PGASOFEUROPE
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier…Pro
PGA Professionals across the globe are now carrying out a huge variety of jobs and careers ranging from full-time playing Professionals, to managers, directors, referees, administrators and more.
Here the PGAS of Europe take a look at some of these PGA Professionals that all touch the PGAs of Europe in some way to give an insight into some of the varied roles that they play, and find out more about their industry and see what tips they can pass on to other Professionals looking to enter their respective fields of work…
THE TEACHER
Kevin Flynn - Head professional at Tournerbury Golf Centre; PGAs of Europe Golf Development Professional
What does your current role involve? As a PGA Professional you have to firstly be very versatile. The areas of work my current position demands is coach, presenter,
designer of development programs, rules advisor, competition organiser and handicap secretary, shop manager, club manager, developing golf in other countries, and educating golf coaches on new technology and swing theories. Being in the position of Head Professional you have to lead by example and support your staff while making sure that all things golf are catered for at the club.
What was your reason for going into your area of the
industry? The reason for going into the industry was originally to play on tour,
however I soon realised I did not have the desire or commitment to practice the game at the level needed to achieve at the highest level. Meeting John Jacobs gave me the desire and inspiration to better myself as a coach and I feel as though I am continually getting better through my own self-motivation to become the best I can be.
4 SGBGOLF I hear the words "those that can’t play teach” an awful lot, but in my own
personal experience I get greater satisfaction from seeing others improve than actually improving as a player myself.
What are the main obstacles you face in your position? I have found it difficult to find staff that are as passionate towards the
game of golf as I am. I think a lot of youngsters who embark on a career in golf do so because it is an easy route into a profession. However I think this is changing with the introduction of new education programs and the criteria needed to be accepted into the PGA. It is also frustrating to see how many outstanding golf professionals are struggling to establish themselves as Head Professionals. The PGA is doing a fantastic job in raising the standards of our professionals. However I feel that golf clubs in the UK need to be better informed as to how the PGA professional is evolving.
What are the main pieces of advice you would give to a
PGA Pro looking to move into your area of the industry? My advice to an aspiring PGA trainee would be to remain passionate
about the game of golf. We are so lucky to be involved in the game of golf and what better way to spend your life, teaching golf, living in an environment where you meet new people everyday and enjoying walking in some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Embrace the game of golf and never stop learning.
Is there one key thing that you have learnt in your area of expertise that could be applied to all areas and if so
what is it? The greatest thing I have learnt and try to use as a reminder to myself is
this quote by John Wooden: "It is what we learn aſter we think we know it all, that counts".
www.pgae.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44