Ian RandellThe Canadian PGA has become an International Member of The PGAs of Europe and, in doing so, has increased the Association’s total membership to an unprecedented 37 PGAs representing in excess of 18,500 PGA Professionals located right across the world of golf.
In formerly accepting Canada’s application at the recent AGM in Murcia, Spain, The PGAs of Europe now heads for its 20th year of existence in 2010, with thirty Full Members spread across the breadth of Europe and seven International members from such widespread regions as North and South America, South Africa, the Middle East and the Far East.
Coming, as it does, so soon after the inauguration of the World PGA Alliance, Canada’s decision to join the association of fellow professionals positioned on the other side of the Atlantic and beyond, can only strengthen the sense of global unity between countries far and wide in what is now an Olympic sport.
“The members of our Association are very excited to join the PGAs of Europe,” enthused Glenn Cundari, Secretary of the PGA of Canada. “On the heels of the recent forming of the PGA World Alliance it makes good sense for the Canadian PGA to work more closely with our colleagues in Europe as an International Member.
“We believe there is great value for the Canadian PGA in joining this organisation. It will allow our members to experience some of the best PGA practices in the world by having access to 36 other PGAs, while giving us an opportunity to share with them what we are doing in Canada. The spirit of sharing, and of working together, is one of the many strengths of the PGAs of Europe,” he added.
Member countries of The PGAs of Europe were equally enthusiastic in welcoming Canada on board. “Canada’s application to join was, of course, rubber stamped immediately that it was formally confirmed that all the criteria of membership are being met,” said Ian Randell, chief executive of The PGAs of Europe.
“We are very proud that the Canadian PGA, as one of the oldest and most developed PGAs, being formed in 1911 and now boasting more than 3,600 members, has chosen to join. They will be a great asset to us offering fresh perspectives and experience in education and other activities of PGA business. They see the value of being able to share best practice and opinion with our many and varied member PGAs and having them involved will, I am sure, be of considerable mutual benefit.”
PGAs of Europe www.pgae.com