PGA Master Professional is the Association’s highest educational designation
Editors:
For a photo of Brandon Kang, click here.
FRISCO, Texas – The PGA of America has announced that Dr. Brandon Kang, PGA Director of Instruction at 88 Country Club in Yongin, South Korea, has achieved PGA Master Professional status, the highest education designation available within the Association.
Kang is the 486th PGA of America Member to achieve the designation. He achieved his designation in Teaching & Coaching.
The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as Golf Professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their facilities. The curriculum is designed to ensure Golf Professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations.
“Being from South Korea, I am already part of a very small group of PGA Professionals, and now as a Master Professional, it gives me even more motivation to contribute to the game of golf and golf education than ever before,” said Kang. “Becoming a Master Professional was one of my biggest career goals. I already have a PhD, which represents the theoretical side of my profession, but becoming a Master Professional is the practical side. This accomplishment has brought me to the next level in my career.”
Kang, a Member of the International PGA Section, has been the Director of Instruction at 88 Country Club since 2021. Previously, Kang was the Director of Instruction at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy at Walkerhill in Seoul, from 2018-2021.
In 2014, Kang became a PGA of America Member and began his career as a Golf Instructor at Nam Bu Golf Range in Yongin, South Korea. He later transitioned to his first Director of Instruction role at Golf TEC Korea in Seoul, South Korea, and served in similar positions at various facilities throughout Seoul.
Kang serves as a Chairman of the Korea Golf Education Association, a non-profit organization established to advance the Korean golf industry by setting new standards in golf education, developing professional instructors and promoting character-centered sports education. He earned a Ph.D in Sport Pedagogy from Korea University in Seoul, South Korea.
The PGA Master Professional program is available to individuals with at least 10 years of PGA of America Membership, along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs.
The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the project’s presentation.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Jesse Dodson, PGA – PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com
Emily Tavares – PGA of America, etavares@pgahq.com
