Back in September, The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) announced 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 – which goes live today – sees the launch of two new membership groups which are open to people who work or volunteer in golf.
Designed to reflect the evolving role of PGA Professionals and The PGA itself within golf, 2020 Vision is the culmination of almost two years’ planning and offers increased specialisation for PGA Professionals plus group membership opportunities for all who work in the golf industry – including business professionals and club volunteers.
2020 Vision sees the traditional PGA Professional Membership category evolve into three clearly defined categories – PGA Professional, PGA Coach and PGA Manager – enabling PGA Members to select a specialism that better reflects their role and area of expertise.
The new structure 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 pulling the business of golf together for the good of the game, these groups will offer world-class support, education and networking services, and bring all those who work and volunteer in golf under the umbrella of a single professional body – The PGA.
“This is one of the most significant moments in the 119-year history of The PGA,” said Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of The PGA. “The PGA in 2020 needs to represent a very different model to that of The PGA of the last 20 years – that’s why we’ve undertaken the enormous challenge to evolve our membership structure and ensure that our Members – and us as an organisation – remain relevant to golf in the 21st century.
“By enabling present and future PGA 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.”
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 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, 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 specialist training and guidance, enabling volunteers to update skills, offer more to their club and align goals and aspirations with the professional workforce.
Members of both the Business Management Group and Club Volunteer by PGA will enjoy access to a range of benefits, including those listed below, but it’s important to stress that they are not PGA Members and are not able to refer to themselves as such.
Headline benefits for Full Access members of both groups include:
- Professional development through The PGA’s new digital CPD platform
- Access to industry forums and specialist groups for sharing of knowledge
- A comprehensive series of exclusive national & regional golf and networking events
- Expert advice on all industry matters from The PGA’s Business Relationship team
- Dedicated helpline for queries on HR, employment and health & safety law
- Access to useful documents, templates and guides in the PGA’s respected Resource Library
- Member Benefits platform providing exclusive discounts and offers from PGA Partners
- Tailored communications including an exclusive quarterly journal, webinars & podcasts
Applications for the new membership groups are now being accepted – interested applicants can find out more about the full range of benefits and how to join at www.pga.info