PGA Certified Professional Program 2.0 Makes Historic Debut

Launch of New and Improved All-Digital Training and Education for PGA members Offers Flexible Curriculum Based on Demands of Golf Industry Employers and Consumers

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – PGA Education has formally unveiled the first component of a new, multi-million dollar investment in the professional development of PGA members, with the launch of the PGA Certified Professional Program 2.0 (CPP 2.0) as the centerpiece of The PGA of America’s advanced training and education curriculum.

Aligned with the goals of the Golf 2.0 strategic initiative to give PGA members a state-of-the-art skillset to grow the game of golf, PGA CPP 2.0 is an online, career-enhancing education curriculum that ensures that PGA members have the skills, competencies and job requirements demanded by employers and customers throughout the golf industry.

Designed with direct input from employers and industry experts to immediately enhance PGA members’ expertise and performance in the workplace, the all-digital PGA CPP 2.0 is an intuitive program available on PGALinks.com that will offer four certifications – Golf Operations (now live); General Management (now live); Player Development (a new certification scheduled to debut in Spring 2012); and Instruction (Summer 2012) – which will span across seven defined Career Paths.

“The PGA Certified Professional Program 2.0 is a relevant, user-friendly career enhancement tool for PGA members to gain the critical skills needed to respond to a rapidly changing marketplace,” said PGA President Allen Wronowski. “The PGA of America is committed to providing lifelong learning and education of its Members that they can translate knowledge acquired into performance in the workplace in real time, in order to grow their business and the game.”

The all-digital upgrade offers rich and vibrant content that is fun and easy to use across a library of 3,000 course offerings.

“PGA CPP 2.0 is designed to provide a good user experience that is easy to understand and directly focused to what matters most on the job—grow customers and improve profitability,” said Dawes Marlatt, a PGA Master Professional and PGA Director of Education. “The entire program is an investment in the PGA member, so they can literally learn the information today…and apply it tomorrow, using a flexible design, fewer required courses and more self-directed electives.”

The seven career paths encompass: Golf Operations, Retail, General Management, Executive Management, Ownership and Leasing, Golf Instruction and Player Development.

“Continuing Education has always been a hallmark of The PGA of America,” said PGA Employment Consultant Phil Berry. “We have updated the content and the delivery system to cater to the needs of today’s employer, especially in the areas of sales and marketing, growth of the game and player development. CPP 2.0 is designed to enrich a PGA member’s arsenal of skills, in order to set you apart in your current job or to demonstrate to your employer a commitment, ability and readiness to move up into the management ranks.”

Attendees at the 59th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., can “test drive” the new CPP 2.0 with a guided tour at the PGA Member Business Center in the Valencia Room on the 4th Floor of the Orange County Convention Center, Jan. 26-28.

For more information, PGA Members are encouraged to contact the PGA CPP 2.0 Mentor line at (866) 866-3382 Ext. 4 or pgacpp2mentor@pgahq.com.