Just a decade after branding its first course in the UK, the famous initials of The Professional Golfers‘ Association are emblazoned on golf ventures across the globe.
The increase in PGA branded facilities reflects its commitment to promoting and growing the game throughout the world as well as nearer home, where it is playing a pivotal role at grassroots level through the England Golf Partnership which is aimed at making England the leading golf nation by 2020.
While the Dave Thomas-designed PGA National course at The Belfry celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, the PGA’s director of property and development, Robert Maxfield, has been busy wrapping up deals in China, Spain, Cyprus, Turkey and Cape Verde to complement its existing UK portfolio that includes courses at Gleneagles and Palmerstown House in Ireland plus the first PGA residential academy at Formby Hall.
With many of the PGA’s 7,300 members coaching at the various branded golf courses and academies, the Association is well-placed to exert a positive influence on the game.
“The PGA’s starting objective is to grow the game and increase opportunities for its members,” Maxfield explains. “We have recently reached agreements for PGA academies in India and Cyprus and are currently looking at projects in 18 different European countries plus Panama, Morocco, Egypt, Dubai and Oman.”
“As one of the most recognisable brands in golf we have exposure in all aspects of the game from coaching through to brand management and design,” he added. “Our members are considered the best trained golf professionals in the world and on a daily basis are encouraging people to come into the game.
“With the skills that we have got we want to broaden our horizons outside of the UK and play a key role in promoting the game.”
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