Alex Keighley Appointed First Female Chair of TGI Golf Partnership

Huddersfield PGA Professional succeeds Mike Bradley following four successful years in role

TGI Golf Partnership has announced the appointment of Alex Keighley of Huddersfield Golf Club as its new Chair, becoming the first female Chair in the group’s history. She succeeds Mike Bradley of Hollinwell Golf Club, who steps down after four years in the position.

Keighley brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served on the TGI Golf Board for the past decade alongside a distinguished playing and PGA career.

Speaking on her appointment, Keighley said: “It’s a very new challenge working even closer with the TGI staff. I’ve loved being on the board, but this is the next level and I’m really looking forward to getting into it. I’m hoping to help grow the Partnership even more.”

Keighley turned professional in 2003, progressing through Q School and competing on the Ladies European Tour for four years and on other Tours for a total of seven years. During that time, she began laying the foundations for her long-term career in the golf industry.

“Being on Tour was great and I met some great people, including my husband. I had some amazing times, but there were a lot of negatives too,” she reflected. “I remember giving my first lesson to an old captain at Huddersfield and he tipped me an extra £15 and I thought this is a much easier way to make money than slogging around on Tour.”

In 2009, Keighley made the decision to step away from life on Tour and focus fully on her club professional career. “I threw myself more into being a club pro, giving lessons and spending time in the shop looking at the retail side of things.”

Three years later she was appointed Head Professional at Huddersfield Golf Club, at a time when female Head Professionals were still a rarity. “It was a big move for them to have a lady pro. At the time I was one of only four in the country, but they put all their faith into me, and I like to think they haven’t regretted it.”

Keighley joined TGI Golf immediately and within three years was invited to join the Board of Directors. “I have learnt loads from my fellow directors over the year. It was quite daunting at first as there are some big characters on the board, but everyone, past and present, has been great with me.”

The majority of the TGI Golf Board of Directors is PGA Professional Partners, ensuring the voice of the partnership remains central to the strategic direction of the business. The structure reinforces the Partnership’s commitment to being led by, and for, PGA Professionals.

Alex is clear about the remit of the Board and her responsibilities as Chair. “As non-executive directors, we’re not on the board to reinvent the wheel, but we’re there to guide those running the group on our behalf to continue making the right decisions that make TGI Golf the success it is.

“As Chair it is my role to make sure everything is as it should be. We have a great team in place and they do a superb job in running the group on behalf of the Partners. My role as Chair is to ensure that continues to be the case. I’m there to provide any assistance they may need and to listen to the needs of any Partners who want to share feedback with me.

“My door is always open. If Partners need to talk to me about anything then I’m here to be open and transparent and to listen to any concerns or ideas.”

Outgoing Chair Mike Bradley leaves the role having overseen a period of continued development for the group. Reflecting on his tenure, he said: “I’ve really enjoyed every minute. It’s been a great experience and a great honour to do it on behalf of all the Partners.

“Working closely with the team and seeing first hand all the hard work they do on our behalf on a daily basis has been amazing and I wish more people would get to see that.”

Bradley expressed confidence in his successor. “I’m excited for Alex to come on board and for her to get to see what I’ve seen. She’s hugely experienced, having been on the TGI Board for a long time, she’s been Chair of the Yorkshire PGA, Captain of the North Region and a PGA Professional for more than 20 years. She knows the job inside out."

He also highlighted the progressive culture within the partnership. “TGI Golf is a very progressive group when it comes to gender equality in a male dominated industry. We have a female Managing Director in Adele McLean, Financial Director in Amanda Wilson and now a female Chair. None of these appointments have been made based on gender though. They have all got the jobs as they are the best people for them.”

TGI Golf Managing Director, Adele McLean, added: “We are delighted to welcome Alex as our new Chair. She has been on our board for some time now and brings a wealth of experience, has a strong understanding of our business and is committed to our Partners and the group.

“We are really looking forward to working with Alex and continuing to move the Partnership forward into the next chapter.”

Keighley’s appointment signals both continuity and ambition for TGI Golf, as the Partnership continues to focus on delivering value, guidance and commercial strength for its network of PGA Professional Partners across the UK and Ireland.

Any Partners wishing to contact Alex Keighley can do so at akeighley@tgigolf.com.