Brian Thorburn will continue to lead the PGA of Australia for the next three years, the PGA’s Board has announced to its Membership and stakeholders.
Thorburn, who joined the PGA in March 2011, will remain in the role of Chief Executive Officer for the growing professional body until March 2017.
“The PGA is in the midst of an exciting chapter for the growth of the game and Brian’s leadership has been key to our Association’s recent success,” said Mark Gibson, Chairman and thirty-year Member of the PGA of Australia.
“It’s with great confidence that our Board of Directors extend Brian’s contract as we continue to pursue a strategic plan that enhances opportunities for PGA Professionals and the game of golf.”
During his time at the PGA Thorburn has made substantial contributions to the diverse organisation, none more important that the turnaround of the Association’s financial fortunes.
After reporting three consecutive years of deficit, the PGA has most recently reported positive financial results for 2012 and 2013, at the same time implementing significant Membership fee reductions and investing in numerous new services and programs.
“The last three years have been memorable and enjoyable and I’m grateful for the continued endorsement and support of the Board and Membership,” said Thorburn who believes the next three-years holds great promise for the sport.
“Much has been made of the golf’s apparent re-emergence into the spotlight in the last 18 months, however this is just the beginning,” said Thorburn.
“We’ve now got two of the most marketable players Australian golf has ever seen within the top five of the World Golf Rankings, we’re two years away from golf returning to the Olympic program and more than ever we’re working collaboratively as an industry.”
“I’ve certainly enjoyed the challenge of the last three years but the stage has now been set for golf to prosper at all levels of the game.”
Looking back on the last three years, Thorburn says some of the PGA’s most significant achievements have included reviewing and restructuring the Membership’s world-class ongoing education program, the diversification of revenue opportunities for the Association and Members, the extremely public yet successful relocation of the Australian PGA Championship to its new home on the Gold Coast and the execution of one of the most successful PGA Tour of Australasia seasons ever in 2014.
“We’ve got a committed, passionate team guiding the future of Australian golf and I look forward to leading the PGA and all its Members in the coming years,” he said.
(source www.golfindustrycentral.com.au )