Sam Carr, Member Support Manager, believes that junior coaching is one of the most important responsibilities we have as PGA Members. That’s why he is leading the way with our new framework
Why was the Framework formed?
The idea for the Junior Coaching Framework came from wanting to support PGA Members with something practical, relatable and grounded in real experience. We knew there was great work happening across the entire membership in junior golf, but it wasn’t always easy to find or learn from.
The aim was to pull that good practice together and create a resource that gives PGA Members clear guidance, ideas and confidence when either starting their junior coaching journey or evolving their current practice. Ultimately, it is about making junior coaching resources easier to access, so that junior coaching is easier to plan, more engaging to deliver and more impactful overall.
What does the Framework provide for PGA Members?
The framework provides PGA Members with a range of support materials, including templates, education courses and links to external third parties and a range of additional resources. We are also building up a bank of case studies based on the work PGA Members deliver in the junior space. These case studies are extremely useful tools for any Member wanting to evolve their junior coaching offering.
They provide context-rich examples and best practices, focusing on the what, how and why of each programme. The framework is designed to be flexible, so whether you are just starting to build a junior section or already running a successful programme, there is something in there to help you develop what you do.
How can Members get involved if they have success stories within junior coaching that they want to share?
We would love to hear from any PGA Member who wants to share their work in junior golf. Whether that is running innovative sessions, growing participation, coaching young elite players or working closely with the local community, your insight can help others. Completing a case study involves answering a series of questions via an online link.
We then convert the answers into a professionally designed PDF. Once approved, the PDF will be uploaded into the Junior Coaching Framework on PGA Learn for all PGA Members to access, and a copy will also be shared with the PGA Member who completed it. These stories are hugely valuable because genuine real world examples from PGA Professionals remain one thing technology cannot replicate authentically.
Pictured: Advanced Fellow Coach Ben Knight, a member and speaker in the Junior Coaching Framework
What is the end goal?
The framework is still in its early stages, but it will continue to evolve as more PGA Members get involved and as junior golf develops. The goal is to create a central, trusted space where PGA Members can access valuable content and feel part of a broader conversation around junior coaching. If, in a few years, PGA Members are contributing ideas, sharing experiences and supporting one another, that will represent a significant success.
Where can I find the junior coaching resources?
All junior coaching materials are available in the Junior Coaching tab on PGA Learn, which is regularly updated with new content. PGA Members will find guidance documents, session templates, case studies and recordings from recent CPD events. The PGA media team is also producing regular content to highlight effective junior coaching in practice. The aim is to keep resources fresh, accessible and genuinely helpful in day-to-day coaching.
- To find junior coaching resources, click here
Why should Members attend the next CPD event?
These events are deliberately hands-on and designed to provide practical ideas that PGA Members can apply immediately. You will hear from PGA Professionals doing excellent work, as well as from organisations such as England Golf and the Golf Foundation, who bring wider perspectives. The energy at these events is always fantastic.
Everyone there is passionate about helping young people enjoy the game, and you leave feeling inspired and better equipped. The full details for the next junior coaching CPD events are to be confirmed in due course but will again feature a mix of experienced and first-time presenters. Feedback from the first junior coaching CPD day shows that every attendee took something useful away.
"The goal is to create a central, trusted space where PGA Members can access valuable content and feel part of a broader conversation" - Sam Carr
What is your overriding message to PGA Members in regard to junior coaching?
Junior coaching is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It is where the love of the game begins and where we can have long lasting impact. My message would be: do not underestimate the influence you can have.
Whether you coach one session a week or run a large junior academy, every positive experience matters. Use the framework, learn from others and share your ideas. Together, PGA Members can strengthen the future of junior golf, and The PGA, through its Members and workforce, endeavours to support the objectives of the golf industry, across all demographics and environments.
Meet our Membership Services Team
Name: Sam Carr
Role: Member Support Manager
How long have you been with The PGA?
I first joined in April 2012 as a Regional Coach Development Officer. In 2018, I moved into the Business Relationship Officer role, before becoming Member Support Manager in January 2024.
What does The PGA mean to you?
To me, The PGA represents professionalism, integrity and a shared commitment to growing the game of golf. It provides a sense of community and belonging that extends far beyond a professional status. It is a network of dedicated Members who continually raise standards, support one another and drive the sport forward.
In my role as a Member Support Manager, I witness firsthand the positive impact The PGA has on its Members through education, guidance and opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
The PGA has shaped not only my career but also my perspective on what it means to be part of something bigger than myself.
What is your golf like?
As work has evolved and my family has grown, I’ve chosen not to play as much golf in recent years as I once did. That said, I have recently started having coaching again and try to fit in some practice or a few holes whenever I can. No matter how busy things become, I believe it’s important to stay connected to the game.
