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29/09/2020
Welcome to 2020 Vision
2020 Vision sees the traditional PGA Professional Membership category evolve into three clearly defined categories - PGA Professional, PGA Coach and PGA Manager - enabling Members to select a specialism that better reflects their role and area of expertise. 

The 2020 Vision plan also sees the creation of two new industry Membership groups, called the Business Management Group and Club Volunteer by PGA, which will both be open to everyone who is either employed in the golf industry or working as a volunteer. 

 So why has The PGA made these changes? Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of The PGA, explains: "We recognise that the golf industry and the way golf clubs are operated has changed. That’s why we’ve spent the last 18 months working hard to evolve our Membership structure so that our Members – and us as an organisation – remain relevant to golf in the 21st century. "The PGA in 2020 needs to represent a very different model to that of The PGA of the last 20 years. By enabling present and future Members to specialise and develop further in their chosen areas, we are recognising and championing their expertise. By bringing all those who work and volunteer in golf under the umbrella of The PGA, we’re positioning ourselves at the heart of the game for years to come. "With the 2020 Vision we will be a membership of professionals across the business of golf rather than a membership of professional golfers.” Acting on feedback from Members, which highlighted a desire to represent their areas of specialism and differentiate themselves from their peers, the new individual categories reflect the diverse roles fulfilled by PGA Professionals around the world. Approximately 25% hold management roles as opposed to coaching or playing, but many are reluctantly leaving the Association because the existing structure doesn’t allow them to retain membership. These changes will enable them to better demonstrate their skills and influence, promote themselves as experts and elevate themselves further by working towards Advanced, Specialist and Master status. 

 A brand-new digital CPD platform will support that focus on advancement and education. The three categories explained: 

PGA Professional – this category will see the existing membership maintained as the foundation membership with core qualifications and principles remaining unchanged. 

PGA Coach – a membership for qualified PGA Professionals whose core work and majority of time is spent in coaching, or potential new members coming through PGA educational pathways who wish to specialise in coaching from the outset. 

PGA Manager – this category is for qualified PGA Professionals working in management positions or who wish to specialise in management roles across all sectors of the industry. The Business Management Group is about helping to support and develop the workforce of golf, whether employed in golf clubs, hotels, travel, operations, retail, equipment or any other golf business sector. It is designed to give all of the people who make golf business happen the opportunity to join a professional body and be a part of what aims to become the leading industry network for knowledge sharing, networking and career development. 

With the creation of a Club Volunteer category – aimed at those who support the running of golf clubs in the way that Governors contribute to schools - The PGA will provide specialist training and guidance, enabling volunteers to update skills, offer more to their club and align goals and aspirations with the professional workforce. Until now, there was no formal structure to help them acquire new knowledge and skills particularly relevant to the golf industry. This new initiative will empower golf’s volunteers and enable them to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently. With a clear aim of helping to pull the business of golf together for the good of the game, these groups will offer world-class support, education and networking services for everyone involved in golf. 

For more information and to register interest prior to applications opening in November, visit www.pga.info/pga-2020-vision