Want To Know? Ask A Pro

The UAE PGA. What is it, you may ask? “Well it’s… mmm, not really sure.” Don’t feel ashamed, you’re on a par with the majority of amateur golfers (and some pros) that don’t really know or understand what the PGA “brand” is all about.

The Professional Golfers Association was established in the early 1900s as a members’ organisation for golf pros.

It is an association that strives to promote the game of golf through a highly trained and dedicated membership of PGA qualified golf professionals.

“Does it mean that tour professionals such as Tiger Woods are PGA qualified professionals?” No. They can be, but are not necessarily.

Tour professionals are the face and grace of the game, the elite band of players whose playing standards we are all striving to reach. However, golf is not just about playing, it’s about culture, lifestyle, industry and development.

The PGA qualification is the defining industry recognition of a golf professional’s level of training in all areas of golf club operations, instruction, finance, retail, rules of golf and more.

It is the badge that an industry professional earns through committing his life to the development of this wonderful game.

The UAE now boasts more than 40 PGA qualified golf professionals – instructors, general managers, golf administrators, retailers, consultants and in a host of other golf-related fields.

The UAE PGA, although in its infancy, is rapidly expanding and is committed to developing golf in the UAE. We are currently undergoing a strategic review to help enhance the image of the PGA in this region and to educate golfers as to the values and ethics associated with this wonderful brand “the PGA”. So watch this space!

Tip Of The Week
If you’re looking for improvement, encouragement, the right equipment to purchase or more importantly the right advice – visit your nearest PGA professional. These are the guys and girls that know best.

- Julian Danby is Director of Golf at Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, and a member of the UAE PGA.