A NEW golf learning hub operated by the Professional Golfers Association will be set up in Sandhurst.
The existing Sandhurst PGA building will be refurbished so that it can house a facility for education and training. It is scheduled to hold its first classes at the start of 2022.
The program will be run in partnership with the Holmesglen Institute.
PGA of Australia CEO, Gavin Kirkman, said he was excited to set up a facility “fit-for-purpose to deliver highly skilled individuals into the Australian golf industry.”
“The PGA Golf Learning Hub will be a world-first golf industry education hub to service the workforce development needs of both the Australian and global golf industries,” he said. “The PGA Golf Learning Hub will provide training and education programs and qualifications to all pillars of the golf industry including the areas of coaching, small-business, facility-management, turf-grass management, tourism, events and hospitality.
“Holmesglen Institute has demonstrated over the past 40 years its capacity to deliver a wide-range of vocational and higher education learning programs and we’re delighted to have their capability complement the expertise of the PGA Education team.”
Frankston ratepayers are contributing $60,000 to the project. The state government is also putting in money. Sports minister Martin Pakula said “the hub will be a real asset for the game and will establish Victoria as a key destination for people seeking world-class education and training in the golf industry.”
“Golf is a major employer in Victoria and initiatives like this will ensure the next generation comes through well trained and ready to hit the ground running,” he said.