PGA World Alliance delegation
Returning from the annual PGA World Alliance meeting, the PGA of Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Brian Thorburn says that much is to be gained for Australian golf through ongoing international collaboration.
Thorburn, part of a 27 strong delegation who met at the headquarters of the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland at The Belfry on the eve of the Open Championship, said that key topics discussed included golf in the Olympic Games as well as how to better promote PGA Members globally.
“Over the coming years, a number of great opportunities will present for golf, and all the PGAs within the alliance are taking an active interest to ensure positive outcomes for the game at all levels,” said Thorburn.
“With our expansive network of over 50,000 PGA Professionals internationally, PGAs play a crucial role in servicing the global golf community, so it’s essential we work collaboratively to elevate and promote the profession where possible.”
Thorburn added, “the PGA brand is the most recognisable in our sport, and together with our international counterparts, I’m confident that the PGA World Alliance will achieve some great outcomes.”
Other issues discussed by the delegates included initiatives to grow the game of golf, the social, environmental and economic impacts of golf around the globe and the junior golf landscape.
Sandy Jones, Chief Executive of the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland said of the opportunity, “there was a strong feeling of unified purpose and vision amongst all those present and there was no doubt at the conclusion of the meeting that all PGAs wherever they are in the world will continue to play a leading role in the industry of golf.”
Among the PGAs represented at the meeting were those of Great Britain and Ireland, America, Canada, South Africa, Sweden, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the PGAs of Europe.
The PGA World Alliance was formed to advance the interests of PGA Professionals, the game and the business of golf worldwide.
The three day conference follows on from previous events hosted in America and Australia.