Golf Business News – PGA celebrates Class 25 at the University of Birmingham graduation ceremony
On May 9, more than 100 graduates attended the 2025 PGA graduation ceremony at the University of Birmingham on May 9, an event marking their official welcome to PGA membership.
The ceremony was held in the prestigious lobby of the University, a respect for the hard work, dedication and ambition that the 2025 class has shown during their three years of study and training.
“This is a celebration of new, fully qualified PGA members and leaders in golf competitions. Graduates are welcomed by PGA members knowing they have passed the best training program in sports. They can move forward confidently and know they are the best.”
“This year in particular is an important milestone for PGA and the University of Birmingham as it marks the 25th year of collaboration and partnership between the two institutions, and it redefines the meaning of being a golf professional in the modern world. We appropriately celebrate this anniversary at the University of Birmingham – Intercation of Birmingham – establishing entrepreneurship and competitiveness, am ambionce and Ammince and Ambience and Ambience and Amberce and Amberce and Ambomcection and Ambomce and Accell.
Among the many highlights of the day, there was a special recognition of outstanding achievements. Connor Fletcher of Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent received the Intern of the Year award sponsored by education partner Titleist, as well as the Custom Fitting & Technology Award (sponsored by Golf Pride) and the Coaching and Sports Science Award (sponsored by Ping).
Reflecting on his achievements, Fletcher said: “It's special to win the Student of the Year award. It's just recognized in the three years I've devoted to, and that's the biggest thing. But it's also about a small win along the way. It could be your first course or your first custom fit. Later on, it's a great feeling. I'm so proud. I drove one of my part during my time. Overall, it's special and I feel so honored.”
Ainee O'Connor, a PGA professional at Bromley Sundridge Park Golf Club, was named Women's Intern of the Year and received Beverly Lewis Trophy, formerly named PGA captain and sponsored by the Ladies European Tour.
“I didn't expect to win it at all,” O'Connor said. “It was amazing and it was an honor to have the extra recognition at the same time as the pride of winning the PGA professional championship and being a member of the PGA. My dad didn't know about the award beforehand, so it was really exciting when he found out. He was very proud.”
She added: “The PGA training is amazing. Understanding all aspects of golf coaching, sports science, club repair, I don’t know if I don’t participate in all the things in the program.”
The PGA training program includes three years of basic degree and has been preparing for aspiring PGA professionals, managers and coaches for over 50 years. The program covers all areas of gaming, from coaching and customization to management and sports science, setting the gold standard for golf education. It is worth noting that 97% of graduates play a role in the industry, with over 80 different career pathways.
