Over 150 graduates gathered at the University of Birmingham last week to celebrate alongside family and friends at the 2026 PGA Graduation Ceremony.
The event marked a memorable moment in their golf careers, as graduates were formally welcomed into PGA Membership marking the end of three years of dedication, hard work and ambition and the beginning of their next chapter as a golf professional.
Held in the Great Hall, the ceremony provided a fitting setting to recognise the commitment of each graduate as they were welcomed on stage by PGA Captain David Llewellyn, who congratulated and encouraged each of them to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
This year’s ceremony carried extra significance, taking place during The PGA’s 125th anniversary year – a milestone that highlights the Association’s long-standing commitment to developing golf professionals and supporting the growth of the game since 1901.
The celebration also shone a light on outstanding achievement, including the PGA Trainee of the Year Award, sponsored by Titleist, and the Female Trainee of the Year Award, sponsored by the Ladies European Tour. Ben Beardsley and Emma Allen were honoured for their excellence throughout the three-year programme, receiving prize funds of £3,500 and £1,750 respectively.
“It’s a real honour to win the Trainee of the Year Award for 2026,” said Beardsley, PGA Professional at Stone Golf Club. “It’s a great privilege to be able to thank everyone [on stage] on behalf of the graduates. It was a little nerve-wracking to start with but a nice opportunity to show gratitude and thank everybody along the way, whether it was sponsors getting behind the programme or the lecturers that supported us.
“On a personal note, everyone I worked with have been amazing, supporting and guiding me throughout the programme. And my family too, with non-stop support and encouragement which has led to me being able to receive this award. I owe a lot to them.”
On becoming a PGA Member, Beardsley said: “PGA Membership is one of the most well-rounded and highly-regarded qualifications in sport. Going through the training programme was such an opportunity to connect with other Trainees and now going into full Membership widens that pool of connecting and interacting with other PGA Members – getting advice and giving advice back where I can.”
Allen, PGA Professional at Hockley Golf Club said: “I’m incredibly proud of my achievement. I worked really hard and had lots of people around me who helped along the way. My friends who all supported me, the staff, all of the teachers. Lots of support and lots of hard work. It means a lot to have won that award – three years of hard work that paid off is amazing.
Reflecting on the experience of graduation day, Allen said: “I’m massively proud to have been here. I get to see all my friends that I’ve made. We’re all dotted around the country so its great to be able to reunited with those people. It’s just the sense of occasion. It’s a really special day and it’s amazing to be a part of it.”
Beardsley also picked up the Custom Fitting & Equipment Technology Award, sponsored by GolfPride whilst Cawder Golf Club’s Kieran Stark, Trainee of the Year runner-up, earned the Business & Management Award, sponsored by Foremost.
New in 2026, three Trainees received the PING Recognition Award. The inaugural winners were Lydia Derbyshire of Knaresborough, Scott Blaney of The Belfry, and Gary McGrane of Halpenny.
PGA Chairman Alan White congratulated the class of 2026, reflecting on the significance of graduation day and the opportunities ahead for the new PGA Members.
“A huge congratulations to each and every graduate of 2026. Your hard work and dedication has now paid off and this celebration marks the start of the next chapter in your career,” said White. “Everyone will tell you how fantastic it [graduation] is and it’s only until you get here and see it that you realise it really is fantastic.
“We know PGA Professionals of GB&I are the best trained PGA Professionals in the world and i get very jealous when I look at them and think of their futures and the opportunities they’re going to have. Rarely in life do you know before the day starts that you’re about to have a day that you’re going to remember for the rest of your life. But today is certainly a day that they won’t forget.”
Four PGA Masters were also in attendance and were invited on stage to receive their Master awards – the highest honour bestowed upon a PGA Member, recognising their impact on the industry. This year’s recipients, Tim Rouse, Daniel Grieve, Denise Hastings and Chris White, inspired the graduating cohort while showcasing the breadth of opportunities and career pathways available as PGA Members.
The PGA Training Programme, which includes a three-year Foundation Degree, has been preparing aspiring PGA Professionals, managers and coaches for over 50 years. Covering all aspects of the game, from coaching and custom fitting to management and sports science, it continues to set the benchmark in golf education.