PGA and University of Highlands and Islands' 

new partnership for students eager to make career in golf
 
PGA NEWS RELEASE
The PGA and the University of the Highlands and Islands have unveiled a new partnership aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in Scotland for those eager to pursue a career in golf.
Students are able to take either a BA Honours Degree in Professional Golf or in Golf Management at the University’s Dornoch base next to the world-renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club. 
There is also a new Diploma in Higher Education in Professional Golf which will be studied while students are in work at Scottish golf facilities.
The courses are aimed at those aspiring to a career in the golf industry which in Scotland is estimated to support the employment of more than 20,000 people.
The honours degrees are being delivered over a four-year period on a full-time basis and are also available for part-time study. The diploma will be delivered by distance learning. The Professional Golf qualifications will ultimately lead to the opportunity for graduates to apply for PGA membership upon completion.
A close working relationship with Royal Dornoch will offer a unique opportunity for students to be involved in coaching, hosting golf events and placement opportunities at the world renowned golf club facility. 
The courses cover topics such as coaching, equipment technology, sport science and business management plus other subject areas developed to meet industry expectation and requirements.
There will also be residential weeks at PGA headquarters at the Belfry for those students following the Diploma in Higher Education course.
For the honours degree students there will be summer placements in golf facilities at home and overseas.
Dr Kyle Phillpots, The PGA’s director of education and career development, said: “The change in the student funding system two years ago meant that Scottish students were at a disadvantage when accessing our vocational degree programme.
“As a consequence, The PGA wanted to establish a partnership with a university in Scotland with the philosophy and dynamism that we have had for many years with the University of Birmingham in England.
“We are very pleased to be entering into a long term relationship with the university and believe it will provide an excellent opportunity to ensure that Scotland continues to have the highly skilled and knowledgeable professional workforce that the home of golf needs.”
Dave Robinson, The PGA’ s training manager, commented: “The new courses will hopefully provide a huge ‘shot in the arm’ for the future of the game of golf in Scotland.”

For further information about the golf courses see www.uhi.ac.uk or contact the University of the Highlands and Islands press office on 01463 279222  or email communications@uhi.ac.uk
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Oosthuizen to make Aussie debut in Perth 

International in late February

ASIAN TOUR NEWS RELEASE

Perth, Western Australia: South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion and World No. 17, has confirmed he will play in the Perth International at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from February 25-28, 2016.

The South African’s appearance in Perth will mark his first ever professional appearance on Australian shores. 

“I am really excited about the opportunity to play in Perth.  I have played tournaments all over the world but this will be the first Tour event I have ever played in Australia.," said Oosthuizen.

" Gary Player, Retief Goosen and Ernie Els have all won tournaments at Lake Karrinyup Country Club and hopefully I can continue their success in February,”said Oosthuizen. 

In 2015, Oosthuizen finished runner-up in consecutive Major championships at the U.S. Open and Open Championships. He lost out in a three way play-off at St Andrews, the scene of his Open victory in 2010.  

He performed brilliantly for the International Team in his second Presidents Cup  appearance last October, going undefeated through the week and winning 4 ½ points.  

Western Australia Tourism Minister Dr. Kim Hames welcomed the announcement and said it was a coup for Perth to have Oosthuizen play his first tournament on Australian soil in Perth. 

“It is terrific that Perth will welcome one of the finest players in the game and hopefully Louis will add to the growing list of international advocates for our city and State.

“The Perth International promises to be a hallmark weekend of golf when it shifts to its new date in February and it will afford the opportunity to showcase Perth and Western Australia to more than 400 million homes around the world through broadcast coverage,” said Hames. 

Tickets for the Perth International start from $22 and are available now at www.perthinternational.com or directly at Ticketmaster. Children under 16 will gain free entry with a paying adult ticket holder. 

The 2016 Perth International will mark the fourth staging of the event which is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia.  This year, the event will see the Asian Tour join the European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia in the only tri-sanctioned event in Australia.

For general event information visit www.perthinternational.com and stay up to date on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/PerthInternationalGolf and Twitter - @PerthIntl