PGA of Australia to establish world-first golf learning hub at Sandhurst

October 25, 2021

The PGA of Australia is aiming to further elevate the capabilities of the current and future golf industry workforce through the establishment of the PGA Golf Learning Hub at Sandhurst, south of Melbourne.

The PGA Golf Learning Hub will provide training and education programs and qualifications to all pillars of the golf industry including the areas of coaching, small-business, facility-management, turf-grass management, tourism, events and hospitality.

The completion of the Australian Golf Centre at Sandringham and the relocation of PGA administrative staff to the heart of the Melbourne Sandbelt has paved the way for an expansion of the PGA’s educational infrastructure already in place at the Sandhurst Club alongside its two championship golf courses.

To operate in conjunction with the existing PGA Membership Pathway Program, Accreditation and Continuing Education Program and the PGA’s Registered Training Organisation – the PGA International Golf Institute, the PGA Golf Learning Hub will serve to provide the entry point to a career in golf and where the existing workforce can advance their skills and education.

The PGA Golf Learning Hub will be a world-first golf industry education hub to service the workforce development needs of both the Australian and global golf industries says PGA of Australia Chief Executive, Gavin Kirkman adding “the Hub aims to provide career pathways for the current and future golf industry workforce by enhancing relevant industry knowledge, skills and competencies.”

Working in partnership with Holmesglen Institute and with financial support from the Victorian Government and the Frankston City Council, the initial intake of students will be welcomed in the first semester of 2022 and will have the flexibility to explore a range of subjects relating to a future career in golf.

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the Victorian Government’s investment would support the growth of jobs in the state noting “the Hub will be a real asset for the game and will establish Victoria as a key destination for people seeking world-class education and training in the golf industry.

“Golf is a major employer in Victoria and initiatives like this will ensure the next generation comes through well trained and ready to hit the ground running.”

Kirkman said Holmesglen Institute has demonstrated over the past 40 years its capacity to deliver a wide range of vocational and higher education learning programs.

“We’re delighted to have their capability complement the expertise of the PGA Education team,” Kirkman said.

“We’re also grateful to the Frankston City Council for their support in refurbishing our existing facility at Sandhurst into one fit-for-purpose to deliver highly skilled individuals into the Australian golf industry.”

Frankston City Council will contribute $60,000 toward the project with Mayor Kris Bolam highlighting the benefits that the golf industry offers to all Australians “Frankston City boasts eight golf courses and we’re looking forward to the great opportunities that the PGA Golf Learning Hub will provide for residents and visitors. Staying fit, healthy and active has a beneficial effect on our sense of physical and mental wellbeing.”

Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy said the exciting initiative will make Frankston a key destination for golf industry training and education programs domestically and internationally.

“In addition to bringing new people and students to the area, the PGA Golf Learning Hub will be accessible to Frankston municipality locals for enrolment in golf industry-based training and education programs,” said Conroy.

There are currently more than 24,000 people employed throughout the golf industry in Australia which the 2017 Community Impact Study commissioned by the Australian Golf Industry Council estimated to contribute $3.6 billion to the Australian economy.

13th August 2021 - PGA and WPGA Tour announce Webex as official collaboration technology partner

26th July 2021 - PGA of Australia confirms leadership structure through until end of 2024

23rd June 2021 - WA Open welcomed back to the PGA Tour of Australasia calendar of events

9th June 2021 - PGA of Australia and Golf Australia develop new pathway for elite amateurs

12th April 2021 - Dates announced for 2021 Australian PGA Championship

16th January 2021 - PGA Tour of Australasia will hold events despite ongoing border uncertainty

24th November 2020 - PGA and ALPG unveil world-first brand refresh to strengthen their alignment

12th November 2020 - PGA of Australia to launch national campaign promoting PGA Professionals

1st July 2020 - PGA of NZ to relocate headquarters to North Shore Golf Club

25th May 2020 - Golf Business Australia and PGA of Australia renew partnership

28th January 2020 - PGA TOUR and its tournaments generate more than US$3 billion in charitable funds

18th December 2019 - PGA and ALPG align in World First Collaboration

31st October 2019 - PGA and adidas form new performance partnership

31st July 2019 - New PGA Centre for Learning and Performance opens in Perth

4th June 2019 - PGA of Australia announces Director appointment

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.