PGA of America Golf Academy – China & Crimson Global Academy Launch Full-Time Student-Athlete Program in Shanghai

New program combines elite development with internationally accredited academics, creating a structured pathway for junior golfers to reach top global universities

SHANGHAI, China — The PGA of America, PacificPine Sports and Crimson Global Academy (CGA) have announced the launch of a joint full-time program in Shanghai designed to provide junior golfers with elite training and an internationally accredited academic education under a single integrated framework. The program will be delivered through the PGA of America Golf Academy-Chin operated by PacificPine Sports, the PGA of America’s strategic partner for golf development in China.

Based at the PGA An Ying Golf Club — ranked among the Top 10 Golf Courses in Asia and a Top 100 World Golf Course, the PGA of America Golf Academy-China pairs PGA-certified coaching with CGA’s fully accredited online curriculum, offering students a structured pathway into competitive college golf programs and admissions at leading universities worldwide.

“The PGA of America has long been committed to growing the game and developing the next generation of golfers around the world,” said Sean Thornberry, Director of Global Development at the PGA of America. “By pairing PGA-certified instruction with a rigorous academic curriculum, we’re giving young athletes in China and across Asia the tools to compete at the highest levels — both on the course and in the classroom.”

Students in the program will train under PGA-certified coaching professionals using advanced performance technology, including Trackman, Full Swing, GC Quad, and the Circles data system. The curriculum covers technical development, physical conditioning, mental performance, on-course strategy, and tournament management within a team-based environment.

The academy’s facilities include a dedicated academy practice facility, including a 60-bay grass driving range, multiple bunker complexes, 10,000 square feet practice green, a dedicated short-game area, and a practice zone that can be configured as a mini six-hole course simulating approach shots from within 100 yards. Indoor facilities include a fitness room, player lounge, and meeting room.

Program participants will have the opportunity to participate in PacificPine’s range of junior tournaments, including AJGA International Pathway Series events, the PGA High School Championship tournament series, and the PGA Junior Series-China competitions. Our tournament participants have received offers from 26 colleges and over US$1 million in cumulative university scholarships. Our academy alumni include winners at the China Amateur Open, multiple AJGA events, as well as members of the Olympic Youth Development Team and provincial teams.

The academic component is delivered by CGA, a leading international online school serving more than 2,800 students across 70 countries. CGA offers 100 percent live, interactive classes taught by over 250 experienced educators, with flexible scheduling designed to accommodate training and competition travel. The school holds WASC accreditation and offers NCAA-approved courses, including AP and US High School Diploma pathways.

“Students shouldn’t have to sacrifice academic rigour for their passions,” said Peter Kim, Regional Director for Asia at CGA. “Our partnership with the PGA of America Golf Academy-China in An Ying allows us to deliver a fully accredited, university-preparatory education that fits around the demanding schedule of a competitive junior golfer. Our students consistently gain admission to the world’s most selective universities, including Ivy League institutions and Oxbridge.”

The program is designed to position students for recruitment into NCAA and NAIA college athletic programs, strengthen university applications with a differentiated student-athlete profile, and provide access to scholarship opportunities at institutions across the United States and internationally.

“We’ve spent nearly a decade building pathways that connect talented young golfers in Asia with opportunities at the world’s best universities,” said Frank Au, Executive Chairman of PacificPine Sports. “For the first time, families in China have access to a single integrated program that delivers elite golf development and internationally accredited academics under one roof. We believe this will set a new standard for student-athlete development in the region.”

Beyond athletic and academic development, the program emphasizes discipline, time management, mental resilience, and a global perspective — preparing students not only for university admission but for long-term personal and professional success.

The program is now accepting applications for a limited number of places at the PGA of America Golf Academy-China in An Ying, Shanghai. Families interested in learning more or booking a consultation are invited to contact the program directly.

Cathy Zhou

Senior Sales and Marketing Manager

PacificPine Sports

Email Adress: cathy.zhou@pgayouth.cn

TEL: +86 18566262996

About PGA of America

Founded in 1916, the PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of nearly 31,000 PGA Professionals who work daily to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. The PGA of America conducts major championships including the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup. Through its global development initiatives, the PGA of America extends its mission of advancing the profession and growing the game to communities worldwide. For more information, visit pga.com.

About PacificPine Sports

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Shenzhen & Hong Kong, PacificPine Sports is China’s premier sports training, tournament/events, and management company. PacificPine Sports partners with leading global sports organisations including the PGA of America, ATP Tour, AJGA, UTR, Surf Club, and USA Fencing, and currently operates across 14 cities in over 85 locations serving more than 6,000 current students. As the exclusive operator of PGA of America Golf Academies in China, PacificPine Sports’ core sports include golf, basketball, tennis, football, and fencing. PacificPine Sports is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders and champions through the integration of athletics, academics, and character development via a structured college pathway. For more information, visit www.pacificpinesports.com.

About Crimson Global Academy

Crimson Global Academy (CGA) is a leading international online school serving students aged 6–18 across more than 70 countries. Built on the foundations of Crimson Education, the world’s leading university admissions consultancy, CGA offers 100 percent live, interactive classes with over 250 experienced educators averaging 20 years of teaching experience. CGA holds WASC accreditation and offers NCAA-approved courses, including Advanced Placement and US High School Diploma pathways. CGA students consistently gain admission to top universities worldwide, including Ivy League institutions and Oxbridge. For more information, visit www.crimsonglobalacademy.school.