The PGA Professional - July 2019

The

Professional T H E

O F F I C I A L

P G A

M E M B E R

A Z I N E

Volume 15 Issue 6 July 2019

BECOMING AN ELITE COACH

Learn from the Masters

MOVING GOLF FORWARD Working with the R&A

MARKETING YOUR COACHING BREAKS

GOING THE DISTANCE New GPS technology

Alastair Forsyth wins Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship

#1 AT THE

TITLEIST. THE #1 BALL AT GOLF’S ORIGINAL MAJOR SINCE RECORDS HAVE BEEN KEPT. PROVING IT.

148 TH OPEN LIMITED EDITION TITLEIST PRO V1 & PRO V1x AVAILABLE NOW

Source: Darrell Survey. Sports Marketing Survey Inc.

LIFESTYLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN ENGLAND

Fed up of reporting to others?

Own your own business instead!

• A highly profitable family orientated golf business • Close to major population centre • Floodlit golf driving range • 9 hole golf course • Footgolf • Practice facilities • Clubhouse with golf shop • Leasehold (medium term lease at c. £25,000 rent) • EBITDA c. £88,000 Further info available on signing an NDA Offers in the region of £375,000

Contact Ben Allen BSc (Hons) MRICS 07887 80 44 30 ben@hmhgolf.com

17 Clifford Street London W1S 3RQ Tel: +44 (0)20 7491 1555 www.hmhgolfandleisure.com

The

Professional

CONTENTS

JULY 2019

THE OFFICIAL PGA MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE Editor: Jane Carter PGA News and Features: steven.carpenter@pga.org.uk adrian.milledge@pga.org.uk

Equipment and Trade Editor: Nick Bayly nick@goodenough-bayly.co.uk Contributors: Angela Youngman, Antje Derks, Justyn Branton, Richard Doubleday, David Colclough, Golfbreaks.com

14

21 39

Photography: Getty Images, The R&A Editorial Assistant: Kelly Lewis Design: Barbara Stanley Advertising Sales: keith.foster@pgapublishing.co.uk ben.foster@pgapublishing.co.uk

PGA National Headquarters Centenary House The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B76 9PT Tel: 01675 470 333 Fax: 01675 477 888 The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited accepts no responsibility for the products or services offered by the advertisers in this publication nor does it necessarily agree with any views expressed, statements or claims made by the advertisers in this publication. ©The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photography and recording, without the written permission of the copyright holder, application for which should be addressed to the copyright holder (PGA). ® PGA is a registered trademark of The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332).

Registered company 02653887

FEATURE

36 TRADE Q&A Andrew Law, MD, adidas Golf, UK and Europe

21 ELITE COACHING Top-class learning from the masters

39 APPAREL Sunglasses – protection with style

INSIDE THE PGA 5 ROBERT MAXFIELD This month from The PGA’s Chief Executive

TRAVEL 44 DESTINATION GUIDE Spain’s La Manga Club

6 PGA NEWS A round-up of what’s happening across The PGA and its regions

45 OFFERS Popular venues in Murcia and Antalya

14 TOURNAMENTS The PGA Cup: Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship; Women’s PGA Championship INTERNATIONAL

The

T H E

O F F I C I A L

P G A

M E M B E R

A Z I N E

20 MEMBER Q&A: David Armitage, Director of Golf, La Gorce Country Club, Miami

Volume 15 Issue 6 July 2019

BECOMING AN ELITE COACH

TRADE 27 TRADE NEWS Product launches and retail news

Learn from the Masters

MOVING GOLF FORWARD Working with the R&A

MARKETING YOUR COACHING BREAKS

GOING THE DISTANCE

Alastair Forsyth wins Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship

New GPS technology

Front cover: Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship winner Alastair Forsyth, p15

The PGA Professional

31 EQUIPMENT Distance measuring devices

www.facebook.com /thepga

| #makinggolfhappen

46 DESTINATION GUIDE 5★ all-inclusive luxury at PGA National Turkey 47 TRAVEL BUSINESS How to market your next break 48 THEORY Listen to those working in the upper echelons of the game 52 BUSINESS Alex Saary on his approach to coaching as a business MARKETING

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 51 GOLF BUSINESS PGA Master Professional Mark Reeves 56 YOUR BRAND How to write a great brand statement GOLF CLUB MANAGEMENT 57 BE PREPARED What to do in the event of lightning MEMBERSHIP 60 YOUR BENEFITS A selection of special deals and offers secured for you by The PGA RECRUITMENT

COACHING

18 WORKING ABROAD Focus on The USA

Professional

46

31

Recruitment Advertising: recruitment@pga.org.uk

63 SITUATIONS VACANT New opportunities in the UK, Ireland and overseas FINAL THOUGHT 66 MARTIN SLUMBERS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, THE R&A Let’s make golf more accessible, appealing and inclusive

54 IN IT TO WIN IT Running successful competitions

www.linked.com/company/ professional-golfers-association

www.twitter.com /thepga

www.instagram.com /thepga

5

The perfect match

Helping the golf industry do business

Centenary House, The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B76 9PT www.pga.info PGA is a registered trademark of The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited.

#makinggolfhappen

F RO M T H E C H I E F E X E C U T I V E CO LU MN

Behind every great player...

As this month sees the final Major of the year played at Royal Portrush, Robert Maxfield reflects on the work of those Members ‘behind the scenes’, coaching the world’s top players, and how their success promotes the value of a PGA Professional

T

he Majors are golf ’s chance to shine on the world stage golfers as we would like to take regular lessons. Golf club members and create more media attention and TV viewings than are especially hard to attract, and I know that is a real frustration. at any other time outside of the Ryder Cup. It is also an It’s interesting to see how the traditional one to one lesson is slowly opportunity for PGA Professionals the world over to be in the being replaced with more group lessons and clinics where golfers spotlight, thanks to the great work of our many elite player coaches. have the chance to meet socially as well as improve their golf.

This influence was again brought home to me following the Members are becoming increasingly inventive around promoting US Open, when in his post event interview the first person Gary coaching as an experience and something to do regularly and not Woodland paid tribute to was coach Pete Cowen. That interview just when things are going badly. The more people enjoy a pastime was played across the world’s media. There is always a sense of pride the more they will do it – and playing better golf will increase when a tour pro who has just captured the attention of the world their enjoyment. pays tribute to the PGA Professional behind the scenes who has Developing the tuition skills of our Members – existing and helped them get there. future – remains at the very core of Behind every great player there is a our education programme. There are PGA Professional coaching him or her, more and more Members seeking to and our own Members are increasingly specialise as ‘coaches’ and as we review joining those ranks. A walk along any our education programme, the ability practice ground at a major Tour event to offer clear coaching pathways is a big will find at least a dozen Members part of the debate. A skilled workforce is working with some of the world’s something we remain committed top players. to and coaching will always be a core Our feature in this month’s skill that we need to continually develop magazine focuses on just some of those and promote to the wider industry Professionals – many now household and golfers. names among golfers – as we head to In the meantime, the work of those the final Major of the year, The Open Members at the highest levels of the at Royal Portrush. Talking to many game, goes a long way to promoting the Pete Cowen (left) and Mike Walker will be ‘on duty’ at this year’s Open of those Professionals, they share one important work of PGA coaches the common theme. They have each set out to be the best they can be. world over. If regular golf coaching is good enough for the sports’ Working with the world’s top players does not happen by accident Major Champions, then hopefully the millions of amateur golfers but through hard work and a willingness to listen and learn. around the world will start to understand the benefits.

Coaching is traditionally the core skill a PGA Professional is And speaking of elite players, many congratulations to Alastair renowned for. Golf is the envy of many other sports in the UK Forsyth, the winner of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional and Ireland for its network of Professionals for players at any level.

Championship and to all those who have made this year’s PGA Quite rightly, as that network and your skills allow us to grow the Cup team. We remain indebted to Titleist and FootJoy for their game. Any amateur golfer – beginner, improver, or elite – has at support over many years and providing a real showcase for those some point sought the advice and skills of a PGA Professional.

Members to play the game at the highest level. We look forward to As always, that carries a huge responsibility and I know from our defence of the PGA Cup in Texas later this year. talking to many of you that coaching remains not only a big part of your income but a key reason why employers – golf clubs driving ranges and now indoor facilities – are employing a PGA Professional.

Robert Maxfield Industry research and our own has shown that not as many Chief Executive

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

7

P G A N E W S

Are you a junior golf hero?

PGA MEMBERS are being encouraged to put their nominations forward for this year’s Golf Foundation Presidents’ Awards, which celebrate the work of excellent coaches who encourage more young people to ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in the sport.

The Golf Foundation is expecting to receive ‘outstanding nominations’ again this year for the national charity’s awards, which are presented during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on September 18.

The most prestigious honour is the ‘Sir Henry Cotton Award’ which is for outstanding service in the development of young golfers over a sustained period of time.

Last year Tom Bowen, of North Wales Golf Club, was presented with the Gallacher Award after overcoming a debilitating mental illness

2018 Golf Foundation awards winners

thanks to golf and, after passing his PGA Level 1 volunteer coach award, he is cur-

Zachery Marsh (Mark Janes Golf Academy)

Stephen Lewis, Chairman of the Golf

rently on the path to becoming a fully-fledged

came away with the Sinclair Award, which is

Foundation, commented: “We can only select

PGA Professional.

given to a PGA Professional who has made a

10 award winners of course but we do stress

significant impact in the development of grass

that their work also highlights the efforts of so

roots junior golf.

many of the friends of this charity who all do

Darren Game, PGA Professional at Bourne Golf Centre, Lincolnshire, was presented with the Burroughs Award for creating op-

PGA Professionals Dane Duffin and David

so much to support young people in the game.

portunities for those with special needs, while

McNicholas won the ‘Laddie’ Lucas Award

The closing date for nominations is July 5,

Tom Hide and Scott Rusbridge (Coastal Golf

after encouraging more than 50 females into

2019. Nomination forms can be completed

Academy) won the Bonallack Award.

the game at Elsham Golf Club.

by visiting: www.golf-foundation.org.

The PGA extends partnership with Golfplan THE PGA is proud to announce that its part-

misunderstanding that can cost the typical

fellow PGA Members. Our team would be

nership with Golfplan, the specialist golf insur-

golfer thousands of pounds. Through assisting

delighted to help Members out with a free

ers, will be extended until 2022.

the customer to understand the finer details

consultation and visit to their golf facility,

The two organisations have been working

of different policies, Golfplan ensure golfers

regarding their golf insurance needs.”

together in different capacities since 1996 and

are fully covered and correctly matched to the

offer an attractive commission incentive to

right product.

PGA Professionals.

8

Liam Greasley, PGA Executive Director – Commercial, added: “The PGA has enjoyed

Adam Marshall, Group Head of Specialist

a long relationship with Golfplan and we are

Golfplan, founded by Ron Channon in

Lines at A-Plan, commented: “Our approach

delighted to extend one of the Association’s

1984, are experts in golf-related insurance

has always been to provide quality products

most enduring partnerships for another three

products with the Witney-based company

with excellent service to PGA Members and

years.

covering more than £60 million worth of

golfers in general, and the extension of this

“This is a significant relationship for The

golfing equipment on behalf of thousands of

partnership will help promote this further.

PGA and we look forward to working with

golfers of all ages.

Our Golfplan business employs PGA Profes-

Adam Marshall and his team in building

They seek to address the commonly held

sionals and we believe we can make a strong

on the historical and valuable partnership

view that all golf insurance is the same; a

expert connection between insurance and

between our two businesses.”

July 2019

| www.pga.info

N E W S PGA

Cranfield tackling mental health PGA MASTER Professional Scott Cranfield

a calmness and balance to children’s mind that

has coached at the highest level for more than

they often don’t find on their own. In doing

30 years, but over the last 18 months he has

so the children would learn useful tools and

been writing a series of books to help young

actions they could then apply themselves.

people talk about their mental health.

Cranfield has visited primary schools in the

‘The Wise Bear Stories’ help children

London area to read the books to children.

develop a balanced mindset, which is just

His method also involved interaction and

about the best guarantee you can have for

activities to encourage them to be open about

mental wellness. By helping children look at

their emotions.

their concerns in a new way Wise Bear brings Scott Cranfield’s books help children develop a balanced mindset

“I have been developing children’s stories that coach children (aged 5 to 11) how to use their mind so they are not plagued with mental illness later in life,” said Cranfield.

“There are certain principles of true human behaviour that are not getting taught, and if children understood these early on it could make a massive difference in their development, future wellness and success.”

“As a father I wanted to share the best of what I had learnt with my children. I found a very effective of doing this was through bedtime stories.”

For more information about the books visit www.thewisebearstories.com

Ken Brown honoured with an MBE FORMER RYDER Cup player and Ken Brown, MBE popular BBC golf commentator Ken Brown received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his contributions to the game of golf.

Brown, 62, played in five Ryder Cups between 1977 and 1987, and won four times during a 16-year career on the European Tour.

His best finish at a Major came at the 1980 Open Championship at Muirfield Golf Links, where he finished tied sixth.

He turned his talents to TV and radio broadcasting after retiring from the game Brown commented: “What a big surprise, and an amazing honour, to receive the MBE in the Birthday Honours. Massive thank you for all your messages and everyone’s kindness over the years.”

Reigning British Women’s Open champion Georgia Hall also received an MBE and becomes only the fifth British female golfer to be recognised for services to golf by the Queen, following Dame Laura Davies, Alison Nicholas MBE, Catriona Matthew MBE and Dale Reid OBE.

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

On the move The latest PGA Member appointments across the UK, Ireland and overseas

Rutherford is straight to the Point The Point at Polzeath in Cornwall has appointed experienced golf club manager Carl Rutherford as its new managing director.

With extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, Rutherford brings with him vast experience, having held the position of managing director at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club in Surrey for the past 13 years.

Rutherford said: “I am very excited to be joining the team at The Point at Polzeath, located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

A fresh start for Turner After more than 20 years as Howth Golf Club’s retail manager, Paul Turner is moving on to pastures new.

The 52-year-old has become the new manager of McGuirks Golf, one of Ireland’s leading golf equipment providers.

Blake moves to Meon Valley Experienced PGA Professional Lawrence Blake still has a hunger for coaching. The 70-year-old has been based at Royal Winchester Golf Club since 2011 but is now a golf professional at Meon Valley.

If you would like to feature in the ‘On the Move’ column, send details to membership@pga.org.uk

9

P G A N E W S

In other transfer news…

• Josh North has made the decision to move to Egypt, leaving his director of golf role at Montgomerie Golf Club. The 36-year-old will be the general manager at Madinaty Golf & Country Club.

Levermore trades birdies for blisters GOLFERS ARE known for enjoying a good walk, but Jason Levermore (Little Channels Golf Centre) took it

• Essendon Country Club has welcomed two fresh PGA Professionals with Daniel Woods joining following a five-year spell as South Herts Golf Club, while Matt Spencer also joins, ending ten years at Sharpley Springs Golf Club.

• Tony Nash has brought the curtain down on his 11-year career at Porthpean Golf Club. The 52-year-old has made the short move to neighboring St. Austell Golf Club where he will continue as a club professional.

to extremes recently when he took on the London 2 Brighton Challenge to raise funds for Cancer UK. It was the latest in a series of quests that Levermore – as part of a group – has undertaken in memory of his great friend Jason Moss, who died of leukaemia aged 21.

Levermore, 39, has also run the London

Marathon,

successfully

completed the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge and the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge.

• PGA Advanced Professional Alex Davies has left his role as golf operations manager at Brockett Hall and is now the director of golf at Belton Woods.

Adrian Wheatcroft has also become a director of golf at ACE Golf Challenge having worked as a golf coach at the Aspiration Group for almost a decade.

• Michael Stanford has left his traditional golf professional role at Clandeboyle and will be the new director of golf at Lough Erne Resort.

Also in Ireland, Ian Kearney has become the new head professional at Dromoland Castle Golf Club.

• Bracken Ghyll Golf Club welcomed Mark Tyler as its new head professional.

Tyler, 44, previously spent six years at West Bradford Golf Club.

• Craig Dilley has moved to Whickham Golf Club after eights years in a similar role at Consett & District, Tom Blick spent seven-and-a-half years at Abbey Hill Golf Club but is now based at Wycome Heights Golf Club.

If you would like to feature in the ‘On the Move’ column, send details to membership@pga.org.uk

10

Jason Levermore, third from left, taking on challenges to raise money in memory of his friend

But the London 2 Brighton Challenge tested his every ounce of his resolve. Stopping

the Brighton coast, which is about 102 kilometres in total – 66 miles. Six of us did it and we’ve raised about £3,200 between us.

only for brief breaks, he walked for more than

“My feet were horrendous. The last 10

26 hours without sleep on the last weekend

hours I was in agony. I’ve got seven blisters

in May.

over my two feet and one on the left sole –

The 2019 PGA East region captain said: “You start at Kew Bridge and walk down to

no exaggeration it’s about the size of four 50p pieces! ”

Gleneagles Pro-Am places filling up THE GLENEAGLES International Pro-Am, carrying a prize fund of £30,000 and staged the week after The Open at Royal Portrush, looks set to attract its largest number of entries to date.

Close to selling out, the event at the PGA National Scotland mixes luxury hospitality, world-class service and five-star competitive golf across its three top 100-ranked championship courses, the King’s and the Queen’s, both designed by James Braid, and the PGA Centenary Course, host venue for the 2019 Solheim Cup in September.

The four-day festival, which takes place from July 23-26, will see 24 teams, comprising three amateurs and a PGA Professional, play for a prize fund that has increased by 60 per cent from 2018 – with the winning PGA Professional receiving £8,000.

“This year’s VIP golfing guests will enjoy a very special International Pro-Am,” said Gary Silcock, Director of Golf at Gleneagles. “We will use this competitive showcase to celebrate the centenary of the King’s and the Queen’s courses, and undoubtedly raise a glass or two to the forthcoming Solheim Cup, as Gleneagles becomes the only venue in Europe to have staged both this and the Ryder Cup.” For bookings, call 01764 662231 or email resort.sales@gleneagles.com

July 2019

| www.pga.info

A new level of advanced services

Foremost EMP (Elite Marketing Programme) introduces extensive range of Premium services #1 in digital golf retail marketing

Foremost Golf For more information contact our National Business Development Manager, David Murch +44 (0) 7712 842 720 • david.murch@foremostgolf.com

P G A N E W S

Ellis leads Hartpury students to national success MATT ELLIS has led a team of Hartpury

Ellis, Golf Academy Manager at Hartpury,

College students to multiple national golf

said: “We won the event last year, so it was

championships titles after producing a series of

great to retain the title, but I’m still a little

stunning performances.

shocked by the margins of victory for both the

Members of the Golf Academy at Hartpury clinched team and individual titles at the

A team and Sophie, who also played tremendously well.”

Intercollegiate Tour (ICT) finals at Trentham

Continuing the Golf Academy’s rich vein of

Golf Club, Staffordshire and the AoC Sport

form, there were further successes for Hartpury

Championships at Morley Hayes Golf Club,

students at the AoC Sport Championships.

Derbyshire.

Julia Kerrigan won the girls’ title as well as

At the ICT finals, the A team comprising

the team title with Fion Williams and Evie

Matthew Millar, Joe Buenfield, Evan Lewis,

Stone, while James Freeman, Joe Buenfield and

Max Strudwicke and Abraham Forsyth won

Max Teixeira won the boys’ team title.

the title by a record-breaking 33 shots. As well

Matt Ellis added: “We’re proud to have such

as winning the gross prize, the same team also

talented and committed students within the

won the nett prize to complete a memorable

Golf Academy at Hartpury and we’re delighted

double, while Sophie Johnson won the girls’

that their hard work and dedication is being re-

event by a staggering 14 shots.

warded with so many fantastic performances.”

Braidwood to speak at PGA International Conference GOLF

INDUSTRY

expert

Michael

general manager of Education City Golf. He is

Braidwood, who has 20 years’ experience in

qualified to be an assessor for The PGA’s

various management and senior roles over-

Director of Golf Program in 2012 and is a

seas, has been confirmed as a guest speaker

regular presenter on the Club Managers’

for the 2019 PGA International Conference

Association of Europe’s Management devel-

in Thailand.

opment programmes.

Braidwood, an Advanced Fellow of

Davies,

Regional

Manager

(Overseas), commented: “I am delighted that

sional at Gleneagles, Scotland, before taking

Michael will join us in Phuket and pass on

up a general manager role at Riffa Golf Club

some of his vast experience to our delegates.

in 1998.

“Michael has an extensive background

He spent the next decade working his

in club management from a variety of per-

way up to become chief executive of the

spectives, including as a general manager in

Bahrain club and also enjoyed successful

his current role, from a consultancy perspec-

spells at Bahrain International Golf Course

tive during his time with Braemar Golf who

Company (2008-2010) and Braemar Golf

operated across multiple sites in Europe,

Developments (2010-2014).

Middle East, Africa and Russia, and as

One of Braidwood’s biggest achievements

an educator as he continues to deliver on

was being named the Director of Education

the CMAE’s club management development

for the Club Managers Association of Europe

programme.”

(CMAE) where he was responsible for the

For more information about the 2019

delivery of their club education programmes.

PGA International Conference, including

Briadwood

12

Matthew

The PGA, began is career is a golf profes-

currently

works

as

the

Winds of change PLAYERS FROM Derby County Football Club’s golden age will be among those teeing off to help Tim Coxon celebrate his 25th anniversary as head PGA Professional at Mickleover Golf Club.

Roy McFarland, Henry Newton and Archie Gemmell, who were all members of the side that won the Football League Championship in 1975, will play in the event which has been sanctioned by the club in recognition of Coxon’s contribution to its success.

“It’s on July 5,” says Coxon.

“There will be 30 teams of four, including some local celebrities, PGA pros I’ve known a long time, a couple of Derbyshire cricketers and some former Derby County footballers.”

During his time at Mickleover, Coxon has been taking members on golfing trips abroad, including to the Masters, for the past five years, and is responsible for a flexible membership scheme designed to attract younger golfers and secure the club’s future.

Looking ahead, Coxon sees himself as taking on even more administrative duties at the expense of his more traditional ones. To that end he is considering taking The PGA’s director of golf course.

“It would help me a lot,” he says. “I can see the benefit – you’d learn a lot with things like employment law with health and safety, licensing as well as the golf stuff which we generally know.

“Above all, I’m only the fourth pro the club has had and I want to make sure it reaches its centenary in four years time.”

package prices, visit pgaconference.com

July 2019

| www.pga.info

N E W S PGA

YouTube star sees unrivalled year of growth

Pro-am raises £20,000 for good causes

RICK SHIELS can now lay claim to host-

in-depth, impartial and informative golf

ing the biggest golf YouTube channel on the

club reviews. Since then, the 32-year-old

JOHN BANDURAK and Matt Cort

planet after the PGA Professional’s channel

has developed a diverse portfolio of con-

defied monsoon conditions to share

surpassed 561,500 subscribers.

tent, ranging from instructional tips to

the first prize on offer in the Moor Hall

product reviews of the latest equipment, and

Golf Club Pro-Am but the biggest win-

insightful and entertaining challenges.

ners were the Teenage Cancer Trust

Shiels joined YouTube almost eight years ago and initially gained notoriety for his

The channel, Rick Shiels PGA Golf, now Rick Shiels has the biggest golf channel on YouTube

and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

accounts for almost 40 million minutes of

The two organisations shared the

viewing globally each month and has grown

£20,000-plus sum raised by the 10th

by 240,000 subscribers over the past year

staging of the annual event organised

– meaning he not only has the biggest golf

by Moor Hall’s head PGA Professional

channel on YouTube, but the fastest growing.

Cameron Clark and club member Mark

“I could have never dreamed when I started out in 2012 that I would have the

Jones.

That

took

the

total

raised

for

biggest golf YouTube channel in the world,

good causes since 2010 when Clark

and I feel very privileged to have amassed

organised the first one to more than

such a loyal and supportive audience,”

£160,000.

said Shiels.

Clark was inspired to raise funds to

“My passion for the game has never been

help fight the battle against cancer

greater and I’m excited to continue this

following his mother’s death from the

journey, producing entertaining content that

disease but never imagined how big

brings people closer to the game they love, and

and popular the day would become.

hopefully inspires them to play more golf.”

This year’s event was contested by more than 100 amateurs and 38 PGA

Junior coaching – ‘Unleash your Drive’

Professionals, some of whom travelled from as far afield as Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall to support it.

THE GOLF Foundation is offering PGA

and challenging participants to go outside of

Professionals interested in working with young

their comfort zone.

Clark said: “I could never have imagined when I started it that it would go

people the opportunity to develop their coach-

“The results have been life changing,” said

on to raise the money it has. To say I’m

ing and teaching skills around this audience

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle.

humbled by the support I’ve had is a

with a particular focus on developing life skills

“In just 10 weeks, youngsters showed an aver-

huge understatement.

through golf.

age 20 per cent increase in their mental resil-

Sponsors of the event included Bar-

Following an extremely successful pilot

ience. They report that being mentally tougher

clays Bank, Scolmore international Ltd,

project, tested and developed by a group of

helped them perform better, feel happier and

Jasmin Advisory LLP, and Wolver-

junior focused PGA Professionals under the

address stressful situations.

hampton Audi. In addition, a host of

guidance of mental toughness experts, Yeast

Tom Hide, PGA Professional at Coastal

companies and individuals from the

Ltd, the Golf Foundation is rolling out a new

Golf Academy at Frinton Golf Club, who was

golf industry as well as friends and

programme called, ‘Unleash your Drive’.

involved with the pilot project, added: “The

contacts of Clark and Jones donated

The initiative is aimed at helping coaches

programme has completely changed the way I

auction items and spot prizes.

deliver a normal golf coaching session with

coach but it has also had a huge impact on my

the added focus of teaching exercises such as

life. I’ve been really impressed by the changes

for

breathing, mindfulness and visualisation. The

I’ve seen in the children and their parents are as

at Twickenham, a brand new set of

pilot also revealed the importance of key coach-

committed to the programme as we are.”

custom-fitted

ing skills such as the art of asking great questions, encouraging the youngsters to self-reflect

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

To find out more about ‘Unleash your Drive’ visit www.golf-foundation.org.

The auction, which included tickets England

rugby Titleist

internationals irons

and

hybrids, and a week at a holiday home in Devon, raised more than £7,000.

13

P G A P G A C U P

Clark delighted with ‘strong’ PGA Cup team Cameron Clark feels he has at his disposal one of the best Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup teams in recent years after his ten-man line-up for September’s clash in Texas against America was finalised last month.

Clockwise from left: Alastair Forsyth, Alexander Wrigley, Paul O’Hara, Jordon Godwin, Richard Wallis, Matthew Cort, Jason Levermore and Cameron Clark

G

reat Britain and Ireland are bidding

Robert Coles, Matthew Cort and David Dixon

Forsyth blew away the field at Hunstanton

to make history by winning three

from last year’s PGA Play-Offs, Clark wel-

Golf Club, winning The PGA’s premier tour-

consecutive matches in the compe-

comed six new members to his team following

nament by 11 shots.

tition at Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas,

the completion of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA

from September 27-29.

Professional Championship.

Having already acquired experienced trio

Former European Tour player Alastair

Forsyth will be joined on the plane to Texas by fellow scot Paul O’Hara, who finished tied fourth alongside Jason Levermore and Alex

2019 Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team

14

Robert Coles

(2017 W4, L1, T0)

Maylands Golf & Country Club

David Dixon

(2015, W2, L1, T2)

Enmore Park Golf Club

Matthew Cort

(2017 W2, L2, T0)

Beedles Lake Golf Club

Jordan Godwin

(Debut)

Barnehurst Golf Club

Jason Levermore

(2015, W3, LO, T2)

Little Channels Golf Centre

Alexander Wrigley

(2015, W2, L2, T0)

Hartlepool Golf Club

Richard Wallis

(2013, W2, L1, T1)

Canterbury Golf Club

Alastair Forsyth

(Debut)

Mearns Castle Golf Academy

Paul O’Hara

(Debut)

North Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd

Craig Lee

(Debut)

Craig Lee Golf Studio July 2019

| www.pga.info

P G A P RO F E S S I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P TO U R N A M EN TS Wrigley who also qualified for the Clark’s team.

Richard Wallis played an integral role when Great Britain & Ireland won for the first time in America four years ago and he makes a welcome return to the team, with Jordan Godwin claiming the final spot at Hunstanton.

With just one more spot available, Clark selected Craig Lee as his captain’s pick.

“We couldn’t be happier with how the team

Flying Scot Alastair Forsyth secures a record-breaking wire to wire victory at Hunstanton, writes Adrian Milledge.

Numbers game: Alastair Forsyth, winner of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship

stands now,” said Clark. “We’ve added six incredible players from the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship. After last year’s championship, we always knew it was going to be a very strong team.

“I don’t want to take anything away from

Action man: Alastair Forsyth

the guys who played in 2015 and 2017 but this is one of the strongest teams we’ve ever produced. The performance by Alistair Forsyth at Hunstanton was phenomenal and the last rounds by Richard Wallis in particular

Late run: Richard Wallis

just shows the strength and depth that we’ve got. We couldn’t be in a better place heading to America.”

“We’ve now got a team get-together towards the back end of July which will be a team bonding exercise so we’ll try and make a really sociable couple of days and take a look at a

on the European Tour, Clark knows impor-

A

tance of having a players of Forsyth’s experience

Professional Championship at Hunstanton by

in America.

winning it.

few pairings.”

lastair Forsyth confirmed what

Having played in multiple Majors and tasted success twice during a 15-year stint

had been had been regarded as a cast-iron certainty since the half-

way point of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA

Clark continued: “Everyone knows his pedi-

The Scot had begun the fourth and final

gree. Nobody is not going to want him in their

round 11 shots clear of the field and that was

team, he’s a great person as well so he’s going to

the state of play at the end of it after he signed

“I slacked off a wee bit today!” he joked. “It’s

be a huge asset for us.”

off with a four-under-par round of 68 for a

been a great week but it was a strange experi-

four-round total of 263.

ence having a lead like that at halfway and with

Asked where playing in the PGA Cup

five-under-par respectively, his negotiation of the fourth was comparatively low key.

ranks in his illustrious career, Forsyth added:

It was the lowest total posted since the

“Making the PGA Cup team was a goal of

tournament began in 1973, eclipsing the pre-

a round to go.

“I was 11 shots ahead going into today, so I

mine at the start of the season. I only qualified

vious best of 268 carded by Little Aston Golf

stuck to what had got me there – course man-

as a PGA pro last year so this was the first time

Club’s Brian Rimmer at Northop County Park,

agement and keeping to my game plan.

I could play in this tournament.

Flintshire, in 1997.

“Today was probably the easiest final round

“I can’t wait. I’ve been fitted with the team

That venue, like Hunstanton, is a par 72

I’ll ever play. I can’t think of ever having a win-

uniform so that’s really brought it home.

course and Rimmer finished on 20-under.

ning margin such as this in any tournament of

There’s already a real buzz about it. I’m

That, too, was surpassed by the 43-year-

this magnitude.”

delighted.”

old who is attached to Mearns Castle Golf

Captain’s pick Lee added: “I am surprised

Academy, Glasgow. He finished on 25-under.

Forsyth attributed his success to a liking for a course that suited his game and almost unerr-

to have been picked but I’m delighted to have

However, given his golfing pyrotechnics in

ing precision with his irons. No matter where

been given the opportunity to play. It will be a

the first two rounds and, to a lesser extent, the

his ball landed off the tee, it was as though his

privilege and an honour.”

third, when he posted rounds of six, nine, and

approach shots were radio-controlled.

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

15

TOUR NA MENTS WO M E N ’ S P G A P RO F E S S I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P Two bogeys in 72-holes is testament to the accuracy of his game and his affinity with a course regularly rated among the top 100 in Great Britain and Ireland and described by three-time Ryder Cup captain Bernard

Women’s PGA triumph for MacRae

Gallacher as ‘true championship test of golf’.

“Sometimes a course fits your eye,” he explained. “I was looking forward to playing the course because I’d heard a lot of good reports about it. I played it for the first time in a practice round on Monday and really enjoyed it.

“The course suits my game – my long game has been solid for a couple of years now and if you stay out of the bunkers and keep to the fairways there are good opportunities to score.

“My iron play was the real key and from there it was just a case of trying to get the putts in. Obviously on the first two days especially, I managed to do that very well.”

In addition, to claiming the £10,000 win-

Silver service: Heather MacRae and the Women’s PGA Professional trophy

Forsyth derived some local satisfaction from

S

his victory. That was finishing 13-shots ahead

Championship for a second time.

ner’s cheque and booking his place in the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup team that will tackle the USA in Texas in late September,

of Paul O’Hara, his compatriot and rival on the Tartan Tour.

“I’ve won two Order of Merit events this year but I’m still second behind Paul O’Hara,” he reflected.

cotland’s Heather MacRae earned her-

and MacRae explained: “The recovery time

self a golfing goal to help hasten her

from the surgery is eight weeks so the Women’s

recovery from cervical cancer surgery

PGA Cup in October is something to aim for.

by winning the Women’s PGA Professional Victory in the Titleist & FootJoy-sponsored

Selection for the team was determined by

tournament at Trentham guaranteed her a place

performances in this and last year’s Women’s

in the team that will represent Great Britain and

PGA Professional Championship and MacRae

Ireland in the inaugural Women’s PGA Cup.

was well-placed to qualify having finished sec-

The match will be staged in Austin, Texas,

ond 12 months ago.

“We’ve played together quite a few times

in the last week of October, four-and-a-half

Which is where she lay at the halfway stage

in final groups and I’ve had some good battles

months after the 35-year-old Scot had an op-

this year, two shots adrift of Wrotham Heath

with him.

eration to banish the cancer that was diagnosed

Golf Club’s Hayleigh Tottman.

“He’s a tough opponent – he never goes away so it was nice to be that far ahead of him

in March.

The operartion was performed last month

O’Hara, who began the day sharing second place with Jordan Godwin on 10-under,

Tottman maintained that advantage for the first half of the final round but her lack of opportunities to play or practise since becoming

for a change.”

Chipping in: Heather MacRae

a mother almost a year ago took its toll on the back nine.

finished tied fourth with Jason Levermore and

Consequently her score slipped from

Alex Wrigley on 12-under. Godwin, mean-

three-under to one-over and MacRae took full

while, shared seventh spot with Sion Bebb and

advantage.

John Wells on 10-under.

16

“June and July are not going to be great but at least I have something to look forward to.”

Unfazed by a double bogey at the par-four

Second place was annexed by England’s

ninth, a birdie at the par-five 14th and no fur-

Richard Wallis who, in posting a seven-

ther wobbles saw her post a two-under-par total

under-par round to finish on 14-under, pre-

of 144 for the 36-holes to finish two shots clear

vented a Scottish one-two involving Forsyth

of Ali Gray and Suzanne Dickens and claim the

and Craig Lee.

£1,000 first prize.

Lee, like Wallis his playing partner, made

MacRae will be captained in the Women’s

a late ascent of the leaderboard with his best

PGA Cup team by Tracey Loveys and line-up

round of the tournament – a six-under-par 66

alongside Hazel Kavanagh, Gray, Dickens and

to claim third place.

Maria Tully who earned the captain’s pick.

July 2019

| www.pga.info

UPF 50 + BLOCKS 98% OF THE SUN’S HARMFUL RAYS.

FOR ULTIMATE MOBILIT Y AND COMFORT.

ZONAL CLIMACOOL MESH VENTIL ATION FOR INCREASED AIR FLOW.

© 2019 adidas America, Inc. adidas, the Badge of Sport, and the 3-Stripes mark are registered trademarks of adidas AG or its affiliates. adidas Golf tour professionals wear a variety of adidas Golf apparel and footwear.

I N TER NATIONAL WO R K I N G A B ROA D : T H E U S A

Land of opportunity Nick Bayly assesses the US golf market and talks to three UK-born PGA Members who have established successful careers since movIng Stateside

I

ntrepid explorers and budding entrepreneurs have been travelling to America in search of their fortunes ever since the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth in 1620 to found the first British colonies. And while those early expats enjoyed a somewhat mixed reception from the native population, it hasn’t stopped future generations from following their own ‘gold rush’ in search of better prospects and, more often than not, better weather, in a country that prides itself on social and economic mobility.

And while the 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic has become a good deal easier – and a lot faster – since the Mayflower’s epic voyage almost 400 years ago, the good old US of A still remains the land of opportunity for many Brits, despite President Trump’s efforts to make crossing into its borders not quite as attractive as it once was.

The so-called ‘special relationship’ between our two nations only goes so far, especially when it comes to taking jobs from American citizens, so UK residents looking to find work in industries where there is no obvious skills shortage – of which the golf industry is sadly one – need to be loaded with personal contacts, areas of special expertise, and, most importantly, signed contracts of employment, before they disembark at their chosen US destination.

While the same issues that are affecting golf participation and golf club membership in the UK also apply in the US, there remains a general air of positivity in the industry as a whole. Course closures in the States have generally been regarded as natural wastage from previous over-development, and there is a feeling among

18

Increased interest in coaching academies has created a number of new teaching posts across the US

industry analysts that while there are certainly more closures in the pipeline, the facilities that are doing the right things will survive as the supply-demand curve continues to level out.

OFF-COURSE JOBS GROWTH Golf is big business in the US. Current estimates put its contribution to the economy at $84 billion (£66bn), with around two million people directly employed in the golf industry. With 24 million regular golfers – out of a population on 320 million – there is certainly no shortage of customers, but their geographical spread means that not all 50 states enjoy the same levels of participation, especially in the more northern states, where harsh winters can significantly curtail the golfing season. There’s no surprise then that the greatest concentration of golf courses are to be found in Florida, the Carolinas, California and Arizona, where the sun almost always shines.

And while the outside view of golf in the States is one of exclusive private golf clubs and $200 green fees, the reality is a lot different, with 76% of the golf facilities in the US being open to the public, and 80% of the people who play doing so primarily on facilities open to the public, while the average cost of an 18-hole round tops out at just $35 (£27).

And while the total number of rounds played remains flat, there is a positive picture

There is a growing range of job opportunities at off-course golf facilities in the US

emerging around new golfing recruits, with a record-equalling 2.6 million Americans playing golf for the first time in 2018 – matching the all-time high set in 2017. At junior level, the First Tee programme, and initiatives at state, county and club level are continuing to raise participation among boys and girls, while the PGA of America’s new President, Suzy Whaley, is driving forward with a host of initiatives to introduce more women into the game, with the number of women playing golf growing by 7% over the past six years. Whaley is also looking to increase female numbers in the PGA of America’s own ranks, which currently numbers 29,000 professionals, of which only 1,200 are women.

Interestingly, while participation rates across the board have leveled out, recent research has shown that more than 10 million people swung a club last year without ever visiting a traditional golf club thanks July 2019

| www.pga.info

WO R K I N G A B ROA D : T H E U S A I N T ER N AT I O N A L to the growth of venues such as TopGolf – there are currently 50 venues in the US – and ranges with TopTracer technology.

This trend has created a wave of new job opportunities in the off-course market, with many millennials choosing to have the first golf experience in the informal setting of a standalone driving range, rather than at a golf course.

With the increased pressure on leisure time and money, this evolution into more entertainment-led golf experiences is helping to boost the golf economy at a time where it previously would have been lost to other social and sporting activities.

The advances in coaching technology, with launch monitors, video steaming, club fitting and social media, have all led to a new level of engagement that seems to be resonating with the younger generations.

Scanning through the jobs pages on the PGA of America’s website, vacancies for PGA Pros, managers, club fitters and retailers exist across a wide range of facilities, from PGA Tour Superstores and retail outlets, to public and private golf clubs, golf resorts, driving ranges, coaching academies, and golf equipment companies. And while personal contacts will obviously help hugely when it comes to making initial introductions, the UK & Ireland PGA qualification represents a supremely transferable set of skills which can be applied in whatever country you’re working in, so if you’re willing to dig deep, and pull off the ‘have a nice day’ can-do attitude that is such a part of American life, there might just be ‘gold in them there hills’ if you’re willing to look hard enough.

For details of the latest job vacancies on The PGA of America website, visit jobfinder.pga.org

Sue Shapcott hosting a women’s coaching session in Wisconsin

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

PGA Members’ experience Kenny Nairn, Co-owner, CFL Golf, Orlando, Florida

“After qualifying as a PGA Professional in 1992, I got my first job as

an assistant at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club, near Glasgow. After a spell working at Gleneagles, I took the decision to move out to United States in 1999 in order to further my coaching career and make a better life for myself and my family. I was hired by Nike Golf to run its learning centre based at Celebration Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, but I’m now owner/managing partner of CFL Golf, which owns seven golf clubs in the Orlando area. My business partner looks after the agronomy side of things business and I look after everything else. When I’m not doing that I run a private coaching business. I coach all elements of the game, with a strong emphasis on short game, and I’m often called on to coach on the Golf Channel. I’ve noticed a big growth in the demand for coaching in recent seasons, which has been great to see. The other great thing about working in Florida is that the weather rarely interrupts your plans, although the extreme heat in the summer can be hard to cope with. With so many qualified golf pros it can be hard for pros from overseas to break in, but if you’re willing to work hard, there are plenty of opportunities to develop a rewarding career here.”

Sue Shapcott, Director of Instruction, Change Golf Instruction, Madison, Wisconsin

“After a successful playing amateur and professional playing career,

during which I won a Curtis Cup cap and played on the LET, I qualified with the PGA in 1996. A couple of years later I was recruited

by Hank Haney to run one of his golf schools in Texas. It was a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity, and once I got to the US I felt that the chance to grow my career there was greater than it might have been in the UK. After completing a master’s degree in educational psychology and a PhD in education, I set up my coaching business, Change Golf Instruction, which has a contract with the City of Madison in Wisconsin. My instructors and I provide instruction at four public facilities in the area and our focus is keeping new golfers in the game. America is still the land of opportunity, so if you are driven and ambitious, it is an exciting place to be.

My advice to anyone wanting to work in the States is to be prepared for cultural norms and way of working to be different. Just be willing to learn and go with the flow.”

Andy Traynor, Plane Truth Level 3 Instructor, Dallas, Texas

“Although I had been visiting the US for many years, the first idea

that I might make a career there came after I attended a seminar at the PGA Merchanise Show in 2012 for the Plane Truth Golf Level 1 Certification. I have attended many seminars and met many great instructors over the years, but I quickly realised that Jim Hardy and Chris O’Connell answered some questions that others hadn’t. In 2016, Jim and Chris invited me to work at their academy in Dallas. The timing was perfect, as I had decided to call it a day at Chingford Golf Club in Essex. So in April 2016, after securing an O-1 visa, I found myself in Dallas and have never looked back. Through my work with Plane Truth I get to work with some top players, including PGA Tour players Matt Kuchar and Hunter Mahan.

The instruction business in the US is so much bigger than in the UK, and my clientele is extremely varied, from billionaire businessmen to tour pros and high school juniors. Of course, I miss family and friends, but I know that my career would not be where it is now if I had not come out to the States, so I have no regrets about making the move. My advice to anyone else thinking of working here is to prove your expertise and keeping working on gaining qualifications.”

19

I N TER NATIONAL I N T E RV I E W

Q&A Transatlantic teaching We talk to David Armitage, Director of Golf at La Gorce Country Club in Miami, Florida and Director of Instruction at Queenwood Golf Club in Surrey

What does a typical working day for you involve?

I start work around 6am, normally with a team meeting to establish goals among all of my employees and team members.

I teach around 8-10 lessons a day and ensure all students have a road map to keep improving and reaching their goals. My lessons vary from every day members to top amateurs and tour professionals.

What attracted you to working in the USA?

The opportunity to expand my learning attracted me to working in the States. It has been a dream to experience different cultures and different types of golf facilities and a wide range of jobs.

What has been your career path to date?

I’ve been working in the States on and off since 2005, when I got a job as a seasonal assistant professional at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. Several years later I came back out to the States and got a similar role at Isleworth Country Club in Florida.

I moved out here in 2013, when I was offered the job of Director of Golf at Trump Bedminster in New York and Trump National in Washington. In 2014 I was offered the role of general manager and director of instruction for Jim McLean Golf Schools worldwide. I was there for three years before moving on to become Director of Golf and Instruction at La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach, Florida. I now spend my winters in Florida and come back to work at Queenwood Golf Club in Surey in the summer. I am also lucky enough to travel to other countries to spend time at various courses and Tour events with my students.

How did you get your current role?

I am fortunate that all of my roles have come through being recommended, which I see as reward for working hard and taking advantage of every opportunity. I have pushed myself to increase my knowledge and further my education through certifications and experience.

20

PGA Master Professional David Armitage is enjoying the variety of working both sides of the Atlantic

Since 2016 I have been named as one of Golf Digest’s Top Young Teachers in America and was voted PGA South Florida Chapter Teacher of the Year in 2018. I achieved PGA Master Professional status in 2017.

What is the best part about working in the States?

The USA really pushes you to keep progressing, as it offers so many opportunities for career advancement. With 30,000 PGA Professionals across the country, it is an extremely competitive working environment, so the goal is always to try and stand out through experience and qualifications.

How would you rate the current states of the golf industry in the US?

Although many surveys say golf is a struggling here, and the number of golf facilities is in decline, I feel this presents an opportunity for golf professionals to excel through upping their levels of service and delivering world-class experiences to attract potential golfers to the game and keep current golfers learning and enjoying their golf.

There were probably too many golf facilities at one time, which almost saturated the market, but now I feel that forwardthinking golf facilities have built solid foundations which will hopefully keep them in business for many years to come.

How does being a PGA Professional differ in the US compared to the UK?

I represent both the PGA of America and the British PGA, and feel it is an absolute honour to do what I love for a living. My goal is to instill my passion for the game on every person willing to listen and think as a global golf professional. I am currently part of the US PGA Adjunct staff and get to help teach up-and-coming assistant professionals.

It is perhaps my biggest passion to help young professionals learn and excel.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Continuing my education to keep improving. I have recently helped coach my first tour winner in Europe and the No.1 college player in America, and I would like to see my students win more titles across the world, and perhaps even a major. If we cannot play, we want to help coach those who can achieve the goals we dreamed about!

What advice would you pass on to other PGA professionals who may be interested in working in the USA?

Education and certifications will definitely give you the best opportunity to move forward in your career, either within the UK or internationally. It is not about where, but more about how you perform your job daily to grow the game.

July 2019

| www.pga.info

E L I T E C OA C H I N G F EAT U R E

Pete Cowen and Mike Walker (right)

Top class

Behind almost every great golfer is a PGA Professional.

Whether it’s helping with a player’s short game, giving extra advice on the putting green, or even just a word or text before a that fateful final round.

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

I

n most cases elite coaches are the unsung heroes. They are the ones who put in all the work in the background, going through the same emotions as they watch their player(s) from the gallery or on television.

Not long after Gary Woodland had beaten off stiff competition by Justin Rose and defending champion Brooks Koepka to win the US Open at Pebble Beach to claim his first major, the American heaped praise on PGA Master Professional, swing coach Pete Cowen.

21

F E ATURE E L I T E C OA C H I N G The Yorkshireman, who also works with Koepka and several top players, has been working with Woodland on his short-game for more than two years and became his full-time swing coach in December, while another PGA Professional, Phil Kenyon, has gone to work on his game on the greens.

“I went to Woodland’s home for three days just before the USPGA Championship in May to make him aware of what he needs to do to practice with intensity and consequence,” said Cowen.

“He comes to golf having played basketball and baseball where he never had to think he was just told what to do! I told him what he had to do and he just did it.

“I gave him a program of practice that he has to do most days when at home and Monday and Tuesday of tournament weeks.

Then a specific warm-up drill before he plays and the same specifics in his warm down. It obviously worked for Gary at Pebble Beach!”

MAJOR IMPACT Speaking about Cowen’s impact shortly after his sensational US Open victory, Woodland said: “He (Pete Cowen) knows what to say and when to say it. He sent me an unbelievable text on Sunday morning that had nothing to do with my golf swing or technique. He just said every man dies but not every man lives, and you live for this moment.”

Cowen is one of the most recognisable PGA coaches in the game. You’ll most likely find the 68-year-old on the range, providing expert tuition to many of the game’s top players.

A PGA Master Professional, Cowen estimates he clocks up around 250,000 air miles a year. When you consider he will only get a small cut of his players’ winnings, that is of course if they win the event, Cowen does question if it’s all worthwhile.

“I did not set out to be a coach on tour it was a consequence of developing better amateurs and when they won everything, the professionals wanted to come. The pathway to getting players on tour is develop your own.

“You get a small satisfaction because you’ve only been a small part of the success. The 22

Mike Walker (left) and Pete Cowen (right) pictured with Matthew Fitzpatrick

Did you know?

Pete Cowen established his reputation as first-class coach whilst carrying out his role as head professional at Ryder Cup venue Lindrick Golf Club. journey is better than the end result but don’t expect any thanks. I wanted to help players not make all the mistakes that I had made as a player. If I had my time over again I would teach golf totally different to how it’s being taught now.”

MENTORING As well as helping propel the careers of some of the top names in golf, Cowen has also played an integral role in mentoring the next generation of PGA coaches, one of those being Mike Walker.

As seems to be the story with most elite coaches, Walker’s career in golf began as a player but after experiencing problems with the yips he soon realised he wasn’t good enough to play.

After graduating from university with a language degree, Walker found himself disillusioned in a Spanish-speaking finance role in London and sought the advice of his old coach Cowen.

Walker said: “I wanted to get back into golf in some way which is why I reinitiated contact with Cowen to book a lesson but really I wanted to get some ideas about how I can get back into the game.

“Pete (Cowen) had been my coach as a kid and he’s also been my Yorkshire and national coach. I was thinking of refereeing or management, something along those lines. Pete knew I was technically minded because I’d had lots of lessons from him down the years.

He offered me a job there and then.

“I coach certain players and he coaches certain players but I think we still classify it as a partnership. Any player that I coach can ask his advice and via versa.”

Working closely with Cowen, Walker has been instrumental in the success of many tour players including Danny Willett and Chris Wood. He currently coaches nine players with Matt Fitzpatrick and Eddie Pepperell on his roster.

“You can’t help but end up being on the rollercoaster with them,” Walker continued.

July 2019

| www.pga.info

E L I T E C OA C H I N G F EAT U R E

‘‘

We’re all lucky that we get to work in an environment that started as a hobby and remains a hobby. You find yourself whinging at times but in reality, there’s nothing to whinge about, it’s a great job

‘‘

“It’s really hard to take when it’s not going well and it’s great when it does goes well.”

As in any sport, the culture of sharing advice and knowledge with fellow PGA Professionals has aided Walker’s development.

“There are a lot of PGA coaches who are friends,” Walker revealed. “I stayed with Hugh Marr at Augusta, Phil Kenyon is someone I travel with most of the time. There’s others too, we all get on really well. I wouldn’t say we discuss the ins and outs of techniques, but we discuss coaching, dealing with different players and different situations.”

TRAVEL Asked what the pros and cons of coaching at the top level are, Walker added: “I don’t like the travel but the places when you get there are more than worth it.

“We’re all lucky that we get to work in an environment that started as a hobby and remains a hobby. You find yourself whinging at times but, in reality, there’s nothing to whinge about, it’s a great job.

“Last month was my first time to Pebble Beach for the US Open and it was an unbelievable course. Being an elite coach gives you chances to visit places you’ve always dreamed about going from being a kid.”

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

TOP TIPS Phil Kenyon I’m your average bloke in the street really who has worked hard, had a few breaks along the way and I’m in fortunate position being able to work with these players. If I can do it, then anyone who has gone through the PGA training can do it too. Work hard, try and acquire the right knowledge, go through the right experiences and have dreams and ambitions.

You can achieve it too.

Hugh Marr

Hugh Marr

Phil Kenyon

Figure it out for yourself. There’s a lot of stuff written about mentoring and spending a lot of time with people who are better at what you are doing than you are, but I read everything when I was growing up. I still have all of the books and around 95 per cent of them are instruction books. I went on a stubborn streak when I didn’t want to ask someone the answer, I wanted to go and find out the answer myself, so that’s where my figure it out for yourself mentality came from.

Denis Pugh It is very precarious and highly specialised. If it does suit you the rewards are both financial and recognition for your success. However, on many occasions it involves not basking in glory but being there when a player you coach has just bogeyed the last to miss a cut by one after a dismal run for a few weeks. Always be aware that you are one bad round away from getting fired in the early days. As a golf coach you are seen as expendable even when it’s not your fault.

Denis Pugh

Pete Cowen Life on tour is lonely and expensive. My advice would be not to get married because you won’t have time for your kids or your wife / partner.

Mike Walker It really helped me having a mentor who was there to help you with the ups and downs that come with the role, in terms of difficult situations. You’ve got to do a lot of educational work and broaden your knowledge as much as you can.

At the same time try and develop younger players of your own. Even if you just went for regular lessons with someone like Pete Cowen or another top coach, I think that would be a massive help.

Pete Cowen

Phil Kenyon is another popular coach to a wide variety of European and PGA Tour players. He remains one of the most sought-after putting coaches in the world.

Like Walker, Kenyon was mentored by one of golf’s great coaches, Harold Swash, after struggling to make the grade as a player.

He said: “Watching events like the Ryder

Mike Walker

Cup inspired me to try and play the game.

Once I realised I wasn’t good enough to play, I took those experiences and tried to apply them into making a career as a coach.

“I was lucky really. Early on in my coaching career I had a mentor in Harold Swash who had a great reputation and he was working in among tour professionals. I had a leg 23

Exclusive introductory commission programme for PGA Professionals

Partner

P r e m i e r A l l - We a t h e r S u r f a c e s f o r G o l f

E L I T E C OA C H I N G F EAT U R E

Did you know?

Phil Kenyon on the putting green with Rory McIlroy

With the help of Phil Kenyon, Henrik Stenson made 25 birdies en route to setting a new Open Championship record for the lowest winning score of 20 under par in 2016.

PROUD PGA MEMBER At the 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Kenyon was awarded the Association’s highest honour, the status of Master Professional, something he holds in high regard.

“Being a PGA Member has always been important to me. When I decided I was going to focus on coaching I joined The PGA and went through the qualification. I felt that it helped me to take that qualification and go on and do better things with it.

“I went through The PGA route to give me credibility and an education with important elements of the game so that PGA Master Professional status holds itself around the world wherever you go. It helps create The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

Did you know? opportunities for you so I’m proud to be a PGA Member.”

Whilst some coaches offer their services to a large list of professionals, others, like Denis Pugh, tend to stick with a smaller client base.

Pugh coached eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie for 12 years and was a regular Sky Sports golf pundit for more than two decades, but he’s best known for coaching reigning Open Championship winner Francesco Molinari.

Pugh explained: “I became a club pro and coached all manner of golfers. Eventually better golfers graduated towards me and then they asked me to attend tour events. It was an evolution rather than a masterplan.

“Colin Montgomerie was a big break in my career not only for my exposure, but learning to abandon the ‘coaching rule books/manuals’ and with Monty it was an experience that’s for sure.

“The next big break was becoming Italian national coach in nineties which led to a meeting with the Molinari brothers as

‘‘

Coaching at an elite level is something many young PGA Professionals and Assistants aspire to

‘‘

up in many ways and then you just try and be better at what you do, try and improve yourself as a coach and working with the top players comes as a biproduct of that.”

Kenyon’s client list reads like a ‘who’s who’ of European golf. Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Henrik Stenson and Francesco Molinari all approached the Lancastrian.

“There’s many things I’ve enjoyed and got a lot of satisfaction out of throughout my career,” added Kenyon, who has a master’s degree in Sport Science. “Being involved with guys who have won Majors, Darren Clarke, Henrik Stenson, Francesco Molinari, they are great experiences. I’ve really enjoyed the Ryder Cups that I’ve been involved with as well. I just enjoy working in golf and every week there are highlights for me, helping players have good tournaments, helping players keep their card or helping aspiring amateurs knock shots of their handicap.”

amateurs and having a role in their development into Ryder Cup players.

“As is often the case, Edoardo and I split up but I continued to work with Francesco and last year he won The Open Championship which after 30 years turned us into an overnight success. The biggest highlight of my career so far was seeing The Open Champion play so well at the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris.”

Denis Pugh got his start in coaching in America working under renowned coach David Leadbetter.

Pugh has been round long enough to know that being an elite coach is not as glamorous as perhaps others make out.

“It’s the cliché if a player is out of form it’s the clubs, caddy or coach at fault, then eventually the manager or wife! The golden rule is it’s never the player!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT “Those looking to follow my journey would need to know the ups and downs of working with the fragility of the existence. To have had the longevity of 30 or so years travelling to events and coaching professionals is something I’m proud of.”

Coaching at an elite level is something many young PGA Professionals and Assistants aspire to. Hugh Marr believes the PGA training programme provides Members with the basics, but he insists it’s then down to the individual to find out the answers themselves.

“Figuring it out yourself is a fundamental part of it,” said Marr, who is coach to 2018 Ryder Cup star Thorbjorn Olesen and several USPGA and European Tour players. “It has to come from doing hard yards, it has to come from being the guy down in the trenches who is screwing it up and getting it right, and understanding why you got it right and why you got it wrong.

“It’s important to stress that being selfefficient and being a guy who is determined 25

F E ATURE E L I T E C OA C H I N G Hugh Marr working with Thorbjørn Olesen

‘‘

‘There will ups and downs, but as long as you don’t get too excited by the ups and too miserable with the downs, you’ll be okay’

to find the answers is probably more important than picking up qualifications or certificates.

“I’m very fortunate in that the Assistant I’ve got now Sam Trueman did the University of Birmingham course so he’s very bright. The environment we have at the club is very laid back. Sam can come and sit in on my lessons, I can go and sit in on his lessons. I would always encourage Sam to get involved with anything I’m doing. I think this gives the pupil a better experience and the only way to learn is to grit your teeth and make mistakes.

“I always believe if you do the right things for the right reasons with the best information available you’ll be alright.

There will ups and downs, but as long as you don’t get too excited by the ups and too miserable with the downs, then you’ll be okay.”

‘‘

HOW TO BECOME AN ELITE COACH Mentoring • Get yourself a mentor who you respect greatly, not just someone you deem to be an expert but someone that you look up to and exhibits good coaching skills.

• Coaching is made up of many different aspects, so don’t be afraid to use different people to learn about different aspects of coaching.

• Remember, however, not everything they say is gospel, so decide for yourself (filter) what advice to use.

Get experience • You can never have too much experience. You’ve got to have ample experience in elite sport to be able to coach effectively at that level.

• This experience doesn’t have to come from playing at an elite level either. You can learn the technical and tactical knowledge you gain from playing by amassing plenty of hours coaching.

Never stop learning • As a coach, the moment you lose that thirst for knowledge, you will begin to stagnate.

• The best coaches believe their peak is always ahead of them, and will still go out of their way to learn, be it from reading, mentors or other sources.

26

Interpersonal skills • Do not ignore the development of your interpersonal skills.

Elite coaching is not just about having in-depth technical knowledge.

Denis Pugh shares a joke with Francesco Molinari

• Good communication and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships are the hallmarks of any good elite coach.

Keep adding to your CV • Some coaches have professional playing careers behind them, which will get them elite jobs, but in the modern era of sport, specialist skills like IT and applying recent research can set you apart as a coach and help you secure that elite coach role.

• What is your unique selling point as a coach? What strengths will you bring to the environment?

July 2019

| www.pga.info

N E W S T RA DE

adidas tackles plastic waste with Tour360 Parley shoes

Ping targets lowhandicappers with Blueprint blades

GOLF

PING’S NEW forged-blade Blueprint iron

has launched a lim-

is aimed a low handicap players looking for a

ited-edition version

combination of workability and precise distance

of its Tour360 XT

trajectory control. The high-strength carbon

shoe which is made

steel irons were inspired by requests from Ping’s

from upcycled plas-

tour staff and feature shorter blade lengths, less

tic waste recovered

offset and narrow sole widths that will enable

from beaches and

elite players to attack pins with confidence. A

coastal areas.

tungsten toe screw increases MOI for additional

ADIDAS

forgiveness and combines with an internal heel

The Tour360 XT Parley is made in partnership with environ-

“adidas as a company is extremely focused

weight to provide precise swing-weight tuning.

mental organisation Parley for the Oceans,

on sustainability, and we wanted to incor-

A four-step process for the one-piece forging

and is the first of its kind for golf.

porate that mission into golf,” said Masun

provides very tight dimensional tolerance con-

It will be available in limited quantities

Denison, global footwear director at adidas

trol within the compact design. The Blueprint

at adidas.com, and will also be sold at select

Golf. “This is the first golf shoe we’ve ever

irons have an RRP of £219 per iron and are

retailers. Worn by a number of adidas staff

made that incorporates upcycled materials,

available 2-PW with True Temper Dynamic

players at the US Open, the shoe features

and this is just the beginning. In a sport that’s

Gold 120 shafts.

repurposed plastic waste in the entire upper

played outdoors, and where sustainability is

section the upper of the footwear.

often under the microscope, we feel this is a

The Tour360 XT Parley is built on

massive step forward for the game.”

a Tour360 XT eight-spike outsole with

The use of upcycled material falls in line

X-Traxion technology. It boasts a sock-like

with adidas’ overall strategy to use 100 per

opening, while also offering full-length Boost

cent recycled polyester in all its apparel and

cushioning.

footwear by 2024.

Titleist TS1 revs up slow swingers’ driver market TITLEIST HAS added another model to its TS driver range

Director of Metalwoods Development. “By bringing our TS

that is aimed at slower swinging golfers looking to add more

technology into this extremely lightweight configuration

distance to their long game.

and adding a slight draw bias, we’ve been able to produce

Available for fittings from June 28, and on sale from July 26, the new TS1 driver offers the same speed-enhancing

dramatic benefits for this group of players.”

She added: “What separates TS1 from other competitive

technologies that feature in the TS2, TS3 and TS4 drivers in a

lightweight products is that we haven’t had to make sacri-

more lightweight design.

fices, particularly with MOI and adjustability,” Luttrell said.

At 275g, the head of the TS1 is 45g lighter than the TS2,

“Everything about TS1 – from the technology

and is strategically weighted to maximise launch and dis-

package to the tour-inspired look, sound and

tance at moderate swing speeds, while maintaining a high

feel – makes this a TS

MOI for stability and forgiveness. Ultra-lightweight stock

driver and delivers on the

shafts and a 32g Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip further reduce

promise of speed.”

the club’s overall weight, making it easier for golfers with medium swing speeds to generate more distance.

“TS1 is designed for golfers who have a driver swing speed

Available in adjustable lofts of 9.5 (RH), 10.5 (RH/LH), 12.5 (RH), the

of approximately 85mph and below, and are averaging about

TS1 driver has an SRP of

220 yards or less off the tee,” said Stephanie Luttrell, Titleist’s

£499.

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

27

A C A D E M Y BY

NOW BOOKING FOR 2018/2019

Diamond Golf, Europe’s leader in club fitting and component supply, is now taking bookings for this winter’s DGI Academy courses in the arts of club fitting, club making and club repairs.

The DGI Academy courses cater for a wide range of abilities, from novice to advanced, and take place in a specially created purpose-built facility.

Each course runs in small groups to allow for personal one-to-one tuition.

Contact us today for a free brochure & prospectus: UK Freephone: 0800 083 7388

International: +44 (0) 1903 726999

dgiacademy@diamondgolf.co.uk

Turn trade-ins and unsold stock into cash The Golfbidder service allows you to liquidate used and unsold product quickly and safely with just a phone call.

Instant quotes by phone Guaranteed prices Guaranteed payment

We collect the clubs And pay you immediately No hassles. No dramas

Not with us yet? Opening a trade account is completely FREE and takes just a couple of minutes over the phone.

Call us on

Email us at

020 8401 6900

pros@golfbidder.co.uk

Partner

C O R P O R ATE PA R T N E R

We now pay you even faster!

We promise to have your cheque in the post within 3 working days of receiving the clubs.

N E W S T RA DE

GolfPod offers smart simulator solution SMARTPOD AND Golfzon UK have joined

new revenue streams through coaching and

forces to launch a virtual golf facility in a styl-

simulator play.

ish, self-contained environment.

Designed with clean, modern lines, and wall-to-wall glass frontage, the GolfPod brings a new level of attractive sophistication to the portable golf simulator market.

The GolfPod features a top-of-the-range simulator that is housed in a bespoke construction that can be bought or leased.

Offering a full turnkey service, from site survey and design, to build and delivery, the

Motocaddy rolls out trolley trade-in

Golfpod offers all golf venues, whether they

GolfPod can be delivered and ready to use

MOTOCADDY IS hoping to boost sales

be clubs or driving ranges, a flexible addition

within six to eight weeks from the time of

of its latest generation of power trolleys

to their existing practice facilities, providing

ordering. Customers can order bespoke designs

with the launch of a trade-in promotion.

and finishes, while it comes with a ten-year

Available in store and online, anyone

structural warranty.

who buys a new Motocaddy lithium

A fully-fitted GolfPod costs

trolley between June 4 and July 31 can

from £44,950 +VAT, subject

claim up to £60 cashback when they

to build specifications, while

trade-in their old electric trolley, what-

lease options are available from

ever make or model. Customers who

£225 + VAT per week.

buy a new trolley with a standard range

To find out more details,

battery will receive £50, while those

www.thegolfpod.com

opting for the Extended battery will

or call Daymon Nicolson on

receive £60. All the old trolleys will be

01709 570720.

sent to away to a recycling specialist.

visit

Foremost boosts social media support service RETAIL AND marketing services group Foremost Golf has hired a social media expert to oversee the group’s EMP social media member support service.

Foremost launched its EMP Social Media solution earlier this year as one of the key new advancements to its Elite Marketing Programme (EMP), giving members a better way to manage their social content and engage their audience online.

The group has now enhanced that service with the appointment of Sam Benzie, who, along with Foremost’s team of marketing editors, will offer a range of support to member professionals, from construct-

campaigns that they are running in-store. Many posts feature engag-

ing content to setting up accounts and encouraging them to embrace

ing video content sourced through partner supplier brands as well as

the online platforms.

localised handles and hashtags for each professional to retain their

Benzie joins Foremost as a graduate of Bath Spa University with

identity in the timeline.

experience working in a digital marketing agency. Commenting on

Andy Martin, Foremost Managing Director, commented: “Many

the EMP Social Media service, he said: “It is another great channel

retailers don’t have the time or expertise to spend developing their

for professionals to promote their business and build up an online

social media presence and concentrating on this important marketing

community of engaged customers without dedicating large amounts

sector. Now we are able to provide yet another free specialised resource

of time and effort.”

at the fingertips of our members with a dedicated expert to guide them

EMP Social Media provides a professional feed of personalised content unique to each individual account and populated with information about product launches for brands they stock and retail

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

in the process, allowing them to spend their valuable time focusing on coaching, fitting, retailing and playing with their members.”

For more information, visit grip.foremostgolf.com.

29

T RA DE N E W S

JS International celebrates major milestone JS INTERNATIONAL, one

As well as providing golf

of the leading golf distributors

equipment to the trade, in

to the trade in the UK and

recent years JSI has broadened

throughout Europe, is celebrat-

its scope and introduced more

ing 25 years in business.

innovative products, including

Since being established in

the recent release of the world’s

1994, its dedicated team has

first nitrogen powered auto-

introduced

distributed

open push trolley, the Nitron

some of the best-known brands

by BagBoy, plus the world’s

in golf, including Clicgear, Bet-

smartest golf watch, the award-

and

tinardi and BagBoy.

JS International is the UK distributor for Bettinardi putters

“After two and a half decades,

winning Shot Scope V2.

Looking to the future, Patani

the core concept of supplying the golf

JSI has a dedicated in-house sales team

said: “As the golf market is constantly

industry with premium golf brands and

based in its headquarters in Watford, and,

changing, we will continue to invest in the

high-quality, affordable products, remains

with an on-site warehouse, is always on

most innovative and up-to-date products

as important as ever,” said Bijal Patani, sales

hand to help with any enquiries. They also

to enable our customers to sell a huge range

director at JSI. “We are thrilled that over the

have independent knowledgeable agents

of top-selling products at affordable prices,

past 25 years we have supported our valued

that cover the whole of the UK, as well as

with great margins.”

customers, who are so critical to the health

a sales force across Europe from various

of the golfing market.”

sub-distributors.

Lynx looks to grow the game with new Junior Range LYNX GOLF has launched a range of junior clubs that offer major benefits to PGA Professionals, golf retailers and consumers alike.

For Professionals looking to improve their junior golf equipment range, Lynx’s open-stock programme means they can order single clubs in whatever quantities best suits their business. As a result, young golfers can try the game by buying just one club if they wish – avoiding the expense of having to purchase full set of clubs.

Murray Tonry, Lynx’s UK and European sales manager, said: “If cost is a barrier to entry to developing junior golf – either for retailers or new players – then Lynx is fully committed to removing that barrier for the good of the game. By making all of our junior clubs available on an open stock basis it means juniors can try out golf through a PGA Professional without the expense or worry of having to commit to purchasing a full set, while our accounts do not have to commit to carrying a full line-up of junior stock either, which would ordinarily tie up shop space and cash.”

The new 2019 Lynx Junior Range offers progressive clubs for kids aged from two to 14, with 36 different single club and size options available, from driver through to putter in three colour-coded fittings, with RRPs from £19.95 per club.

Additionally, for the youngest golfers just starting out, there are 2-club pack sets for the 2+ and 4+ age groups

To request a copy of JSI’s brochure, email sales@jsint.comor or call 01923 209 440.

Foresights Sports launches online venue finder FORESIGHT SPORTS Europe has created a new online platform that enables users to locate the nearest venue offering Foresight’s launch monitor technology.

The website provides users with the venue address, contact details and directions for over 550 locations across the UK and Ireland that host Foresight Sports systems, and highlights which technology, including GCQuad or GC2+HMT, is available at each facility.

Foresight Sports Europe Marketing Manager Ben Hawksworth said: “Demand for the platform has been universal, from golfers through to PGA Professionals alike. We believe it will prove an invaluable tool for golfers looking for Foresight Sports’ game changing technology, as well as driving traffic to our customers.”

The platform will be updated as new venues come online, while there plans for Foresight’s 800-plus European venues to be added to the portal are underway. For more details, visit www.foresightsports.eu/venue-finder.

30

July 2019

| www.pga.info

G P S / L A S E R S T RA DE

Going the distance There’s no excuse for your customers leaving it short – or going long – with the latest range of distance measuring devices

W

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

Skycaddie’s SX500 is bringing back golfers to GPS

touch screens and metallic finishes. And while they might not cut it for wearing out on a date, they are more than acceptable for everyday use, especially those with health features such as a pedometer or a heart rate monitor.

Laser rangefinders still enjoy a strong following on tour, and with a wide range of

‘‘

Many GPS units offer additional functions such as stats and shot tracking, swing tempo measurements and wireless connectivity

‘‘

hile technology has crept into almost every area of golf these days, from custom fitting to online tee booking, nowhere has it proved such a boon to club golfers than the advancements made in distance measuring devices.

Where once golfers had to put their faith in yellow and red markers randomly located on the fringes of fairways, today’s players need only casually glance at their watch, smartphone, trolley handle or bag-mounted GPS device, or whip out their rangefinder, to find out the precise distance to a flag or bunker, or in some cases, almost any feature on the golf course.

The growth of the DMD market may have put a dent in course planner sales, but with the latest top-of-range models costing upwards of £400, it doesn’t take a math’s wizard to work out that selling a handful of GPS units or rangefinders a month will more than make up the shortfall.

And with the recent relaxing in the rules regarding the use of DMDs in competitions – they’re even being used on the Staysure Tour now – there are still plenty of opportunities for retailers to cash in on this market, especially with the latest devices, many of which offer additional functions, such as stat and shot tracking, swing tempo measurements, wireless connectivity, and even a built-in camera, as is the case with SkyCaddie’s new SX500.

While handheld GPS units are still selling well to those that like the extra information and more detailed hole maps and overhead views they they offer, they have largely been overtaken by more user-friendly wrist-based models. While early GPS watches were rather clunky and functional, the latest launches are far more stylish, with slimmer bodies, colour

amateur golfers, with their ability to quickly offer precise yardages to the pin giving players the added confidence to hit the target, while slope-adjusted technology has also proved a useful performance addition.

The hybrid laser market is another sector worth exploring, with a number of brands

bringing out models that serve the function of both rangefinder and GPS. Although lacking the detail that a standalone GPS can offer, these models are certainly a useful option for those golfers wanting to know a little more than just the distance to the flag.

Power trolleys offering built-in GPS all also proving a boon for pros looking to increase their trolley sales, with Motocaddy’s two Connect models and PowaKaddy’s Compact C2i and FW7s offering GPS functionality, with supporting apps for even more detail.

If shot tracking is important for your customers, then you should definitely consider selling the ShotScope V2, which offers all the benefits of a GPS watch combined with the information of a shot-tracking device. The same goes for the Arcoss system, whose club sensors can be hooked up to a smartphone to provide stats and data to help lower scores.

All in all, there still looks to be plenty more mileage to be had out of the DMD market, and with a new generation of golfers who are far more tech-savvy than the last coming through, it will pay to stock a good range of DMD models going forward.

31

T RA DE G P S / L A S E R S

GPS WATCHES BUSHNELL EXCEL £199 Pre-loaded with 35,000 courses, it offers front/centre/back distances, plus up to four hazards per hole. Bluetooth integration to a smartphone enables call alerts and messages to be sent to the watch. This technology hooks it up to the Golf App, which enables users to book and pay for tee times, and also gives the option for 3D course flyovers.

A Swing Pro function monitors swing speed and tempo, while it also features a pedometer and odometer. The colour display automatically adjusts for brightness, while the battery will last over three rounds in GPS mode. It is available in a choice of black, charcoal or white.

GARMIN APPROACH S40 £239,99 Boasting a metal bezel and a choice of three different colours, the S40 is one of the most elegant GPS watches on the market.

Featuring a 1.2-inch colour touchscreen, it offers comprehensive golfing data, including green view, for more than 40,000 courses, and also offers auto-shot game-tracking, which measures shots along the fairway for post-game analysis on Garmin Connect. Bluetooth connected for email and text alerts, it can also be bundled up with Garmin’s Approach CT10 club sensors for additional shot-tracking features.

GOLFBUDDY WTX £199 The WTX combines a full-colour screen and touchscreen functionality with a complete hole layout that shows the golfer’s position, as well as dynamic green view, which provides accurate distances from the specific angle of approach. There’s also shot distance measurement, pin position selection and extra ‘skins’ for different style options when not in GPS mode.

SKYCADDIE SW2 £129.95 The SW2 is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor with improved battery life and no annual fees. It comes is pre-loaded with ground-corrected course maps providing at-a-glance distances to the front, centre and back of greens on an easyto-read display. It will automatically detect course and advance holes and also includes a host of fitness features, as well as a paceof-play timer.

32

SHOT SCOPE V2 £225 Shot Scope’s V2 watch combines GPS technology with automatic performance tracking. It three has modes – GPS, Pro and GPS+Track. In both GPS and GPS+Track modes, the LCD screen displays distances to the front, middle and back, as well as to hazards, from the golfer’s position. In Pro and GPS+Track modes, the device works in the background to collect over 100 statistics, broken down into clubs, tee shots, approaches, short game and putting.

Data chips screwed into the top of each club record shot data automatically, while putts need to be recorded manually.

SKYCADDIE LINX GT £249.95 Pre-loaded with 35,000 ground-mapped courses, the GT provides distances to the front, centre and back. It can also be paired with SkyCaddie’s mobile app to provide expanded views of the hole on a smartphone and up to 40 referenced targets. A built-in shot tracking system which, when combined with SkyCaddie SmartTags (£295.95), allows golfers to track the club, location and distance of each shot, which is synchronised in real time with the SkyGolf 360 Cloud.

HANDHELD GPS GARMIN APPROACH G30 £269.99 The G30 has a 2.3-inch colour touchscreen for users to see features like Green View and Touch Targeting. Big Numbers Mode displays yardages in a large font for at-aglance viewing and also displays a hole view with a moveable pointer. I Compatible with the Garmin’s TruSwing analyser to improve swing consistency, users can also get smart notifications for incoming calls and texts.

GOLFBUDDY VTX £249.99 Boasting a full-colour touchscreen, the VTX offers access to over 38,000 pre-loaded courses, and will auto update courses via Bluetooth to a smartphone. It provides distances to the front, centre and back of greens, all hazards, and a dynamic golfer’s view. Boasting a 15-hour battery, the VTX also has a voice mode and a digital scorecard.

July 2019

| www.pga.info

G P S / L A S E R S T RA DE SKYCADDIE SX500 £379.95 Pre-loaded with 35,000 courses, the SX500 features a five-inch, full-colour touchscreen on a smartphonesized device that can be mounted on a trolley or golf bag. Along with a host of GPS and shot-tracking features, such as Dynamic HoleVue, Intelligreen Pro and Pinpoint, it boasts a 13-megapixel camera, the photos from which can be uploaded to a SkyGolf 360 account. A course management feature suggests club choices based on average distances hit. Intelligent Automation provides an almost touchless experience, with course, hole advance, zoom, distance, green depth and rotating view to display a scorecard are all available without having to press a button.

LASER RANGEFINDERS BUSHNELL TOUR X £419 Capable of measuring up to 450 yards to a flag, the Tour X features Bushnell’s JOLT technology, which issues a short vibration when the laser is locked on to the target. Users can toggle between a bright red or black display for use in all light conditions, while two interchangeable faceplates provide golfers with one device that is legal for use in all forms of competition. The red faceplate provides adjusted distances based on elevation changes – which aren’t allowed under tournament conditions – while the black one doesn’t.

BUSHNELL HYBRID £399 The Hybrid enables golfers to get precise distances to the pin through the laser function, whilst a GPS display on the side delivers front, middle and back yardages to help when golfers have blind shots or need quicker, more general information. The two technologies ‘talk’ to each other, so that front and back distances of the green are shown in relation to the pin that is being targeted. Jolt technology lets the user know when the laser has locked onto the target, with a distance range of up to 400 yards.

GOLFBUDDY LR7 £249.99 The LR7 provides x6 magnification and boasts four modes – standard, scan, pin and pin finder. Scan continuously measures for 10 seconds, showing distances to varying targets; pin mode scans for 10 seconds, before displaying the distance to the closest target, while pin finder mode repeats the function of pin mode, but adds in a vibration function for confirmation of an acquired target.

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

NIKON COOLSHOT PRO STABILIZED £499.99 A boon for golfers with shaky hands, this model features technology that reduces the effects of external vibration by 80%, which results in a clearer picture and increased accuracy. A ‘distance-priority mode’ indicates a green circle when the rangefinder is locked to on the correct target. It has a switch to offer slopeadjusted distances when competition rules allow, while the red LED display adjusts its brightness according to the ambient light.

The lens offers x6 magnification and is capable of measuring distance of up to 1,200 yards.

TROLLEYS WITH BUILT-IN GPS MOTOCADDY CUBE CONNECT £219.99 A digital display attached to the handle provides front, middle and back distances to the green for more than 40,000 courses, plus shot measurements, smartphone alerts, and a clock and timer. The screen can be tilted up and down for easy viewing, and is attached to a height adjustable handle.

MOTOCADDY S5 CONNECT £549.99 The display offers front, middle and back distances to the green, along with the par of the hole, clock, and round timer. When connected to a free Motocaddy App, over 36,000 courses worldwide are accessible with overhead maps and detailed yardage and greenside information, while ‘Shot Planning Control’ enables users to pinpoint how far any target is on the course.

POWAKADDY FW7S GPS £799.99, powakaddy.co.uk Powakaddy’s top-of-the-range electric trolley features built-in GPS that offers distances to the front, middle and back of the green, as well as distances to hazards, at over 30,000 courses worldwide, displayed on a 3.5-inch digital screen. The GPS automatically locates the course and hole, while course updates can be made by connecting to Powakaddy’s website via a USP port. Other features include a built-in digital scorecard, with every round saved to build a performance history.

POWAKADDY C2I GPS £699.99, powakaddy.co.uk A full-colour screen located on the handle of this compact trolley offers distances to the front, middle and back of the green and hazards on over 38,000 pre-loaded courses around the world, with no added fees or subscriptions required.

33

DRIVE OUR VISION SHARE OUR SUCCESS

partnership

THIS IS WHO WE ARE. Are you driven by success...

More than 480 of the country’s leading PGA Professionals are part of TGI Golf Partnership, Be part of atoforward thinking group. which exists assist them in running successful and profitable businesses.

TGI Golf Partnership offers current

and relevant business solutions

Contact us today to find out how and thought leadership to driven, we can help you.

engaged professionals.

tgigolf.com @TGI_Golf

/TGIGolfPartnership

THE TGI GOLF PARTNERSHIP IS A GOLF RETAIL SERVICES GROUP, OWNED BY PGA PROFESSIONALS.

Seven things that happen

partnership

DRIVE OUR VISION when you become SHARE OUR SUCCESS

a TGI Golf Partner

01

You make a one off payment You are a partner of TGI Golf and TGI Golf Travel

02

You are guaranteed the best UK and Irish terms from Partner suppliers Including all the biggest brands in golf

03

You have a dedicated Retail Consultant Free, in-store expert advice from the guys in the know

04

You are invited to fantastic events Some educational, some competitive - always valuable

05

You will receive annual profit distribution

06

You get access to TGI’s amazing marketing tools

As a Full Partner of the business, you share in our success

These allow you to take charge and tailor communications and POS to your business

More than 480 of the country’s leading PGA Professionals are part of TGI Golf Partnership, which exists to assist them in running successful and profitable businesses.

0% finance

07

> Best Buying Terms > Free Retail and

Marketing Advice

You get access to our exclusive 0% finance Contact us today to find out how we can help you. >apply) First Class Events arrangement, (terms and conditions

tgigolf.com

DRIVE @TGI_Golf

/TGIGolfPartnership

THE TGI GOLF PARTNERSHIP IS A GOLF RETAIL SERVICES GROUP, OWNED BY PGA PROFESSIONALS.

T RA DE I N T E RV I E W

Q&A Three stripes on the march Andrew Law, managing director of adidas Golf in the UK and Europe, talks about life after TaylorMade, the giant strides it is making in footwear and apparel design, and its determination to focus on the needs of frontline retailers It’s just over 18 months since

of market share, but we know there’s a lot

adidas Golf parted company with

more to go after. So far this year, our footwear

TaylorMade. What are the main

is back to a two-year high and apparel share

differences in the way adidas Golf

is the fast growing of the top-ten brands, so

operates now compared to then?

that’s showing that we’re gaining traction in

For such a huge global brand, adidas perhaps

what is essentially a flat market.

didn’t quite get the attention it should have in golf, so while it was, of course, sad to say

What specific changes have you

goodbye to so many friends and colleagues

implemented in the way you

that we had worked with for many years at

handle pro shop accounts and

TaylorMade, the split has been a positive move

working with the PGA Professional to improve retail operations?

for both companies in so many ways.

TaylorMade is a very dynamic brand, with a lot of categories, but adidas Golf has always

Andrew Law: bringing the brand heat of ‘big’ adidas to golf

how we were showing up in the marketplace,

had a much narrower focus, so now the 50

Did 2018 feel like ‘ground zero’ in

and I think over the last couple of years adidas

or so people employed in this building think

terms of rebuilding the brand?

may have looked a little tired compared to

about adidas 24/7, as do the 90-plus people

It was an exciting year, but it had its

some of our competitor brands who have

we employ around Europe, and we believe

challenges. We moved offices, took on new

done a really nice job.

that will make a difference.

people, new systems, new warehousing,

getting 90% of time, effort and budget.

everything was new, and that was both incredibly challenging and exciting.

Last year we built our platform and

Now we’re only thinking about adidas, and

structure – I call it our ‘establishment year’.

that focus alone is starting to yield some

Although we had the power of adidas behind

interesting results.

us, we were very much a start-up business.

We are very serious about the golf business,

The first half of the year was tough – we had

and as a stand-alone operation we are going to

a system blackout, which meant we couldn’t

be working harder and better than ever before.

deliver to our customers properly, and we

We want to bring the current brand heat of

couldn’t invoice properly. Thankfully that was

‘big’ adidas, as we call it, into the golf market,

all resolved by June, and we finished the year

while also being true to the game.

strongly. So 2019 has all been about stabilising

Going into 2018, we reinvented how the

our business and showing golf retailers that we

brand looks in store, so our sales guys have

are a reliable and exciting partner.

been engaging with our key partners in the

Adidas has said that it recognises that the golf

UK and Ireland to make sure that the brand

industry is unique and to be a success we need

looks its best. How the point-of-sale looks has

a structure that will support that industry and

to reflect the strength of the brand, so there

grow the adidas brand in authentic golf retail.

has been major investment going into in-store

Overall, I think things are moving in the right direction across the business. According

Gripping times: adidas is a clear second in the footwear sales market in the UK

‘‘

How the point-of-sale looks has to reflect the strength of the brand, so there has been major investment going into in-store point of sale

‘‘

While TaylorMade probably made up around 65% of our total revenue, it was

36

As I was moving into this role I took stock of

point of sale over the last two seasons.

We’ve also taken on two full-time visual

to the latest figures from Datatech, we’re

merchandisers who have come from high

a strong second in footwear sales – with a

street backgrounds, and they have been going

considerable gap ahead of the third-placed

around our retailers to merchandise the brand

brand – and we’re fourth in apparel in terms

in-store, to train and to engage with staff.

July 2019

| www.pga.info

I N T E RV I E W T RA DE

adidas Golf boasts a strong stable of stars wearing its apparel and footwear on tour

adidas has taken on two visual merchanding experts to help retailers show off the product range to its best advantage

That’s an added value service beyond what

Can you tell me about the adidas

shoe. Boost has been a huge part of big

their sales rep will offer, and I don’t believe

ambassador programme?

adidas’ success in recent years, and we’re really

any other brands are doing that, at least not

To become an adidas ambassador, a PGA

trying to leverage that with the new model.

full-time. They’ve only been on the road since

Professional needs to stock our apparel,

We also recently launched a new version

February, but the reception they have had so

footwear and accessories, and give them a

of that model that features components

far has been incredible.

prominent position in the shop. In return,

made from upcycled plastic. Working with

we kit them out head to toe and ask that

environmental organisation Parley for the

golf retail channel and adidas is backing us

they wear that gear whenever they’re in the

Oceans, we’ve taken plastic that was found

because that’s where golf apparel and footwear

shop, out teaching or playing, and on social

washed up on beaches, and put it into the

is purchased. It’s green grass, it’s off-course,

media. As an added incentive, each year one

uppers. It’s part of a general push towards

and some sports and online retailers too. But if

adidas ambassador, as well as other adidas

sustainability to use 100 per cent recycled

you want to be successful in the golf industry

stockists, gets picked at random to join us as

plastic and polyester in all adidas Golf apparel

you need to invest in and service authentic

our guests at the Masters. We also do similar

and footwear by 2024.

golf retailers.

thing around The Open, as well as at one of

Moving into 2020, we are looking

our tour ambassador events with the likes of

to disrupt the market with out product

Sergio Garcia or John Rahm.

launches. By that I mean we want to shake

We are fully committed to the authentic

Green grass pros represent 60% of our revenue, so we will always ensure that we don’t lose sight of that. We believe that golfers buy

up the way consumers look at our brand,

what’s in front of them, so we recognise that

How is 2019 shaping up and what

especially those who don’t see themselves

if we want to be successful in golf we have to

are the key product launches?

as traditional adidas customers. There’s

engage with the green grass pro.

Our pre-booking on apparel was up over 30%

absolutely no reason why someone who

on SS19. We’re very grateful that the trade has

has worn another brand should not find an

company that’s easy to do business with. We’ve

Beyond that, we want to be known as a

recognised our product range has improved.

adidas shoe or piece of clothing that fits their

simplified our trade terms. A lot of companies

The ‘Ultimate’ franchise, with its four-way

design and performance demands, and that’s

will say you’ve got to do X, Y, and Z to get

stretch and sun-blocking technology seems to

the message we need to try and get across. It

our base terms. With us so long as you buy

be resonating with consumers and retailers.

won’t be easy, as golfers, especially older male

into the brand you get our best terms. We’ve

We’ve also really been pushing Adicross,

picked you and you’ve picked us and in return

and our pre-books on that range are 400% up

for that we’ve given our best terms regardless

on last year. I don’t see any other brand doing

of who you are. We launched a new online

this, a real range of off-course wear that can

B2B platform last year called ‘Click’. It’s been

be worn on the golf course too. Stockists have

incredibly successful already and we only

recognised the potential of the category. We

launched last September. It allows the retailer

can never forget the age of the average golfer

to see live product availability so they can

in this country, we need product for him and

reorder stock throughout the season and give

her, but as a sports brand have a commitment

them the ability to not only purchase directly

to a younger demographic also.

on that platform, but they can flick a switch

on footwear. The most exciting story is the

show their customer’s current availability.

Tour360 XT SL, our full-soled boost spikeless

| #makinggolfhappen

say ‘hey, take a fresh look at adidas’. adidas’s Tour360 XT Parley is the first golf shoe featuring parts made from recycled plastic

We’ve also had huge pre-book growth

on it that shows retail prices, allowing them to

The PGA Professional

golfers, are very brand loyal, but it’s our job to

37

A D V E R T O R I A L

Argentario Golf Resort Spa & Villas: your private Tuscany Located between Tuscany’s rolling hills and the crystal-clear waters of the Silver Coast, the Argentario Golf Resort & Spa is home to an eco-friendly golf course (BioAgriCert certification) that meanders through cork-oak woods and olive groves. The luxurious property has joined The PGA’s growing list of exceptional branded resorts as the ‘PGA National Italy’, and will be the venue for the final of the SkyCaddie PGA Pro-Captain Challenge.

Argentario Golf Resort & Spa is a fantastic destination for those looking for a relaxing holiday that combines golf, wellness and gastronomy. The local microclimate allows golf to be played at any time of the year.

Argentario Golf Club

The 18-hole course is ideal for groups of golfers thanks to its large practice facilities and varied activities. For example, at the Argentario Golf Academy players can find the TrackMan IIIe simulator and, in addition to golf programmes headed by their Pro, groups can enjoy other personalised activities such as fitness retreats, wine tastings, cooking lessons and guided tours both in Tuscany off the beaten path and famous art cities around Italy.

Enjoy the views from the hot tub at Maremma Cottage

The cuisine of the resort’s two restaurants – Dama Dama and Club House – is based on dishes prepared using products from small, carefully-selected local farms and, at certain times of the year, some that come directly from the hotel’s vegetable garden and orchard.

Espace Wellness Center, the resort’s spa, includes indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish bath, sauna, Kneipp circuit and thalassotherapy pool, various massage cabins, a relaxation area and a modern and spacious gym. Personal trainers and a nutritionist are available on site for personalised experiences. Additional sports facilities include tennis and padel courts, small football pitch, and jogging trails.

Design and sustainability are at the heart of the luxury resort, which offers 73 rooms and suites, and five independent luxury villas with three to five bedrooms. Luxury homes are available for sale on the golf course with the Argentario Golf Villas real estate project. Owners benefit from a range of amenities and services offered by Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, including 24-hour security, property management and a rental programme.

Argentario is easily accessed from Rome Fiumicino Airport by car in just an hour, and day trips can be organised to nearby art cities like Rome, Florence and Siena.

Espace Wellness Center

Argentario Club’s beach

SUMMER 2019: Argentario Golf Resort & Spa proposes the Summer Dream package, including buffet breakfast, welcome dinner, beach service in its exclusive partner beach club, and one 25-minute massage per person.

Three-night package in a double Tuscany Junior Suite starting from €667 euro per person.

Bespoke packages can be created for PGA Members and clients.

For availability and prices call +39 0564 810292 or email booking@argentarioresort.it quoting PGA Member. www.argentarioresort.com

38

July 2019

| www.pga.info

A P PA R E L T RA DE Gregory Bourdy at Dubai 2018 wearing Bollé sunglasses

Eyes right Protecting your eyes from the elements is an ever-improving technical arena, but choice, style and comfort are important to your customers too

CHOOSING LENSES

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

with blue skies suddenly covered by clouds, breezes springing up, humidity and changes in pollen levels. Checking appearance in a mirror is essential – wearing a style that suits in every respect will give added confidence when out on the golf course.

‘‘

A good supply of varying types of lenses and styles encourages opportunities to provide advice, recommendations and potentially higher priced sales

‘‘

I

ncreasing awareness of the danger to eyes posed by intense sunlight are leading many manufacturers to focus on the need for sports and golf-specific lenses.

New developments in lens technology are making sunglasses ever more effective when it comes to navigating ground and sky conditions. Sunglasses are also becoming increasingly stylish – helped by the fact that many Tour players can be seen wearing the latest styles.

For PGA retailers, sunglasses offer a big opportunity for impulse sales. Most people tend to forget sunglasses, leave them at home or simply need them in a hurry due to changing weather conditions. Having a good supply of varying types of lenses and styles encourages opportunities to provide advice, recommendations and potentially higher priced sales.

Comfort is a priority. Encourage customers to try on several styles, rather than reaching for the first one they see, as there can be substantial differences in terms of fit. Every face is unique. Sunglasses need to fit securely, without slipping or sliding and without pinching the ears or side of the face. The glasses also need to cope with a variety of changing weather conditions

Most manufacturers are using rubber nose pads, as these help keep the glasses in place without slipping especially when bending the head. The Oakley Golf collection uses Unobtainium® nosepads and temples so as to increase grip when perspiring. Equally important is the fit around the ears and sides of the face. ‘Scandinavian

Have a well lit mirror available for customers use when trying on lenses. Optical Express recommend encouraging customers to focus on comfort, ensuring that the lenses fit faces perfectly. Nobody wants to spend half a green pushing sunglasses back up.

Wraparound frames will help protect peripheral vision, as well as making sure that wind and dust does not affect eyes.

Polarised lenses, especially in brown or copper tints, help provide contrast against blue and green backgrounds like golf courses. Such lenses also make it easy to track balls in the air without altering true vision, or having to squint into the sunlight.

Polarised lenses give an edge when reading the green, navigating grass conditions, and spotting balls.

brand, Henrik Stenson, has adjusted the hinges at the point where the frame meets the front of the glasses, so as to enable the frames to bend even further before coming back to a starting position, thus providing greater flexibility of fit.

Weight is another key consideration with users wanting sunglasses that are as light as possible. This has affected not just the frame material, but the lens material too.

Maui Jim for example has introduced a new advanced lens material called MauiBrilliant 39

T RA DE A P PA R E L which features optics nearly as clear as glass, but with just one-third of the weight.

Navigating the range of lenses available can be a minefield for the unwary, especially given the new technological developments that are affecting lens development within the golf sector. Increasingly lenses are being designed to minimise glare and light transmission, while maximising contrasts and depth perception making it easier for golfers to identify variations in shade while out on the course.

Oakley is one of the leaders in the development of golf lens and uses Prizm technology designed to tune the light spectrum, so that golfers can see blemishes in the green, variations in shade, speed and line.

The new Prizm Dark Golf range reduces light transmission and increases the level of contrast still further.

Bollé’s specialist golf eyewear features Phantom Brown Gun lenses which offer high contrast, better clarity and photochromic technology allowing the lenses to change

colour depending on light conditions, thus making them ideal for games of golf carrying on into the evening. Made with NXT® material, Phantom lenses are designed to provide exceptional definition, resist fogging and offer high impact resistance. Hydrophobic and oleophobic lens treatments repel water and resist smudging.

Over at Maui Jim, patented PolarisedPlus2® lenses virtually eliminate glare and enhance depth perception, while blocking 100% of the sun’s harmful rays.

Demand for panoramic lenses is increasing, and has become a key trend among consumers, especially those seeking sport sunglasses.

HOOKED ON CLASSICS Classic aviator styles remain a popular choice, as it is a style that suits most facial types. The predominance of such styles is being challenged by the growth of wraparound glasses with panoramic lenses. Such styling offers a lot of advantages to users since wraparound

HENRIK STENSON EYEWEAR The official sunglass partner to the Swedish golf team, Henrik Stenson aims to provide glasses that reflect his own Torque Havana functional sports model £131 experiences of eyewear on the golf course. A key feature is the use of interchangeable lens, which snap into the chosen frame.

Ever popular wraparound Once inserted the frames Iceman in blue £141 grip the lens tightly.

The popular wraparound blue Iceman is a highly functional sports style. The lightweight frame is combined with a high contrast and HD mirror coated lens to offer the best in optics and visual performance.

Air vents at the top and sides of the lenses add extra comfort during hot weather while the oleophobic coating on the front of the lens repels grease, sweat, water and fingerprints.

Torque Havana is a classic brown tortoiseshell style possessing a 3 point grip as well as a cap grip, designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear all day, suiting small to medium sized faces.

40

styles provide greater protection against dust being blown into the eyes, which is an important consideration especially for contact lens wearers. Equally important is the fact that wraparound glasses enable the user to have a much broader, uninterrupted field of vision, minimizing the risk of glare when the sun is low in the sky, or at an angle rather than facing directly into the sun.

The latest ranges put greater prominence on plastic frames, especially round and square cut. Blacks, browns and tortoiseshell remain the most common colours, but more vibrant shades are appearing. Foster Grant and Henrik Stenson include shades like blue, white, red and even yellow often linked with reflective mirror lenses. Henrik Stenson has added a deep green to its Scandinavian range.

Combining functionality with stylish lifestyle choices is important. The Oakley Golf collection sets out to provide optimum performance demands while catering for style preferences such as the new Mercenary double bridge sunglass.

Cinder Cone Polarised Aviator with MauiBrilliant glass £255

Makeha Reader glossy black rimless glasses £195

Baby Beach polarised Aviator with a rose metal frame £255

MAUI JIM Tee off in Hawaiian style with Maui Jim sunglasses.

Polarized golf sunglasses using patented PolarisedPlus20® lenses are designed to virtually eliminate glare and enhance depth perception while blocking harmful sunlight. Engineered for a comfortable fit, the latest collection is designed to suit all lighting conditions.

Ho’okipa polarised rimless sunglasses are available in gloss black with neutral grey lenses, while Baby Beach polarised Aviator sunglasses incorporate a rose gold metal frame with SuperThin MauiPure glass and a pink mirror coating. Aviator style Cinder Cone also has offers the Maui Sunrise mirror colour scheme plus an even more advanced lens material, the MauiBrilliant. The Makaha Reader design has a glossy black rimless frame with neutral grey lens acting as an almost invisible bifocal positioned to optimize distance views, while giving golfers near power when required.

July 2019

| www.pga.info

A P PA R E L T RA DE

FOSTER GRANT Ironman Excursion Red SMB 19912 rimless mirrored glasses £26.50

Ironman™ IF 1802 yellow rimless mirrored glasses £26.50

Skim Pol 19075 polarised sunglasses with MaxBlock £23.99

Incorporating MaxBlock™ technology with impactresistent polarised lenses absorbing reflected light, these black Skim Pol glasses (SFGP 19075) are a classic design.

The Ironman range is ideal for sports and leisure activities offering scratch resistant hard coating, rubberised nose pads and temple tips for a comfortable fit.

Mirrored lens options are available in yellow, red, pink and grey/blue.

The Ironman Excursion with red mirror polished lenses offers a slightly different style with a side vent. A white version with blue lenses is also available.

OAKLEY Rooted in performance and sport design, Oakley® Oakley Mercenary Matte Carbon Mercenary Matte Carbon with Prizm Dark Golf glasses £134 with Prizm Dark Golf glasses features sleek, double bridge style and a larger rounded lens shape designed to provide an extended field of view.

Other special features include O Matter™ frame material, Unobtainium® nosepads and temples to keep the glasses securely in place and a special edition icon emulating the movement and action inspiring the eyewear.

Bolt Phantom Brown Gun in shiny black £149

Bolt Phantom Brown Gun in white £149

Flash Matte Black and Gold Phantom Brown Gun £119

BOLLE Bollé’s specialist range of golf eyewear incorporates the Phantom Brown Gun created to highlight green shades and sharpen contrasts on the grass, adapting quickly to changing light conditions. Two frame styles are available, Bolt and Flash. Bolt offers shiny black and shiny white variations, while flash is available only in matte black and gold.

For all your golf academy and simulator room requirements Free golf academy design service with independent advice on golf simulators and launch monitors for PGA Professionals and club fitters.

Our professional services include advice on the installation of all golf studio systems.

Consultation on ranges, new coaching rooms and cabin builds.

We can supply all your academy requirements including nets, screens, turf and mats.

golfswingsystems.co.uk The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

41 sales@golfswingsystems.co.uk

BMW 3 SERIES SALOON. BMW BMW 3 3 SERIES SERIES SALOON. SALOON. RESPONSE IN EVERY SENSE. RESPONSE RESPONSEIN INEVERY EVERYSENSE. SENSE.

BMW Group is proud to support the PGA and offer members exclusive rates on the entire BMW, BMW i Group and MINI ranges.

What’s more, your family can take advantage ofrates theon scheme.

To start BMW BMW Group is proud is proud to to support support the the PGA PGA and and offer offer members members exclusive exclusive rates on thethe entire entire BMW, BMW, your BMW Group adventure, speak to our dedicated PGA sales team.

BMW BMW i and i and MINI MINI ranges. ranges.

What’s What’s more, more, your your family family can can take take advantage advantage of of thethe scheme. scheme.

ToTo start start your your BMW BMW Group Group adventure, adventure, speak speak to to ourour dedicated dedicated PGA PGA sales sales team. team.

0370 700 5215 www.bmwpgasales.co.uk mail@bmw-issd.co.uk 0370 0370 700 700 5215 5215 www.bmwpgasales.co.uk www.bmwpgasales.co.uk mail@bmw-issd.co.uk mail@bmw-issd.co.uk BMW GROUP – PGA SALES 56 Park Lane, London, W1K 1QB BMW BMW GROUP GROUP – PGA – PGA SALES SALES 5656 Park Park Lane, Lane, London, London, W1K W1K 1QB 1QB

Fuel economy and CO2 results for the BMW 3 Series range. Urban 36.7-57.6mpg (7.7-4.9/100 km). Extra Urban 54.3-74.3mpg (5.2-3.8/100 km). Combined 46.3-67.3mpg (6.1-4.2/100 km). CO2 emissions 139-110g/km.

Fuel Fuel economy economy andand CO2 CO2 results results for for thethe BMW BMW 3 Series 3 Series range. range.

Urban Urban 36.7-57.6mpg 36.7-57.6mpg (7.7-4.9/100 (7.7-4.9/100 km). km).

Extra Extra Urban Urban 54.3-74.3mpg 54.3-74.3mpg (5.2-3.8/100 (5.2-3.8/100 km). km).

Combined Combined 46.3-67.3mpg 46.3-67.3mpg (6.1-4.2/100 (6.1-4.2/100 km). km).

CO2 CO2 emissions emissions 139-110g/km.

139-110g/km.

Figures are for comparison purposes and may not reflect real life driving results, which depend on a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post registration),

variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. All figures were determined according to a new test (WLTP). The CO2 figures were translated back to the outgoing test (NEDC) used to calculate vehicle tax registration.

Only compare fuel consumption CO2 figures with other tofitted the fitted same technical Figures Figures areand for arewill comparison forbe comparison purposes purposes and and maymay noton reflect notfirst reflect real real life driving life driving results, results, which which depend depend on aon number aand number of factors of factors including including thecars accessories the tested accessories (post(post registration), registration), procedure. variations variations in weather, in weather, driving driving styles styles and and vehicle vehicle load.load.

All figures All figures werewere determined determined according according to a to new a new test test (WLTP).

(WLTP).

TheThe CO2CO2 figures figures werewere translated translated backback to the to outgoing the outgoing test test (NEDC) (NEDC) and and will be willused be used to calculate to calculate vehicle vehicle tax on taxfirst on first registration. registration.

OnlyOnly compare compare fuel fuel consumption consumption and and CO2CO2 figures figures withwith other other carscars tested tested to the to same the same technical technical procedure. procedure.

5IF 6MUJNBUF %SJWJOH .BDIJOF 5IF 6MUJNBUF 5IF 6MUJNBUF %SJWJOH .BDIJOF %SJWJOH .BDIJOF

PGA EXCLUSIVE. BMW Select (PCP) Representative Example: BMW 320i M Sport Saloon.

PGA PGA EXCLUSIVE. EXCLUSIVE.

BMW BMW Select Select (PCP) (PCP) Representative Representative Example: Example: BMW BMW 320i 320i MM Sport Sport Saloon.

Saloon.

Term of 47 monthly On the road Customer Total Total amount Option to Optional final Total amount *PGA agreement

payments

cash price^

deposit

Contribution

deposit

TermTerm of of 47 monthly 47 monthlyOn the Onroad the roadCustomer Customer *PGA*PGA TotalTotal agreement agreement payments payments cashcash price^ price^deposit deposit Contribution Contributiondeposit deposit 48 months

£369.00

48 months 48 months £369.00 £369.00

£34,390.00

£369.00

£9,313.81

£9,682.81

of credit

purchase fee

payment ^^

payable

Rate of interest

TotalTotal amount amountOption Option to to Optional Optional final final TotalTotal amount amountRateRate of of of credit of credit purchase purchase fee fee payment payment ^^ ^^ payable payable interest interest £26,211.19

£0.00

£369.00 £9,313.81 £0.00 £34,390.00 £34,390.00 £369.00 £9,313.81 £9,682.81 £9,682.81 £26,211.19 £26,211.19 £0.00

£14,353.94 £14,353.94 £14,353.94

£32,065.94

6.9% fixed

Representative 6.9%APR

fixedfixed Representative Representative £32,065.94 £32,065.94 6.9%6.9% 6.9%APR 6.9%APR

Further finance based on a 48 month term and 8,000 annual mileage.

Park Lane Ltd.based is based a credit and notterm a and lender.

Further Further finance finance on on abroker 48 a 48 month month term and 8,000 8,000 annual annual mileage. mileage.

Representative finance is for a BMW 320iand Mnot Sport with a contract mileage of 32,000 and excess mileage charge of 8.46p per mile. All finance applies to new vehicles ordered between 1 Park Park Lane Lane Ltd. Ltd. is example aiscredit a credit broker broker and not a Saloon lender. a lender.

April 2019 and 30 June 2019 and registered by 30 September 2019 (subject to availability). PGA customers only. ^On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes

3 year BMW Retailer Warranty, Emergency Service, 12 months’ license, vehicle registration fee,mileage delivery, number ^^Optional final and option to between purchase Representative Representative finance finance example example isBMW. forisa for BMW a BMW 320i320i M Sport M Sport Saloon Saloon with with aroad contract afund contract mileage mileage of 32,000 of first 32,000 and excess and excess mileage charge charge of 8.46p ofplates 8.46p per and mile. per VAT. mile.

All finance All finance applies applies topayment new to new vehicles vehicles ordered ordered between 1fee not 1 payable ifand you30 optJune to return the at thebyend theSeptember agreement (vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges payable). available subject torecommended credit acceptance UKprice residents aged April April 20192019 and 30 June 20192019 andvehicle registered and registered 30byof September 30 20192019 (subject (subject to availability). to availability).

PGA PGA customers customers only. only. ^On ^On the may road the be road cash cash priceprice isFinance based is based on manufacturer’s on manufacturer’s recommended retailto retail price and includes and includes 183oryear over.

Guarantees and indemnities may beService, required.

Terms androad conditions apply.

Offer may varied, withdrawn extended at anyplates time.

‘BMW Select’ is final a form ofpayment hire-purchase agreement provided 3 year BMW BMW Retailer Retailer Warranty, Warranty, BMW. BMW. Emergency Emergency Service, 12 months’ 12 months’ road fundfund license, license, vehicle vehicle firstberegistration first registration fee, delivery, fee,or delivery, number number plates and VAT. and VAT. ^^Optional ^^Optional final payment and option and option to purchase to purchase fee not fee not bypayable BMW Financial Services Limited, ONE, Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 You will have abe 14payable). day statutory rightavailable to withdraw agreement.

Lane Ltd is part payable if you if opt youto opt return to return the(GB) vehicle the vehicle at theatSummit end the of end the ofagreement theSummit agreement (vehicle (vehicle condition, condition, excess excess mileage mileage and other and0FB. other charges charges may may be payable).

Finance Finance available subject subject tofrom credit tothe credit acceptance acceptance toPark UKtoresidents UK residents aged aged BMW Group.

Park and Laneindemnities Ltd,indemnities commonly introduce customers to conditions aand selected panelapply. of lenders BMW Financial Services. may commission or benefits for introducing you toprovided such 18ofor18 over. or over.

Guarantees Guarantees and may may be required. be required.

Terms Terms and conditions apply.

Offer Offer may including may be varied, be varied, withdrawn withdrawn or extended or extended atWe any at time. anyreceive time.

‘BMW ‘BMW Select’ Select’ is a form is aother form of hire-purchase of hire-purchase agreement agreement provided This introduction does(GB) not Limited, amount to independent financial advice. *Total saving includes PGAGU14 ISSD contribution. bylenders.

BMW

by BMW Financial Financial Services Services (GB) Limited, Summit Summit ONE,ONE, Summit Summit Avenue, Avenue, Farnborough, Farnborough, Hampshire, Hampshire, GU14 0FB.0FB. You will Youhave will have a 14 aday 14 statutory day statutory rightright to withdraw to withdraw fromfrom the agreement. the agreement.

Park Park LaneLane Ltd isLtd part is part of BMW of BMW Group.

Group.

Park Park LaneLane Ltd, commonly Ltd, commonly introduce introduce customers customers to a selected to a selected panelpanel of lenders of lenders including including BMW BMW Financial Financial Services.

Services.

We may We may receive receive commission commission or other or other benefits benefits for introducing for introducing you to you such to such lenders. lenders.

This This introduction introduction doesdoes not amount not amount to independent to independent financial financial advice. advice. *Total *Total saving saving includes includes PGAPGA ISSDISSD contribution. contribution.

T RAV EL D E S T I N AT I O N G U I D E

The benchmark for European golf resorts just gets better

S

The sun soaked region of Murcia is one of the most popular destinations for golf in Spain, and its easy to see why. The La Manga Club, Europe’s original golf resort, is the perfect option for your next coaching break.

ituated in the south-east of the country Murcia boasts 300 days and 3000 hours of sunshine a year and has 21 top golf courses scattered within a 30-mile radius making it the perfect destination for both coaching and escorted group trips.

There are 3 courses on offer at La Manga Club

PLAY La Manga Golf Club boasts three Championship standard golf courses each offering a new and exciting challenge. The North course is probably the easiest of the three and is ideal for mid to high handicappers. The tree lined West course presents a real challenge for mid to low handicap players, whilst the South course can prove to be a considerable test with its strategically positioned water hazards.

Las Lomas apartments offer excellent value for money

STAY The resort offers two accommodation options onsite. The 5★ Principe Felipe Hotel offers real luxury with 192 fully equipped rooms, unbeatable service and The South course has been host The luxurious 5★ an overwhelming amount to several Spanish Opens Principe Felipe hotel of facilities. Overlooking the North course, the Las Lomas Village provides a 4★ alternative perfect for larger groups. Accommodation options include a choice of comfortable self-catering studios, one or two bedroom townhouses and two or three bedroom apartments. for coaching your clients. Range areas can be reserved in advance to ensure a truly PRACTICE FACILITIES professional feel to your pre-round coaching The recently refurbished practice facility session. at La Manga Club provide a great setting

OFF THE COURSE Whilst staying at La Manga Club, your guests can indulge in a number of different dining options. With ten restaurants, two bars and two cafes, your guests will never be short of choice.

LOCAL AREA Outside of the complex, guests are within a short journey of both the City of Murcia and Cartagena – two cities which will allow visitors to explore Spanish history and culture.

Murcia has a large selection of old churches to visit including the Murcia Cathedral, the city’s most treasured monument. Cartagena has one of the most significant ports in Spain due to its unique location.

GETTING THERE Direct flights from most major UK airports make the region of Murcia easily reachable from any location. Flight time is just over 2 hours and a 40-minute transfer from Murcia Airport means you can be on the golf course within 5 hours of leaving home!

PRO PACKAGE • 4 nights bed & breakfast at 5★ Principe Filipe Hotel • 3 rounds of golf on the North, South or West course • From £395 per amateur (based on February 2020 travel)

For more information on how the Golf Pro Travel team can help please contact 01753 752 880 or email pga@golfbreaks.com @Golfbreaks_Pro @golfbreaks_pro_travel

44

July 2019

| www.pga.info

O F F E R S T RAV E L

PGA Member Offers

Did our Destination Guides whet your appetite?

Take a look at our other popular Golf Pro Travel venues in Murcia and Antalya.

Remember, as a PGA Professional you receive a FREE place with 7 amateurs, a 5% commission, as well as benefiting from our Breakpoints loyalty scheme!

The Residences at Mar Menor Golf Resort Key facts

• Excellent value golf resort • 18-hole Jack Nicklaus design course • Perfect for coaching breaks • Free transfers to 6 other courses in local area • 40 minutes from Corvera Airport (RMU)

★ Golfbreaks.com Pro Package

• 4 nights Bed & Breakfast and 3 rounds of golf – from £225 • FREE 2 hours of unlimited balls for coaching on playing days

Caleia Mar Menor Golf Resort and Spa 5★ ★ Golfbreaks.com

Key facts

• 5★ Hotel only 40 minutes from Corvera Airport (RMU) • 18-hole Jack Nicklaus design course • Free transfers to 6 other courses in local area • Several themed restaurants and an Irish Pub on-site

Pro Package

• 4 nights Bed & Breakfast and 3 rounds of golf – from £385 • FREE 2 hours of unlimited balls for coaching on playing days

Sueno Hotels Golf Belek 5★ ★ Golfbreaks.com Pro Package

Key facts

• Amazing value 5★ resort in Antalya • 2 fantastic courses on site Pines and Dunes • Selection of bars and restaurants to choose from • Great practice facilities

• 7 nights All Inclusive and 7 days unlimited golf – from £589 • FREE transfers

Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort and Spa Key facts

• Stunning 5★ resort • 27 holes onsite, Faldo King, Queen and Prince • Great selection of restaurants and bars • Great practice facilities

★ Golfbreaks.com Pro Package

• 7 nights All Inclusive and 3 rounds of golf – from £599 • FREE transfers

For more information on how the Golf Pro Travel team can help please contact 01753 752 880 or email pga@golfbreaks.com @Golfbreaks_Pro @golfbreaks_pro_travel

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

45

T RAV EL D E S T I N AT I O N G U I D E

5★ All-inclusive luxury in Turkey Turkey is the number 1 destination for All Inclusive golf breaks in the world.

One of our most popular pro travel venues is the PGA National Turkey – Antalya Golf Club and the connected Sirene Belek Hotel 5★ which offers fantastic allinclusive and access to the stunning Pasha course & the PGA Sultan course STAY The Sirene Belek Hotel 5★ is a perfect base for a PGA Pro led golf break in Turkey.

This architecturally stunning hotel is host to over 250 rooms and boasts a large range of facilities that can cater for golfers and non-golfers alike.

The hotel offers a host of dining options that are sure to suit any member of your group with 6 restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisine. There are also 7 bars for those wanting to have a relaxing drink including the standalone nightclub Aspendos.

The new Sirene Belek Hotel

PLAY The PGA National Turkey – Antalya Golf Club is home to two fantastic 18 hole championship golf courses, the Pasha and the PGA Sultan, the latter having hosted the Antalya Golf Club clubhouse

Turkish Airlines World Golf Final amongst many other tournaments.

Both 18-hole, Par 72 and 71 respectively, make for a challenging round with plenty of water and well-placed bunkers to catch you out!

The practice facilities are excellent at Antalya Golf Club and perfect for hosting your coaching break. It boasts a large driving range, 2 putting greens, 3 pitching greens and practice green with bunker.

Antalya Golf Club

OFF THE COURSE The Sirene Belek Hotel benefits from numerous facilities including the outstanding Sanitas Spa, perfect for a little relaxation or for the non-golfers in your group as well as an extensive selection of other

sporting facilities including a health club and tennis courts amongst other activities.

GETTING THERE The best time to take your group to Turkey is between March and April, and September and November.

Getting there is easy with direct flights from Jet2, EasyJet, Turkish Airlines and Thomas Cook available from major UK airports to Antalya (AYT). Flight time is approximately 4½ hours and the resort is only a short 40-minute transfer from the airport.

PRO PACKAGE • 7 nights All Inclusive at Sirene Belek Hotel • 4 rounds of golf PGA Sultan and Pasha courses • FREE range balls for coaching • FREE transfers • From £729 per amateur (based on March 2020 travel) • Pro FREE with 7 amateurs

For more information on how the Golf Pro Travel team can help please contact 01753 752 880 or email pga@golfbreaks.com @Golfbreaks_Pro @golfbreaks_pro_travel

46

July 2019

| www.pga.info

B U S I N E S S T RAV E L

How to

Market your next break

Planning and preparation are key to the success of any trip you run. If you have done your research on what your clients want from a trip then filling the spaces will be easy. Advertising your trip effectively to your clients will ensure the spaces fill up quickly and you can move on to planning your next break in the sun!

When should I start to advertise my trip?

It’s important to give your clients as much time to commit as possible. If you leave it too late they may have already planned another holiday or have other commitments that can’t be re-arranged. Leaving it too late will also mean you won’t secure the best tee times, hotels or flight prices.

How long should I book in advance?

If you have a large group size you need to allow more time.

• UK and Ireland – 3 to 6 months • Mainland Europe, Canaries, Morocco and Cyprus – 6 to 9 months • U.S.A., South Africa, Mauritius, UAE and Turkey – 9 to 12 months If you are planning on running a tournament experience trip to the Masters for example then the best time to advertise is a year in advance when the tournament is on to ensure you capture their enthusiasm around the event.

Morocco has increased in popularity as a Pro travel venue

How do I market the trip to my clients?

There are many effective ways to market your trip to your potential clients. Here are our top 3:

1

A PERSONAL INVITATION You will have a good idea of who will be interested in your trip whether it be an escorted, coaching or tournament experience. Send a personal invite detailing the itinerary for the trip and ask them if they would like to reserve a space. You should be able to fill the majority of spaces, if not all using this method.

2

EMAIL TO YOUR DATABASE This is fairly simple. You can send out a blanket email to your database advertising your trip. Make sure you include all the key elements such as date, venue, cost and what type of trip it is and what they can expect from it.

3

SOCIAL MEDIA Another great way to reach your target audience and clients that aren’t already members or on your database. There are many pros that take clients away that they have never Coaching breaks are a great way to engage with your members

Major tournaments create an unforgettable experience for your members

Social Media is a popular way to gain interest for your trips

met but they are keen for a coaching or escorted trip with a golf professional.

Once I have commitment, what should I do?

Make sure you take a deposit from them to ensure they are committed to your trip.

A £100 deposit is normally enough to make sure they are fully committed and will cover the deposit Golfbreaks requires for the majority of destinations. Once you have paid the deposit to Golfbreaks, your tee times and rooms will be secure giving your clients plenty of time to pay for the remainder of their trip.

What next?

If you would like one of the dedicated Golf Pro Travel team to come over to see you at your home club or facility and discuss your requirements, then please get in touch to arrange a suitable time.

For more information on how the Golf Pro Travel team can help please contact 01753 752 880 or email pga@golfbreaks.com @Golfbreaks_Pro @golfbreaks_pro_travel

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

47

COACHING T H E O RY

Coaching at the Elite Level David Colclough, Head of Coaching and Sports Science, looks at what there is to learn by listening to some of those coaching in the upper echelons of the game.

C

oaching at the elite level Hugh Marr (left) and Thorbjørn Olesen is something many PGA Members aspire to, but which very few get the opportunity to spend their life doing. Hugh Marr, not only does it for a living, he has had significant success at it, with players such as Thorbjørn Olesen becoming high achievers under his guidance. Recently, as he has travelled on Tour, he has taken the opportunity to speak to a range of interesting people who are involved in elite golf as part of his highly praised podcast Talking Golf.

When I approached Marr to ask whether I could use the four episodes he did with coaches each working at elite level, it is really easy to to distil down the commonalities between “derail” or “deskill” them all, he was very accommodating.

The four coaches who gave freely of their a talented player, by time and expertise to him were Denis Pugh, taking a more generic Rob Goldup, Cameron McCormack and approach to player Kevin Kirk. (If you don’t know some of development those names then I highly recommend you search for the Hugh Marr Talking Golf podcast online. You can then start listening to the individual episodes, where a full backthe coach was not frightened of the conseground on each person is available.) quences of a particular practice session not What follows is an amalgamation of what going according to plan. This ultimately this ‘fourball’ (and Hugh) think it takes to benefitted the player, by allowing them to coach successfully at elite level. be better prepared during training, so that they were in a better position when it came The importance of building a to playing tournament golf. strong relationship with the There was a warning though, that this player process had to be undertaken with a degree The primary topic of conversation was the of caution, because as Kevin Kirk suggested, overriding importance of building a relait is really easy to “derail” or “deskill” a tionship with the player to a point where talented player, by taking a more generic there was a strong bond between each other. approach to player development.

This allowed for honest conversations, This echoed the approach taken by Denis and a more appropriate learning environPugh, who suggested that he always looked ment to be created. In turn, this allowed to see how he can help initially, whilst being them to be focused more towards ongoing conscious of trying to ensure that he did not development and performance, because hurt them.

‘‘

‘‘

48

What came through loud and clear was the need for the player to give the coach their full trust and backing for a sustained period of time, in order that the coach was not treading so carefully that they were unable to make any meaningful inroads.

Pugh summed it up nicely when he said that he’d been told by Bob Torrance, that with this type of approach from the player “there are only so many times you can stand there with your fingers crossed behind your back, hoping the next shot will be the one,” otherwise you are facing the sack.

Perhaps surprisingly, the interviews uncovered the view that a significant number of Tour players have no long-term approach to their own development, being happy with not putting themselves under too much pressure during the year, and frequently having their working relationship with a coach dictated by the last shot they hit, last round they played or tournament they competed in.

Marr went as far as to say that many players were happy to live in mediocrity, spending huge amounts of time aimlessly hitting balls with no purpose between rounds, and between tournaments. Consequently, those players missed valuable chances to take steps towards personal mastery.

Helping them shoot lower scores – “What will move the needle?”

The second theme that emerged was the recognition from all the coaches that tour players are amazing athletes, ‘super human’ in the golfing sense, and that the role of a coach is to find ways to ‘move the needle’, as Kevin Kirk put it, rather than make huge wholesale changes to fit a coaching model July 2019

| www.pga.info

T H E O RY COAC H I NG that the coach might want to impose on the player.

To quote Denis Pugh, helping the players “hit it fewer times this year than last,” was the primary outcome that all coaches identified as a primary performance outcome.

This outcome was frequently based on referring back to the performance data (e.g.

Strokes Gained or similar) rather than more subjective measures such as swing styles.

A large part of the player’s improvement came down to the coach needing to understand how the player played their best golf, and then being able to help them get that back when their form inevitably went missing for a while.

A slightly different view, but in the same vein, came from Cameron McCormack who explained that he was always trying to establish with the player how they could still shoot a score when their game wasn’t quite where they wanted it. He named this ‘satisficing’ over ‘optimising’, and it meant having a strategy or plan B (C, D or E even) for when the ‘A-game’ didn’t show up.

Building a team The interviews also highlighted the important role that the whole team play in helping the player be prepared to play to the best of their ability when they tee it up on a Thursday. Each coach spoke about the importance of a strong relationship with the key individuals in the player’s life, be it their family, friends, management, support team, caddy, etc.

Denis Pugh (left) is part of Francesco Molinari’s team

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

This was personified in the interviews with Pugh and Rob Goldup, who are both on Francesco Molinari’s team. During different interviews they explained the roles within the team almost identically, without prior knowledge of what each other had said. This coherence amongst the team is something that came across as vital when trying to improve the performance of one person.

Characteristics of coaches working at elite level At various points within the interviews, the coaches spoke of characteristics that an individual might need to ‘survive’ or ‘thrive’ on Tour. They included: • A robust knowledge of golf coaching, and a clear and concise way to deliver that knowledge which offers a player useful feedback.

• A thick skin (or robust personality) – the ability to not become too negatively influenced by setbacks.

• Awareness of their own behaviour – Tied to the personality, is the need to be able to behave in manner that instils confidence in the player that you know what you’re doing.

McCormack spoke about times where if he were perhaps unsure of the ‘next step’ he’d imagine how the player would want him to act as the coach, and he would go out with that ‘coaching mask’ on.

• Through good communication skills you need to be able to foster a strong relationship and create an environment where learning can take place.

The final point I wanted to draw your attention to, is another point made

by Kirk, which permeates through out the areas I’ve touched on here.

He said that regardless of what you do, as a coach you need

to understand that your impact is never (perhaps rarely?) neutral – you’ll either help the person perform better, or take away from their ability to perform.

As such, going on to the Tour to try and impose a method you believe can benefit everyone is not recommended. Pugh said of method coaching, “the problem is that when you have a method, a third might like the idea, a third will hate the idea, and a third won’t care because it’s not their method.

Then from those who like your method, it might only suit a third again.” So, by having a method, you really do restrict the levels of success you might have on the Tour.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PGA PROFESSIONAL The findings from the four interviews suggest that a very tailored approach to understanding the player is vital, as they are high performing athletes who are easy to deskill or derail with the wrong approach.

Each coach spoke about the importance of creating a learning environment which positively challenged the player, and where the coach (and wider team) didn’t feel threatened by the sack from the player, because the player didn’t hit the next shot well, or played a poor round.

In particular, this finding has significance for the players on Tour, because if a coach is aware that they don’t yet have a strong enough relationship with the player, they may be less likely to challenge the player with the practices they prescribe. They are more likely to wait until such time as they feel somewhat ‘closer’ to the player, and ‘safer’ in their employment, all of which may have a detrimental impact on the player’s short-term progress.

So, to the PGA Professional – choose your players carefully! To Tour players – give the coach a chance. Invest your trust, as well as time and money, in a coach, to gain the best results.

Thanks to Hugh Marr.

Find the Talking Golf podcast online 49

OUR NEW GOLFER REGISTRATION SCHEME MAKES DATA COLLECTION EASY Mr. A Golfer OGN 1000 0074

No sign up costs for your club Full launch pack to get you started Earn commission on sign ups Improve your marketing capabilities Help golfers stay insured on the course The Golfer Card is a new app which golfers can download FREE of charge and when the golfer is on site, they scan the QR code and they are ready to play.

Backed by The PGA, the new Golfer Card app is an opportunity to build a national database for the benefit of all the participating parties, and put you, the PGA Professional at the heart of it.

Sign up now at http://business.thegolfercard.co.uk

® PGA is a registered trademark of The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited

I N T E RV I E W PER S O N A L DEV ELO PM ENT

Q&A Mark Reeves – Master plans PGA Master Professional Mark Reeves has enjoyed a diverse career which began as a coach in the UK and continued abroad in golf club management.

adapt and rapidly improve yourself. These developing countries often have a longer golf season than the UK so earnings can be higher and more sustainable.

What does being a PGA Master

How did you get into golf?

Professional mean to you?

My uncle Ray Reeves, former Reading Football

After many years in and around golf involved

Club captain, introduced me to golf at Henley

in the global expansion of the game, it is an

Golf Club when I was 12-years-old.

honour to be recognised by industry peers as a successful professional who has contributed

What has your career path been?

internationally to golf design and development.

Player, business manager, consulting executive,

‘‘

property developer.

club management route?

I loved playing tournament golf but other doors opened through industry referrals. A placement at Basingstoke Golf Centre by Mark Howell led to an appointment at Dummer

your job?

The PGA gave me a background of proven

I currently have a massive scope of work in

integrity and golf made me competitive

privilege to help develop the socio-economic

‘‘

What made you go down the golf

What do you most enjoy about

Golf Club on land owned by Major Ronald Fergusson with Peter Alliss in design. Alliss introduced Gary Player Group who referred

acquired through my career to represent a

me to The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club.

billion-dollar enterprise, working for the most

In Hong Kong I met IMG who referred me

powerful female entrepreneur in Vietnam.

to HaiChang Group China where I met Jack

the private sector, meet globally renowned businessmen on a daily basis and have the program of emerging Vietnam. I regularly present master plans for large mixed use developments to country leaders and design, build and operate leisure, golf, hotel and property related aspects of such projects.

Therefore, I most enjoy the sense of meaningful contribution and selfaccomplishment resulting from project

Nicklaus who subsequently introduced me to

How important is it for people like

BRG Group Vietnam.

yourself to support and hire fellow

development.

PGA Professionals?

What steps should PGA

Where did your interest and

Currently several PGA Professionals who have

Professionals take to help grow the

subsequent passion for working

independently proven their worth are engaged

game?

abroad come from?

at BRG in the Golf Division. Without their

Look closely at and understand the needs

Life is all timing. I got lucky. I was

PGA accreditation these people would not

of the customer. Establish academies and

recommended for an overseas opportunity at

be able to work overseas. I give opportunities

encourage free enterprise in the golf industry.

age 29 that presented an interesting challenge

to these individuals in the same way I was

Improve domestic coaching standards and

and career development. It was an easy

given opportunities in the past. I am simply

encourage those interested in coaching to

decision to make the move abroad.

fortunate to have a larger pool of PGA

join a professional association. Support to

Members to choose from.

make golf accessible to a wider audience. And

How does being a PGA

consider ways to ensure golf remains attractive

Professional benefit your position,

What’s the best thing about

and competitive against other activities vying

stance and reputation in the

working overseas as a PGA

for the customer’s attention.

corporate/business world?

Professional?

The PGA gave me a background of proven

Experiencing new cultures. Thriving dynamic

What would you have done if you

integrity and golf made me competitive in

markets have more pace than the mature

hadn’t been a PGA Professional?

nature. Today I have a diverse role using skills

domestic UK golf market and push you to

Lawyer or architect.

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

51

COACHING B U S I N E S S

The business of coaching A PGA Level 4 coach with almost 25 years’ experience, current England Regional Girls U18s coach Alex Saary is well placed to discuss his approach to coaching as a business during a recent interview with PGA Business Relationship Officer Justyn Branton.

What were your key goals when

naturally look for the “quick fix” and often

you first decided to focus on

have a mindset of just one or two lessons

coaching as a business and career

will be the solution to all their problems. I

choice?

learned that if I spent a good 45-60 minutes

My primary goals were three fold; try to

sitting down and chatting with a new

find the simplest and most effective ways

pupil before the first lesson, I could help

for golfers to learn how to score better,

understand what their real long-term goals

not to prescribe to a certain swing model

were to their development. Initially I found

or coaching style but to adapt my skills to

this challenging as it can come across like

best suit the pupil in front of me, and to

you are trying to suck a lot of money out of

innovate and discover new ways of learning

them, but what you were really interested in

and training for optimal performance

of course is helping them long-term to take

development.

their game to a whole new level. I always strive to make it cost effective for them,

What has been the most beneficial

PGA Level 4 coach Alex Saary

personal development experience

‘‘

to you and why?

Clive Woodward and the British Olympic Association (BOA) for three years in the lead up to London Olympic Games in 2012. I was able to observe other top coaches from Olympic sports, understanding how they work and what their processes were. It was fascinating to see just how much the teams of coaches shared information in order to help

I always strive to make it cost effective to them... a real personalised approach and sensitive to the individual’s needs

‘‘

Having the opportunity to work with Sir

not just the athletes, but the less experienced coaches. An Olympic training environment

Tell us about a coaching success story and the reasons behind it?

I once had a 14-year-old girl who came for coaching who was extremely dyslexic and had dyspraxia. She had very little awareness of what her body was doing. She didn’t even really know her left from her right. A lot of what I said would just go completely straight

is so cutthroat, because you basically only get

are suddenly exposed to what all the other

over her head and she wouldn’t understand

one chance every four years and there only

coaches are going through and learning from

a word that you were saying. I did a bit of

three spots for a medal. So, the way Olympic

their best practices and mistakes alike. Sadly,

research into these conditions, read up on

coaches and athletes work has to be incredibly

I think in mainstream golf coaching this just

it quite a bit and found out that they often

detailed, well planned, and assessed on a

isn’t done enough. Everyone seems to want

have a strong relationship with colours. The

regular basis.

to keep their knowledge to themselves which

left foot area became a green zone, the right

I think is just detrimental to our knowledge

foot area became a yellow zone. In terms of

and growth.

the direction of the target one side became

Another key experience that has helped my development is the opportunity to work as a team of coaches within the England Golf

52

being sensitive to their budget, their needs and understanding their world a bit more.

I want to deliver a programme with a real personalised approach and sensitive to the individual’s needs.

a blue area and the other became a red area

regional coaching programme. You have 12

What is your greatest challenge

and the target was a very dark black area. We

coaches all trying to learn from each other

as you focus on coaching as your

put down big coloured arrows and shapes on

all helping each other grow. At our annual

main source of income and how

the ground, so it all became very visual, and

training conference each coach must present

did you overcome it?

we spoke in colours and pictures. She made

a case study of a player that is in their squad

The biggest challenge for me was making sure

massive gains and her handicap came down

and share it with the team of coaches. You

that I could keep a pupil long term. Golfers

from 8 to 3 very quickly and she became a

July 2019

| www.pga.info

B U S I N E S S COAC H I NG long-term pupil. It taught me that rather than judging someone and saying that “this person can’t learn, they have not got any feel or sense”, I need to actually understand them in a bit more detail.

What has made you become a successful coach?

‘‘

Find a mentor or an experienced coach to shadow. I always let other coaches watch me for free... but [you should] offer to pay

and frustrations with their game in the past.

I try to understand what their resistance is to a long-term view to their development, and come up with solutions of how to overcome it.

What are your current coaching aspirations?

Germany. I had some amazing conversations

you look at the score or result of a player,

with top coaches from all over the world. I

it’s all too easy to judge it as a superb or

read a ton of books of course, but I tried to

terrible performance. But I’ve always tried to

get not just an idea of the literature, but also

understand the reasons for the performance

of real live case studies.

rather than ever judging it.

To develop and set up a pretty unique training centre where golfers can come and develop their game in a highly effective and efficient way. A centre where they develop their core physical skills like speed, timing, balance etc, their core knowledge of the game like smart course management. Also a world-class short game and putting area.

Very few golfers have access to high quality speed training, short game, and putting facilities.

not an exact science and it’s easy to get things

How do you engage with new

What advice would you give a

wrong from time to time. I would often sit

customers who may have never

new coach trying to establish their

down and really make some useful notes

considered playing the game

coaching business?

about how sessions went trying to extract the

before or who have been those

Find a mentor or an experienced coach to

lessons from them.

quick fix clients in the past?

shadow. I always let other coaches watch me

Early in my career I had a ‘model swing’ in my head that I felt was the best way for everyone. However, the more I coached the more I understood that so long as you stick to certain laws and principles there are an infinite number of ways to get the job done and help golfers improve. I now say ‘no’ to prescribed ‘swing models’.

With the new non golfers it’s about offering

for free, I never charge.

shadowing other coaches. In 2008 I took six months off unpaid and travelled all over the world visiting other coaches, spending time in Australia, America, New Zealand and

‘‘

I’m a huge believer in watching and

I also reflected on what I did. Coaching is

“Understand a performance rather than judge it” is one of my core principles. When

a safe, non-threatening environment where

Some coaches may be open to allowing

they are not going to feel embarrassed about

you to watch them for free, but I would

missing the ball. Maybe offer a taster session

always offer to pay and ask if you can discuss

for free so that they can see what it is like.

their lessons with them afterwards. Also, it

For the “quick-fixers” perhaps it’s to show

would be learning how to utilise social media

them that there is a different way to learning

effectively, because that is how the world

the game that offers far greater long-term

is now. Learn how to get yourself on smart

gains. Often these people are time poor and

phones. Have a website and lots of videos that

a bit impatient due to their lack of success

work well on a smart phone.

‘‘

Coaching is not an exact science and it’s easy to get things wrong from time to time. I would often sit down and really make some useful notes about how sessions went trying to extract the lessons from them.

For Saary, good coaching is about adapting to best suit the individual in front of you

‘‘

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

53

M A R KETING

In it to win it Running a successful and legally sound competition – Part One. By Antje Derks

54

what you want your competition to achieve – is it new leads, clients, sales or email newsletter sign ups?

Whatever your end goal, you need to have a clear strategy in place to ensure you succeed. In this article, I am going to give you a step-by-step plan of the things you need to do to make sure your competition works and is also legally compliant.

DEFINE YOUR OUTCOMES Your goal and market are the first things you need to consider when you think about running a competition. There are millions of strategies you can put in place, but none of them will work if you don’t define your

outcomes. In turn, those outcomes should marry up with your overall business and marketing objectives. These goals could be; driving more traffic to your site, increasing awareness around a new product in the pro shop or a new service you have to offer – say virtual golf, generate more email leads, develop customer relations and deliver customer value, immediate sales, up your engagement on social channels, get user-generated content – video, photo or Consider who you are aiming the competition at and how they are going to enter

‘‘

what do you want your competition to achieve – new leads, clients, sales or email newsletter sign ups?

‘‘

A

t some point when you’re running a small business you will likely want to host some sort of competition in the form of a prize draw or giveaway. As a golf professional, you have so much to offer in terms of goodies, a contest of this sort will lend itself beautifully to your marketing armoury. And let’s face it, everyone loves a competition and the chance to win something for nothing. As such, it’s a great way to generate interest in your products in the pro shop and services as a coach.

So here we are. Let’s imagine for a minute that you have decided that you’d like to run a promotional prize draw to generate interest in you and your business – so what do you need to do to make sure it’s a roaring success and not an unmitigated and costly disaster?

Even though you are a small business and not a multinational corporation, you should have a strategy in place for running a promotion on your website or social media platform – the two needn’t be mutually exclusive either – but social can be used to promote and drive traffic to your competition page. Firstly, you need to ask yourself

July 2019

| www.pga.info

M A R K ET I N G

WHAT COMPETITION? From there, you need to decide what sort of competition you want to run. There are plenty to choose from including; a caption competition, instagram hashtag competition, a voucher code, photo competition or referral promotion. The one you choose needs to tie in with your desired outcomes.

Personally, I am not a fan of the ‘retweet/ repost to be entered into our draw’ format, but that’s not to say it wouldn’t suit you.

The details of your competition are super important – you need to determine the start and end date and be very clear about this in your terms and conditions. Some small businesses run weekly or monthly competitions – for example in Devon where I live, a local mountain bike repair shop runs a regular raffle. You buy as many tickets as you want – they’re limited to a certain overall number – with the prize being a £6k mountain bike. The ticket money pays for the prize – it’s not drawn until all the tickets from that raffle have been sold. He doesn’t make any money, but he doesn’t lose any either. It works so well and he has seen a huge upswing in his mountain bike repairs business as a result.

Obviously, the prize is key to success, so you’ll need to decide on something that will motivate people to enter – whatever The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

you choose, your prize needs to be related to your brand and is something your target audience will be keen to win and is in keeping with the ‘ask’ of your competition.

So if we put the pay to enter raffle aside, you basically have two options – a free prize draw that costs nothing to enter and the winner is chosen at random or a competition where the winner must show a significant skill (i.e. a photo competition).

GDPR-COMPLIANT It is perfectly OK to ask for someone’s personal details as part of the entry conditions to build your marketing database, but you must comply with GDPR and entrants must be notified of this upfront and given the double opt-in option.

If you want to run a competition where entrants need to demonstrate sufficient skill to be in with a chance of winning, but if you’re posing a question for example, the

‘‘

your prize needs to be related to your brand and is something your target audience will be keen to win

‘‘

blog writing competitions – or gain insight into your customer base. Once you have decided all that, you need to think about who you want to enter your competitions, so you’ll want to define your target market.

There are a number of ways you can do this – either by demographic, location or social media use and engagement.

By doing this, you will have a much better focus on how to run a competition and how you should go about marketing it. This is especially important if you use Facebook Ads to promote it, because it will ask you to determine the audience you want your advertising served to. Furthermore, you will want to measure your results, so by defining your outcomes and target market, you can put some KPIs in place to see if you achieve your objectives.

answer can’t be so obvious that everyone gets it right. Once all the correct entries have been gathered, you can draw the overall winner at random.

What’s most important is that any competition you run has to be properly administered. You have to give clear and explicit information about the competition, how to enter and how the winner will be decided. In fact you must leave no stone unturned. The best way to do this is to have very clear terms and conditions of entry. Included in those, you need to have your full name and address if you’re the promoter, any entry restrictions, the closing date by which entries must be received, how the winner will be chosen. There are plenty of terms and conditions templates available

And the winner is... Make sure your competition is properly administered to avoid potential PR problems

on the web and if you have a friendly legal eagle, get them to cast an eye over them too – I am sure you can all sweet talk a friendly, golf-playing lawyer into having a look!

Furthermore, you may want to protect yourself in case of unforeseen events – you may think about reserving the right to offer an alternative or cash prize and to amend the rules of entry. Mess this up and you have a PR disaster waiting to happen.

Lastly, when it comes to choosing the winner, it is worth investigating companies who will take all your entrants and will generate a random winner. Again, a Google search will throw up a variety of options – some will even do the first competition for free.

In the next article, we will look at how to successfully promote your competition and how best to measure the outcomes.

The Advertising Standards Association has further information on different aspects of promotional marketing at www.asa.org.uk

Get it done this month ✓ Decide what your desired outcomes are

✓ Decide who you want to target/ get entries from

✓ Decide on the type of competition you want to run

✓ Decide on a prize ✓ Research terms and conditions ✓ Research prize draw companies 55

P E R SONA L D E V E LO P M E NT YO U R B R A N D

How to write a great brand statement Getting to the core of who you are, and why, helps you position yourself effectively in the market, says Antje Derks position on a specific category benefit, despite the fact that most templates that you’ll find online demand one. Further, it is not essential that you highlight a single benefit – in the golf coaching industry, there might be a number of benefits that you want to include. That said though, it is important to position on a single concept or idea.

st

ket? W ho i m ar t e rg ta

Mission Statement Ꙟ

n me? Who ar e ve i m lie y

56

Ꙟ

do I

What’s also important is not to confuse brand positioning with a brand tagline.

Your brand positioning statement is an internal document that’s designed to direct external communication, and should inform tagline development.

COMPETITION So what do you need to include in your statement? The first thing to consider is the competitive context – basically, these are the people you’re competing with. That’s why it’s important to define your frame of reference as such, because otherwise, you can’t attempt to differentiate your brand

’s different? W hy

POSITION There are a number of ways to position your brand and it’s really useful to investigate other examples to help you and also highlight how effective they can be.

Usually, brand statements position on a specific category – in your case, golf – or a product or benefit.

This is how AirBNB positions itself: “For local and international travellers, AirBNB is the only booking website that connects you to unique experiences all over the world because we offer the largest selection, most diverse, top-rated and personalized places to stay”.

As you can see, it is not necessary to

etition? what

in the minds of consumers without first understanding the relevant alternatives.

Then you’ve got to define your market – why? Because a good brand position by definition cannot be all things to all people. Who are you building your brand for?

Many people may buy or interact with your product or brand, but you need to ask yourself who is your most important customer segment.

Then you need to think about the key point of difference – what are the benefits of your brand? They could be physical – golf is exercise afterall – you may want to focus on the wellbeing or the social side of the sport – or if it’s the pro shop, you may want to think about the functional benefits of the equipment your products bring.

Added to this, you need to give your consumers a clear reason to believe in you and your point of difference. One approach to generating reasons to believe is to begin with the functional benefits of what makes your product or service stand apart. If we go back to the AirBNB example from earlier in the article, AirBNB may have the most listings among travel sites which can serve as a reason to believe the end benefit of “discovering the most unique travel experiences”.

Finally, a strong brand positioning statement must meet these core objectives: • relevancy • differentiation • credibility It’s crucial that all three are met at the same time. And don’t forget – your brand positioning statement is only as effective as the way it’s communicated.

t tha do

he

p com

be

A

brand positioning statement is a very short, internal description of what you want your brand to stand for in the minds of your intended target audience. Once you’ve nailed it, your brand position statement is there to help inform key decisions you make regarding your brand – including your name, messaging around sales, all your marketing materials and where you market yourself in terms of social media and so on. Think of it as the foundation or cornerstone of your brand. Without one, your strategies will falter and your marketing will have a disjointed feel about it.

Indeed, without a brand positioning or ‘mission’ statement, it will also be almost impossible for you to measure the effectiveness of your marketing materials. The only way you can measure the effectiveness of your brand is if you know precisely what you want to achieve.

July 2019

| www.pga.info

A DV E R S E W E AT H E R   C LU B M A N AG EM ENT

What should your facility be doing?

Simple advice is as follows:

1 2 3

Be prepared

Richard Doubleday, PGA Account Manager – Howden UK Group, offers guidelines for PGA Members in respect of lightning and adverse weather

A

nyone watching the final few holes of the 2019 Maybank Championship, in Kuala Lumpur at the end of March, will have been delighted to see Spaniard Nacho Elvira sink a 30 foot birdie putt to force a sudden death play-off against Australian Scott Hend.

In the event Elvira lost the play-off, however less than two hours earlier both he and Hend could easily have lost their lives!

As the players walked down the 18th fairway, wild weather and lightning descended, with a crack of thunder coming as Elvira played his approach to the green. No doubt the event organisers were anxious to get the tournament completed, however from a health and safety perspective the players should not have been on the course at all.

As a general rule, if the flash of lightning is 30 seconds or less from the clap of thunder, golfers (and spectators) should seek shelter! Shelter is advised until at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

Organisers of the Maybank,

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

then, will have faced a huge dilemma.

They will no doubt have been aware of the change of weather and the approach of the lightning: They will also have been equally aware of the need to finish the event within TV scheduling time. The question is, did they make the right decision?

In the event, no-one was harmed and in fact the thunderstorm only added to the drama of the occasion. Had the circumstances been different, a player, spectator or official could have been seriously injured or killed.

Our advice, as the PGA risk advisers, is always to err on the side of caution.

Nacho Elvira at the 2019 Maybank Championship, in Kuala Lumpur

Have an evacuation plan Make sure it is well publicised Ensure there is provision and or warning to include play that occurs outside of the facility being manned

4

Make sure the warning system is effective, technologically sound and properly maintained

5

Make sure the warning is significantly loud that it can be heard all round the course

6

Where possible, provide lightning shelters at appropriate places around the course

If you cannot provide shelters, ROSPA provides the following advice: l SEEK SHELTER inside a large building or motor vehicle, keeping away from water, wide open spaces and exposed hill tops. If you are exposed to the elements, with nowhere to shelter, make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down with your feet together, hands on knees and head tucked in l DO NOT shelter beneath tall or isolated trees! It has been estimated that one in four people struck by lightning are sheltering under a tree. The best place, if the clubhouse or a car is inaccessible, is to leave your clubs and crouch down in a bunker. If you are near water move as far away from it as you can

57

CLU B MA NAG E M E NT A DV E R S E W E AT H E R Advice to PGA Members

THE FOLLOWING guidelines are intended to help you, your club and anyone else who might be affected by your actions. l You – the player, coach or teacher Remember the 30-30 rule. If “flash to bang” is 30 seconds or less, either get off the course or, if there is no other alternative, seek shelter. Stay there until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. The better the shelter the safer you are.

If you are trapped on the course, stay away from your clubs, water and trees and crouch in a bunker.

The same advice applies if you are teaching or coaching. l The facility where you work The facility where you work has a duty of care responsibility for staff, members and other users and must have an evacuation plan in place.

However, it may well be that it is you (and your colleagues in the shop) who are asked to implement it. For practical purposes that does make sense, on the basis it is the shop that is open most of the times when people are on the course.

However, there may be times when play is ongoing, but the shop is closed. Therefore, it is suggested that generic warnings should be displayed on notice boards or score cards.

Plan, warn and provide shelter if possible

Weather information

IN ORDER to assist clubs, there are now a number of generally available weather forecast services such as: www.bbc.co.uk; www.metcheck.com or www.weatheronline.co.uk.

Some include a forecast that can identify the local weather specific to a golf course. We would recommend further research of the various options be undertaken.

Insurance protection

l Your duty to your facility The PGA does not recommend it but, if your club requires you to have exclusive responsibility for an evacuation plan or it is included in your contract or agreement, make sure you have reasonable processes in place as well as the appropriate insurance. Please be clear, the insurance protection provided by the PGA does not extend to those trading as a limited company.

However, if a civil action was to be taken against you, as an individual member of the PGA, you would be protected. l You – as a coach or teacher Your PGA insurance covers you in respect of all your teaching responsibilities and that includes the consequences of adverse weather. However, just because the cover is there, please do not be complacent or take any unnecessary risks.

58

The storm clouds roll in at Prestwick – forewarned is forearmed

l You – the golfer The PGA insurance does not cover injury or loss to yourself, therefore take care and make sure it doesn’t happen to you!

Legal liability

WE ARE not aware of any case law where a golfer has been struck by lightning and a golf club or individual has been sued as a consequence. (That does not mean, however, that it has not happened).

However, if a case was to proceed to a Civil Court, if a club or individual was able to prove that measures were in place and that they had been followed, but it would not be unreasonable to assume a successful defence could be mounted. If a club or individual did not have a plan, or the plan had been ignored or poorly executed, it is possible negligence could be found and damages awarded.

July 2019

| www.pga.info

A D V E R T O R I A L

What can Golfplan do for you?

Golf can be a hazardous game. Weekly, on tours around the world, spectators and players alike face dangers every time they visit a golfing venue. Find out how to protect yourself and your Golf Business today.

Alex Kotlarzewski Golfplan – PGA Professional turned golf insurance expert tells us more: Golfplan have been around for over 30 years, and most PGA members are aware of the brand. As a member myself, it is my responsibility to bridge the gap between the Golf and Insurance industries, highlighting all the areas where we can protect PGA members, their businesses and their members.

As our PGA Partnership has continued to develop over the years, so has the golfing industry. As the industry has developed, so have Golfplan products and services. Now we can offer added services and benefits for PGA members – not only offering individual protection in a golfing capacity for when you play or practise, including equipment, but adding additional revenue streams by integrating specific tailored policies for your business or facility where you work.

PGA MEMBERS 40% OFF As a PGA members benefit, we can offer a 40% discount on individual Golfplan policies. As we are liable now in golf if we hit someone or something, it is important to protect ourselves whilst we play or practise golf. For many years, we were all under the impression that calling fore was enough if we hit an errant shot. However, now that the liability has been found to lie with the person who struck the shot, we should all take the necessary steps to stop an errant shot turning into a financial disaster – with over £400,000 in damages being granted to the injured party in one historic case. Call today on 01527 868 160 and quote your membership number to access this great deal.

All Golfplan policies cover all golf facilities worldwide as standard, so no matter where you find yourself playing or practising golf, you will be protected if you hit someone or something, with a golf club, golf ball or golf buggy.

PGA MEMBER INTRODUCERS PGA Members can become introducers. By continuing the PGA Partnership, we see the value of PGA members introducing Golfplan to their members or visitors by the use of a four-digit promotional code. Any individual policies that are taken out using this code will generate £20 commission. If you would like to set yourself up as an introducer at your facility or if you are an introducer already and need new promotional material, then please contact Alex to set this up today on 01527 868 160 or at: alex.kotlarzewski@golfplan.co.uk CLUB MEMBERSHIP POLICY Golf Club Professionals can also recommend our brand new Golfplan Club Membership Policy. These policies can be offered directly as a members benefit, and, as the Club Professional, you can offer the service to replace your member’s equipment that are covered for loss, theft or damage. As a group policy, members get a great level of cover at a fantastic reduced premium as a members benefit.

The Golf Club can add value to help recruitment or retention of members and protect themselves against loss of revenue from membership fees through injury or ill health.

PRO SHOP POLICIES Golfplan can offer fantastic bespoke Pro Shop Policies utilising a panel of specialist golf insurers. These policies are designed to include PL cover, Equipment and Apparel, Specialist Teaching Equipment including Swing Rooms and Simulators. Call and speak to our specialist teams.

from A-Plan Insurance

Call today and speak with fellow members to help guide you through all of your golf insurance needs and find out how you can protect yourself and your business through Golfplan. Tel: 01527 868 160 www.golfplan.co.uk Golfplan is a trading name of A-Plan Holdings who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered Office: 2 Des Roches Square, Witney, OX28 4LE. Registration Number 750484

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

59

P G A M EMBERS H IP YO U R B E N E F I T S

Exclusive member savings for the sunshine season

Whether you’re looking to book a last minute family getaway or enjoy the blockbuster of the summer, PGA Benefits is here to save you money.

10% discount on 50,000 holiday homes across Europe The PGA Members can benefit from a 10% discount when booking your next holiday home with NOVASOL. With over 50,000 holiday homes across Europe, NOVASOL provides accommodation for all family sizes and travel budgets*.

5% discount on your tailor-made travel dreams Inspire is an ABTA, ATOL and IATA licensed business which acts as both a travel agency and tour operator for customers.

With access to the best rates in the industry, the Inspire team of experts craft tailored packages for every customer*.

Cinemas – save up to 40%

Public liability insurance Cover is included in your subscription fee (if you are resident and working in the EU). Contact emma.hadlow@pga.org.uk or call 01675 470 333 for your individual certificate.

For any claims, contact Howden on 0121 698 8050.

Visit the dedicated PGA insurance site at: pgainsurance.co.uk.

VAT advice For support with golf-related VAT issues, contact Stephen Phillips on 01675 470 333 or: stephen.phillips@pga.org.uk.

PAYE/National Insurance advice BDO LLP offer a free helpline to members. Contact Michael Hepburn on 0131 347 0355 or: michael.hepburn@bdo.co.uk

ARAG If you live in the UK and RoI, free legal advice is available from ARAG plc. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0330 303 1846.

Want to catch the latest blockbusters on the big screen, and save money on tickets?

The PGA members can save up to 40% on cinema tickets at cinemas such as ODEON, Vue and Cineworld nationwide*.

2019 Cricket Club membership – less than half price Enjoy a summer of cricket at Lord’s Cricket Ground for less than half price! For just £100, reduced from £265, join as a new full member of Middlesex Cricket on this introductory offer and watch every Middlesex match for free, sit in the Lord’s Pavilion and Long Room and get priority access tickets for International matches at the Home of Cricket in 2020. If you live more than 50 miles from Lords Country membership is just £80*, reduced from £176.

The helpline is open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm, Wed 7pm - 9pm *Calls are recorded for training purposes only.

Confidentiality is maintained between callers and Prostate Cancer UK.

To take advantage of these and other fantastic deals, log onto www.pga.info/members and go to ‘My Benefits’

60

July 2019

| www.pga.info

YO U R B E N E F I T S PG A M EM B ER S H IP Insight Healthcare To support Members that may be experiencing mental health difficulties, The PGA offers access to a 24/7 helpline service provided by Insight Healthcare. The helpline is manned by trained counsellors who are able to provide help and advice on any matter that is causing anxiety, concern or depression. The service is also available to close family and employees. If you feel you or someone close to you needs help, the number to call is +44 (0) 333 000 2082.

BMW Exclusive contract hire rates on a selection of BMW and MINI models through BMW Group.

Visit https://www.bmwpgasales.co.uk, call 0207 514 3599 or email: pgasales@bmw-issd.co.uk

SkyCaddie PGA members save over £150 on the new SkyCaddie SX500, Golfs ultimate rangefinder with its 5-inch Full HD touchscreen and the ability to give distances to the pin.

Email sales@skycaddiegps.co.uk or call 01844 296358 for more info.

SkyTrak Order an own use SkyTrak Launch Monitor and receive a free Metal Case and the 1st Year game improvement software saving nearly £250.

Then become a SkyTrak Show Case Dealer and earn a bonus 40% affiliate fee (about £600+ Vat) on your first sale and 20% fee on any future sales. Email sales@skycaddiegps.co.uk or call 01844 296358 for more info.

PowaKaddy Account holders personal use trolley at a discounted rate of 15 per cent off trade price (non-account holders are eligible for trade price).

Call 01795 473 555 or email sales@powakaddy.co.uk quoting membership number.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE

WE’LL HELP YOU EARN MORE FROM YOUR GREEN FEE REVENUE In partnership with The PGA, GoPlayGolf is designed to help you and your golf club benefit from the ever increasing numbers of golfers booking golf on-line.

6 BENEFITS TO YOU, THE GOLF PRO BENEFIT #1

Increase your green fee revenue BENEFIT #2

You pay less commission BENEFIT #3

You control the price BENEFIT #4

Bringing new golfers to you by providing an additional distribution channel BENEFIT #5

Silverbug Silverbug are IT experts who do things a little differently.

We offer Members: Free IT health check of your business; Up to three months free managed IT services when taking out a contract; Option to leave within the first three months if you change your mind. For more information contact us on 0207 078 3795, quoting PGA.

Works seamlessly with existing tee time booking systems BENEFIT #6

You don’t need an online booking system to benefit email: info@goplaygolf.co.uk for information

For more information log on to PGA Benefits via https://benefits.pga.info *Terms and conditions apply to all benefits. See website for details. Offers correct at time of print.

Offers subject to change without notice. The Cinema Society – Discounts vary between cinema venues.

Please check when booking. Middlesex CCC – This is a special introductory offer for new members of Middlesex Cricket. PGA Benefit web pages are managed and run by Parliament Hill Limited. Within those benefits are some benefits negotiated directly by The PGA, and these are identified on the benefit web page.

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

More Members’ benefits overleaf ! >> 61

P G A M EMBERS H IP YO U R B E N E F I T S Birdietime Offering all Members a free 1-hour marketing consultancy session to identify practical step to increase your tuition revenues.

To book your session, email us at info@birdietime.com Visit birdietimepro.com to learn more about our online booking and payment system.

Huxley Golf Incentive programme of up to £500 in commission when recommending customers to purchase an all-weather home putting green.

Call +44 (0)1730 829 608 or visit huxleygolf.com

First Data Preferential rates to PGA members for accepting credit and debit cards. Call 0330 123 1241 quoting PGA.

Coca-Cola Special packages on products and coolers.

For more information visit coca-colapga.com

Mars Provide retail expertise to help maximise your return. Benefit from point of sale promotions and receive guidance on how to choose an appropriate product range.

For further info, contact richard.hobday@effem.com

Smarter Golf Energy Solutions for golfers, by golfers – helping you use energy more efficiently and sustainably.

We can help courses cut down on utility overheads and help individuals chip away at their home energy bills – all for the betterment of the sport.

Visit https://smartergolfenergy.co.uk/

Virgin Atlantic Offer all PGA Members discounted airfares across the whole network, with checked golf bag clearance (subject to availability).

Discounted flights are available in all three cabins.

Contact the Traveleads sports team at: pga@traveleads.net or 0113 242 2202 quoting your PGA membership number.

Golfplan PGA Members can earn £20 commission from A-Plan Insurance for each client you introduce who goes on to purchase a Golfplan policy.

For further information about becoming an Introducer, please contact the Golfplan team on 01527 868 160 or at: info@golfplan.co.uk

Golfbreaks.com Access to bespoke golfing packages for you and your clients through the dedicated Golf Pro Travel Team. Benefit from the best rates in the market. Receive a five per cent commission on your booking.

For an exploratory meeting at your club contact Ben Foster on 07471 034 852 or email pga@golfbreaks.com

Staysure To celebrate our sponsorship of the Staysure Tour, we’d like to offer your members and their families 20% off† travel insurance with Staysure. As a thank you for referring your members to us, we’ll send you £10± every time someone takes out a policy on your recommendation – plus for every 10 policies sold in 1 calendar month, we will give you an additional £100. For more details and to download your poster visit www.pga.info/members, go to ‘My Benefits’ selecting the finance and insurance section.

Aphrodite Hills 25% holiday residences discount for PGA Members on public rates with minimum stay of five nights, (seven night minimum during July and August). Valid for all apartments, junior villas and superior villa holiday bookings. Contact: reservations@aphroditehills.com quoting: PGA Professional 20% PGA Member discount on hotel package rates at www.aphroditehills.com Contact: reservations_mgr_AH@atlanticahotels.com quoting: PGA Professional For pro coaching groups please check with PGA Travel Partners.

Antalya Golf Club Attractive, all-inclusive rates for you and your family at staying in Belek.

For the Sirene Hotel, contact volkan.cavusoglu@sirene.com.tr For the Kempinski Hotel The Dome, contact erdinc.isbir@kempinski.com

Argentario Golf Resort & Spa 20% off the flexible rate† published on www.argentariogolfresortspa.it including early check-in and late check-out; buffet breakfast; use of the wellness centre, driving range.

Bespoke packages for PGA Members and clients.

For availability and prices call +39 0564 810292 or email booking@ argentarioresort.it quoting PGA Member.

PGA National Ireland 20% discount on B&B rates published on https://www.slieverussell.ie/ Contact the hotel on +353 49 952 6444 or at slieve.reservations@slieverussell.ie quoting membership number.

For more information log on to PGA Benefits via https://benefits.pga.info †Pay directly in the hotel; flexible cancellation policy; valid only in low and mid-season; the discount can only be applied on the flexible rate and not on other rates or special offers. *Terms and conditions apply to all benefits. See website for details. Offers subject to change without notice. PGA Benefit web pages are managed and run by Parliament Hill Limited of 3rd Floor, 127 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6BT who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for non-investment insurance mediation under registration number 308448. Details can be checked on the Financial Services register by visiting the FCA’s website at https://fca.org.uk/register. Within those benefits are some benefits negotiated directly by PGA, and these are identified on the benefit web page.

62

July 2019

| www.pga.info

re c r uitm en t @ p g a . o r g . u k S I T UAT I O N S VACA N T

Waterlooville Golf Club, PGA Head Professional Waterlooville Golf Club, established in 1907, is a private members’ golf club located just a few miles north of Portsmouth within easy access of the A3 and A27.

The Club has a thriving membership that has grown by around 20% over the last 4 years with many active and engaged in the various golf and social activities hosted at the club. Additionally, visitor footfall has also grown by a similar amount. The Club is continuing to move forwards with irrigation, bunker renovations and drainage projects all scheduled for the latter half of the year.

The club are now looking to engage a dynamic PGA Head Professional to provide and lead a team that will deliver a range of provisions that are aligned with the needs and direction of the club.

The role The position of the PGA Head Professional is being offered on a retained basis with a Service Level Agreement in place, working closely with the General Manager and supporting the main and various sub Committees.

The role will involve: • Developing tuition programmes that engage the regular club member, grow Juniors and Ladies’ participation.

• Operating an appropriately stocked golf shop, providing expert advice, a high-quality custom fitting service and facilities, and club repair service.

• Delivering a high standard of support in golf operations, including organising and running tournaments, providing expert advice on rules, monitoring 1st and 10th tee activity, pace of play and dress code.

• Administering the collection of green fee income and operating an efficient buggy operation on behalf of the club.

• Supporting with the operation, or leading and running, of internal club competitions and open events and the annual Pro-am.

• Ensuring that members, guests and visitors consistently receive the standards of conduct, appearance, advice and service expected.

• Becoming an effective partner to the club management team helping the club to achieve its long-term goals.

• Playing competitively to increase the club’s brand but also with members to drive member engagement.

• Working in partnership with the club to recruit and retain members, increase visitor footfall and maximise secondary spend.

The Person The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate and/or possess the following personal attributes, qualification and experience: • Maintain a high level of appropriate personal and • The drive and charisma to succeed and be a key player Professional development (CPD) reflective of current on the club’s future. and/or future role responsibilities. E.g. Courses, • Strong interpersonal skills to integrate well with the members and visitors to aid continued membership growth and retention. Qualifications, Reading, etc.

• Commercial acumen and understanding of their role • Comprehensive knowledge of Rules of Golf. in the club’s general operation.

• An Enhanced CRB check.

• Class AA member of PGA or higher.

• Current First aid certificate.

• Maintain active Membership in other appropriate professional • Current Safeguarding and Protecting Children organisations. certificate.

How to apply To apply for the position of PGA Club Professional at Waterlooville Golf Club, please submit a covering letter highlighting your motivation for the role, past successes and relevant experience, along with an up-to-date CV to mark@waterloovillegolfclub.com or by post to Mark Wycherley, Waterlooville Golf Club, Cherry Tree Avenue, Cowplain,Waterlooville, Hampshire.

PO8 8AP. Closing date for applications: Friday 12th July 2019 The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

63

SI TUATIO NS VACANT re c r uit m en t @ p g a . o r g . u k

Junior Lead Coach We require a Trainee/Newly Qualified PGA Professional with energy, creativity and enthusiasm to lead our PAR Academy for youth golf.The role requires you to increase participation in all areas from grass roots, through to identifying talent and creating sustainable programmes for new & existing juniors.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to create additional resources that will ensure our programmes, from new junior golfers through to elite juniors and county players, continues to thrive.

We have a 24-bay covered driving range, a state-of-the-art coaching suite, along with a Club fitting suite. This all contains Trackman4, GCQUAD, Swing Catalyst and K-Motion. With specific short game and putting green, grass practice area and 27 holes that includes juniors’ tees, there is the perfect environment to grow junior golf.

We are looking for a very unique individual to complement our existing team and share the vision to help us increase participation with immediate effect, whilst sharing our vision to produce scratch golfers before they join senior county golf.

This is a truly unique opportunity for a young forward thinking PGA professional to make their mark in developing junior golfers.

Please email peter@peterfieldgolf.co.uk or call 01603 740979 by 14th July 2019.

Rustington Golf Centre, Cranfield Golf Academies Full Time Coaching Position

Cranfield Golf Academy are looking for a high level individual passionate about developing a full-time coaching career for our academy at Rustington Golf Centre in West Sussex. Along with initial training as well as continuous on-going training, this role affords the successful candidate a great opportunity to accelerate their coaching skills as well as build a thriving coaching business alongside our busy coaching team.

Rustington Golf Centre is one of the best and busiest facilities in the south of England with a state of the art driving range, par 3 course, academy course, nine hole course as well as a family centre which includes climbing walls, bowling alley and laser quest and offers a great opportunity to build a successful business. This role specifically is ideal for a candidate particularly interested in ladies coaching and continuing the coaching of a large, thriving ladies section alongside other general coaching opportunities.

If you feel you have what it takes to build a thriving coaching business and would like more information then please apply to Steven Orr, PGA Master Professional and CGA Director of Coaching at so@stevenorrcoaching.com with CV and goals for the future.

Closing date: 25th June 2019.

64

Oak Park is a modern golf club, with huge ambitions.

We are seeking a forward thinking person to join our team as an Assistant Golf Development Professional to work under the Head GDP. Significant earning potential and opportunities awaits the successful candidate.

The opportunity includes: • Coaching, including junior one to one lessons, Junior groups and junior academy.

• Support through academy management software GLF.LOCKER, and marketing.

• Equipment provided such as SkyTrak + Flightscope with iPad. • Performance payments.

• Chance to make the Junior academy your own and work with our junior organiser.

Qualities and attributes required: • You must love engaging with customers, have a passion for coaching and be well organised.

• A team player working with the company’s management team to create, engage and retain customers.

• Have a ‘can do’ attitude.

• Good IT skills.

• Full CRB check.

• Ambition and self drive.

To apply contact Email Dan Kean: oakpark-gdp@crown-golf.co.uk

Head Professional

A fantastic oportunity has arisen for an exceptional, pro active PGA Head Professional to lead & develop our golf, academy & retail.

Applicants need to be forward thinking & ambitious to deliver outstanding customer service & work to an excellent standard to maximise the club’s full potential.

He/she will be computer literate, have a sound business & financial background & be expected to deliver a marketing strategy designed to promote both their coaching & the golf course locally If you are interested in this self-employed role; Please send a cv to beverley@thestratfordpark.co.uk

Thonock Park, Assistant PGA Professional

Thonock Park is a 36-hole venue set in 800 acres of beautiful Lincolnshire countryside. This stunning venue, owned

by PING, boasts a flood lit undercover driving range, teaching studio, a large two-story clubhouse with extensive function/catering capabilities and brand new luxury accommodation.

We are looking to recruit a PGA Assistant, working a 40-hour week, with duties split between: • PING Golf Academy Instructor If you have a passion for golf, great • Retail specialist customer service skills and would • Certified PING fitter like to be a part of this prestigious • Golf operations brand then please send your CV to: Caroline Roberts, caroliner@pingeurope.co.uk

July 2019

| www.pga.info

re c r uitm e n t@ pg a. or g . u k EM PLOY M EN T O PPO R T U N I T I E S Reddish Vale Golf Club

Teaching Professional Head instructor Richard Cartwright is looking to expand a thriving teaching business in South Northamptonshire and is looking for a registered professional/year 1 or 2 trainee on a self-employed basis to coach at one of the premier facilities in the area.

The coach will be required to have exceptional teaching, a vast knowledge of Callaway product, custom fitting, Trackman with the ability to teach all age groups and levels of player.

Please email Richard at richardcartwrightgolf@gmail.com with a cover note and CV or for further information.

Closing dates for applicants is 5th July 2019.

An exciting opportunity for someone who loves golf. Duties include playing, custom fitting and shop work.

Reddish Vale is a great course in Stockport/ Greater Manchester area.

We have an indoor swing studio with GC2. Full training given.

Interested? Contact Club Professional Andrew Myers asap.

Tel: 0161 4803824 myerspro@hotmail.com.

Worldham Golf Club

Worldham Golf Club is looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual required to join the team as a PGA trainee/registered assistant. The role will consist of some shop hours alongside coaching the junior and academy programmes. Fantastic opportunity to learn how to run a successful coaching business.

Please email CV to andrew@worldhamgolfacademy.co.uk.

UK AND IRELAND

OVERSEAS

Dominic Toms Golf Academy

David Watson Golf China, multiple locations, Beijing, China

DOMINIC TOMS GOLF ACADEMY based at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey requires an experienced PGA QUALIFIED TEACHING PROFESSIONAL. Excellent opportunity for the right applicant to establish themselves at a facility with superior coaching facilities. Suits a coach willing to integrate into the current team ethos. Send CV to dominictomsgolfatsandown@mail.com.

Cregboy Golf Academy

Training applicant/registered assistant required for busy driving range/ par 3 course on the outskirts of Galway City. Applicant must be enthusiastic, personable and eager to learn. Plenty of opportunities to practice, play and teach.

Apply by email to Michael Mulryan at info@cregboy.ie.

Wimbledon Park Golf Club

Wimbledon Park GC are looking for a recently qualified trainee professional to join our team. The successful candidate will join Dean Wingrove and his current team, serving the membership, offering tuition and assisting in the organisation of competition administration.

Please send your CV by email to golfpro@wpgc.co.uk.

DWG China is a well-established Western managed brand in Asia since 2004. Successful candidates will be required to develop coaching programmes for beginners juniors and adults in both individual and group settings. Open to qualified PGA members. Experience in China preferred. Starting ASAP. Cover letter/CV to Vivienne Wan vwan8888@gmail.com.

MST Golf Academy, TPC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Position: Level 1 Golf Instructor Venue: TPC Kuala Lumpur / Malaysia Specifics: Commission based job – consistent junior lessons provided.

• Qualified PGA Professional • Candidate must have excellent coaching skills and knowledge.

• Passion for coaching juniors.

Send shortened CV pro.travis@mstgolf.com.

To place your vacancy/availability here contact Jessica Harrison in Member Services at: recruitment@pga.org.uk or on 01675 470 333.

Stanmore & Edgware Golf Centre, Middlesex

PGA teaching professional required at SEGC, a busy North London range and par 3 course. Highly motivated and joining a team delivering high quality coaching. No limits to earnings if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Please send cv and covering letter to approachgolf101@btinternet.com.

Trent Park Country Club, North London

A fantastic opportunity, with high earning potential. This exceptionally busy venue has room for a new full-time coach, ideally to implement new junior and group classes. All training provided, 44 bays, AG store, adventure golf. grant.sayer@teetogreencoaching.com.

Northumberland County Development Group

Academy coach required. North Northumberland Academy Coach.

18 Hours of Coaching over Autumn, Winter and Spring. Apply to: Marcus Webb, Northumberland Co-ordinator, Bedlingtonshire G.C, Acorn Bank, Bedlington NE22 6AA or at: webbmarcus2@aol.com by July 12th. Call 01670 822087 or 0771 4612177 for more info.

The PGA Professional

| #makinggolfhappen

I T EM S F O R SA L E Trackman 3e Launch Monitor For Sale PGA professional selling a Trackman 3e indoor/outdoor launch monitor Full working order TM3e, single radar unit with Wi-- connectivity still being offered brand new by TM starting at $15,995 Can connect cameras (6 iPhones/iPads) for video to view swing and ball data - Still has 6 months annual licence.

- Latest software updates - All boxes and packaging available - In very good condition - £9,000 ono Any questions and further info, please contact: Tom Baker tom@tombakergolf.co.uk Tel: 07912 529478

65

COLUM N F I N A L T H O U G H T

Photo: The R&A

Let’s make golf more accessible, appealing and inclusive Reducing barriers is key to The R&A’s vision of moving golf forward, says its Chief Executive Martin Slumbers

F

or any organisation it is vital not to lose sight of its equipment on loan or cheaply for children. Whatever it is, we vision and purpose and to keep refocusing on its core all share a responsibility to address this issue but we should objectives if it is to be successful. It is no different also see it as a wonderful opportunity to grow participation. for The R&A. Ever since the R&A group of companies was formed in 2004 to carry out the governance, championships ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE and development responsibilities of The Royal and Ancient If we are to make golf more appealing we have to promote Golf Club of St Andrews, it has been dedicated to serving its benefits and address some of the perceived barriers to the sport in many different ways. We work with our 156 participation. We have been advocating the health benefits of national affiliated associations and partners around the world, golf along with The PGA and many of the other key bodies in including The PGA, to support the growth of golf. Last year, golf in the UK. Research has shown that those who play golf we spent some time refocusing on our goals and undertaking live five years longer than those that don’t play, while the sport a brand refresh process to ensure we have clarity of purpose. has been shown to have self-esteem and self-worth benefits.

Our purpose is: Last year, a global consensus amongst leaders in public health, “To make golf more accessible, appealing and inclusive public policy and sport, backed golf in the race to tackle physical and to ensure it is thriving 50 years from now.” inactivity and the prevention of illnesses such as heart disease, So what does that mean for you as PGA Professionals and stroke, diabetes and cancer of the breast and colon. We have those who play key roles in sustaining and nurturing golf at clubs to make sure we keep communicating these benefits to as wide and courses up and down the country? Well it means we will an audience as possible. Through our work on promoting nine continue to grow and develop the commercial success of The hole golf and shorter formats we are also aiming to tackle the Open and our other professional championships, which are our issues around the length of time it takes to play golf. We want sole source of revenue, to enable us people to know that they can play to meet our target of doubling our nine hole or six hole golf in little investment in golf to £200 million over an hour and that they can We have to be prepared to over ten years. It means we will be do so for fun or competitively. continuing to drive and support Modernisation is a key theme change culture in many ways campaigns such as the Women’s Golf underpinning these campaigns and and do more to provide exactly it is something I see as crucial for Charter, Golf and Health and Nine what people are looking for golf if it is to attract more people to Hole Golf and Shorter Formats, with the assistance of bodies such as The take it up. We have to be prepared from their leisure time.

PGA, to try to change the perception to change culture in many ways and that many people have of the sport. do more to provide exactly what The Women’s Golf Charter is a call people are looking for from their to action for all of us involved in golf to do more to encourage leisure time. We have to reduce the barriers, real and perceived, women and girls to take up the sport and play regularly. It to taking up the sport and make it less intimidating. At the goes without saying that PGA Professionals have a key role start of this year, for instance, we introduced the new Rules of to play in helping us achieve that goal and a huge amount of Golf and one of the key objectives was to strip away some of the good work is being done up and down the country. I would complexity and to make them easier to understand and apply. encourage you to think about what you can do to make golf Change is always challenging but if we are to modernise more appealing and accessible not only for women and girls but and keep the sport moving forward then it is necessary. for families as a whole. It might be something as simple as taster or coaching sessions in the school holidays, arranging particular Martin Slumbers days given over to welcoming them to the sport or providing Chief Executive, The R&A

‘‘

‘‘

66

July 2019

| www.pga.info

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO EARN MORE FROM YOUR GREEN FEE REVENUE

Showcase your golf club to over 3 million GB&I golfers, instantly increasing opportunities for promotion and tee-time bookings.

FROM ONLY

12% COMMISSION

In partnership with The PGA, GoPlayGolf is designed to help your golf

THE LOWEST IN THE MARKET

club benefit from the ever increasing number of golfers booking their

INCREASE YOUR

golf online.

• Increase your green fee revenue.

• You pay less commission.

• You control the price.

• Bringing new golfers to you by providing an additional distribution channel.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

• Works seamlessly with existing tee time booking systems.

• You don’t need an online booking system to benefit.

“We’re proud to announce that The London Club has joined our growing network.”

Working together to attract more golfers.

For more information email info@goplaygolf.co.uk today!

GREEN FEE REVENUE

Business rule #1 Surround yourself with good company

Helping the golf industry do business

Centenary House, The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B76 9PT www.pga.info PGA is a registered trademark of The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited.

#makinggolfhappen