The PGA exists for good of the game

Many of you will know that aside from my day job I also represent the UAE Professional Golfers’ Association in the form of my role of Secretary of the organisation.

The association has been evolving at a tremendous rate over the past 18 months and that is mainly down to the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of a number of PGA Professionals across the United Arab Emirates that have a passion for the brand and what it represents in the game of golf.

The majority of amateur golfers (and some professionals also) don’t really know or understand what the PGA brand is all about, which is sad in a way, but for those of you who sat through the opening ceremony of the recent Ryder Cup, you would have seen quite how much the US national PGA body are promoting their place and value within in the game.

DEFINING

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 much more.

It is the badge that an industry professional earns through committing his life to the development of the game; in whichever specialised field he or she chooses.

It is a set of standards and ethics that are widely recognised as the benchmark for a golf professional to achieve and for employers to seize.

Ultimately all PGAs around the world exist for their members, however each and every PGA body is committed to growing and supporting the game at all levels.

SUPPORT

Over the past 10 years we as an association in the UAE have taken up the challenge to support the game, but as we have grown in strength and determination, we aim to be recognised as a leading golf body in the region and to be recognised as a driving force for the industry.

This year with the introduction of another 20-plus PGA members joining clubs and sporting organisations around the country, we are looking forward to realising new opportunities to educate golfers, participate in the community and encourage more and more people to take up the game.

EXCITING

We have a number of exciting new developments on the tournament calendar this year, additional events aimed at creating sporting social platforms for amateur golfers and enthusiasts to get involved with golf.

If any Xpress readers would like to learn more or get involved with the PGA and our activities, please drop me an e-mail at julian@pga-uae.com and I assure you we at the PGA will be delighted to hear from you.