Education has always been an important component of the PGA Show in Orlando, and the 71st edition will be no exception this week. More than 50 informative sessions, seminars and presentations designed to help PGA Golf Professionals and industry leaders drive more value to their facility, enhance their careers and stay abreast of industry trends and business practices are scheduled for Tuesday through Friday.
The 2024 PGA Show Education Conference will primarily focus on three learning tracks — Executive Management, Teaching & Coaching, Golf Operations — as part of the 71st annual PGA Show. However, additional topics such as retail sales, health & fitness, new technology and other industry issues also will be featured at many presentations at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and other venues during PGA Show Week.
The education opportunities began on Tuesday with four PGA of America coaching workshops during the PGA Show Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Center and six classroom sessions focused on Executive Management and Golf Operations at the OCCC. Sessions conducted by PGA of America Master Professionals, veteran PGA Golf Professionals and industry leaders continue Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with PGA of America Golf Professionals able to earn Professional Development Requirement (PDR) credits for attending each session.
PGA Partner education sessions associated with PGA Show Week will feature industry experts who have presented at conferences by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM), Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and National Golf Foundation (NGF).
“The PGA Show Education Conference is a great opportunity for our PGA of America Golf Professionals to stay current with the latest trends, technology and tools they need to further their expertise in this evolving golf industry,” said PGA Master Professional Dawes Marlatt, Senior Director of PGA of America Member Education. “The Education Conference delivers the resources they need to advance their careers and deliver world-class experiences to the millions of golfers who enjoy the game.”
Some of the brightest minds in golf will share their knowledge and experiences during the Education Conference sessions, including PGA Master Professionals Dave Normand, Joe Plecker, Joe Hallett, Tim Cusick, Andy Weissinger, Bernie Najar, Shawn Costello, Michael Leemhuis, Tom Morton, Cathy Harbin, Brian Crowell, Adam Savendra, Matt Jordan and Bruce Wilkins.
“The golf industry is blessed with professionals who are willing to share what they have learned over the years about golf operations, teaching and coaching, and executive management,” explained PGA of America Vice President Don Rea, the owner of Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona. “Their willingness to share their knowledge and exchange ideas is what makes the PGA of America so great. It’s what helps us all be better PGA Golf Professionals and better managers.”
“Attending the seminars and connecting with other PGA of America Members to exchange ideas and learn from each other has always been an important part of the PGA Show in Orlando,” said John Kulow, PGA, of South Hills Country Club in West Covina, California. “The expertise of the presenters at the PGA Education Conference is amazing. You don’t often see that many professionals with that type of knowledge under one roof. It’s always a great learning experience.”
For a full schedule of PGA Show Education Conference sessions, click on the Education tab at PGAShow.com, or refer to the daily schedule in the PGA Show News.