Last month saw The PGA announce details of one of the most significant changes to the membership structure in the Association’s 119-year history. In addition to changing the way PGA Professionals are categorised, the ‘2020 Vision’ initiative sees the imminent launch of two new membership groups open to all who work in the golf industry – including business professionals and club volunteers.
The Business Management Group is about helping to support and develop the workforce of golf, whether they’re involved in golf clubs, hotels, travel, operations, retail, equipment or any other golf business sector. It’s designed to give all of the people who make golf business happen the opportunity to join a professional body and be a part of the leading industry network for knowledge sharing, exclusive networking events 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 invaluable training and guidance, enabling them to update their skills, offer more to their club and align their goals and aspirations with the professional workforce. Members of this group could include a chairperson, junior organiser or committee member.
Why join Business Management Group or Club Volunteer?
• Open to all those who work or volunteer in golf
• World-class networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities
• Exclusive events with peers from across the golf industry
• Industry-leading CPD training through the PGA’s new digital platform
• Learn and develop skills specifically relevant to your role
• Benefit from bespoke online forums + career development resources
• Sharing of best practice from respected experts
• Be part of an industry-leading network within the golf business
Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of The PGA, who discussed the changes to the PGA’s membership structure in an interview with GBN last month, said: “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. Of course, we’re not going to undermine the rights and benefits of our existing Members, but we believe that The PGA in 2020 needs to represent a very different model to that of The PGA of the last 20 years.”
As well as the introduction of two new group membership categories, the 2020 Vision also offers increased specialisation for current PGA Professionals. That means turning one category, that of PGA Professional, into three – PGA Professional, PGA Coach and PGA Manager – enabling Members to select and highlight their specialism, recognising that many of them hold management roles.
Applications for both Business Management Group and Club Volunteer open in November – click here to register your interest in joining.