PGA of America offers pro business scheme

The PGA of America has launched an innovative programme that will teach golf specifically to employees of companies, in a bid to boost participation in the game and help American businesses.

It is hoped that those companies will then turn to golf clubs to host networking and team building events, safe in the knowledge that everyone involved can play the game.

The ‘Employee Talent Development Program’ will see the PGA work with companies’ human resources departments, which will direct their employees to local golf clubs that offer ‘Get Golf Ready’, a project that teaches golf skills and etiquette in affordable, group lessons.

The business programme was trialled earlier this year with two large companies, CSX and Lexmark International, and the results, said a spokeswoman, were that golf clubs saw more participation and the companies had more productive employees.

It also proved to be an effective way of offering leadership development for women, said Sandy Cross, director of women’s and new market initiatives for the PGA.

She added: “It validates companies’ belief that golf has the ability to build new contacts and establish closer relationships. They’re investing in their workers because, frankly, they know they’re going to get more back. They’re going to get more productive, longer-tenured employees.”

It is thought at least 20 more companies, both large and small, are interested in being part of the programme.