Birmingham, England: The PGA of Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) is set to launch an exciting new initiative to redefine business and management education: the PGA Golf Business Institute. 

PGA of GB&I members have always played a key role in the business side of golf. However, recent trends show a growing interest among members in pursuing management and leadership positions.

In response to this shift, The PGA of GB&I has conducted a review of its existing business and management education and created a dedicated hub designed to equip members with the essential business, leadership and management skills needed to drive the future of golf. 

“For PGA of GB&I members looking to position themselves as leaders in the industry, the PGA Golf Business Institute offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge and connections necessary to succeed,” said a spokesperson for the association.

One of the main goals of the Institute is to establish itself as the leading destination for golf management education and enhance the reputation and credibility of PGA of GB&I managers by providing unparalleled access to high-quality business management resources. Employers and industry hiring managers have made it clear: they prefer to employ a PGA of GB&I member over other candidates due to the unrivalled expertise, experience and high standards PGA of GB&I members must achieve to join the association.

Through the Institute, members will further distinguish themselves by having preferential access to the best business education available. 

Bringing together all of The PGA of GB&I’s leadership and management development into one cohesive offering, the Institute will feature a structured, tiered approach built on three core pillars. 

These pillars are: 

• Expanding and enhancing existing business and management education. 
• Developing new initiatives to support PGA of GB&I managers at all career stages. 
• Forging strategic partnerships with reputable education providers. 

Today’s golf industry demands more than strong networks – it requires proven business acumen. To tackle this, rather than duplicating existing education programmes in the market, The PGA of GB&I will leverage its partnerships to provide members with access to high-quality business and management education through industry insights and best practices. 

Open to all PGA of GB&I members regardless of their primary specialism, the Institute provides value whether a member is an aspiring or established club manager, a PGA of GB&I Professional looking to broaden their business skills, or a golf industry executive or entrepreneur. 

This platform will also complement PGA of GB&I managers who have or intend to embark on the PGA Excel framework, though it will not offer a direct pathway to automatic PGA Excel awards. 

The key benefits include: 

• Access to structured education that supports career progression into management and executive roles.
• Practical learning experiences that enhance leadership, strategic thinking and operational management skills.
• A platform for members to gain highly respected golf management qualifications. 

The Institute will offer a flexible learning experience through a variety of formats, including in-person training, online learning, live case studies, masterclasses and networking events. This will ensure accessibility and convenience for all members. 

What to expect: 

• The launch of a hub, providing a gateway to the PGA Golf Business Institute.
• Enhancements to the PGA of GB&I’s existing business and management education, including the PGA Director of Golf programme. 
• Preferential access to industry management education. 
• Immersive regional experiences and masterclasses aimed at all levels of management roles and experience.
• The development of management insights and leadership CPD content in the form of articles, podcasts, webinars and reports.  

*The PGA of GB&I is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.