PGA appoints new Member Development Officers to drive growth

The PGA of Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Member Development Officers in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

Long time PGA Members, Ben Doney (New South Wales), Mark Weir (Queensland) and Daniel Waters (Victoria), will take up their respective positions with the PGA in April.

These three positions will drive the PGA’s Member Visitation Program in an effort to better communicate the variety of services and benefits available to PGA Professionals.

Ben Doney joins the PGA with 15 years experience in the golf industry, which has included time as Head Teaching Professional and Golf Operations Manager with his most recent experience being a PGA Teaching Professional at Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club.

In 2013, Doney joined the PGA NSW Division Committee and was appointed Education Representative in 2014.

Doney, a rules expert, has also had exposure to Professional golf and has spent a decade on Fox Sports Golf Show as a presenter representing PGA Professionals.

Mark Weir is a 25-year golf industry veteran; most recently employed as Business Development and Golf Manager at Links Hope Island.

A former employee of Brookwater Golf and Country Club and Bayview Golf Club, Weir has held various positions throughout his career including Teaching Professional, Golf Development Manager, Deputy General Manager and Director of Golf.

Daniel Waters holds a decade of experience acquired working in golf at state, national and international level.

With significant employment experience at club level, Waters has previously worked as Head Coach at Pine Ridge Golf Club in the United Kingdom, Teaching Professional at the Jack Nicklaus designed Lakelands Golf Club and Northcote Public Golf Course.

Waters has also worked as a National Development Coordinator with amateur body, Golf Australia, and has more recently been working as the PGA’s National Events Coordinator for the Holden Scramble.

Earlier this year, the PGA undertook a restructure of its Member Services Division and as a result three new Member Development Officers positions were created in a long-term strategy to support industry expansion.

Chief Executive Officer of the PGA, Brian Thorburn, highlighted the importance of the Member Development Officer roles to the PGA’s strategic plan.

“Collectively, this team will play a vital role in delivering the PGA’s Member Service growth strategy,”

“The assistance and guidance that Member Development Officers will provide to golf clubs and facilities will emphasise further the services the PGA offers to the golf industry.”

Covering metropolitan and regional areas, the PGA’s Member Development Officers will be actively engaging with PGA Professionals and industry stakeholders in their place of business, with a view to increase engagement, share industry best practice, identify and increase skill sets and assist with personal development.

PGA Chief Membership Officer, Gavin Kirkman, noted that the primary objective is to, “increase PGA Member engagement in their state PGA division.”

“Together, these officers hold significant experience in golf, club administration, game development and delivery of community programs which will assist in creating greater business opportunities for our PGA Members.”

“The positive feedback from both PGA Members and external candidates in relation to these roles has been tremendous and we are pleased to be in a position to execute this initiative that was successfully piloted last year.”

The PGA is committed to promoting the high value and skills of a PGA Professional and why they should be the first choice as contractors or employees across all areas of the golf industry.

PGA Member Development Officers will be actively visiting PGA Professionals and facilities to highlight the various services, events and programs available to PGA Professionals and provide information, resources and guidance to enable successful business growth.

The Member Visitation Program was created to assist PGA Professionals in business, by building engagement with their state PGA division and enhance relationships through face-to-face visits.

The PGA provides its Membership with significant support services to help them grow their business, save money and maximise business opportunities.

These services include but are not limited to, employment, human resource, marketing and advertising, member branding, training and education, business resource and general business guidance.