Industry News
PGA IGI ANNOUNCES NEXT ADVANCED DIPLOMA WORKSHOP
Enrolments are now open for the next intake of
students and managers, looking to undertake in the
PGA IGI’s newest program, the Advanced Diploma
of Management. The PGA IGI Advanced Diploma of
Management is a Golf Management Australia (GMA)
endorsed qualification, which has been developed in
consultation with the GMA to incorporate best practice
principles for use in the industry. Covering a broad range
of club related subjects, the content has been chosen
to reflect the education needs of the golf
management industry.
The first class of the Advanced Diploma of Management
commenced in May, with workshops for students held in
Sydney and Perth. Workshops were held over two and half
days and attended by small groups of General Managers,
Directors of Golf, Operational Managers and PGA
Professionals, with the next workshop held in November
2014 on the Gold Coast. These workshops have been
designed as the stepping stone of the program, focusing
on areas attendees will require to utilise for the remainder
of their studies and more importantly, use daily as a
Golf Club Manager. Following the workshops, students
continue their distance studies via the PGA’s e-learning
platform, The Fairway.
“The Advanced Diploma of Management was designed
after discussions with the GMA, with the goal of
designing a qualification suitable for Managers within
the golf industry,” explains Dominic O’Brien, Dean and
Executive Officer of the PGA IGI. “The goal was to
design a program which provided current Managers
with recognition and validation of their current skills set,
which will help to secure a strong future within the golf
management industry”.
“The program benefits people who are looking to further
their knowledge and skills set, or take steps into a career
in golf management,” added O’Brien. “Course subjects
are specific to the skill set of a golf club manager, focusing
on marketing to members and member retention,
financial management, strategic planning and many other
important areas to the industry.”
Domestic students (Australian citizens) have the option
to access VET FEE HELP for the course fees associated
with Advanced Diploma of Management. VET FEE HELP
means no upfront fees for students. This allows students
to defer payments whilst studying, with repayments
deducted from annual salaries.
Nick Dastey, General Manager of the Long Island Golf
Club in Victoria took a number of positives away from the
Sydney workshop. “The workshop was a great experience
within an intimate learning environment,” said Dastey.
“The lecturers and industry presenters were outstanding,
offering their expertise on current business practices and
trends for golf management.”
Tony Howell, General Manager and Head Professional of
Mosman Park Golf Club had similar views in regards to the
Advanced Diploma of Management workshop in Perth.
“The workshop was very helpful and a great introduction
into the program,” Howell explains. “I have undertaken
the Advanced Diploma to gain a more formal qualification
for my current position, after being a PGA Member for
over 20 years. I look to further strengthen and increase my
knowledge and skill set, in areas that will affectively help
me delivers results in my position as General Manager.”
The final workshop for the Advanced Diploma of
Management is scheduled to be held on the Gold Coast,
from 24th – 26th November, at Sanctuary Cove Golf and
Country Club. Following the workshop, all students will
undertake distance learning, with the program taking up
to 18 months to complete.
Applications are now open for enrolment in the program.
Entry Requirements for the Advanced Diploma of
Management require the applicants to have held a
supervisory or management position within a golf club for
a minimum of two years prior to enrolment.
For further information and to be the first to know about
dates for future workshops in your capital city, contact the
PGA IGI Marketing & Student Recruitment Manager on
[email protected] or visit www.pgaigi.com.
6 The Golf Marketing Professionals www.golfindustrycentral.com.au