PGA tees off with new Golf Learning Hub at Sandhurst
Published on 04 April 2022
The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Australia has teed off with a new Golf Learning Hub at Sandhurst thanks to support from Frankston City Council.
Mayor Nathan Conroy and North West Ward Cr Sue Baker joined dignitaries including Golf Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland and PGA Chair and Life Member Rodger Davis to launch the Hub.
Council has contributed $60,000 toward the project, subject to agreed deliverables and milestones demonstrating tangible progress of the project to Council’s satisfaction.
Mayor Conroy said: “Council takes great pride in the new PGA Golf Learning Hub being located in our thriving municipality. We are honoured to invest in its success and look forward to seeing the outcomes of the Hub in the future.
“Frankston has a vibrant and flourishing education sector and every facility we build, program and service we deliver is about ensuring Frankston City is a better place for our community to live.
“Frankston’s Community Vision 2040 is an essential part of our strategic planning – developed by our community to articulate its long-term aspirations for the future of our City. It captures what our community most values about Frankston City and connects it to our municipality as a place to live, work, study and visit.
“The PGA Golf Learning Hub aligns perfectly with multiple themes in the Community Vision 2040,” the Mayor said.
The PGA Golf Learning Hub will 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. It will serve to provide the entry point to a career in golf as well as a place where the existing workforce can advance their skills and education.
A world-first golf industry education hub, the facility will not only provide additional training opportunities to people currently employed throughout Australian golf but provide a clear pathway to anyone wishing to pursue a career in golf.
The six primary pillars that will be catered for are small business, management, coaching, turf-grass management, tourism and events and hospitality.
PGA General Manager, Membership and Education, Geoff Stewart, said: “When developing the concept of the PGA Golf Learning Hub, we were determined that the Hub should service all six of the primary workforce pillars of the industry and we are proud that will become a reality.
“We believe this is a world-first, with all six of the primary pillars of the industry provided with training and education opportunities via one facility.
“As a sport and recreation, golf has grown significantly over the past few years and the PGA Golf Learning Hub will play a key role in servicing this growth with a well-trained workforce,” Mr Stewart said.
The PGA Learning Hub includes a collaboration with Holmesglen Institute in assisting with the delivery of training to some of the industry’s six workforce pillars.
The project would not have been possible without financial support from the Victorian Government and the Frankston City Council.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the State Government’s investment will support the growth of jobs in the state.
“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,” Mr Pakula said.
By offering industry-specific training and qualifications the PGA Learning Hub will not only become a central point for Australians seeking a career in golf but also a major drawcard for international students throughout Asia and the South Pacific.
With 110 years of history including 17 as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the PGA of Australia is ideally positioned to deliver every aspect of golf education and training at the one facility at Sandhurst.
The PGA is currently the only RTO in Australia with golf-specific qualifications (Diploma of Golf Management and Diploma of Sport – Golf Professional) and has a proven ability to work on training and education projects with other golf industry stakeholders.
North West Ward Cr Sue Baker said the Hub will make Frankston City a destination for golf industry training and education programs.
“The PGA Golf Learning Hub will be accessible to Frankston locals for enrolment in golf industry based training and education programs,” Cr Baker added.
There are currently more than 25,000 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.
For more information on the learning opportunities available through the PGA Learning Hub, please visit https://pga.org.au/education/