Golf in the Olympics and how to promote PGA members were among subjects discussed at a recent PGA World Alliance gathering.
The PGA of Great Britain & Ireland hosted the meeting at PGA national headquarters at The Belfry on the eve of the Open Championship.
Among the PGAs represented were those of America, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Sweden, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the Confederation of Professional Golf who between them cover an area where the economic impact of golf is worth in excess of $120billion and where millions of people are employed at 35,000 plus golf facilities.
Other issues discussed by the 27 representatives included initiatives to grow the game of golf, the social, environmental and economic impacts of golf around the globe and ideas of best practice in junior golf.
PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: “The PGA World Alliance meeting gave a wonderful opportunity for ten of the leading PGAs in the world to discuss the challenges that the game of golf faces in all parts of the world.
“It was amazing to hear from all the delegates the very positive initiatives that are happening everywhere that golf is played to ensure healthy growth at all levels in the game.
“Importantly it was also very evident that all PGAs are acutely aware of their responsibility to the game and their memberships and are constantly striving to improve the already high standard of expertise of the many PGA members around the globe who are vital to the well being and success of the future of golf.
“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.”
The PGA World Alliance is dedicated to the betterment of the profession, the game and the business of golf worldwide. The three day event was hosted by the PGA and follows on from previous events hosted in America and Australia. This is the second time the PGA has hosted the PGA World Alliance Conference, the previous occasion being in 2006.
