Career Impact
Whatever your career aspirations, your qualification from The PGA is a prestigious mark of golfing credibility to prospective employers.
Hear from PGA Trainee Melissa Wood on her decision to enrol on the PGA Training Programme and what to expect in the first year.
Our graduates go on to use their qualifications in over 80 different job roles worldwide
These include: Golf Club Professionals; Golf Club Managers; Custom Fitters; Golf Coaches; Golf Business Owners; Golf Operations Managers; Tour Players; Retail and Sales; Golf Course Architects; Golf Referees; Golf Marketeers; Journalists; Greenkeepers; Golf Equipment Engineers; Manufacturing Technicians; Golf Event Organisers and Fitness Specialists.
Hear from some current PGA Pros on where in world their PGA qualification has taken them…
Stella McClure, PGA
A qualified doctor, Stella was 51 when she decided to follow her dream job – she recently graduated as The PGA’s Trainee of the Year for 2023.
“I have to say it’s probably been my toughest challenge I’ve taken on in my life. Maybe that’s partly because I’m 54 now but I think it was also the modules that we undertook were really demanding and the assessment standards were really high. I enjoyed all of the modules and I didn’t expect to enjoy them all as much as I did, especially the business part of the course, but I appreciated the business aspect of the course because I need to know about this in order to develop my coaching business.”
“To be elected to PGA membership is such an honour. If you haven’t fulfilled your passion in one area of your life yet, then you can still do it.”
Amir Dastgir, PGA
With 25 years of playing experience, Amir finally achieved the dream of his 16-year-old self, to become a PGA Professional and pursue a career in coaching.
“I’m just really excited to be involved with such a great establishment, I’m going to get involved and do what I can to support The PGA. It’s feeling like you belong to something and it’s not something that’s easy to achieve, whether it’s the handicap or studying wise. I did my GCSE’s at the age of 28, because I knew I was going to do this, because I didn’t get through school when I was younger. At the age of 16, playing on the junior tour, I planned to complete the PGA training in my mid-30’s. To finally feel like I belong at The PGA, it’s a great feeling.”
“To join The PGA, one of the greatest establishments in sport - to be part of that is something special.”
Mary Doyle, PGA
One of the brightest up-and-coming PGA Professionals in Ireland, Mary has taken to life as a PGA pro like a duck to water, winning successive PGA Trainee of the Year awards.
“I originally got a golf scholarship to America, went there for what was supposed to be four years but turned out to be four months. I was always down at Carton House practicing and I got to know the lads at the Academy. They asked me to do some part time work and if I would be interested in doing the PGA course, I looked into it and straight away I thought this was the thing for me. So I fell into it but I’m happy that I did! I enjoy meeting people; I am definitely a people person. I like working on their game and trying to figure out different approaches to suit the player that I’m working with.”
“I’m delighted I have done the PGA Training Programme, I feel I am naturally good at coaching. I’m delighted I found this, I really like it, I really enjoy it.”
Chris Ryan, PGA
Now Director of Coaching at the HIT Golf Academy at Forest of Arden, Chris grew up having lessons at The Belfry. His YouTube Channel is fast approaching 400,000 subscribers with 90 million views.
“I was an early adopter of social media. I started putting content out, things snowballed, and views turned into lesson bookings. I still coach, but social media has given me more options. I can run a couple of golf schools here and abroad. The thing that I feel most thankful for is that my PGA training meant I didn’t make any poor career decisions. Through exposure to the whole golf business, you understand what works for you. I’m grateful for the practical benefits too – personal support, insurance cover, employment advice. The importance of The PGA shouldn’t be underestimated.”
“If you’re thinking of a career in golf, just do it! It’s a phenomenal industry.”
Fame Tate, PGA
A former Ladies European Tour Player, Fame undertook her PGA Qualification after a serious shoulder injury impacted her playing career. She now owns and manages Stanedge Golf Club in Derbyshire.
“I didn’t know I’d end up running a golf club, but I wanted to put my stamp on something. Stanedge Golf Club was up for sale, I lived around the corner, and with the backing of the bank and a conservative, detailed business plan it was possible. The PGA qualification is everything – it encompasses so many different things that sit under one umbrella. I met some great people that will be friends for life”.
“Be open-minded. Don’t pigeon-hole yourself. You may go in wanting to teach and come out as a custom fitter. And never stop learning.”
Sarah Bennett, PGA
Sarah entered the industry at a young age and turned pro off a handicap of +4. She is current head professional at Three Rivers Golf & Country Club and a past Captain of The PGA.
“Golf was my life, and I played professionally for nearly 25 years, before I suffered a serious balance disorder. I knew I couldn’t continue playing, but I’d learned a lot about the areas that held me back from winning. I felt that was something I could help young players with – so I pursued the PGA training route. I was very diligent, though I found parts of it challenging. When I was ill, I did regret not having done my PGA before I played on the tour, but, in hindsight, I benefitted from having all that experience behind me. The PGA – and having those three letters – means everything to me.”
“The PGA is not a simple qualification, and I don’t think it should be – we want the best in the industry. Speak to people, ask for help and learn as much as you can.”
Cameron Clark, PGA
A former GB&I PGA Cup captain, Cameron played on tour – including in the 1997 Open at Royal Troon. He is currently Head Pro at Moor Hall Golf Club.
“I feel really blessed every day that I can play golf. I just love playing golf. I’m not a huge social golfer but I’ve always loved playing competitive golf and I still do. My father and brother are both pros so I was brought up around golf all my life. I left school at 16, worked with my dad for two years and turned pro as soon as I got to scratch. Then I did my three years’ PGA training course. The tournaments The PGA put on are great when you first get out there - it really stood me in good stead to take the next steps [on tour].”
“People have respected me a lot more as a club pro because of my playing ability. It’s what the club wanted out of their club pro when they advertised for the job – I actually did a playing interview. I’ve been very lucky with that.”
Hannah Bowen, PGA
A recent PGA Graduate, Hannah started playing golf through ‘New2Golf’ group. She is currently focusing on playing while coaching and helping to increase female participation.
“Just after college, I asked myself, ‘what do I want to do with my life?’, and it hit me that I didn’t want to do anything that didn’t involve golf. I found out about the PGA degree, did some more research and decided to apply. I was accepted – and the rest is history! I remember it being long hours, and you have to be dedicated to it. However, it was three years that have set a foundation for my whole life. I don’t know where my career will lead, but I’m excited about my options in the future.”
“If anyone is thinking of a career in golf, the PGA is a fantastic stepping stone to that. The PGA has affected my life positively in so many ways – it means a lot to me.”
Want to hear more from our Alumni?
From Derbyshire to Dubai, youth golf to YouTube, read insightful interviews with some of our recent and longstanding graduates.