The historic Great Hall at the heart of the University's campus was once again in perfect condition as graduates were joined by family, friends and staff on what remains one of the most important days in the PGA calendar.
“Graduation is the biggest event of our year,” said Paul Wiseman, PGA Executive Director – Education. “It is not only a very big day for the Department of Education, it is also a very big day for the Association as we welcome a new batch of PGA Members. Those graduating today may not understand the significance of how important this day is. Many of these Trainees will be celebrating the end of the PGA Training Program, but this is actually the start of something. This is the beginning of a membership and relationship with the PGA that we hope will last 30/40 years and involve them in a variety of roles and activities in the golf industry.
“As the Director of the PGA Training Program I have a sense of pride. This is not just a celebration of the PGA Foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education, there are many different aspects of the program that come together through internal and external collaboration – and made even more challenging by the wide distribution of trainees. .”
Among those graduating was Josh Rowles, based at Apsley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club. Josh worked in the construction industry before deciding to follow his passion by enrolling in the PGA Coaching Program. In addition to graduating, Josh was also named Coach of the Year 2024 – an award sponsored by long-time education partner Titleist.
“I am very proud and humbled to win this award, it is a good confirmation of all the hard work I have done. My journey to becoming a PGA Professional is not what you would call a normal path, as I was. working as a project manager in a high pressure environment. Taking the tour and joining the PGA Coaching Program at the age of 28 is probably the best thing I have ever done and this award is the icing on the cake. To anyone out there who is thinking of making a change I would just say go for it. Working in an industry you love is amazing and I can't wait for the rest of my career now.”
To commemorate the day, Josh also won the Custom Fitting & Technology Award, sponsored by PGA Partner, Golf Pride.
Another honorable mention was Lucy Goddard. A former Ladies European Tour player based at North Middlesex Golf Club, Lucy was named the 2024 PGA Women's Coach of the Year and received the Beverly Lewis Trophy, named after a former PGA Captain and sponsored by the Ladies European Tour.
Speaking about the award, Lucy said: “It was really shocking, but I was very surprised. I've had three great years and I'm so glad I did the course. I learned a lot that I can use in my coaching to help other people and inspire them to achieve more in golf. Learning never stops, and it's great that the PGA provides ongoing CPD to help us keep improving. I am very excited about the future and being a member of the PGA. I hope that by winning the Beverley Lewis Trophy I can also inspire other women and girls to follow in my footsteps and start their golf journey.”
The PGA Training Program, which includes a three-year Foundation Degree, was established more than 50 years ago and covers all aspects of golf, from coaching and matching to management and sports science. Ninety-seven percent of graduates go on to work in the golf industry where they will take over 80 jobs.
Prior to the introduction of the Degree, PGA Master Status was awarded to Jeffery John, David Scott and Jonathan Wallett.
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To find out more about the scope of the PGA Qualifications please look at Fairway to your Future
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