PGA Master Manager Chris White has been at the helm of some of most exciting developments in the golfing world over the past three decades.
In 2025 Chris White was recognised with PGA Master Manager designation, in recognition of his outstanding leadership of the multiple world-class resorts he has worked at over the course of a career that stretches across several decades.
Last June, he moved to Royal Golf Club Wadi Safar, in Saudi Arabia, where he is the General Manager.
What does the Master Manager designation mean for you in terms of your career journey?
I think it's the pinnacle. I've always said being a PGA Member is like a safety net as you can always stand on a patch of grass and give a golf lesson. That's what that certification does.
When I look at the people who I've employed, which is probably more than 5,000 over the years, I have always valued the attitude of a PGA Professional. They tend to be first in and last out, are always hard-working, they're very good with guests and they understand their business and, in most cases, just come across as well-rounded individuals.
I believe my Master Manager is recognition of the nine resorts that I've opened around the world and I have always taken the PGA brand with me. I think it's a win for both parties, it's good for The PGA to say that they've got that type of person and it's good for me to say that I've achieved the Master certification through the PGA.
Have any specific elements of PGA Excel had a lasting impact on how you approach your role today?
The initial PGA qualification was inclusive of all elements of club management. There were rules of golf, club repairs, teaching, merchandising, tournament administration. It literally does touch on absolutely everything – and then to learn from others and individuals who have specialised, whether they be retailers, business leaders or coaches has been rewarding.
How do you apply what you learn through CPD to your day-to-day decision-making?
PGA Excel is about showing the wider industry how you have used your learning and experience to progress. My whole career is about leadership, identifying the problem or the need and then putting a viable strategy in place to close the issue – that could be strategic, policy, market outreach or empowering others. Work time in environments or businesses and learning from others gives you the experience to implement and execute – if it’s fair, honest and viable go for it.
“I can 100 per cent for sure say that a CV that comes to me from someone who has been recognised or is in the system will always go straight to the ‘maybe’ pile” - Chris White
Has CPD helped open doors to opportunities you may not otherwise have considered?
Continual learning in all walks of life is so important. To be part of a membership that provides a structure that allows you to draw from others expertise through webinars, courses and conferences I think is unprecedented.
I wouldn’t say CPD has opened doors for me, but I can 100 per cent for sure say that a CV that comes to me from someone who has been recognised or is in the system will always go straight to the ‘maybe’ pile.
PGA Excel is a best-in-class assessment framework that enables you to demonstrate your impact and achievement to employers, golfers and the wider industry.
