In an exciting step forward for the Australian golf industry the country’s peak professional bodies have moved towards a stronger alignment.

The PGA of Australia and Australian Ladies Professional Golf
(ALPG) have announced a dual membership for their mutual members.

In addition, members of the ALPG wishing to also become
members of the PGA of Australia are able to do so via the Associations world
renowned Trainee Program or Bridging Program.

The new collaboration will see an increase in female PGA
Professionals which will have a direct impact on the development of golf at a
grass roots level.

With more ALPG members coming through the PGA’S Trainee and
Bridging Programs and going on to further enhance their skills via the PGA’s
Accreditation and Continuing Education Program, there will be an increased
number of female’s coaching golf at a club level. 

The enhanced relationship between the two bodies will also provide
more playing opportunities for female Professional golfers in Australia
providing them with access to the Choice PGA Pro-Am Series and ALPG
tournaments.

Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia and Chairman of
the Australian Golf Industry Council recognised the importance of this
collaboration for the broader golf industry.

"The
PGA is thrilled to be joining forces with the ALPG in this dual Membership
program," said Thorburn.

"We
have great Members across both organisations and it’s just wonderful that we
are teaming up in a structured way to provide further benefits to our Members
and grow the game."

"This
is just another sign of the growing collaboration and increasing unity amongst
all the bodies in golf."

Agreeing
with Thorburn’s sentiments surrounding this historic partnership is Karen Lunn,
CEO of the ALPG.

"The ALPG is delighted to be
partnering with the PGA; this is an historical day for golf in Australia and
something that we are all very excited about,"

"It’s going to be wonderful for ALPG
Members to access some of the PGA’s educational programs and we are looking
forward to progressing this relationship for the long-term."

Some notable dual ALPG and PGA of
Australia members include eight time LPGA Tour winner Rachel Hetherington, 2012 NSW/ACT PGA Teaching Professional of
the Year Dennise Hutton
and two time Ladies European Tour winner Joanne Mills.