Growing the game of golf starts with supporting the next generation, and no one is better placed to lead that than PGA Members.
That’s why, over the last 12 months, The PGA has been developing the PGA Junior Coaching Framework: a new initiative to help Members deliver high-quality, inclusive and engaging coaching for juniors of all backgrounds and abilities.
Junior golf is crucial to the game’s future. By investing in quality and accessibility, we can boost participation, improve retention, and ensure golf is welcoming from the ground up. The Framework supports this by:
Enhancing the quality and quantity of junior coaching.
Providing resources and professional development for PGA Members.
Encouraging inclusive coaching practices for all juniors.
At the heart of the project is a dedicated junior coaching tile on PGA Learn. This is your central hub for tools, resources, and inspiration. While still in its early stages, it will continue to grow.
Here, you’ll find:
Session plans, risk assessment templates, and safeguarding guidance.
Links to partners like the Golf Foundation and Home Unions.
CPD opportunities focused on junior coaching.
A growing library of case studies showcasing the impact of PGA Members.
A valuable aspect of the Framework will be the library of case studies which will highlight real, practical examples of junior coaching from PGA Members in a range of different settings, whilst showcasing the lasting impact of our Members in growing the game.
If you’d be open to sharing your own experiences, we urge you to contact Sam Carr, PGA Member Support Manager. Your input could help another Member make a real difference.
“It’s vital that PGA Members are supported with a wide range of resources that not only enhance their coaching expertise but also encourage them to explore or expand their work with junior golfers.
“If we truly want to grow the game from the grassroots, we must ensure that junior coaching is inclusive, engaging, and accessible, regardless of a young person’s background or location.
“If any PGA Member would like to share their junior coaching story as a case study, I’d be delighted to hear from them and help make that happen.”
– Sam Carr, PGA Member Support Manager
Driven by Members, for Members: The Junior Coaching Advisory Group
To ensure this project reflects the realities and needs of PGA Members, a Junior Coaching Advisory Group was established in early 2025. This group comprises ten PGA Members from across the UK and beyond, selected through an open, criteria-based process.
These Members are:
Howie Carson – Scotland – University of Edinburgh Institute for Sports & Exercise
Neil Plimmer – South – JOLF Ltd
Rob Spurrier – West – Orbis Golf
Sally Hinton – North – Close House Golf Club
Aaron Lansberry – Midlands – Stonebridge Golf Club
Tom Davies – Overseas – Performance Golf Slovakia
Ben Knight – South – Chartham Park Golf Club
Jack Cole – East – Little Channels Golf Centre
Douglas Bell – Ireland – Green Life Golf Centre
Nick Horrocks – West – The Masters Golf Company Ltd
The group brings together a range of voices including different careers stages, philosophies, genders, academic backgrounds and geographies. Their insight helps to shape the resources on PGA Learn, ensuring they reflect the real-world challenges and successes of junior coaching.
Coming soon: In-person Junior Coaching CPD days
Following the group’s recommendations, The PGA will launch a series of junior-specific CPD workshops in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
These face-to-face events are designed to give PGA Members and Trainees the tools, ideas and inspiration to grow junior golf participation at the grassroots level. This year’s events are not about producing elite junior golfers. They are focused on getting more young people into the game and keeping them there.
The first takes place on 18 November 2025 at The Belfry, featuring a range of expert speakers, each bringing their own expertise and passion for junior golf:
Aarron Lansberry
Rob Spurrier
Ben Knight
Golf Foundation
Sally Hinton
Nick Horrocks
Howie Carson
Neil Plimmer
Jack Cole
Through a mix of keynote talks, topic sessions, and case studies, these sessions will showcase proven, practical strategies that work in real-world coaching environments. Attendees will leave with ideas they can put into action immediately, with an emphasis on inclusion, accessibility, and fun.
For more information and to book your place at The Belfry workshop, click here.
It is hoped that if more PGA Members enter the junior space, or refine and expand what they already deliver, we hope to see an increase in participation and retention among juniors. That ripple effect supports golf’s overall health, enriches local clubs and communities and elevates the reputation and impact of PGA Members.
Whether you’re already working with juniors or considering getting involved, now is the time to explore the range of resources by clicking here.
