Master Professional Status Bestowed on Reeves

Mark Reeves’ diverse career as a PGA Professional and his work in golf management, in particular, has resulted in him attaining the status of Master Professional with The PGA of Great Britain and Ireland.

It is the association’s highest honour and means the 52-year-old joins a distinguished band that includes Pete Cowen, coach of 2016 Open champion Henrik Stenson, and John Stirling, one of the founders of the modern-day PGA Training Programme.

“The PGA brand and qualification has tremendous heritage and symbolises a person of proven integrity,” said Reeves, who won a cheque signed by Jack Nicklaus following his first victory as a professional in 1983.

“It brings with it trust and respect from leaders and peers and carries an exclusive status worldwide.

“It’s always nice to be recognised and I am humbled to join a list of industry peers that I greatly respect.”

Reeves began his PGA career as head professional at Basingstoke Golf Centre, Hampshire, in 1988 before taking on his first golf club management position at nearby Dummer Golf Club.

On turning 30, Reeves moved abroad and worked at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course in Hong Kong for the next 13 years.

A corporate role with the Haichang Group followed in 2008 and he is currently Director for the BRG Group in Vietnam, heading up its golf and property sectors as well as PR and marketing. Four BRG venues are Golf Course Facility Members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Reeves has also worked with some of the world’s leading golf course design firms, helping in the creation of 14 courses, including two in Hanoi and another in Danang.

Reeves also played a role in the opening of Vietnam’s first Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy and endeavours to employ PGA Professionals whenever possible.

David Colclough, Head of Coaching and Sport Science at The PGA, said: “It was recognised by the APAL Council that Mark has had an outstanding career to date in the business management of golf, in particular across Asia, where he has clearly gained the trust, and received the recognition, of a range of international and local business leaders alike.

“His career path demonstrates once again that with a PGA qualification behind you, the world is your oyster, and continuing to develop skills sets after you qualify can lead to great things.”

The PGA of Great Britain and Ireland is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.