PGA Pros earned more than 135,000 CPD points last winter

A desire to improve has seen PGA Professionals earn more than 135,000 continuous professional development points over the past winter.

The points were gained by more than 2,500 pros for attending a range of training and education opportunities all aimed at keeping pros at the forefront of their particular speciality.

Nearly 500 different activities were accredited, covering a wide variety of topics across the golf industry spectrum, from latest coaching techniques through to business and managerial seminars.

“A good PGA Professional is constantly reviewing what they do, why they do it, and if they can do it any better. Through that process many will turn to training and education seeking new ideas and different perspectives to help provide a better service to the members, guests, visitors they engage with on a daily basis,” said David Colclough, the PGA’s head of member education.

“As the most frequent point of contact in many golf facilities it’s imperative that they keep learning.  Broadly speaking learning can be split into two categories: The ‘on the job’ learning that comes from various experiences that a PGA Professional will have. Learning that evolves from more formalised training and education that is often undertaken through seminars, conferences, exhibitions, online learning or product training.

“However, more formalised training and education opportunities are for many UK golf related industries predominantly nestled into the period from October to April. Given the seasonal nature of working in the golf business that is unsurprising.”

Two thirds of learning activities were provided by the PGA, with a third offered by external educators and training partners.