Origin of The PGA
The origin of The Professional Golfers' Association goes back to Victorian times and the work and dedication of three golfing pioneers: JH Taylor, James Braid and Harry Vardon. Their desire was to raise the status of those men who earned their living from playing the game.
Now, with over 8,000 Members in 80 countries across the globe, we are the world’s oldest PGA and partners of the renowned Ryder Cup.
As a distinguished members’ organisation, we educate and train PGA Professionals to degree level. Providing them with the very latest skills which they can employ across all areas of the sport, from golf club management to coaching other golfers.
All of this enables golfers to play better golf, and enjoy world-class facilities at clubs across the UK.
Making golf happen since 1901.
Role of The PGA
The Association focuses on supporting the PGA Professional throughout their career. The PGA seeks to recruit, train, support and retain the 'right PGA Professional in the right place at the right time'. The PGA also actively promotes the important contribution the PGA Professional makes to the growth and development of the game, enhancing the golfing experience of hundreds of thousands of golfers across the world.
The PGA provides its Members with a wide range of world leading training and education programmes, career development support and playing opportunities. It also makes provision for supporting Members who find themselves in difficult personal or professional circumstances.
The PGA also plays a prominent role in growing and promoting the game through initiatives with other leading golf bodies. This includes England Golf, Club Golf in Scotland plus similar projects in Ireland and Wales. In addition The PGA and its members feature prominently internationally where the high regard of GB&I PGA Professionals is reflected in 1,500 of our Members being based in over 80 countries.
Values of the PGA
Our mission is to improve the personal and professional lives of our Members through our values of being professional, supportive, respectful and acting with integrity.
The PGA has come a long way since the days of Taylor, Braid and Vardon, but, one thing that hasn’t changed is the fundamental premise upon which the organisation was built.
Whilst the work of The PGA remains guided by the original aims of the Association, it is an organisation that is committed to moving with the times. By embracing new technology and better systems in all aspects of the business, PGA Members continue to benefit from being part of the world’s first ever golf association. In turn, golfers all over the world continue to benefit from the unrivalled knowledge, skills and expertise of the PGA Professional.
Since 1901, The PGA has, and continues to;
Raise standards
By educating and training PGA Professionals of the highest quality, who then work to engage golfers and steadily improve the game of golf across the world.
Partner for success
By building long-lasting relationships that achieve mutual success and enduring economic value for the long-term benefit of the game of golf.
Expand the world
By growing the global networks and exporting the expertise of the PGA Professional around the world to grow the game in new territories.
