and PGA Manager - enabling Members to select a specialism that better reflects their role and area of expertise.

The 2020 Vision plan also sees the creation of two new industry Membership groups, called the Business Management Group and Club Volunteer by PGA, which will both be open to everyone who is either employed in the golf industry or working as a volunteer. With a clear aim of assisting in pulling the business of golf together for the good of the game, these groups will offer world-class support, education and networking services for everyone involved in golf.

“This is one of the most significant moments in the 119-year history of The PGA,” said Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of The PGA. “We recognise that the golf industry and the way golf clubs are operated has changed. That’s why we’ve spent the last 18 months working hard to evolve our Membership structure so that our Members – and us as an organisation – remain relevant to golf in the 21st century.

“The PGA in 2020 needs to represent a very different model to that of The PGA of the last 20 years. By enabling present and future Members to specialise and develop further in their chosen areas, we are recognising and championing their expertise. By bringing all those who work and volunteer in golf under the umbrella of The PGA, we’re positioning ourselves at the heart of the game for years to come. With the 2020 Vision we will be a membership of professionals across the business of golf rather than a membership of professional golfers.”

Acting on feedback from Members, which highlighted a desire to represent their areas of specialism and differentiate themselves from their peers, the new individual categories reflect the diverse roles fulfilled by PGA Professionals around the world and enable them to more accurately demonstrate their skills and influence.

The Business Management Group is about helping to support and develop the workforce of golf, whether employed in golf clubs, hotels, travel, operations, retail, equipment or any other golf business sectors. It is designed to give all of the people who make golf business happen the opportunity to join a professional body and be a part of what aims to become the leading industry network for knowledge sharing, networking and career development.

With the creation of a Club Volunteer category – aimed at those who support the running of golf clubs in the way that Governors contribute to schools - The PGA will provide specialist training and guidance, enabling volunteers to update skills, offer more to their club and align goals and aspirations with the professional workforce.

Applications for the new categories and membership groups will be accepted from November.

CLICK HERE to find out more about The PGA's new initiative 2020 Vision.

CLICK HERE to register your interest

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