Showcasing golf education to the world

Showcasing golf education to the world

THE PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI) has become a recognisable global brand in golf education and training.

In the past 10 years, the PGA IGI’s Diploma of Golf Management has attracted students from more than 20 countries including China, Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan as well as from Europe and the Americas.In recent years, students from Chile and Slovakia have also joined the program.

As Australia’s only Diploma of Golf Management, students undertake academic learning that focuses on the business and management of the golf industry, along exclusive golf access and game development for the sport of golf.

For many students, the Diploma of Golf Management is the first step towards a career in the golf industry, together with providing a pathway to the PGA Trainee Program, PGA Professional Year (PY) Program and bachelor degrees programs.

“We have international graduates working in the golf industry who hold positions in management, events, operations and tourism, while others have gone on to become PGA Professionals after further study with the PGA of Australia and other international Professional Golf Associations,” said Luke Bryden, PGA IGI Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager.
International Students account for half of the PGA IGI’s enrolments and highlights the popularity of the qualification internationally. “Typically, we have a 50/50 split between Australian and international students each year,” said Bryden.

Of the international students, China’s Chuxiang (Rickie) Wang and Li (Lee) Zhou and Thailand’s Min Puripark have completed the PGA IGI Diploma of Golf Management and are currently completing bachelor degrees in Sports Management at Griffith University.

Lee told Inside Golf his father had encouraged him to study abroad and he opted for the PGA IGI program.

“I heard the PGA IGI program was a good choice because it gave domestic students and international students the chance to get jobs in the golf industry,” he said.

“At the PGA IGI, I learned all about the golf industry and also improved as a player. When I joined the program I had not played golf, but now my handicap is seven.

“I am happy with that and if I can improve more then perhaps I can work as a golf coach in China or get into management in the golf industry.Since coming here, I have enjoyed learning a new language and all about the Australian culture.” Lee is currently working towards a Masters degree.

Meanwhile, Rickie said the PGA IGI program had given him the tools to work in the golf industry.

“The PGA IGI program, combined with the sports management degree from Griffith University, is good for international students and has opened new doors for me,” said Rickie, who works part-time at Links Hope Island.

“It has given me a new direction and the chance to improve my golf.”
Rickie is now seeking full-time employment in Australia and hopes to complete the PGA PY Program required to become a PGA Professional.

“That is my dream and I am working hard to achieve it,” he said. “Even when I had a wrist injury and couldn’t hit my driver and irons I worked on my chipping and putting.I hope I can find full-time job in Australia because the environment here is very good.”

“I am grateful my parents supported me to come and study in Australia through the PGA IGI and Griffith University.”

Thailand’s Min Puripark said the best pathway to working in the golf industry was to complete the PGA IGI program and university degree in sports management.
“Australia is the perfect place to enjoy your studies and play golf,” Min said.

“The PGA IGI has flexibility when it comes to study and its golf coaching and the golfing facilities are excellent.”

“Doing the PGA IGI program and the university degree is definitely something I would recommend to people in Thailand.”

Luke Bryden said both Australian or overseas PGA IGI students shared a strong passion for the sport of golf.

“Each year our teaching team welcome new students from around the world to take their first steps towards a career in the golf industry,” he said.

“Study through the PGA IGI has been a stepping-stone for many international students and a pathway towards becoming a PGA Professional.The pathway to the PGA’s PY program has allowed eligible students from Korea, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam and several other countries to earn membership to the PGA of Australia: allowing them to either coach or manage facilities throughout the world.”

The PGA IGI delivers the Golf Management Program, incorporating 10810NAT Diploma of Golf Management, at its campus location on the Gold Coast.

For further information regarding the PGA International Golf Institute, please contact IGI Staff on (07) 5657-6109, email info@pgaigi.com or visit www.pgaigi.com