World PGA Alliance Meets
It endorses global professional standards for education, player
development and youth development
• The Alliance recognizes the continued
scientific and medical study of golf that
identifies the physical and mental health
benefits of the sport. ■
The World PGA Alliance’s first formal meeting of representatives from
10 of the most established Professional Golfers’ Associations resulted in the adoption of professional standards for PGA member- ship that may serve as a model for developing golf territories; a leading practice for youth development;
the endorsement of efforts to improve golf’s positive impact and sustainability; support of Olympic golf and
environmental research and the continued study of the physical and mental health benefits of the sport.
• The Alliance and its respective Professional
Golfers’ Associations will leverage their
membership and external relations to
communicate the positive human, economic
and environmental impact of golf.
The World PGA Alliance gathered Jan.
30
through Feb.
2, in Orlando, Fla., following the 57th
PGA Merchandise Show, with representatives from
the Canadian PGA, PGA of America, PGA of Australia, PGA of Germany, PGA of Great Britain & Ireland; PGA of Japan, PGA of New Zealand, PGA of
South Africa, PGA of Sweden and PGAs of Europe.
“The Alliance members are united in recognizing
our sport’s positive impact in the areas of job creation,
tourism development, and the health and well being
of adults and youth in emerging golf territories,” said
PGA Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka. “The
global reach of the professional game combined with
the economic expansion of the golf industry height-
ens the need for quality golf professionals and their
ability to play the sport, teach the sport and promote
the sport.”
• The Alliance adopted a leading practice for
youth development based upon principles that
included an understanding of the levels of
sportsmanship, rules and etiquette; and the
development and assessment of golf skills.
• That PGA Professionals be considered leaders
in golf instruction/coaching, with this expertise
based upon principles that an instructor/coach
demonstrates a firm understanding of the
different physical, mental, tactical,
motivational, developmental and ability levels
of players.
PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Chief Executive
Sandy Jones said the Alliance’s efforts will help PGA
members worldwide become a valuable resource for
the growth of the game.
• That PGA Professionals be recognized for
guiding the business of golf based upon an
understanding of finances and an appreciation
of market forces and how to market products
and services.
“For decades PGA Professionals have been a
leading influence in the growth and development of
the game of golf,” said Jones. “The formation of the
World PGA Alliance makes it possible to bring
together the best practices in the areas of education,
game development and commercialization of the
PGA brand, which is perhaps the most recognizable
brand in golf.”
• The Alliance endorses efforts to improve golf’s
sustainability and recognizes the work of the
Environmental Institute for Golf, the
Australian Golf Environmental Initiative, and
the Golf Environment Organization.
PGA of Australia CEO Max Garske said that
“The Alliance is now in a strong position to assist
emerging golfing nations with coach and player
development programs to facilitate the growth of
our game globally.”
• The Alliance endorses Olympic golf, Junior
Olympics and the Paralympics, and commits to
working with National Golf Federations and to
provide its teaching and coaching expertise for
athlete development.
Among the specific developments from the
World PGAAlliance meeting:
MONTANA PRITCHARD/THE PGA OF AMERICA
• Alliance members recommended standards for
PGA membership to serve as a model for
developing golf territories. The standards
included establishing a playing ability
measurement that reflects the position of PGA
Professionals as expert golfers within their
territory, an educational and training program
to prepare individuals for entry to the
profession, and lifelong learning and continuing
education to meet the challenging needs of the
golf industry within a territory.
From left to right:
Alberto Kaneda,
Sandy Jones,
Yoshiaki Unno,
Rainer Goldrian,
Ducan Simpson,
Mikael Sorling,
Gary Bernard, Ian
Randall, Edwin
Khew, Dennis
Bruyns, PGA of
America CEO Joe
Steranka, Max
Garske, and Volker
Krajewski during
the 2010 PGA
World Alliance
Conference
following the
57th PGA
Merchandise Show.
