Sustainable Sport NEWS

A significant development in Australian golf is set to see the country’s peak professional bodies move towards a stronger alignment.

The PGA of Australia (PGA) and Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) have announced a dual membership for their mutual members.

In addition, members of the ALPG wishing to also become members of the PGA are able to do so via the Association’s Trainee and Bridging Programs.

The new collaboration will see an increase in female PGA Professionals which will have a direct impact on the development of golf at a grass roots level.

With more ALPG members coming through the PGA’s Trainee and Bridging Programs and going on to further enhance their skills via the PGA’s Accreditation and Continuing Education Program, there will be an increased number of female’s coaching golf at a club level.

The enhanced relationship between the two bodies will also provide more playing opportunities for female Professional golfers in Australia providing them with access to the Choice PGA Pro-Am Series and ALPG tournaments.

Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive of the PGA of Australia and Chairman of the Australian Golf Industry Council recognised the importance of this collaboration for the broader golf industry, stating “the PGA is thrilled to be joining forces with the ALPG in this dual membership program.

“We have great members across both organisations and it’s just wonderful that we are teaming up in a structured way to provide further benefits to our Members and grow the game.”

“This is just another sign of the growing collaboration and increasing unity amongst all the bodies in golf.”

Agreeing with Thorburn’s sentiments surrounding this historic partnership is ALPG Chief Executive Karen Lunn.

Lunn stated “the ALPG is delighted to be partnering with the PGA; this is an historical day for golf in Australia and something that we are all very excited about.

“It’s going to be wonderful for ALPG members to access some of the PGA’s educational programs and we are looking forward to progressing this relationship for the long-term.”

Some notable dual ALPG and PGA of Australia members include eight time LPGA Tour winner Rachel Hetherington, 2012 NSW/ACT PGA Teaching Professional of the Year Dennise Hutton and two time Ladies European Tour winner Joanne Mills.

4th August 2014 - AUSTRALIAN GOLF BODIES UNITE TO ADVANCE ‘HOME OF GOLF’