How would YOU like to be associated with the PGA?

Among their thousands of members around the world are some of golf’s most well known names – the likes of David Leadbetter, Denis Pugh and Robert Rock.

And now you have the chance to join them, by signing up with the Professional Golfers’ Association.

The Belfry-based organisation have launched a series of new membership packages as part of their 2020 Vision plan, and one is aimed squarely at every day golfers who put the time into help out their clubs.

Club Volunteer by PGA will be open to everyone who is working as a volunteer.

So if you’re part of a committee, a council, or if you’re giving a few hours here and there to help the smooth running of your club, you can now be recognised by one of the world’s oldest and largest golfing bodies.

The Club Volunteer category is aimed at those who support the running of clubs in the way that Governors contribute to schools.

The PGA will provide specialist training and guidance, helping volunteers to update their skills and offer more to their club.

“Club Volunteers are vital to the development of the game and play a huge role in supporting PGA Members within golf clubs,” said PGA chief executive Rob Maxfield.

“By our reckoning there are around 40,000 people volunteering at clubs and facilities in the UK and Ireland. The parallel we use is that of Governors, who enable the smooth running of schools.

“Golf volunteers are highly committed and bring a range of skills to their roles sitting on committees, organising events or running competitions.

“With the creation of the Club Volunteer category, The PGA will provide training and guidance, enabling volunteers to update their skills and align their goals and aspirations with the professional workforce.

“The training will be in the areas of everything from marketing and finance to safeguarding and health & safety.

“Busy club managers don’t necessarily have the time or expertise to train volunteers themselves, but members of our Club Volunteer category will have access to high-quality PGA CPD allowing them to upskill and offer more to the club.”

The 2020 Vision is one of the most significant programmes in the PGA’s 119-year history. Following 18 months of consultation and planning, it will see the traditional PGA Professional Membership category evolve into three clearly defined areas: PGA Professional, PGA Coach and PGA manager.

Alongside the new Club Volunteer membership, a Business Management Group will also be created and open to anyone who is employed in the golf industry.

Maxfield added: “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.”

Applications for the new categories and membership groups will be accepted from November. Interested applicants can find out more and register their interest now at the PGA’s website.

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