Swiss PGA Pros provide clubs with added value
29.05.2019

The training for the Swiss PGA Professional is extremely comprehensive, profound and practical and it concludes with a challenging diploma thesis. Already the hurdles to start the training are high - the candidates must have an appealing level of play and a broad base of golfing knowledge to qualify. Many reasons that have led the Swiss PGA to be at the forefront of international competition when it comes to the quality of education and training.

Of the PGAs of Europe, the Swiss PGA has repeatedly been awarded the highest training standard in recent years. Anyone who has successfully completed this three-year training can call himself Swiss PGA Professional.

"The qualifications of a Swiss PGA Professional are not limited to golf lessons," says Roger Fisher, former board member of Swiss PGA and Advanced Swiss PGA Professional with eidg. Fachausweis. "Those who complete the training to become a Swiss PGA Professional are usually involved in golf for many years. More than 90 percent of our members have been playing golf since they were kids - they've gone through all stages of the club, mostly in regional and national cadres, playing tournaments at different levels, and playing golf at home, "says Fisher. He himself works as a golf teacher and coach at the Golf Club Erlen and knows from his own experience: Golf instructors are present on the golf course from early morning until late at night - on the court, the driving range, the putting green, in the clubhouse or sometimes in the secretariat. "On normal days, I see between 40 and 50 golfers on the course, with each and every one I exchange a few words - with some it is a short hello-how-did-you-play, with others I talk longer», says Fisher. As a Pro, he is close to the people, hears their concerns and suggestions - usually more direct and honest, as board members or managers.

Fisher is also convinced that it is precisely this proximity of the Swiss PGA Pros to the members of the golf clubs that can be of great added value, which must be exploited. "The golf instructor is usually the first person in the golf club to meet a new golfer. With the Pro newcomers complete the beginner courses and the lessons for the Platzreife. The Pro prepares you for the first tournaments and the first handicap. He is an important contact at all stages of a golfer's career, "says Fisher. A motivated, dedicated and sympathetic golf coach can be a deciding factor for members when choosing a home club. "The Golf Academy is the front door to a golf club," Fisher says.

But not only when it comes to attracting and retaining existing members to a club, Swiss PGA professionals make valuable contributions. The many years of experience in all areas of golf can be used by clubs - especially board members and managers, who sometimes come from other areas. "In Erlen, the pros are invited to the sessions of the Course Committee and the Sports Commission to support them with our experience," Fisher gives an example from practice. "Swiss PGA Professional is not just a job, it's a passion," says Fisher. And that means: No matter what area in golf, the Pro brings a wealth of experience and strives to always find the best solution for the club, the course and the individual golfer.

"When Club and Pro work together, it's mutually beneficial and creates a win-win situation. Because as I said: The golf teacher is the first contact person for those who are new to golf and / or to the club. If the chemistry between the club and Pro is right, the pro will pass on the good atmosphere in the club so that eventually the restaurant, pro shop and club will benefit - thanks to green fees or new memberships. "Fisher also knows that it is not always with this collaboration big changes are important: "It is important to pay attention to details. Sometimes little things can make a big impact. That's why you should always listen carefully when a member tells something.»