PGA seeks order against Irish golfing coach over use of organisation’s name

A former member of the Professional Golfers Association told the High Court yesterday he was not passing himself off as a member of the worldwide association or illegally using the PGA's global trade marks.

The president of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, heard that Kevin Beirth, who trades under the title of the Irish Professional Golfers Association (IPGA), had been removed from membership of the PGA in July last year following an incident at a Pro-Am in October 2011.

Mr Beirth, of Milesian Lawn, Feltrim, Swords, Co Dublin, said following a High Court application last week, he had been served with documents and, since he was representing himself, he would require time to consider them.

John Yapp, group finance director of the PGA, based in Belfry in England, said the association was most commonly referred to as the PGA. Following his removal Mr Beirth had started advertising “PGA golf tuition” on a website and was using the PGA registered trademark crest, he said. Despite having been asked to desist from infringing PGA trademarks, he had significantly escalated his operations.

The PGA is seeking injunctions permanently restraining Beirth from infringing its trade marks and passing off goods or services as those of the PGA.

Mr Justice Kearns said Mr Beirth would have to enter a replying affidavit. The hearing will be held on August 27th.