NTUC link-up a boost for SPGA

In a bid to raise the profile of its members, the Singapore Professional Golfers' Association (SPGA) joined the labour movement as a National Trades Union Congress U Associate.

This is the first time a sports association has come on board the NTUC's U Associate Programme so that its members can enjoy a wide range of benefits and advocacy of the union.

The link-up will also help the SPGA's professional coaches to distinguish themselves from amateur golfers who also provide golfing lessons.

On its website (www.ntucmembership.sg), the NTUC will provide a directory service for all SPGA members so that union members, who decide to pick up golf, can approach these coaches.

This directory will bring about greater convenience by providing a single platform for NTUC members, as well as the public, to search for creditable golf coaches.

To supplement the directory, golf clinics and workshops will be conducted for NTUC members to interact with the golf coaches. Union members will also enjoy preferential packages and rates when they sign up with the listed SPGA coaches.

The first signature programme from this collaboration is an annual "Leadership Lessons on Golf Course" programme where a SPGA coach and C-suite leader will be teamed up with aspiring NTUC members to impart not just golfing techniques but also leadership development tips.

The programme is planned to start in December for 30 participants, who will also receive subsidies on coaching lessons from the SPGA.

Registration starts in October and is open to all NTUC members.

Welcoming the move, Vivek Kumar, secretary of the NTUC Membership Council, said: "We will support the SPGA as they spearhead initiatives to benefit the professional golfers' community.

"We aim to help create progressive opportunities for golfing professionals who are exploring coaching as a career.

"This partnership with the SPGA will also enable over 800,000 NTUC members to pick up golfing lessons at a subsidised rate."

This article was first published on August 10, 2014.
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