ALPG & PGA Collaborate, While Golf Australia Signs Major Whisky Partner
Golf Australia has signed a new partnership with Loch Lomond Whiskies, while the ALPG and PGA of Australia have entered into a cooperation agreement that proposes to analyse the two governing body’s operations, assets and services.
Based in Alexandria Scotland, Loch Lomond Whiskies is The Official Spirit of The Open and Women’s British Open and becomes Golf Australia’s second alcohol sponsorship after signing Coopers in February.
Golf fans will get the chance to win a trip to The Open thanks to Loch Lomond Whiskies, with entry details to be announced in the coming weeks; The 148th Open takes place at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, from July 14th – 21st.
With the PGA and ALPG responsible for the administration and governance of professional golf in Australia, a new collaboration agreement is expected to build commercial opportunities and strengthen the industry while providing new leadership for professional golf in Australia.
“The PGA of Australia and ALPG have always enjoyed a strong and close working relationship,” CEO of the PGA of Australia, Gavin Kirkman said.
“This formal agreement is our way of demonstrating our firm commitment to collaborate on real opportunities together.”
“This is a natural progression for golf in Australia but also represents an exciting time as both the male and female professional games flourish.
“We are charged with leading our own halves of professional golf, but together we can be far more influential advocates for professional golf both here in Australia and overseas.”
Karen Lunn, CEO of the ALPG added: “Our two organisations worked together back in 2015 to develop a dual ALPG/PGA membership category and bridging course which now enables ALPG members to attain full vocational membership of the PGA.
“As a result of further discussions over the past six months, we are delighted to be in a position to announce this next level collaboration which can only have a positive effect on our game in Australia.”
Female sport in Australia has come to the forefront thanks to AFLW and Women’s Big Bash League, but, golf still has a large amount of work to do to better recognise the female golfing population.
“A career in professional golf should be an aspiration of all young golfers, male or female, and equal representation of male and female golfers is a challenge we are inspired to achieve together,“ added Kirkman.
This agreement between the ALPG and PGA is the result of months of discussion and intended to provide the platform for both entities to lead the way in better commercialising the existing assets, but also developing new opportunities for professional golf and golfers alike.
Both parties anticipate the results to include better gender equality in golf, improved career opportunities and a more attractive participation sport for females.
“This is an exciting time for women’s sport in Australia, and ALPG’s ongoing collaboration with the PGA across a number of areas will ensure that women’s professional golf in Australia continues to thrive,” Lunn said.
