Play Golf, Earn A Career

Of the 1.2 million Australians that play the game of golf, most can only dream about having a handicap under three.

Becoming a single marker let alone reaching a handicap of three takes an enormous amount of time, effort and dedication- which for most of us, we just don’t have.

But for those aspiring golfers who this year are applying to the PGA of Australia to start a PGA traineeship in 2011, maintaining a handicap of three is really just the beginning.

To qualify as a PGA Professional PGA Trainees must complete a three year full time education program and pass exams at the end of each year.

They need to achieve a high level of competency in areas of coaching, club technologies, retail and business management, and professional skills, and fit a regular round in on the side.

“Most people don’t realise the high standards we put in place for those wishing to join the PGA of Australia,” said Craig Sharp, the PGA’s National Training Manager.

“Its quite easy to overlook the fact that our PGA Members who service the hundreds of golf facilities around the country are so highly educated in their field, but the reality is we market our members as ‘The Experts in the Game’ and we are committed to making sure this is indeed the case for both our current and aspiring members.”

It is this dedication to the game that has made the PGA one of the world’s leading professional golfing organisations, and led to Australian PGA members gaining employment opportunities in all corners of the world.

“We have PGA members working in nearly all golfing nations world wide. From established industries in America and Europe to developing golfing nations within Asia, the PGA brand opens many career doors for those wanting to make a living out of the game they all are so passionate about,” said Sharp.

Above and beyond the training, Sharp says that those joining the PGA ranks in 2011 will hold a special place within the history of the PGA of Australia.

“2011 is a special year for the PGA as we will be celebrating our Centenary- 100 years of servicing the Australian Golf Industry. In January we expect to induct about 60 to 70 new trainee members into our organisation, who at the end of the day will be the future of our organisation and lead the Australian Golf Industry into the next 100 years.”

The PGA Trainee Program is open to golfers either male or female who have a passion for the sport of golf.

Working alongside a fully qualified PGA Member, this three year program provides invaluable on-the-job training and experience at a golf facility, whilst at the same time offering formal education in a variety of vocational areas.

On completion of the three year program PGA members receive:

Certificate II in Sport (Career Oriented Participation)

Certificate III in Sport (Career Oriented Participation)

Diploma of Sport Coaching

Vocational Golf Coach Accreditation through the Australian Sports Commission

Full Vocational Membership of The PGA of Australia

The PGA is now accepting applications from individuals interested in completing a PGA Traineeship under the PGA of Australia in 2011. Applications for the program in 2011 close 31 August 2010.

For further information on the program or the application process please contact the PGA Academy on 03 8320 1911 or email academy@pga.org.au or for media enquiries see below.