Chris May, the esteemed Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Golf, has played a pivotal role in shaping the golf landscape in Dubai for over three decades. Similarly, Dean Nelson, a distinguished PGA Member serving as the Club Manager at Dubai Golf’s Emirates Golf Club, has made significant contributions to the company’s operations. In this exclusive interview, both gentlemen engage in a discourse regarding the indispensable role of PGA Professionals within their organization and the broader golf industry.
Our discussion commences with Chris May highlighting the fact that Dubai Golf and Viya Golf are currently home to 32 PGA Members hailing from fourteen different nationalities, illustrating the diverse and inclusive nature of their teams in the Middle East. Chris underscores the magnitude of hiring PGA Members, citing their expertise in areas such as food and beverage, marketing, legal matters, and golf operations. Notably, six of the PGA Professionals employed by the organization are women, underscoring their dedication to fostering gender diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
When it comes to the golfing experiences offered, Chris sheds light on the fact that approximately 20% of novice golfers in Dubai have their initial golfing experience at their groundbreaking Topgolf facility, underscoring the far-reaching impact and accessibility of their amenities. Dean Nelson emphasizes the pivotal role of PGA Professionals in instilling a love for the game of golf and underscores the value of continuous learning and growth in their careers.
Furthermore, Dean Nelson shares his personal experiences of working in the international arena, emphasizing the significance of establishing a robust professional network and embracing new challenges in diverse locations. He acknowledges the invaluable support and mentorship he has received from esteemed PGA Professionals throughout his career, detailing how their guidance has shaped his professional journey.
The esteemed professionals also deliberate on the exemplary qualities that PGA Members bring to a golf facility, emphasizing traits such as ambition, dedication, and a keen willingness to learn. Chris May articulates the company’s unwavering dedication to nurturing PGA Members in their professional advancement, encouraging them to pursue the PGA Excel programme to elevate their designation.
When quizzed about the most gratifying aspect of their roles, Dean highlights the satisfaction derived from collaborating with colleagues to achieve success and witnessing the growth and development of their team members. Similarly, Chris underscores the paramount importance of commemorating achievements and leveraging setbacks as opportunities for growth, expressing his pride in the dedication and talent of their team.
Dean also delves into the challenges of adapting his management style to varying countries, stressing the significance of comprehending and respecting the customs and etiquette of each culture. He underscores the importance of maintaining a positive and solution-focused mindset to thrive in a multicultural environment.
Conclusively, both professionals impart valuable counsel to aspiring PGA Members eager to venture abroad, extolling the virtues of engaging with international PGA Professionals, forging a robust network, and fearlessly pursuing opportunities. They advocate for seeking mentorship and training from diverse sectors of the golf industry, underscoring the willingness of individuals within the industry to extend a helping hand and support one another.
In summary, the enlightening interview with Chris May and Dean Nelson imparts invaluable insights into the priceless contributions of PGA Professionals in the golf industry, their pivotal role in the triumph of golf facilities, and the weight of perpetual learning and adaptability in a global context. Their experiences and guidance stand as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals seeking to leave an indelible mark in the international golf arena.