The PGA has expanded its presence in China with the announcement of its second branded academy in the Far East.
Shanghai’s Lan Hai International Golf Club will house a state-of-the-art PGA Golf Academy which will complement its two Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf courses. The 36-hole resort, which is staffed by a team of fully qualified PGA professionals, also includes a sports centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and three golf shops. The agreement is another boost for the PGA in the region, following on from the recent China Golf Show supported by the PGA World Alliance in Beijing.
With golf’s increasing popularity in the Far East, the Lan Hai owners have invested in a PGA Golf Academy with the aim of making it one of the best teaching venues in Shanghai. The facility includes the very latest teaching technologies to help PGA professionals deliver the very best teaching and coaching.
Robert Maxfield, PGA property and commercial director said: “Golf is becoming more and more popular in China with increasing opportunities to grow and develop the game and we’re delighted that the PGA and its members are at the forefront of this vast market. Lan Hai is a superb facility and the PGA Golf Academy will ensure golfers have access to the very best coaching and technology.”
Lan Hai general manager David Kurniawan, who masterminded the opening of China’s first PGA branded academy at Bayhood No. 9 in Beijing, added: “We are very happy to be associated with the PGA to offer world class teaching for Lan Hai members and visitors. I had the privilege of opening Asia’s first PGA Golf Academy and am delighted to bring the PGA brand to Lan Hai International and look forward to similar success.”
Lan Hai director of golf is PGA professional David Baron who expressed his delight at joining forces with the PGA. “Members and guests will receive the finest tuition, utilising state-of-the-art technology. The golf courses and facilities here at Lan Hai are truly world class and our affiliation with the PGA now highlights our dedication to promoting the game as it should be,” he said.
The PGA has a worldwide portfolio of branded facilities with courses and academies in Russia, Spain, Turkey and Cyprus plus a number of prospective developments in Africa and the Middle East.
With its reputation for having the best education programme in golf where it members complete a three year degree as part of their training, upwards of 1,600 PGA members are employed overseas in more than 70 countries.
PGA news www.PGA.info