Golfers, clubs and venue administrators throughout Australia are being encouraged to take part in a world-first initiative and \u2018Thank A PGA Pro\u2019 on Friday, July 31 \u2013 by simply saying thank you to their local PGA Professional in person or on social media using #ThankAPGAProDay.<\/p>\n
The day is a chance for the entire golf community to acknowledge the many valuable roles PGA Professionals play throughout the industry, from coaching beginners and elite athletes, to managing pro shops, running junior programs, fitting equipment, leading clubs, creating welcoming experiences for new players and driving innovation through technology.<\/p>\n
There are currently close to 3,000 PGA Professionals who are members of the PGA of Australia employed as club professionals, elite coaches, in management positions in golf facilities and driving new and technology-infused experiences for golf\u2019s growing number of participants.<\/p>\n
\u2018Thank A PGA Pro Day\u2019 is an initiative of the PGA World Alliance of which PGA of Australia CEO, Gavin Kirkman is the current Chair. Members of the PGA World Alliance include the PGA of America, The Professionals Golfers\u2019 Association of Great Britain and Ireland, the PGA of Europe and respective PGAs of Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Germany and Sweden.<\/p>\n
The Open champion at Royal Birkdale in 1991 and the current Chair of the PGA of Australia, Ian Baker-Finch highlighted the indelible impact that PGA Professionals have on golf\u2019s success and the need for all golfers to say, \u2018Thank you\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cBehind every great round of golf is a PGA Professional making it possible,\u201d said Baker-Finch.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn Thank a PGA Professional Day, we celebrate the incredible men and women across Australia and New Zealand who are the true heartbeat of our game.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoaching, mentoring, fitting, managing, inspiring, and growing the game we all love.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the spotlight often shines on tournaments and trophies, it\u2019s PGA Professionals who build the foundation of golf every single day.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t just teach the game, you change lives through it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The PGA World Alliance represents more than a combined 60,000 PGA Professionals globally. The PGA of Australia is unique in that it represents Vocational Members employed throughout the industry and Tournament Professionals on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, the WPGA Tour of Australasia and on global golf tours.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom coaching beginners to major champions, retail and club management, high-performance programs and club-fitting, PGA Professionals are the trusted experts in every aspect of our sport,\u201d said Gavin Kirkman.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs our sport continues to evolve and more than 4 million Australians pick up a golf club at a wide array of golf facilities each year, PGA Professionals are tasked with making that experience a fun and rewarding one.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven their passion for golf and the dedication to their profession, it is only fitting that we take a day to say, \u2018Thank you\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
The PGA of Australia and its Members play a critical role in the development and implementation of the Australian Golf Strategy that strives for more people to play more golf, by making the sport more welcoming, inclusive, sustainable and prosperous.<\/p>\n
The PGA of Australia is proud of the role PGA Professionals play in introducing new players to the game and enhancing the experiences of existing golfers.<\/p>\n
How to get involved<\/p>\n
Taking part is simple. On Friday, July 31:<\/p>\n