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Australian PGA signs historic deal with China

The Professional Golfers Association of Australia (PGA) and the China Golf Association (CGA) have entered into a five-year agreement that will see all Chinese golf coaches trained under the PGA of Australia’s world-class education program.

Under this historic agreement the PGA of Australia will direct the entire Chinese coach accreditation curriculum, providing resources, course materials and lecturers to impart Australia’s world leading standards to the emerging Chinese golf market.

In further strengthening its already strong ties with potentially the world’s largest golfing nation, the PGA of Australia’s CEO Max Garske said it was an important alliance with our Chinese neighbours who hope to produce thousands of qualified coaches over the next ten years to service their booming golf industry.

“This appointment is testament to the world-wide respect our Association, its members and our education program command on the international stage and we’re delighted the China Golf Association has entrusted this very important development opportunity to the PGA of Australia,” said Mr Garske.

Zhang Xiaoning, Executive Vice-Chairman of the China Golf Association, said the agreement will go a long way in helping to develop their golf industry with China hoping to emulate the success of the Australian coach education programs to produce players of the highest quality.

“The PGA of Australia boasts one of the world’s best coaching programs which has no doubt been instrumental in producing world quality players,” Mr Xiaoning said.

“The CGA very much looks forward to working with the PGA of Australia to improve the quality and number of Chinese golf coaches.”

The PGA of Australia and the China Golf Association will jointly issue certificates for qualified coaches who successfully complete the levels of training with the inaugural program set to commence in March 2008.

The PGA of Australia’s partnership with the China Golf Association marks the second strategic project for the CGA after it joined the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews referee training program last year.

February 12, 2008