The day is a chance for the entire golf community to acknowledge the many valuable roles PGA Professionals play throughout the industry, from coaching beginners and elite athletes, to managing pro shops, running junior programs, fitting equipment, leading clubs, creating welcoming experiences for new players and driving innovation through technology.

There are currently close to 3000 PGA Professionals who are members of the PGA of Australia employed as club professionals, elite coaches, in management positions in golf facilities and driving new and technology-infused experiences for golf’s growing number of participants.

"Thank A PGA Pro Day" is an initiative of the PGA World Alliance of which PGA of Australia CEO, Gavin Kirkman is the current Chair. Members of the PGA World Alliance include the PGA of America, The Professionals Golfers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland, the PGA of Europe and respective PGAs of Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Germany and Sweden.

The Open champion at Royal Birkdale in 1991 and the current Chair of the PGA of Australia, Ian Baker-Finch, highlighted the indelible impact which PGA Professionals have on golf’s success and the need for all golfers to say "Thank you".

“Behind every great round of golf is a PGA Professional making it possible,” said Baker-Finch.

“On Thank a PGA Professional Day, we celebrate the incredible men and women across Australia and New Zealand who are the true heartbeat of our game.

“Coaching, mentoring, fitting, managing, inspiring, and growing the game we all love.

“While the spotlight often shines on tournaments and trophies, it's PGA Professionals who build the foundation of golf every single day.

“You don't just teach the game, you change lives through it.”

The PGA World Alliance represents more than a combined 60,000 PGA Professionals globally. The PGA of Australia is unique in that it represents Vocational Members employed throughout the industry and Tournament Professionals on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, the WPGA Tour of Australasia and on global golf tours.

“From coaching beginners to major champions, retail and club management, high-performance programs and club-fitting, PGA Professionals are the trusted experts in every aspect of our sport,” said Gavin Kirkman.

“As our sport continues to evolve and more than 4 million Australians pick up a golf club at a wide array of golf facilities each year, PGA Professionals are tasked with making that experience a fun and rewarding one.

“Given their passion for golf and the dedication to their profession, it is only fitting that we take a day to say, ‘Thank you’.”

The PGA of Australia and its Members play a critical role in the development and implementation of the Australian Golf Strategy that strives for more people to play more golf, by making the sport more welcoming, inclusive, sustainable and prosperous..

The PGA of Australia is proud of the role PGA Professionals play in introducing new players to the game and enhancing the experiences of existing golfers.

Taking part is simple. On Friday, July 31:

• Say thank you - in person, by text, email or phone call - to the PGA Professional at your club, venue or coaching centre who has made a difference to your game or your golfing experience.
• Share your appreciation on social media using the hashtags and campaign images: #ThankAPGAProDay, #BehindEveryGolfer, #PGAWorldAlliance
• Tag your PGA Pro in a post, story or video explaining how they've helped you - whether it's a lesson that changed your swing, a warm welcome on your first visit, or the programs they run that keep your club thriving.
• Clubs and facilities are encouraged to recognise their PGA Professionals publicly - through social posts, in-club signage, newsletters or a simple team acknowledgement using the campaign assets.