New TGI Golf Partnership chairman Gordon Stewart says today’s PGA Professionals must promote their skills and services more than ever before.
Stewart, 40, was announced as Chairman of Europe’s leading golf retail services group, owned by PGA Professionals, at The Golf Show, inHarrogate.
Reflecting on how the role of the PGA Professional has changed since he qualified in 1992, Stewart believes proactivity is the key for talented pros to stand out.
He said: “Back then things were prosperous and the club pro was benefiting from that. Now it’s far more challenging and the pros need to have many more strings to their bow. They must demonstrate to everyone around the club from customers to board and committee members that they are the experts and they can take a lead in moving the club forward.
“The club has become more and more important; the more we can do as PGA Professionals to enhance our club’s reputation the more vital we become to the operation.
“My ethos is to remain optimistic about everything and promote myself and the skills I garnered over the years as a professional as much as possible to everyone around the club.”
Gordon, who has been part of the TGI Golf board of directors for seven years, joined the group when it merged with Golf Ecosse in 2001. In the 10 years since he has been part of TGI’s rapid growth and expansion, which has seen 200 new retailers join to the company, total income increase by more than by 250% and more than £1 million paid back to Partners through cash dividends and bonus shares.
The new chairman’s first job has been to oversee the group’s rebranding – it is now the TGI Golf Partnership.
He said: “The rebranding is the first time we’ve really shouted about what we do. The Partners understand and fully support our strategy and actions.”
That aim is to demonstrate that the TGI Golf Partnership is more than just a buying group – it is a business owned by its Partners and dedicated to their profitability.
“As Partners there are financial benefits to being part of this company, we’re not just a number,” added Gordon. “At this time of year I look at my business to see how I can address costs and increase profits. Being part of a group that actually gives me money back for my work throughout the year makes perfect sense.
“The in depth retail support we receive from TGI’s team of dedicated Retail Consultants is second to none, while we have numerous sales and marketing tools available through MYTGI and countless national and international golf events played at first-class venues.”
Gordon’s appointment as Chairman was the only change to the TGI Golf Partnership Board of Directors for 2012. Other directors include Eddie Reid (Managing Director), Amanda Wilson (Financial Director), David Johnson (Lavender Park), Paul McEvoy (Clitheroe), Ian Muir (Elie Sports Club), Chris Potter (Bawburgh Golf Centre), Parnell Reilly (Bradley Park), Stuart Syme (Dumfries and County) and Mick Taylor (Shirley Park).
TGI Golf Partnership www.tgigolf.com