The July PGA Magazine cover story addressed how the surging golf market presented tremendous opportunities for business and career growth. It was an insightful article that highlighted the importance of PGA of America Golf Professionals at every level, and across every golf industry business sector.
Building on those thematics, this month’s issue of PGA Magazine remains laser focused on PGA of America Members by going in-depth to profile the value of PGA Membership, and how to maximize the breadth of resources, programs, services and benefits available to support and achieve career goals. The value of your membership is designed to support your journey every step of the way, while balancing your personal life with professional growth.
This month’s cover story highlights several popular and widely used programs that were cited as some of our most important in the most recent PGA of America Member survey. This includes additional insight into the first year of Deferred Compensation.
As you know, for many years the PGA of America searched for a way to implement a retirement plan for members, while balancing the tax rules that prevent the Association from directly giving money to members. As a result, the PGA of America created a plan whereby members who participate in programs that meet specified performance objectives can earn a contribution toward a deferred compensation fund.
The aim is that over time these investments will grow and provide a supplemental income for participating members upon reaching the age of 65. As you can read in the month’s cover story, our Deferred Compensation plan has deposited more than $2 million directly into member retirement funds in the first year of the program. That’s real progress and it truly showcases a terrific tool for our PGA of America Membership.
The story also addresses opportunities to attend major championships and events such as the Masters, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup; access to PGA Magazine and its conferences; a breadth of resources and services offered by PGA Career Services, including Career Consultants and ExecuSearch; extensive playing opportunities at the Section and national level; and networking opportunities through the PGA Show, PGA Annual Meeting and related special events. For each of these topics, you will hear from fellow PGA of America Members and Association leaders who will provide insight and expertise.
Another example is the PGA Education Conference, which takes place every January during the PGA Show, and offers a comprehensive lineup of education sessions across a wide range of professional development topics led by influential, national-level experts from the world of business, golf operations, teaching and coaching, and retail. It is a great opportunity for PGA of America Members to stay current with the latest trends, technology and tools needed to further your expertise in this evolving golf industry.
These are just a few examples of programs, services and experiences that deliver value to you as PGA of America Members. In addition, the story shares case studies along with expert insight and opinions that will enable you to maximize the resources at your disposal.
PGA of America Golf Professionals are out in front every day leading the way and defining the golf experience for tens of millions of people, both on and off the course. The value of PGA of America Membership, today and into the future, must continually evolve and together we must ensure that Members at every level understand the true benefits of all programs and services.
Sincerely,
John Lindert, PGA President, PGA of America