The Player Development Index (PDI) and Junior Golf Hub (JGH) have promoted Eric Allen to CEO. Allen brings a wealth of experience in marketing, sales and management leadership, having held key positions at youth sports tech companies and GameChanger, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lovesac, Pepsi and Pure Leaf. His diverse background provides a strong foundation for driving PDI’s growth and furthering its mission to support athlete development.
The Player Development Index is the golf industry’s only standardized measurement to inform the golfer of where they are on the Player Development spectrum for college-level golf; it is easily translated and applied to any golfer who wants to improve.
Since joining PDI and JGH in June, Allen has reportedly played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion, particularly in its international launch. His leadership has been instrumental in “recruiting several hundred golf coaches into PDI’s Certification program, establishing a robust network of qualified professionals dedicated to player development.”
Additionally, Allen spearheaded the development and launch of the PDI app, which provides athletes with tools to enhance their development journey. His efforts have also elevated PDI’s visibility in the industry through presentations and strategic participation at key events, including the College Golf Coaches Convention and the PGA Show.
Under Allen’s guidance, PDI has positioned itself as a resource for college programs in player development and recruiting and professional golf coaches in athlete assessment. His deep commitment to empowering athletes, particularly junior golfers, aligns with PDI’s mission to provide young players with the resources they need to take ownership of their development and reach their full potential.
“We are thrilled to have Eric Allen step into the CEO role,” said Founder Roger Knick. “His leadership, vision and strategic approach have already made a profound impact on PDI and Junior Golf Hub. We are confident that under his direction, we will continue to grow and innovate, shaping the future of player development in golf.”
The JGH Player Development System is a combination of following and adhering to the philosophy of the “Five Elements of Success” theory established by JGH Founder Roger Knick, PGA and a series of three player development assessments: PDI Self-Assessment, PDI Coach Guided Assessment and Full PDI Assessment to help golfers identify where they are in their golf journey whether the goal is to play golf in college or to improve and grow their game.
Image courtesy JGH
