The best examples of PGA Members that I know are those who not only have great experience, but have the relevant credentials and qualifications to match.
- Sean Fay (The Carnegie Club) - PGA Advanced Professional
How important is career progression to you?
Since PGA Excel was introduced, I always wanted to engage in the process to help with my career progression, yet I was conscious that I would only apply when I felt ready. I have recently become the Head of Golf at The Carnegie Club, so having Advanced status in some ways aligns to the role and allows me to further development the golf operation at the club.
Who inspired you to start your PGA Excel journey?
In truth, I was inspired by those PGA Members that have engaged with PGA Excel already. Members like Alex Buckner, who I know personally, who is such a great example of a young professional paving their way in the industry, becoming a specialist in something that he is passionate about. Then there are others who I don’t know so well, but appreciate the work they do, like Simon Wordsworth. I started my career at The Belfry in 2008 and Simon was a name that was spoken about a lot. To see these people get recognised for their commitment to self-development and those around them makes it easy to want to engage in this process.
What improvement have you seen in the new PGA Excel system?
I was aware of the previous system but never felt ready to engage in the process, so maybe that is a clear indication that the new process is a huge improvement. From my perspective, it is clear to see that more PGA Members across all walks of life are engaging and enjoying PGA Excel. In my opinion that is down to the acknowledgement of specialist categories and the ease in which you can complete the application in your own time.
How did you find the new PGA Excel online application process?
As I’m sure other PGA members have eluded too, it was enjoyable for a number of reasons. Being able to reflect on my journey in the industry to date through clearly defined questions, and supporting this with sufficient evidence, meant that I felt comfortable in justifying the decision to complete my application. Career and personal development have always been an important aspect of being a PGA Member since I began my training. PGA Excel now provides a great platform for members to showcase their achievements.
What improvement have you seen in the new PGA Excel system?
I was aware of the previous system but never felt ready to engage in the process, so maybe that is a clear indication that the new process is a huge improvement. From my perspective, it is clear to see that more PGA Members across all walks of life are engaging and enjoying PGA Excel. In my opinion that is down to the acknowledgement of specialist categories and the ease in which you can complete the application in your own time.
How did you find the new PGA Excel online application process?
As I’m sure other PGA members have eluded too, it was enjoyable for a number of reasons. Being able to reflect on my journey in the industry to date through clearly defined questions, and supporting this with sufficient evidence, meant that I felt comfortable in justifying the decision to complete my application. Career and personal development have always been an important aspect of being a PGA Member since I began my training. PGA Excel now provides a great platform for members to showcase their achievements.
What improvement have you seen in the new PGA Excel system?
I was aware of the previous system but never felt ready to engage in the process, so maybe that is a clear indication that the new process is a huge improvement. From my perspective, it is clear to see that more PGA Members across all walks of life are engaging and enjoying PGA Excel. In my opinion that is down to the acknowledgement of specialist categories and the ease in which you can complete the application in your own time.
How did you find the new PGA Excel online application process?
As I’m sure other PGA members have eluded too, it was enjoyable for a number of reasons. Being able to reflect on my journey in the industry to date through clearly defined questions, and supporting this with sufficient evidence, meant that I felt comfortable in justifying the decision to complete my application. Career and personal development have always been an important aspect of being a PGA Member since I began my training. PGA Excel now provides a great platform for members to showcase their achievements.
How will you use your new PGA designation to progress your career?
I’m not someone who likes to shout from the rooftops about personal achievements, however I do think it’s important that we back ourselves as PGA Professionals. I’m extremely proud of this achievement and it has given me the appetite to continue with PGA Excel in the future. In my new role I see this as an opportunity to mentor the staff who work at the club, hopefully supporting them on their own journeys into PGA Excel. I wouldn’t be setting a great example if I wasn’t willing to do this myself. I would like the staff at The Carnegie Club to all be recognised as extremely qualified individuals who are all always striving to become elite in their chosen fields. Gaining this designation is the start of this process.
Why was it important to you to move up a designation through PGA Excel?
It would be easy to become comfortable and not want to advance or be recognised as an PGA Advanced Professional or beyond. We are in an industry full of talented people, so to challenge myself and want to improve and align with others is something I consider extremely important. The best examples of PGA Members that I know are those who not only have great experience, but have the relevant credentials and qualifications to match.
What would you say to other PGA Members to encourage them to start their PGA Excel journey?
I would tell every PGA Member to challenge yourself, go out of your comfort zone and really try to become the best version of you. Personal development and completing a PGA Excel application is sometimes not easy, however the reward and satisfaction beyond the process is worth it.
