Golf Business News – PGA celebrates Class of ’25 at University of Birmingham graduation ceremony

Over 100 graduates, along with their friends and family, gathered at the University of Birmingham on May 9 for the 2025 PGA Graduation Ceremony, the event that marks their official welcome into PGA Membership.

Held in the university’s prestigious Great Hall, the ceremony was a fitting tribute to the hard work, dedication and ambition shown by the class of 2025 throughout their three years of study and training.

PGA Chief Executive Robert Maxfield said: “This is a celebration of new, fully qualified PGA Members and leaders in the game of golf. Graduates are welcomed into PGA Membership knowing they’ve come through the best training programme in sport. They can move forward with confidence, knowing they are the best.

“This year in particular is a significant milestone for The PGA and the University of Birmingham as it marks the 25th year of collaboration between the two institutions and a partnership that redefines what it means to be a golf professional in the modern world. Fittingly, we celebrate this anniversary during the 125th anniversary of the University of Birmingham – an institution built on innovation, ambition and excellence.”

Among the many highlights of the day were special recognitions for outstanding achievements. Connor Fletcher of Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent received the Trainee of the Year award, sponsored by education partner Titleist, as well as the Custom Fitting & Technology Award (sponsored by Golf Pride) and the Coaching & Sports Science Award (sponsored by PING).

Reflecting on his achievement, Fletcher said: “Winning the Trainee of the Year award was special. Just to be recognised for the three years of work I’ve put in, that’s the biggest thing. But it’s also about the little wins along the way. It could be your first lesson or your first custom fit. That feeling afterwards is great. I’m very proud. I had the call from Dr Paul Wiseman while I was driving. I had to take a moment to process it. I rang a few people afterwards, but overall, it was very special and left me leaving very honoured.”

Ainee O’Connor, PGA Professional at Sundridge Park Golf Club in Bromley, was named Female Trainee of the Year and received the Beverly Lewis Trophy, named after the former PGA Captain and sponsored by the Ladies European Tour.

“I wasn’t expecting to win it at all,” said O’Connor. “It was amazing and such an honour to receive the extra recognition alongside the pride of gaining the PGA Professional title and becoming a PGA Member. My dad didn’t know about the award beforehand, so it was really exciting when he found out. He’s super proud.”

She added: “The PGA training has been fantastic. It’s been so interesting to learn about different aspects of golf coaching, sports science, club repairs, all the things I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t taken on the programme. To now do these things with confidence and bring them into a workplace is so valuable. Becoming a PGA Member makes me so proud, and it’s a real honour. It’s been three years of hard work, so to reach this point and win the award has made it even better.”

The PGA Training Programme, which includes a three-year Foundation Degree, has been preparing aspiring PGA Professionals, managers and coaches for over 50 years. Covering all areas of the game, from coaching and custom fitting to management and sports science, the programme sets the gold standard in golf education. Notably, 97% of graduates secure roles within the industry, with over 80 diverse career pathways available.