The PGA has announced that six of its members have been awarded a new designation within their membership category of either PGA Professional, PGA Coach and PGA Manager.

The following PGA Members have been awarded in the following categories:

Fellow Professional
Mark Norton – Northamptonshire County Golf Club
Gordon Goldie – Chingford Golf Range Ltd
Darren Webster-Clarke – Zen Green Stage

Fellow Coach
Bobby King – Cistercian College Golf Academy
Greg Roostan – SwingFit Academies

Advanced Coach
Senol Bay – Gloria Golf Resort

Tristan Crew, PGA Executive Director – Membership, commented: “Congratulations to the six PGA Members who have achieved their new designation through dedication, hard work, and significant industry impact. 

“PGA Excel is proud to acknowledge these accomplishments and thrilled to see more Members starting their PGA Excel submissions and we look forward to welcoming more Members as they embark on their Excel journey.

“I strongly encourage facilities to actively support their PGA Members in pursuing PGA Excel. Doing so not only aids in the professional growth of their team but also enriches the overall experience for all who visit and enjoy the game of golf. By investing in PGA Excel, PGA Members and facilities contribute to a higher standard of excellence in the game and ensure a more rewarding experience for golfers everywhere.”

PGA Fellow Coach Bobby King explained what it means for those teaching golf to earn their new status. He said: “You can’t just get qualified as a golf professional, start giving lessons and think that everybody is going to come to you for coaching. You have to provide value and I think as a PGA Fellow Coach, that now makes me stand out and be a little more desirable than some other coaches.”

“If I want to keep improving, keep working with the players that I’m working with and additional players that may come to me, and develop them all to a higher standard, then I need to hold myself to a higher standard as well.”

Different membership rankings or designations are awarded through PGA Excel, enabling PGA Members to use these bands and the accompanying logos to market, promote and differentiate themselves from other PGA Members. The designations of Advanced, Fellow, Advanced Fellow and Master apply to all three Member specialisms of PGA Professional, PGA Coach and PGA Manager.

PGA Members submissions are assessed on four main areas related to: specialist knowledge, business management; golf growth and development; professional representation.

Submissions are marked by a group of professional markers and moderators to ensure accuracy, consistency and quality assurance. Finally, gradings are ratified by the PGA Board of Directors prior to being awarded to the individuals.