McCollam Appointed President of the Golf Industry Association in India

POSTED ON August 24, 2026 @ 5:13 pm

BANGALORE, INDIA – Australian PGA Professional Declan McCollam has been elected President of the Golf Industry Association (GIA) in India. A decorated international figure who received the International Australian PGA Member of the Year award in 2023, McCollam brings more than 30 years of global golf and hospitality experience to the leadership role.

McCollam has served as the General Manager of Prestige Golfshire Club in Bangalore since 2020, where he oversees extensive golf and residential operations. Under his management, the facility has consistently earned top honors, being named India’s number one course four times by the World Golf Awards and twice by the Golf Industry Association. His recent tenure includes overseeing a $30 million clubhouse renovation, constructing a state-of-the-art driving range and teaching facility, and executing key course enhancements such as new tee boxes, redesigned bunker complexes, and restored lakes.

Having spent the past two years on the GIA board, McCollam plans to center his presidency on workforce development, education, and inclusivity.

Key Priorities for the New Presidency:

Education Programs: Partnering with The R&A to roll out regional training initiatives starting in October, covering golf operations, clubhouse management, and advanced agronomic practices.
Local Talent Development: Providing high-level education and certification within India so local professionals can advance their careers without needing to study abroad.
Inclusive Growth: Driving the adoption of The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter to expand participation and industry representation.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborating with major global manufacturers and retail brands to support ongoing workforce skill enhancements across the country.

“Indian golf is on the rise, and it will be vital to the future growth of the game to ensure that local talent is nurtured and given every opportunity to expand their knowledge,” McCollam stated.

With a career spanning leadership roles across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, the USA, and Asia, McCollam’s broad expertise in resort management, business planning, and team leadership positions the GIA for significant growth during his term.