T h e P r of e s s ion a l G ol f e rs ’ A s s o c i at ion s of E u r ope
2008-9
Annual Review Supported by Golf Europe
2008-2009 Annual Review
An Eventful 12 Months Oskar Henningsson lifts the PGAs Champions Trophy of Europe hosted by Italy PING becomes new Corporate Partners John Jacobs Wins Golf Legend Award in Munich Golfsmith & Snake Eyes take out new Partnership agreements Christer Lindberg Bowl Presented to Annika Sorenstam in Sweden Heads of Training Summit in Lisbon Ireland win ITC at Roda, Murcia Board re-constituted from 12 directors to 7 President Heinz Fehring President Elect Jean-Etienne Lafitte Board of Directors Sandy Jones - Chairman Donato di Ponziano - Vice Chairman Frank Kirsten - Director Leif Ohlsson - Director Carlos Roca - Director Ken Schofield - Director Mikael Sorling - Director Education Committee Leif Ohlsson - Chairman, Sweden Jonathan Mannie - Vice Chairman, Austria Filippo Barbé - Italy Johan Hampf - Sweden Kyle Phillpots - GB&I Jim van Heuven van Staereling - Holland Martin Westphal - Germany Chief Executive Ian Randell Director of Education Tony Bennett Executive Assistant Eve Spellar Communications & Membership Co-ordinator Steve Hewitt Media Dennis Shaw PGA is a trademark used under license Design by www.Qreative.es
Associations Strategic Plan & Membership Regulations Accepted by Members Heinz Fehring Announced as President from 2009-2010 Hong Kong Join as International Members Aldila extends Association’s Partnership ProSport Media 5 Star Professional Awards to Bob Torrance, Jean-Etienne Lafitte, Gunter Kessler and Timo Rauhala Jon Evans wins Avea Kempinski Pro-Am First Zonal Meetings take place Jamie Little triumphs in Beko Classic New European Standard for National Tutors/ Assessors discussed in Roda, Spain European Golf becomes new Corporate Partners GolfBuddy becomes new Corporate Partners Golfingjobs.com becomes new Recruitment Partners Calidona announce forthcoming opening of PGAs of Europe course and academy in Murcia Chervo Extend Corporate Partnership into 16th Year…& open their own golf course in Italy ProSport Media lengthen support of 5-Star Professioinal Awards Paul Nilbrink Flies Away with Aegean Airlines Pro-Am
The PGAs of Europe acknowledges and welcomes the support of:
President l 03
“Proud to undertake the ‘figurehead’ role…” By Heinz Fehring (President)
While I naturally had some misgivings in deciding to retire from the board in November 2008, to allow an introduction of fresh faces, these feelings were quickly replaced by a strong sense of anticipation when I succeeded Ken Schofield as President for a two-year term a few weeks later.
Leaving the board as I did, of my own volition, meant that I also rescinded a place on a Ryder Cup committee and its Development Trust Fund but, after due consideration, I felt that the time had come to move on. Having been a director since 1993, when The PGAs of Europe was in its infancy, I’ve been privileged to be part of an association that has gradually grown into one of true significance not only in Europe but also around the world. Nowadays we are respected from America to Australia and in all golfing countries in between as representing the interests of some 30 national member PGAs in Europe and 6 more ‘international’ members outside of the continent and their collective membership of some 15,000 individual golf professionals. Observing this progress year by year, by attending our events and sitting
at goodness knows how many board meetings, has been a rewarding journey and one that I like to believe has prepared me for this ‘figurehead’ role that I currently occupy. In this respect it is a very positive situation to have Jean-Etienne Lafitte nominated already as Vice President and President-elect to succeed me in 2011. Jean has a similar pedigree to myself in terms of having served for a lengthy period on the board whilst he has, of course, also made a monumental contribution as chairman of the Education Committee. During this journey, since The PGAs of Europe came into being in 1990, golf has changed far more than any of us involved at that time could have possibly envisaged, even though, fortunately, we were conscious of the fact back then that, with the spread of the European Union, the sport needed to have just one voice… and that voice should be the PGAs’.
Nearly 20 years on, all of the instigators of the association have good cause to be proud of their visionary and pioneering foresight… because as the sport has taken on board new technology in equipment, communications and administration in tandem with advancing educational philosophies and an expanding industry, The PGAs of Europe has been able to ensure that our members work together in moving with the times. Now, of course, I’m proud to attend conferences and meetings of various descriptions, staged by organisations with which we have forged partnerships, representing the association as physical evidence that we share common ideals and are more than happy to share, also, our knowledge and experiences. I look forward to carrying on serving The PGAs of Europe for as a long as I can continue to make a meaningful contribution.
“I look forward to carrying on serving The PGAs of Europe for as a long as I can continue to make a meaningful contribution.”
04 l Chief Executive
Providing the Services that Members Request By Ian Randell (Chief Executive)
Among the many important features of the last 12 months was the acceptance by the membership, at the AGM in Murcia in November, of new membership guidelines and our Strategic Plan outlining the association’s aims and objectives to be pursued on their behalf into the future.
This document covering the activities outlined as our operating priciples was completed after the most detailed research that we could muster over a considerable period of time. When I arrived as chief executive in January 2007 it was my firm belief that I needed to operate on a basis of what member PGAs told us that they wanted rather than what we assumed, based on previous experience. With 36 Full and International members this was inevitably a lengthy fact-finding process involving lots of journeys, countless meetings, questionnaires, e-mails and telephone conversations galore. Lengthy it may have been, but well worthwhile. As a result I now feel that I’m better equipped to act on the members’ behalf and, hopefully, all of those PGAs are satisfied that their case has been heard, understood and embraced in the strategic plan.
As part of this plan we have introduced a zonal structure ensuring that member PGAs can get together and concentrate on issues that affect their region most closely and we can also gain a greater understanding of the current situation of each PGA and work with them to ensure that to quote our mission statement “the administration of the professional game throughout the continent (and beyond) delivers excellence in the services provided to ensure highly qualified, highly skilled PGA Professionals who lead the advancement of the game around the world”.
On to other affairs, and even the most positive-minded business administrator, reflecting on the events of the last 12 months, inevitably finds it impossible to ignore the effects of the worldwide economic downturn. Against this background I am fortunate then to be able to report that, due to the ever-increasing success of two of golf’s most lucrative income streams, namely the staging of The Open Championship, and The Ryder Cup allied to prudent fiscal planning, golf’s ability to help finance the development of the game worldwide is stronger than ever.
Of all the issues that require debate none is more crucial than education. In this regard the zonal system of administration should be most beneficial. With Tony Bennett now well into his second year as full-time Director of Education and ever ready to visit member PGAs to help and advise, help should never be more than an e-mail or a telephone call away.
Readers of our monthly e-newsletter, Working Together, will have seen again and again, articles about the Golf Development Programme (GDP) operated on behalf of The R&A and The Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT). We cover their activities extensively because The PGAs of Europe is deeply involved in both of these excellent schemes.
“...what a pleasure it is to point out that golf’s capacity to help good causes has not been undermined.”
Chief Executive l 05
Strategic Objectives for 2008-2012 1. Raise the profile of The PGAs of Europe and ensure that we are an integral and respected influence within the PGA World Alliance, The Ryder Cup and within the framework of golf in Europe.
In the DEVELOPMENT section of this publication will be found an update on how these two initiatives are quite literally beating the so called Credit Crunch by providing funding to grow the game of golf in a wide variety of ways across four continents – Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Relationships with our various Partners and other business associates continues to be right up there with Education, Development and other activities as a high priority necessity. It was rewarding to see the comments made by Armin Wittmann, the Exhibition Director, and by Manfred Wutzlhofer, chairman and chief executive of Messe Munchen, about the important part our involvement plays in the success of Golf Europe. This partnership exemplifies what we always strive to achieve in terms of operating in a spirit of give and take and doing all we can to make any relationship work equally and effectively both ways. Part of this philosophy can now be found on our website www.pgae.com in the shape of 2009 Partner Brochure, using flipp technology and supported by Satsuma Media it constitutes a move on our part deeper into the benefits of modern communications technology while also providing our partners with a novel additional way of promoting themselves.
Similarly to our feelings about the on-going relationship with MESSE MUNCHEN, partners since 1993, we find it immensely rewarding that companies such as GOLFSMITH & SNAKE EYES, under the managing directorship of Douglas Poole, CHERVO and EATON GOLF PRIDE continue after very lengthy periods to support us so loyally.
2. Create and maintain a structure that provides the most efficient and effective channels of communication and operations to meet the needs of our membership 3. Provide leadership, guidance and assistance to ensure that all member PGAs are operating within agreed guidelines and advancing opportunities for PGA Professionals within their association.
GLENMUIR & CALIDONA are equally appreciated for their belief in what we do, albeit over a slightly lesser period than those above, while we look forward to all those who have joined us more recently remaining ‘on board’ so that we can each benefit from the ‘working together’ philosophy that is so essential.
4. Create and manage a fully functioning European Qualification Framework that is easily understandable by both employers and the public.
Much progress has been made and we will keep on striving to progress on all fronts, member PGAs and Partners can be certain of that. KPMG have assured that, historically, after every economical downturn there is an upturn.
6. Raise awareness and understanding of The PGAs of Europe and develop communication mediums that are relevant to three audiences; PGAs, PGA Professionals and Amateur golfers in the areas of personal development and improved golfing experiences
Let’s all raise a glass to that...
7. Develop a structured partnership programme that benefits The PGAs of Europe, member PGAs and PGA Professionals.
5. Provide the lead voice for Professional golf within the European Union.
8. Establish individual, team and Pro-Am tournaments that will add value to domestic tournament schedules and other events that provide benefits to PGA Professionals on a pan-European basis. 9. Be widely acknowledged as a lead body in the delivery of golf development expertise on an international basis. 10. Ensure sustainable funding to enable the development of the Association.
06 l Education
‘Services provided by PGA Pros Grow Ever Wider…’ By Tony Bennett (Director of Education)
Following the 2008 Heads of Training meeting which took place in Lisbon there has been significant progress on the development of a new European Standard including both Initial Professional Education (IPE) and re-evaluation of recognised programmes.
The PGA were one of the forerunners of all sports in the development of education and training for its members and so it is not by accident that PGA qualified golf professionals now fulfil the full spectrum of roles available in the golf sector.
Over the last few years small working parties have been formed to look at issues such as coach licensing, IPE and other important subjects with a simple goal of ensuring that the PGA professional is best prepared to serve the industry.
Individual members are actively involved in supplying services to the game in much more than the traditional, coaching, club professional, playing, club fitting and retail roles. They are now engaged in management, golf development, rules, event organisation, media, administration, green-keeping, architecture and design just to name a few of their areas.
The Education Committee is following The PGAs of Europe mantra of “working together” to guarantee that best practice is promoted. The IPE group is a good example of the working together philosophy, with The PGAs of Europe and the Heads of Education from the PGA of GB&I, PGA of Germany, PGA of Sweden and PGA of Holland working through key issues that will ultimately define not only the expected competencies of a qualified PGA golf professional but also possible career pathways open to the professional of the future.
A period of consultation with employers revealed that member PGAs are ideally positioned to supply a large percentage of the workforce and that when appropriately qualified the PGA professional has many of the characteristics that are deemed to be desirable by the industry. The original training standard set by the PGAs of Europe Education Committee has been constantly updated so that the qualification maintains its relevance. More recently; in part due to geographical expansion and also changes in the range and scope of job roles, it has become clear that a root and branch review of the standards we set for PGA education programmes was necessary.
We have also developed and piloted Tutor and Assessor training which will be rolled out towards the end of October or beginning of November. The programme will help all countries to ensure that quality education / training is delivered and that there is a high level and consistent assessment available to all trainees. The Education Committee has kept the Board informed throughout the process and has asked for and received its approval at the appropriate stages.
In February 09 the Education Committee presented the Board with a document titled “Education Framework for the Future” which outlined a new process for recognition: the document was approved and work has now commenced on the content. Preparation of an application to the European Commission’s “EQF fund” was completed and which, if successful, will accelerate our work and ease the issues of “transparency, transferability and mobility”. Again the “working together” theme is strong with 20 partners from 11 different countries mixed between the games stakeholders, ministries, qualifications agencies, sports schools and Pan European organisations that link employers to the workforce. Finally our work with The R&A on worldwide golf development has increased as we have constructed a pool of expertise that encompasses all aspects of the game. The pool now has over 30 professionals from 11 countries available to take part in golf development visits and share their expertise in order to grow the game in emerging countries. All in all this has been a very full and productive period the effects of which will be felt over the coming five to ten years.
The Ryder Cup European Development Trust l 07
Golf Aid in the Community at Large ‘No barriers of social standing, age, ability or gender…’ As more and more appropriate organisations around Europe have understood the type of grass roots scheme that qualifies for Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT) support, the number of grants has escalated in the last 12 months. Three particular initiatives during the year under review have added greatly to the diversity and scope of the concept that was first envisaged in 2001. Back then the European Ryder Cup Board reframed its constitution to involve three ‘stakeholders’, namely The European Tour, The PGA of GB&I and The PGAs of Europe.
from mainland Europe, (as distinct from GB&I only), and to ‘grow the game at its grass roots’.
One purpose of this was that 20% of the net profits would go into the RCEDT to acknowledge and reward the part played by players
A glowing example of the extraordinary manner in which these benefits have spread themselves can be seen in recent grants made to a source in Hungary, some aid to a Faldo Series tournament in Russia, and the opportunity at European Tour events throughout its schedule to receive free coaching clinics from members of the local PGA.
Hungary Scheme Continues Eastern European Boom
Swinging Lessons with the European Tour
The way in which Hungary became involved is a case history in itself, too lengthy to describe in detail here.
The scheme carried out on the European Tour takes golf to tournament visitors with the aim of igniting in them an interest in the sport that may well hook them for life. It involves the installation of portable facilities of large ‘blow up’ driving nets, tee-off mats and clubs provided and supervised by Provisiongolf, with each national PGA where a tour event is staged given the chance to offer a free one-to-one lesson to members of the public.
Basically a PGA professional, Damien MacPherson, noticed that Eastern European neighbours such as Bulgaria and the Czech Republic had successfully appealed for support by RCEDT and set about following suit. A national golf foundation was set up by colleagues and himself entitled Nemetzi Golf Egylet (NGE). Its function is to establish an appropriate, visionary programme, structured to take golf to the masses for the future, and especially to schoolchildren. As a result of their careful structuring an appropriate programme a grant was made for 2009 with more to follow depending on its success.
As part of an admirable PR exercise, each adult participant has his or her swing videoed and afterwards an e-mail is sent to them from the sponsors with their video clip thanking them for attending. Throughout the season PGAs in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, Czech Republic and Holland either took part in the scheme or were scheduled to do so.
To Russia with Sir Nick The ‘Faldo Series’ joined the growing list of beneficiaries, initially with support to their event in Russia and with a view to aid in other appropriate countries subject to their being confirmed as meeting RCEDT guidelines. This possibly longer-term relationship teed off in mid-June with a grant towards the staging of the second annual Faldo Series Russia Championship held at Le Meridien Moscow Country Club with a field which had doubled in size from the inaugural tournament 12 months earlier.
08 l Development
Missionary Visits for 17 Countries in the Last Year Under the banner of The Golf Development Scheme, that could well be sub-titled ‘Teaching the World to Swing’, the process of helping more and more countries to introduce a golfing culture, has continued and escalated in the last 12 months. Bangladesh, on the Indian subcontinent, is another comparatively new name to appear on the world’s golfing map, as is the Middle-Eastern hot spot of Jordan where sand has to be turned into grass before the sport can flourish…yet plans are afoot along that seemingly impossible route. Since the end of summer 2008, 17 countries in six widely spread regions of the world have been visited by twelve different consultant-tutors selected from The PGAs of Europe panel and funded by The R&A from Open Championship surpluses.
Such visits to South America have played a leading part in the scheme for some ten years now and maybe it is no coincidence that players from that huge continent seem to appear more often in victories on the world tours.
The Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, are becoming increasingly eager to join the world’s golfing community in common with neighboring Russia, where the sport is gradually growing, while Panama in Central America is a comparatively new name on the sport’s radar.
Argentina and Chile have both received follow-up visits between mid-2008 and the present time prompting the question of just how big the sport will be in the years ahead as it becomes an acceptable alternative to football for its emerging young athletes.
In Africa, Tunisia has been a golfing destination for some years now but names such as Libya, Ghana and Zambia are more recent devotees especially since the appetite of their respective amateur bodies has been whetted by ‘missionary’ visits.
The 12-month programme of visits, and their consultant/tutor, includes:
Eastern Europe Baltic Tour (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia) - Alison White (R&A) & Tony Bennett Croatia - Shaun Case Latvia (twice) - Sarah Claridge Slovakia - Gary Alliss
Asia Bangladesh - John Little
Africa Ghana - Martin Westphal Libya - Martin Westphal Tunisia - Jean-Etienne Lafitte Zambia - Gordon Morrison
Central America Panama - David Kearney Trinidad & Tobago - Jim van Heuven van Staereling
Middle-East Israel - Gary Alliss Jordan - Sayed Cherif
South America Argentina - Tony Bennett Chile - Ian Peek
External Relations & Communications l 09
‘Partnerships have flourished as never before…’ As golfing organisations everywhere have come to appreciate the benefits of co-operating in a common cause, be they amateur or professional, playing or administrative, so the association’s partnerships have grown and flourished as never before, in the 12 months under review. As one of the operating principles puts it, our aim is to ‘Build mutually beneficial relationships with other pan-European organisations, international PGAs and the European Union’. Under this heading our contact with the EU is on-going in order to ensure that any ‘official voice of professional golf’ in Europe’ is one that protects and promotes the best interests of the PGAs.
Similarly, relationships with The R&A and The European Tour are nurtured constantly, to each other’s advantage while, as partners in the Ryder Cup, its European Development Trust comes under our umbrella in distributing grants internationally to grass roots causes from profits generated by the biennial matches.. On a day-by-day working basis, as the sport expands to cover more and more specific activities,
‘sharing of knowledge, expertise and experience’ partnerships are in place to co-operate with the amateur Federations (EGA), Environmentalists (GEO), Tourism (IAGTO), Course Owners (EGCOA), Course Managers (CMAE), the Industry (EGIA), Architects (EIGCA), Greenkeepers (FEGGA) and the Media (EGTMA). As a result of this policy of forming relationships with all these bodies whose work can effect our members in one way or another, the term ‘Working Together’ has come to embrace and sum up the very ethos of The PGAs of Europe rather than be regarded as a rather trite motto without substance in reality.
Publicity by Modern Methods and the Traditional The Association’s policy of publicising its activities to the widest possible audience, and by a widening variety of means, has been vigorously pursued between mid-2008 and the current time. A Partners Brochure, offering an instant profile for business partners, and a reminder of milestone articles from the monthly e-newsletter Working Together, is permanently on-line, accessible from our website www.pgae.com . This harnesses the modern Flipp technology whereby a click of the mouse turns each page and thereby provides the ‘feel’ of reading a traditional magazine while looking at a computer screen, but without the necessity of printing and expensive conventional distribution methods. The on-line approach has seen the monthly e-newsletter reach a threeyear milestone and during this period every activity of significance has been reported and some two-dozen member PGAs have been featured on the Progress Report page.
Also, all members and business associates have the opportunity to provide appropriate and relevant copy and images for an issue Working Together should they wish to employ this excellent shop window to spread a particular message to 36 international PGAs and some 15,000 individual golf pros.
traditional style of publication remains the most popular form of media.
The four or five page e-magazine is posted each month on the website of our Media Partners European Golf & Travel Media Association (EGTMA) whose membership comprises some one hundred writers from across Europe.
This process includes a regular page in The PGA Professional and ProShop Europe, a regular column in SGB trade magazine and the usual supply of Press Releases when appropriate, distributed to a significant database of contacts including members of the Association of Golf Writers.
Means of further improving our own website (without increasing the cost!) are constantly being explored but it is part of the administration’s philosophy to recognise that, to many interested parties, the more
It is perhaps unknown to large numbers of our readers across the membership that The PGAs of Europe has, for many years, made regular monthly contributions to a number of conventional publications.
Back in its earlier days the question ‘What does The PGAs of Europe actually DO?’ was sometimes asked by members of the golfing profession. Not any more…
10 l Golf Europe 2009
‘There’s no business like Munich Show business...’ The 17th annual staging of Golf Europe, the continent’s largest and longest-established trade-only golfing showcase, opens its doors for three days on September 27...and, as always, the industry worldwide will be out in force.
While the exhibiting brands have plenty of room to present themselves, the show rooms provide a more concentrated, exclusive atmosphere.” Dating back to 1992, Munich at Show Time has been the place to be for exhibitors, company buyers, PGA professionals, the relevant media and, indeed, anyone wishing to be aware of what’s to be on offer to the purchasing public the following year. By coinciding with the famous Oktoberfest, it creates an ambience of combining business with a holiday atmosphere.
GOLF EUROPE 2009 will be held from Sunday September 27th to Tuesday September 29th, thereby moving from its normal time slot at the beginning of October and returning to the M,O,C, where it was staged previously before moving to the New Trade Fair Centre. The date change is being made with particular regard to the trend towards earlier product launches to help clothing and apparel suppliers, and to attract new exhibitors from the textile sector. Another ‘plus’ is that the capacity of the M,O,C fits the space requirements of the golfing community perfectly. Manfred Wutzlhofer, Chairman of the General Management of Messe München GmbH explained: “Thanks to its versatile exhibition space the M,O,C offers many advantages.
As economists hint that the global recession is easing, European golf is simply circulating the message that when translated into any language means: ‘There’s no business like Munich Show business...’ In October 2008, when financial gloom was descending like a depressing cloud, Golf Europe adopted the well-worn commercial philosophy that when times are bad, work even harder in the market place. As a result, 285 exhibitors from 26 countries attracted nearly 5,000 trade visitors from 52 countries and many healthy order books were recorded including those of Srixon who reported that orders were ‘beyond expectations’. Now a renewed chapter of success is anticipated for the world’s leading trade-only golf exhibition outside of Orlando.
Thanks to very positive feedback to last year’s premiere, GOLF EUROPE once again honours the most innovative products for the forthcoming golf season with the Golf Europe Product Award. This year 60 exhibitors entered about 110 products in this new contest. The high-calibre judging panel, consisting of independent industry and retail experts as well as leading representatives of the press, rated the entries according to functional aspects, design, degree of innovation, and user friendliness. Golf Europe Product Award 2008 Winners Clubs Stealex / Yes! Golf Stealex SWS (shaft weight system) Caddy Haas Handelsagentur / Bag Boy Mini GT Footwear Hi Tec Sports Pure Power WP 1 Pratice Equipment Tee Set BV/ T4 Sport TPerformer Apparel (Function) Chervò Spo®ts Egadi W26P6 Accessories Golf Promotion & Sports / Sun Mountain Club Glider
Golf Europe 2009 l 11
Golf’s Munich SeptemberFest ..! All-star Line-up of Seminar Speakers A parade of specialists on relevant subjects for PGAs professionals has been assembled in the ‘Learn to Earn’ - education seminars to feature in The PGAs of Europe-endorsed Golf Europe 2009 trade exhibition in Munich on September 27/29. Among the all-star line up is a personality who proved the most popular speaker among the vast audience of pros in the association’s Teaching and Coaching Conference
New Equipment Technology & How it Affects the Game FRANK THOMAS: Former Technical Director of the USGA Frank has spent much of his life as one of the guardians of the game of golf. In his 26 years as Technical Director of the USGA he was responsible for testing every new club and ball and in the process developed the extensive procedures that measure and govern equipment today. He also directed the development of today’s Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN), and introduced the Stimpmeter to quantify the speed of the greens. Since leaving the USGA in 2000, he has devoted his efforts and passion to educating consumers about golf technology and empowering them to make better decisions about equipment. Working with the Golf Travel Industry GILES GREENWOOD: Director of International Association of Golf Travel Operators IAGTO is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry.
staged in the same German city in 2003, namely Frank Thomas, World No.1 equipment expert. Another seminar speaker who was a popular figure from the TCC in Munich in 2005, the then MC, Mike McFaddon, will also be ‘on stage’ again, this time delivering presentations on Pricing Strategy, in the Pro Shop. The policy of the Seminar Programme is to offer professionals a wide agenda of informative subjects ranging from equipment technology, (including question-and-answer sessions) and working with the travel industry to pricing strategies and the designing of both pro shops and golf courses.
Established in 1997, IAGTO’s membership comprises 1200 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 77 countries including, at its core, 310 specialist golf tour operators in 49 countries. His presentation brings clear guidance on working with the golf travel industry. Shop design Make the most of your golf shop: PAUL SANDERS: Designer of golf shops globally for more than 20 years. Paul has worked alongside some of London’s flagship retailers including Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. A broad experience of retail design including sport, lifestyle and fast-moving consumer goods has given him a powerful insight into what makes customers tick. His experience covers the whole spectrum of golf retail from municipal operators to The Belfry and Valderrama.
In a new and novel presentation by David Krause, President of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, those who attend will be supplied with an A3 sheet of paper and will be invited to design a three-hole loop, comprising a par 3, par 4 and par 5 hole. Pro Shop design expert Paul Sanders talks on the subject of making the most of a golf shop aided by strategic design while IAGTO director Giles Greenwood offers listeners the chance to ‘Get the inside track on how to make the most for your business when working with the golf travel industry.’ The Seminar Programme will include:
Design a Three-hole Loop DAVID KRAUSE: President European Institute of Golf Course Architects. David Krause moved to Europe from Canada in 1986. After five years as on site representative of Robert Trent Jones Sr. at the Valderrama Golf Club he lived for four years in France, and developed the Seve Ballesteros signature course at Pont Royal en Provence before starting his own design practice in Germany in 1993. He has since established a reputation in creating exciting, interesting courses including Golf Resort Hardenberg, Golf Valley München, GC Gut Apeldör, GC Falkenstein, GC Hittfeld, & Golf Gleidingen. Pricing Strategy Match your price to your value MIKE MCFADDON: Some successful stores pile it high and sell it cheap, while others offer a superb service and charge a little more. This session helps you to define a strategy that ensures that consumers gain value for money and that you make a fair profit
12 l Awards
ProSport Media 5-Star Professional Awards l A Quartet United by their Super Service The traditional mix of career paths and varying public profiles was evident in the 2008 selections for ProSport Media 5-Star Professional Awards as four winners of outstanding calibre were called to the stage’ during the presentation ceremony at the Gala Dinner in Murcia, Spain. and was voted Youth Coach of the Year in 2004 and Teacher of the Year in 2006 and 2007 “These latter awards no doubt had something to do with the fact that his star pupils include his country’s current No.1. Martin Kaymer
From the well-known worldwide, in Bob Torrance, to the Finnish national coach Timo Rauhala, whose work has been largely unheralded internationally, the recipients earned their honour by precisely the same principle... an outstanding contribution to their calling. Ill health prevented BOB TORRANCE from attending the Aquario Restaurant so his award was accepted by The PGAs of Europe’s retiring president, and fellow-Scot, Ken Schofield, after chief executive, Ian Randell, had announced the awards and delivered a tribute to his lifetime of achievement. While there have been many years when Sam Torrance’s father could have been nominated the timing proved to be ideal coming, as it did, after one of his many students had won three Major Championships in two seasons. This Scottish master coach, who has spent half a lifetime teaching on the range, was likened to John Jacobs for the wisdom and simplicity of his teaching. “As one of the world’s greatest coaches, who is in his 50th year as a PGA professional, one of his charges, namely Padraig Harrington won The Open in 2007 & 08 and the USPGA title (2008), ” said Randell. The other three recipients, with extracts from their citation, were:
Jean-Etienne Lafitte (France) “One of the most influential figures in both the development of professional golf in France over the past couple of decades, and of the PGAs of Europe since 1989. He realised when he was little more than a boy... that this wonderful sport could spread in his country and beyond only by means of education.
Under our 5-Star Professional’s guidance Kaymer has rapidly joined the ranks of the European Tour Order of Merit top 15 and to the verge of the European Ryder Cup team …while another of his charges, Bettina Hauert, became a member of the last European Solheim Cup team having won twice in 2007 on the Ladies European Tour.”
“...the subject became a passion with him to the extent that he became the chairman of the PGAs of Europe’s Education Committee before handing over the reigns to an equally passionate educationalist, Leif Ohlsson. “During the same period he became one of those missionaries who, under the Golf Development Programme funded by The R&A and implemented by the PGAs of Europe, has been a consultant/ tutor taking golf to far away places including South America and Africa.
Timo Rauhala (Finland) “An outstanding coach of players of both genders and at all levels... the guiding force behind two of Finland’s leading players, Mikko Ilonen and Minea Blomqvist. “He has coached Ilonen since the start of his career, to become the first Finn to make a lasting impact at international level starting with success in The Amateur Championship and then on to earning his European Tour Card before posting two victories against his name.”
Günter Kessler (Germany) “Among the ranks of The PGA of Germany he has reached the highest qualification level of G1...
Awards l 13
Golf Europe Legend Award l John Jacobs, ‘Everybody’s No.1 Coach...’ John Jacobs is truly a Legend in his own Lifetime…and this fact was recognised at a special dinner during the Golf Europe Trade Exhibition in Munich when a new honour was added to the lengthy list that he already holds. The handsome bronze statuette is awarded jointly by The PGAs of Europe and the European Golf Industry Association, and was presented by Ken Schofield, the PGAs of Europe President, and the man who succeeded JJ as executive director of the PGA European Tour. Manfred Wutzlhofer, CEO of Messe Munchen, John Jacobs & Ken Schofield.
As the picture shows the iconic 83year old, who is widely recognised by every post-World War 2 generation as either the father, or the grandfather, of all teaching professionals was presented with Golf Europe Legend Award 2008.
He joins Peter Alliss, Sir Michael Bonallack, Fanny Sunesson, Ken Schofield and Jan Brügelmann among the luminaries who have received the trophy by their meeting a whole list of essential criteria. These include a lifetime of service in constantly aiding the industry by attracting a flow of newcomers to purchase equipment and services, by their exemplary conduct and outstanding
achievements in the sport and in creating only favourable publicity. Last year’s recipient ticked all of those boxes and many more having been a Ryder Cup player, Ryder Cup Captain, pioneer of the European Tour and innovator of modern coaching. And along with all these qualities the great man retains an impish sense of humour... as illustrated when strolling past an artificial model golfer on one of the stands. In conversation with Ken Schofield he paused just long enough to correct the clothing model’s club position at the top of the back swing. John Jacobs: A compulsive coach to the very last...
Christer Lindberg Bowl l Queen Annika’s Lindberg Bowl Award Shown on Screen The presentation of the Christer Lindberg Bowl, a prestigious annual award to special individuals for their exceptional service to golf, was carried out differently this year to ensure that the busy and worthy winner received it in person. Normally the award, in memory of the association’s first President and Chairman, Christer Lindberg, is made at the annual award’s night but the 2008 ceremony was moved forward to August and a function arranged by the PGA of Sweden.
ANNIKA SORENSTAM, Europe’s greatest-ever lady player and for a lengthy period also the world No.1, was presented with the cut-glass trophy as a ‘surprise, surprise’ item during a celebration party in her native Sweden to mark her retirement from tournament competition.
There the presentation was carried out by PGAs of Europe director Mikael Sorling and chief executive Ian Randell whose tribute to ‘Queen Annika’ included the words: “Very few sporting icons reach the status by which they are known by their Christian name alone but this is indeed the case with Annika: 8 Solheim Cup appearances, 10 major championships,
88 career wins, 72 on the LPGA Tour, 8 Rolex Player of the Year Awards, a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame, her dominance of the ladies game is unparalleled and if there has been any honour to be won over the course of her career, you name it, she’s won it. “Having worked for Christer at the PGA of Sweden’s office for eighteen months before beginning her journey to the top of the professional game it is so fitting that Annika who has done so much to elevate Swedish golf, European golf and, of course, women’s golf, should be the recipient of this award in 2008.” In order that the Awards Night audience did not miss out on the Lindberg Bowl presentation, video coverage of it was shown on a giant screen.
14 l Tournaments
International Team Championship l Ireland Regain Title
The Beko Classic Pro-Am England’s JAMIE LITTLE claimed the clearest victory yet in the international Pro-Am that has been endorsed by The PGAs of Europe for nine years and that has grown from strength to strength throughout this period. To do so he had to overcome what had threatened to be a determined challenge by one of the past winners, Liam Bond, in the third and final round on the Nick Faldo signature Cornelia course after close fought duels on the opening two days. When the crunch came Little strolled home by an untroubled eight strokes as the final day proved to be one of contrasts for the pair who had battled out from the start on the leading two positions.
Ireland proved themselves almost untouchable in the kind of tough conditions more suited to their own shores than so called ‘sunny Spain’, as they regained the 72-hole International Team Championship by leading virtually throughout. The other 23 countries were forced to fight it out for the lesser placings as, in the opening three days, raw blasts of wind swept across the Dave Thomas designed Roda course and intermittent rain completed an unpleasant scenario. Yet despite this the Irish trio of Robert Giles, Eamon Brady and John Kelly proved themselves to be so comfortable that even the most heroic of challenges was not enough. They were four ahead of Scotland and England on Day 1 in the Calidona and Glenmuir-supported championship and though this dwindled to three ahead of battling Scotland at the half-way stage it was increased to an untouchable ten going into the last round. None of the UK teams, nor others in Northern and Central Europe, are unused to playing golf with
wind in their faces and rain running down their neck but Ireland were in no mood to allow them any greater ambition than runners-up spot even though the weather became more Spanish on Day 4. Germany produced one of their best finishes in the championship thanks largely to Lee Spencer who, helped by a 71 from Jason Evans on the final day, steered them to an admirable fourth place on two under par. There were plenty of sterling performances recorded throughout the competition, including Wales’s spirit in keeping well up the leaderboard despite losing the unwell Richard Dinsdale for two days. They finished alongside Italy in joint-fifth position at two over par. Individually Germany’s Lee Spencer shone most brightly over the final two rounds with 67-67 while Gilles Monville (Belgium) enjoyed the most improving four scores of 80-81-77-66 including a hole in one at the second hole on Day 3. Another hole in one was recorded at the 16th in the first round by South Africa’s Michael Michell.
As Little upped the tempo with six birdies for an opening nine of 30 Welshman Bond went the other way and left the first prize in his opponent’s grasp. Little did falter slightly on the home straight to finish on four-under 68 with a fine winning score of 204, twelve under par. Bond, meanwhile, saw his chances disappear in the Turkish sunshine when a double-bogey seven on the second hole left him with far too much to do. His 75 earned him runners-up place, two ahead of a trio on two under in Marco Ruiz (Paraguay), Robert Coles (England) and Erol Simsek, the Turkish-born past winner who has lived most of his life in Germany.
Tournaments l 15
Avea Kempinski ‘The Dome’ Pro-Am l Aussie Evans Leads all the way as New Event Grows In only its second year in existence, this newest of The PGAs of Europe-endorsed international Pro-Ams, and a close neighbour of the Beko event, proved to be another impressive vehicle for promoting the sport in southern Turkey. The 2009 tournament was won by the truly international golfer Jon Evans (-6) leading pretty much from first tee to final green of the 54-holes. And, while this was understandably a huge boost for him personally, the bigger picture was that the ‘Kempinski’ has all the signs of being built to last. While being thoroughly enjoyed by all no one emerged with a wider smile than the engaging Aussie who took the major spoils. Having played on the Australasian Tour for some ten years before his move into Europe, and having also played on the European Tour and Challenge Tour for a while he had the pedigree to sustain par or better throughout.
There was quality and experience among the challengers, too, with Duncan Muscroft (-1) finishing in runners-up spot - despite a fragile relationship with his putter - and several mean performers such as Emanuele Bolognese, Henrik Engdahl, Mark Stevenson and Zeke Martinez, not far behind. The event, staged on The Sultan and The Pasha courses, is particularly popular among German-based PGA pros and for this the organiser, John Dent the Antalya Director of Golf thanked one of them, Chris Guy, who helps him to spread the word among possible contestants.
Aegean Airlines Pro-Am l Norwegian Nilbrink’s 63 Sets New Standard An international pro-am that has grown in stature year by year raised the bar to a new level in early June as Scandinavia continued to take the event to its heart. After victories by Henrik Engdahl (2007) and Fredrik Mansson (2008), centre stage was once again taken by a Scandinavian, Norwegian Paul Nilbrink demolished the rest of the field with a score of fifteen under par for 36 holes, including a dazzling 63 in the second round. Staged at Porto Carras, Greece’s No.1. golf resort located on the mainland’s Halkidiki Peninsula, after three years on
the island of Crete, the tournament was once again a terrific success offering, as it does, an opportunity for springtime competition in picturesque surrounds. And while the pre-event publicity surrounded the inclusion of the Nobel Prize-winning former South African President, Frederik Willem De Clerk in one of the Aegean Airlines teams, it was the Norse man Nilbrink who subsequently stole the show.
nine strokes ahead of the runner-up, Engdahl, who returned two 69s . PGA of Greece official George Diakou kept the local flag flying for the host PGA by adding a two-under 70 to his opening 69 for a satisfying third place on home soil, while Mansson was sixth on three under.
Teeing off his second round of the 36-hole event with a three-stroke lead from a first-round 66 he outstripped all opposition with the equivalent of a birdie-par-birdie-par sequence throughout the 18 holes to finish
PGAs Champions Trophy of Europe l Oskar’s Route to the European Tour An enthralling third and final round shoot-out with the home favourite, EMANUELE CANONICA, ended with Sweden’s OSKAR HENNINGSSON being crowned as ‘champion-ofchampions’ among European PGAs, at Lignano, Italy in September.
Henningsson outgunned his European Tour rival by a one-shot margin to win the €72,000 event, sponsored by Turismo Friuli Venezia Giulia for national PGA champions and Order of Merit winners from PGAs of Europe full member countries.
Presented by the PGA of Italy, supported by Turismo Friuli Venezia Giulia and recognised by The PGAs of Europe, the tournament proved to be a lift-off for Henningsson to go on to win the PGA European Tour Qualifying School.
16 l 18th Annual Congress
The Value of Golf to Europe? ‘Nearly €50 Billion” reports KPMG Whilst the 18th Annual Congress, staged for the third year in the developing golfing region of Murcia, Spain, covered its usual wide range of relevant topics, the issue that dominated the thought processes of most delegates was that of the world economy.
Staged in November 2008 when the likely impact on the golf industry of the threatened banking meltdown and what became known, as ‘the credit crunch’ was very uncertain, the specialist input by KPMG was both timely and reassuring.
18th Annual Congress l 17
world. The European segment of this comprises 6,000 golf courses accommodating 5.6 million golfers. The total revenue from this was 48.3 billion euros in 2006, equal to the turn-over of major companies such as Phillips and Dell. Collectively European golf provides 400,000 jobs, equal to the worldwide workforce of IBM. The widest possible perspective of what was to prove an escalating source of concern among the global business community was provided by Judit Drimmer, representing the internationally-renowned accountancy company, in a presentation entitled ‘The Value of Golf to Europe’.
Inevitably the credit crunch will have a relatively short-term affect as access to finance for new projects becomes more difficult and the cost of achieving it goes up and golf tourists temporarily have lower budgets… but recovery is expected to be as encouraging as it always has been, historically, after previous recessions.
Armed with in-depth details from a recent economic impact study of golf carried out by KPMG, Ms Drimmer joined with Lodewijk Klootwijk, chief executive of the European Golf Course Owners Association (EGCOA), in giving the keynote address. Her statistics traced the widespread growth of the sport, with its effect in national economies, up to the likely effects of the current credit crunch and with an optimistic forecast of how recovery will be made afterwards. Following any ‘Big Downturn’ there is a ‘Big Upturn’ was her message as she pointed out that the 40% economic decline during the Great Recession of the 1930s, was followed by a 147% upturn. This positive look into the future was preceded by facts and figures that emphasised the essential nature of golf to economies around the
Other speakers and presentations, included: Francisco Jose del Campo (University of Miguel Hernandez) Perception of Economic Impact of Golf in a Tourist Destination “Since 1985 growth (in Murcia) has been dramatic with 15 courses now in use and 38 more projects planned. There are 1.8 million people living in the Alicante region, incorporating Murcia. Of an estimated 136,100 players per year, 17% are locals with 73% being visitors.” Dr Martin Toms (University of Birmingham, UK) The Social Benefits of Sport: A Development Perspective. Dr Toms emphasised how golf plays a positive part in shaping the character of individuals in a positive manner to the benefit of society at large and added: “The feeling of being involved in golf is very powerful and very important.”
In response to Dr Toms’ informative outlining of the influence that golf can play in helping individuals with their etiquette outside of the sport, a member of the audience observed:” Golf is not a hobby, it’s a life…” Gill Wilson (First Golf ) Social and Corporate Responsibility Through Golf ‘As a grandmother’, she spoke of First Golf as ‘a concept and initiative for affordable, accessible and sustainable golf to make the game more exciting… with children, girls, women and families particularly in mind and for developing life skills.” She listed Opportunity, Inclusiveness, Integration and Shared Family Values as necessary ingredients. Fredrik Lindgren of the European Tour (The Professional Game Giving Back) emphasised the amount of support that the European Tour, collectively, and individually, gives to charities. Maria Strandberg of the Swedish Golf Federation gave an insight to what we know about golf and the environment while Keith Duff of The R&A explained how various schemes were in operation to promote sustainable golf and, finally Jonathan Smith (Golf Environment Organisation) outlined how golf is perceived ‘and the next steps to achieve recognition’.
18 l Directory
Corporate Partners
GOLF EUROPE MUNCHEN Europe’s no.1 Golf Trade Exhibition, currently enjoying its 17th year in Partnership with The PGAs of Europe. Golf Europe is the ideal forum for the golf trade and for golf pros throughout Europe to view the trends and products for the forthcoming season. Golf Europe covers the total range of golf products – accessories, apparel, equipment and services. Close to 300 exhibitors from throughout Europe – including many major brands – can be seen there. t: +49 89 949 20172 e: info@golf-europe.com w: www.golf-europe.com UK t: +44 (0) 208 940 4625 e: roger@pattern.co.uk w: www.golf-europe.com CALIDONA Escape to the place you’ve always dreamed of... your own fabulous home in the sun, surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes – a golf course just a pitching wedge away, and all the comforts you could want at hand. With CALIDONA this dream is a lot closer than you think. Using our knowledge of the region and our experience in new trends on the housing market, we have developed two stunning residential complexes (Roda Golf & Beach Resort and Corvera Golf & Country Club) where you can find the home you’ve always wanted. You can choose a townhouse, apartment or villa all designed around a lush, rolling golf course (exclusively created by Europe’s top course designers). It’s the kind of lifestyle that’s easy to adapt to. Your new home from home is situated in one of Southern Spain’s most vibrant areas, with a broad range of services and activities on your doorstep, to ensure you the comfort and quality of life you deserve. t: +34 902 222454 e: info@calidona.com w: www.calidona.com GOLFSMITH EUROPE The leading wholesale supplier of golf components and workshop equipment, used for repairs and custom club making by PGA professionals all over Europe. The widest range of shafts, grips and club heads to be found anywhere, is always in stock, to provide the greatest range of options available on the market. The Golfsmith Europe brochure is readily obtainable and prompt service is guaranteed. Golfsmith Europe are NO.1 in the world for custom options being part of Golfsmith International whose R&D team drive forward their technology and custom development. Facilities in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire are fully equipped for custom fitting and has a host of custom fitting accessories to ensure the best customisation. Golfsmith are also Europe’s leaders in providing club making classes and seminars both at their UK headquarters and in travelling abroad to conferences and seminars to provide specialist training. t: +44 (0) 1480 308800 e: sales@golfsmitheurope.co.uk w: www.golfsmith-europe.co.uk CHERVO SPORTS Dynamic fashion clothes for on and off the course, full of Italian flair and style and featuring the most up-to- date and attractive of materials. The ever-expanding Italian company described itself as ‘an emotional brand’ with passion for its choice of products ‘that means class, glam, richness with an iconic and sexy touch.’ Chervo are taking golf fashion into the broader market place while ensuring that any strict dress codes of the sport can be met. Even the younger set, previously afraid that wearing golfing attire might wreck their ‘street’ image will find plenty to satisfy their taste in the range. Along with such descriptions as ‘exclusiveness’, ‘chic’, ‘unique’ and ‘innovation’, Chervo bring the parlance of the world’s catwalks to the golfing circuit. They thereby offer the opportunity to dress the same for strolling down the fairways as for promenading at one of the ‘in’ places of the smart set. t: +39 045 620 3411 e: chervo@chervo.it w: www.chervo.it SRIXON Srixon is a worldwide brand of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd ( SRI ), a Japanese golf equipment company with a 70 year old winning tradition in golf ball manufacturing. Since it’s purchase of Cleveland Golf Company at the beginning of 2008, Srixon golf balls are now used by many of the world’s leading players including Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Jim Furyk, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Tim Clark, Robert Allenby, Boo Weekley, David Howell and Gonzalo Fernandez Castano. Srixon’s International Tour staff have between them amassed more than 100 Victories over the past 3 years. Srixon has in recent years been consistently the number one two piece ball in the UK Market, with the AD333 being the best selling 2 piece ball individually. The word SRIXON comes from three sources - SRI Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd, X unlimited, Dreams for the future & ON - Going Forwards t: +44 (0) 1420 541709 e: sales@srixon.co.uk w: www.srixon.co.uk GOLF BUDDY The GolfBuddy features 20,000 course storage capability, dynamic green technology, target customization technology, and a digital scorecard. The GolfBuddy is a full feature rangefinder, making it the most powerful GPS device on the market today. With its unique automatic course and hole recognition feature, the GolfBuddy will automatically know which course you are playing and which hole you are on. There is no need for aiming or manual operation to obtain distance information to the green when using the GolfBuddy. The GolfBuddy is a true GPS unit... Just turn it on and play! t: +353 87 7749 029 e: contact@gpsgolfbuddy.eu w: www.gpsgolfbuddy.eu
Directory l 19
PING A classic American success story, PING’s humble beginnings can be traced to the family garage. Late nights, persistence and curiosity formed the foundation of the world-renowned golf equipment company that celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2009. And like most pioneers, Karsten Solheim (Karsten to his employees) endured his fair share of scepticism along the way. But sceptics didn’t discourage him, they inspired him. That inspiration prevails today at the Phoenix, Arizona-based company where more than 1000 workers leave their marks on PING products every day. Under the leadership of Chairman & CEO John A. Solheim, the youngest son of Karsten and Louise, the company remains family-owned in its quest to develop the most innovative and highest quality golf equipment in the world. t: +44 (0) 1427 615405 e: info@pingeurope.co.uk w: www.ping.com
SNAKE EYES The Snake Eyes Custom collection includes the ideal club solution for every category of golfer of either gender. Quality options range from Finest Forged irons and metals with cutting edge technology to putters of ‘remarkable stability and feel’. Be it the elite player on a professional tour, the high-handicap beginner, or standard of player in between, there is an ideal club, or set of clubs to be found in the Snake Eyes Custom range. Their link to Golfsmith Europe, and the subsequent immediate availability of the very best of Custom Fitting and Shaft PUREing services, allied to the most experienced technicians, means that Snake Eyes Custom have a unique capacity to supply hand built clubs assembled at their head office in Cambridgeshire that meet the highest demands of modern technology and futuristic design. t: +44 (0) 1480 308800 e: sales@golfsmitheurope.co.uk w: www.snakeeyescustom.com ALDILA Founded in 1972 as a manufacturer of carbon fibre golf shafts, Aldila is now widely recognised as the worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of high performance graphite shafts. They are used in the assembly and marketing of golf clubs by leading brands throughout the world, by component distributors and custom club makers, and are a No.1 shaft among consumers on the leading global tours. Winners of tournaments, amateurs and professionals of both genders have Aldila shafts in their bag. w: www.aldila.com GOLF PRIDE Eaton Corporation, manufacturers of Golf Pride® grips, the world’s No. 1 grip enjoy an all-encompassing lead in their specialist market. For more than five decades, they have been the leading supplier of golf grips to the manufacturing industry as well as being the number one choice for grip replacement. Year on year the company’s grips are consistently the Number 1 choice amongst Tour players, club pros and amateurs worldwide. They are valued and valuable Partners of The PGAs of Europe having taken out their fourth threeyear arrangement at the beginning of 2007 that will complete a 12 year association. t: +44 (0) 1778 341555 e: conordillon@eaton.com w: www.golfpride.com EUROPEAN GOLF European golf is the leading synthetic turf supplier in Europe. It has over 500 installations in Europe, in residential, commercial and club environments. European Golf have formed a strategic alliance with Greenfields, the synthetic turf manufacturer specialised and originated out of synthetic golf manufacturing. t: +44 (0) 1482 333120 e: info@europeangolf.co.uk w: www.europeangolf.co.uk
PRESTIGE COLLECTION A collection of the world’s most exclusive golf resort and spa destinations, which represent the ultimate in quality, comfort and ambience. It provides an invaluable source of information for the discerning golfer and offers a more informed choice when planning golf breaks or vacations. For those with a hectic lifestyle constantly committed to the conduct of business Prestige Collection offers exclusive benefits only available to a select few. t: +44 (0) 208 8385 3530 e: david@pgaeprestige.com w: www.pgaeprestige.com
Supplier BAXTER PRINTS The golf paintings of Graeme Baxter are considered unsurpassed in depth, quality and detail. Graeme continues to be the Official Artist to more golf events than any other artist. Tournaments such as The Open Championship, The Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Kraft Nabisco Championship as well as the PGA and European Tour. His originals, Giclees and lithographs are displayed in famous clubhouses around the world including St. Andrews Old Course, Augusta, Turnberry, Pebble Beach, Dubai Creek, Mission Hills, Pine Valley China and Carnoustie to name a few. Thank you for your interest in our golf art which helps support our charitable efforts. t: +44 (0) 1360 850190 e: sales@baxterprints.com w: www.baxterprints.com
20 l Directory
Education Partners BREAK 30 Break 30 comprises a certified putting instruction course that enables the PGA Professional to provide structured learning programmes for their clients using the world’s leading analysis, neuroscience and training technologies. The Break 30 philosophy is that with the help of this unique programme students can achieve the aim of taking fewer than 30 putts in an 18-hole round. Break 30 combines Science & Motion Putt Lab ultrasonic analysis technology with Eclipse Eye Tracking and Zen Oracle direct feedback training to create the ultimate custom fit and putting performance toolbox. t: +44 (0) 1142 449248 e: nick.middleton@break30.com w: www.break30.com
SWING ZONE Swing Zone is the first business to provide an integrated and completely web-based coaching system that enables golf pros around the world to coach any golfer, anywhere. This online facility, with flexible deployment options, is developing and extending the use of multi-media devices such as PCs, mobile phones and MP4 players in golf coaching. The Swing Zone’s functionality will enable the delivery of a completely personalised lesson to local or remote golf pupils, supported by hints and tips from either the pro’s own stock of videos or from the Swing Zone library of video content and drills, available in several languages. t: +44 (0) 7515 424256 e: paulv@myswingzone.com w: www.myswingzone.com/pro
Event Sponsors
www.glenmuir.com
www.beko.com
www.aegeanair.com www.aegeanproam.com
www.avea.com.tr
International Team Championship Supported by Glenmuir Glenmuir ‘AT THE HEART OF THE GAME OF GOLF’. Since 1891 Glenmuir has established from its Lanark home in the Clyde Valley, a position as one of the most prestigious and successful golf and leisurewear brands. Synonymous with quality... from Europe’s Ryder Cup elite to club members around the world, Glenmuir clothes golfers at all levels. The company’s passion for quality is as strong today as it was more than a century ago. Their readiness to ‘put something back into golf’ by means of sponsorship at many levels keeps them closely in touch with golfers and golfing authorities, with their support of the International Team Championship just one example.
BEKO Classic International Pro-Am Beko’s mission is to satisfy the full spectrum of consumer needs and expectations in the electrical appliance market. This passion for excellence won them the 1997 Turkish Quality Award, the 1998 &1999 Turkish Technology Award and helped it become a 1998 European Quality Awards Finalists. To build on its already impressive levels of quality and technology, Beko puts top priority on large-scale, on-going investments in plants, manufacturing equipment, Research & Development and, most important of all, experienced, professional staff. The Beko Classic International Pro-Am completed a 10-year run at Kemer G&CC, Istanbul, Turkey and moved to Antalya for 2007 with invitations having been sent to some world-renowned players.
AEGEAN AIRLINES International Pro-Am A name synonymous with beautiful journeys, since high quality services are offered to all passengers making every flight a unique travel experience. The safety, comfort, convenience and high quality of the services provided are the most important concern for Aegean Airlines. The high standards applied every day in all aspects of company’s operations constitute their acknowledged Quality and Reliability. The establishment of new technological standards, the ongoing enhancement of services offered and the ceaseless development of both flight coverage and human resources will always ensure Aegean Airlines role as an Innovator. Their International Pro-Am completed three successful years on the island of Crete before moving to the luxury resort of Porto Carras on the Halkidiki peninsula, on the Greek mainland, in 2009. The 5th Aegean Pro-Am in 2010 will be staged at Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese.. Avia Kempinski International Pro-am Avea is Turkey’s fastest growing mobile communications company, with a customer base of some eleven million, a figure that represents 17% of the total market and offers innovative services tailored for the usage of both individual and corporate customers. Kempinski ‘The Dome’ is a luxurious hotel located adjacent to the beach and with a mountainous backdrop at Antalya-Belek, with two fine golf courses, The Sultan and The Pasha, an ideal golfing destination where the Beko Classic has also been staged.
Member Directory l 21
Full Members
PGA: Austria Office Contact: Monika Gross Address: Hilmgasse 12/1 A - 8010 Graz, Austria
t: +43 316 890 503 f: +43 316 890 50315 e: office@apga.info w: www.apga.info
Formed: 1980 Total Membership: 352 No. of Players: 104,072 No. of Facilities: 164
PGA: Belgium Office Contact: Bernard de Bruyckere Address: Jozef Mertenstraat 46 B - 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium
t: +32 2463 1963 f: n/a e: info@pga.be w: www.pga.be
Formed: 1988 Total Membership: 161 No. of Players: 48,351 No. of Facilities: 78
PGA: Bulgaria Office Contact: David Eddiford Address: Oboriste Street 19 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
t: +359 2 943 0610 f: +359 2 943 0610 e: info@pga-bulgaria.com w: www.pga-bulgaria.com
Formed: 2005 Total Membership: 9 No. of Players: 200 No. of Facilities: 6
PGA: Croatia Office Contact: Nikola Smoljenovic Address: Fancevljec Prilaz, 16 10020 Zagreb, Croatia
t: +385 1 667 3308 f: +385 1 660 6798 e: pga@pga.hr w: www.pga.hr
Formed: 1996 Total Membership: 14 No. of Players: 1200 No. of Facilities: 3
PGA: Czech Republic Office Contact: Petr Nitra Address: Villa Golfista, Americka 782/1C, 353 01 Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic
t: +420 354 623071 f: +420 354 621357 e: pga@pga.cz w: www.pgac.cz
Formed: 1990 Total Membership: 176 No. of Players: 44,012 No. of Facilities: 80
PGA: Denmark Office Contact: Joan Ejlertsen Address: Kong Christians Allé 37 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
t: +45 20 730041 f: +45 98 662236 e: info@pga.dk w: www.pga.dk
Formed: 1972 Total Membership: 324 No. of Players: 140,507 No. of Facilities: 160
PGA: Finland Office Contact: Teemu Laakso Address: Radiokatu 20 00093 SLU, Finland
t: +358 9 3481 2377 f: +358 9 3481 2378 e: pgafinland@pga.fi w: www.pga.fi
Formed: 1985 Total Membership: 210 No. of Players: 132,000 No. of Facilities: 131
PGA: France Office Contact: Yves Bechu Address: National Golf Club 2, Avenue du Golf, 78 280 Guyancourt, France
t: +33 1 3452 0846 f: +33 1 3452 0548 e: y.bechu@pgafrance.org w: www.pgafrance.org
Formed: 1926 Total Membership: 1,303 No. of Players: 387,067 No. of Facilities: 700
PGA: England Office Contact: David Wright Address: Centenary House, The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B76 9PT, UK
t: +44 (0) 1675 470333 f: +44 (0) 1675 477888 e: david.wright@pga.org.uk w: www.pga.info
Formed: 1901 Total Membership: 5,933 No. of Players: 861,000 No. of Facilities: 1,940
PGA: Ireland Office Contact: Michael McCumiskey Address: Dundalk Golf Club Blackrock, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland
t: +353 429 321193 f: +353 429 321899 e: irish.region@pga.org.uk w: www.pga.info
Formed: 1901 Total Membership: 570 No. of Players: 280,000 No. of Facilities: 426
PGA: Scotland Office Contact: Gordon Dewar Address: King’s Lodge, Gleneagles Auchterarder, Perthshire, PH3 1NE, Scotland
t: +44 (0) 1764 661840 f: +44 (0) 1764 661841 e: scottish.region@pga.org.uk w: www.pga.info
Formed: 1901 Total Membership: 671 No. of Players: 257,132 No. of Facilities: 579
PGA: Wales Office Contact: Gareth Lewis Address: GUW Offices, Catsash Road, Newport, NP18 1JQ, Wales
t: +44 (0) 1633 436048 f: +44 (0) 1633 430843 e: gareth.lewis@pga.org.uk w: www.pga.info
Formed: 1992 Total Membership: 217 No. of Players: 64,012 No. of Facilities: 158
22 l Member Directory
PGA: Germany Office Contact: Felix Lechner Address: Arnulfstr. 295 D - 80639 Munchen, Germany
t: +49 8917 95880 f: +49 8917 958829 e: info@pga.de w: www.pga.de
Formed: 1927 Total Membership: 1,639 No. of Players: 552,388 No. of Facilities: 754
PGA: Greece Office Contact: Vassilis Anastassiou Address: 9 Harilaou Trikoupi str. GR - 166 75 Glyfada, Athens, Greece
t: +30 22410 52798 f: +30 22410 52798 e: info@greekpga.com w: www.greekpga.com
Formed: 1989 Total Membership: 87 No. of Players: 1,339 No. of Facilities: 6
PGA: Holland Office Contact: Frank Kirsten Address: Huis Ter Heideweg 56 3705 LZ Zeist, Holland
t: +31 30 228 7018 f: +31 30 225 0261 e: info@pgaholland.nl w: www.pgaholland.nl
Formed: 1924 Total Membership: 625 No. of Players: 300,000 No. of Facilities: 165
PGA: Hungary Office Contact: Aron Makszin Address: Diosd, Pacsirta u. 3, Hungary
t: +36 23 545440 f: +36 70 4545663 e: makszin@yahoo.com w: www.pgah.hu
Formed: 2002 Total Membership: 27 No. of Players: 2,140 No. of Facilities: 8
PGA: Iceland Office Contact: Agnar Mรกr Jonsson Address: Engjavegur 6 104 Reykjavik, Iceland
t: +354 514 4050 f: +354 514 4051 e: agnarj@simnet.ie w: n/a
Formed: 1988 Total Membership: 55 No. of Players: 30,000 No. of Facilities: 60
PGA: Italy Office Contact: Laura Rendina Address: Via Marangoni 3 20124 Milano, Italy
t: +39 02 670 5670 f: +39 02 669 3600 e: pgaitaly@tin.it w: www.pga.it
Formed: 1962 Total Membership: 526 No. of Players: 84,153 No. of Facilities: 252
PGA: Luxembourg Office Contact: John Pickford Address: Kikuoka Golf & Country Club, Scheierhaff, L - 5412 Canach, Luxembourg
t: +352 348 394 f: +352 348 394 e: jpickford@kikuoka.lu w: www.pga.lu
Formed: 1992 Total Membership: 7 No. of Players: 3,912 No. of Facilities: 6
PGA: Malta Office Contact: Kenneth Cachia Address: Royal Malta Golf Club Aldo Moro Street, Marsa LQA 06, Malta
t: +356 212 39302 f: +356 212 27020 e: info@pgamalta.com w: www.pgamalta.com
Formed: 1997 Total Membership: 2 No. of Players: 620 No. of Facilities: 1
PGA: Norway Office Contact: Peter Sรถder Address: Spikkestadveien 83, 3440 Royken, Norway
t: +47 993 44000 f: n/a e: peter.soder@pganorway.no w: www.pganorway.no
Formed: 2003 Total Membership: 148 No. of Players: 122,261 No. of Facilities: 170
PGA: Poland Office Contact: Marek Podstolski Address: ul. Kwiatowa PL - 81638 Gdynia, Poland
t: +48 58 624 7813 f: +48 58 624 4309 e: m.podstolski@ndh.net w: www.golf24.pl
Formed: 1995 Total Membership: 25 No. of Players: 15,000 No. of Facilities: 39
PGA: Portugal Office Contact: Goncalo Braga Address: Av. Das Tulipas, Nยบ6 - Edif. Miraflores, 17ยบ, Miraflores 1495-161 Alges, Portugal
t: +351 214 123780 f: +351 214 107972 e: pgaportugal@gmail.com w: www.pgaportugal.net
Formed: 1995 Total Membership: 120 No. of Players: 13,835 No. of Facilities: 88
PGA: Russia Office Contact: Nikolay Remizov Address: Khamovnichesky val. 12 119270 Moscow, Russia
t: +7 495 988 8132 f: +7 499 242 7467 e: pga@rusgolf.ru w: www.rusgolf.ru
Formed: 1997 Total Membership: 24 No. of Players: 15,000 No. of Facilities: 13
PGA: Slovakia Office Contact: Martin Bestvina Address: Orenburska Str. 66 82106 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
t: +421 52 4664332 f: +421 52 4661330 e: info@pga.sk w: www.pga.sk
Formed: 2000 Total Membership: 26 No. of Players: 5,000 No. of Facilities: 12
Member Directory l 23
PGA: Slovenia Office Contact: Bogdan Palovsnik Address: Dunajska, Cesta 22, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
t: +386 4 148 7280 f: n/a e: info@pgaslo.si w: www.pgaslo.si
Formed: 1992 Total Membership: 28 No. of Players: 7,309 No. of Facilities: 8
PGA: Spain Office Contact: Javier Roura Address: c/Capitan Haya 22 - 5 C 28020 Madrid, Spain
t: +34 91 555 1393 f: +34 91 597 0170 e: apge@wanadoo.es w: www.pgaspain.com
Formed: 1972 Total Membership: 1,077 No. of Players: 320,120 No. of Facilities: 375
PGA: Sweden Office Contact: Anna Svantesson Address: Malmovagen 647-36 S - 230 40 Bara, Sweden
t: +46 353 2030 f: +46 404 47656 e: pga@pgasweden.com w: www.pgasweden.com
Formed: 1932 Total Membership: 1,022 No. of Players: 521,980 No. of Facilities: 467
PGA: Switzerland Office Contact: Andre Glauser Address: Murtenstrasse 5A PO Box 107, Switzerland
t: +41 31 748 0312 f: +41 31 748 0313 e: info@swisspga.ch w: www.swisspga.ch
Formed: 1942 Total Membership: 330 No. of Players: 50,578 No. of Facilities: 93
PGA: Turkey Office Contact: Andrew McNabola Address: Doktorlar Sitesi, A7 Blok Daire 6, Nato Yolu, Bosna Bulvari, Cengelkoy, Istanbul, Turkey
t: +90 533 773 3019 f: n/a e: andrewmmcnabola@gmail.com w: n/a
Formed: 1997 Total Membership: 26 No. of Players: 5,050 No. of Facilities: 13
PGA: Brazil Office Contact: Claci Schneider Rua Francisco de Paula Brito, 317 - Planalto Paulista, Sau Paulo - SP, Cep: 04071 - 050, Brazil
t: +55 11 2276 0745 f: +55 11 2276 0789 e: pgabrasil@uol.com.br w: www.pgadobrasil.com/br
Formed: 1970 Total Membership: 234 No. of Players: 25,000 No. of Facilities: 107
PGA: Hong Kong Office Contact: Viola Wong Address: 70 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong
t: +852 2761 7455 f: +852 2671 1489 e: info@hkpga.com.hk w: www.hkpga.com.hk
Formed: 1970 Total Membership: 103 No. of Players: 16,000 No. of Facilities: 16
PGA: Israel Office Contact: Basil Katz Address: Simtat Hahoma 3/4 Raanana, Israel
t: +972 4 6636 1172 f: +972 4 6636 1173 e: basad@013.net w: http://pgaisrael.googlepages.com
Formed: 1985 Total Membership: 15 No. of Players: 1,300 No. of Facilities: 2
PGA: Jamaica Office Contact: Orville Marshall Address: 9 Park Avenue Kingston 5, Jamaica
t: +1 876 881 4444 f: n/a e: chairman@pgaj.com w: n/a
Formed: 1994 Total Membership: 38 No. of Players: 750 No. of Facilities: 11
PGA: South Africa Office Contact: Anne du Toit Address: PO Box 949 Bedfordview, 2008, South Africa
t: +27 11 485 1370 f: +27 11 640 1612 e: admin@pgasa.com w: www.pgasa.com
Formed: 1925 Total Membership: 652 No. of Players: 200,000 No. of Facilities: 500
PGA: UAE Office Contact: Julian Danby Address: Dubai Golf Office, PO Box 24040, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
t: +971 438 01919 f: +971 438 02011 e: jdanby@dubaigolf.com w: www.pga.uae.com
Formed: 1996 Total Membership: 86 No. of Players: 6,000 No. of Facilities: 18
International Members
The Professional Golfers’ Associations of Europe Limited Centenary House, The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B76 9PT, England t: +44 (0) 1675 477899 f: +44 (0) 1675 477890 e: info@pgae.com w: www.pgae.com
Our Mission
The PGAs of Europe’s core mission is to represent, promote and provide advice to develop professional golf and ensure that the administration of the professional game throughout the continent delivers excellence in the services provided to ensure highly qualified, highly skilled PGA Professionals who lead the advancement of the game around the world
Our Operating Principles
Working Together with our member PGAs to: 1. Membership • Provide advice, information and support to National PGAs in the areas of development, education, communications and political recognition • Provide services and benefits to PGA Professionals in the areas of education, employment and commercial opportunities
2. Education • Unify and improve standards of education and qualification to increase quality and provide the ability for PGA Professionals to work across the continent irrespective of their country of qualification
3. External Relations • Build mutually beneficial relationships with other pan-European organisations, international PGAs and the European Union
4. Communication • Promote the PGA brand and the work of member PGAs and their PGA Professionals • Operate as a respected voice for European Golf providing information and opportunities to both Professional and Amateur golfers across Europe
5. Commercial • Seek and maintain commercial partnerships that will benefit the development of the Association
6. Events • Provide relevant playing opportunities and other events for PGA Professionals
7. Golf Development • Provide funding, expertise, programs and guidance for the development of golf across the globe