The PGA Professional Magazine - April 2021 by The PGA

THE OFFICIAL PGA MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE

PROFESSIONAL VOLUME 17 ISSUE 3

PLAYER POWER Increasing iron sales

APRIL 2021

PGA Captain 2021-22

Bernard Gallacher

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT 25 YEARS PARTNERSHIP PING and The PGA

DOCTOR’S ORDERS Golf coaching on prescription

2.5

PRO

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CONTENTS FEATURES

14 16

TRADE NEWS

PROUD PGA MEMBER 2021-22 Captain PGA Bernard Gallacher shares his thoughts

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

34 39 44 48

Golf coaching on prescription

KEN BROWN LIVE Ken Brown on the Ryder Cup, being a PGA Professional and putting

Latest industry news

PLAYERS DISTANCE IRONS The latest models previewed

WEATHER BEATERS Key brands for AW21

FUTURE PROOF YOUR BUSINESS

How XPOS Caddie can take the stress out of retailing

PGA RETAIL FOCUS Simon Race, Head PGA Professional at Meltham Golf Club in Yorkshire easier

INTERNATIONAL

TEAM LEADERS Two PGA Professionals on elite coaching European style

TRAVEL

54 55 56

4 BALL CHAMPIONSHIP One of the most popular events on the tournament calender

BREAKING DEALS

26 42

YOUR BRAND, YOUR CHOICE How to use the PGA brand

FIT FOR PURPOSE We spoke to Titleist about its programme of nationwide fitting events

INSIDE THE PGA

07 08 70

ROBERT MAXFIELD This month from The PGA’s Chief Executive

Get a UK break in the diary for you and your members

5 THINGS TO DO AT THE MASTERS

The true bucket list experience

COACHING

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Dr Nicky Lumb explains how to optimise performance

Lesley Mackay on university life

PGA PARTNERS TOM OLIVER NUTRITION

Andrew Jowett’s ascent of the career ladder at Gleneagles

PGA RETAIL

This month’s guide to the latest gear

The PGA Professional

MEMBERSHIP

YOUR BENEFITS A selection of special deals and offers secured for you by The PGA

RECRUITMENT

SITUATIONS VACANT

LAUNCHPAD

PGA News and Features: steven.carpenter@pga.org.uk adrian.milledge@pga.org.uk Equipment and Trade Editor: nick.bayly@pgapublishing.co.uk Advertising Sales: ed.beale@pgapublishing.co.uk Recruitment Advertising: recruitment@pga.org.uk Contributors: Golfbreaks.com, Crossover Technologies, Dr Nicky Lumb Photographers: Getty Images, Adobe Stock Production Assistant: Kelly Lewis Design: Andrew Beavis andy@whiteshadowmedia.co.uk PGA National Headquarters Centenary House The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B76 9PT Tel: 01675 470 333 This magazine contains images taken prior to Covid-19

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’

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

GLENEAGLES

Editor: Jane Carter jane.carter@golfconsulting.co.uk

The unapparelled fan experience

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

The difference the right nutrition can make to your and your customers’ health

PROFESSIONAL

GUIDE TO THE PLAYERS

PGA NEWS

THE OFFICIAL PGA MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE

#makinggolfhappen

All the latest recruitment opportunities

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Making the Business of Golf Happen PGA Partners

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

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FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The season is up and running and I know that many of you will be busy as golf courses and retail slowly start to reopen. My hope is that this will be the last of any lengthy lockdowns and that we can all finally concentrate on the future and getting back to normal- whatever that means! Working from home and virtual meetings look set to remain for some people for some time but whilst they have been a necessity over the past 12 months, so many of us are looking forward to face-to-face meetings and the type of conversations that only physical interaction can bring. Networking in the golf industry is one of the most enjoyable aspects of our work. Those informal conversations are what spark the ideas and the relationships upon which we can build and move the game forward. Opportunities to network and facilitate relationships are at the heart of our new Business Management and Club Volunteer Groups,

and more of you choose to specialise in those categories. Being able to use The PGA brand is one of the biggest assets of being a Member and more and more we are seeing the familiar PGA letters appear on websites, signage, email signatures and clothing. You will read in this issue how best to use the logo and I would encourage all of you to do so to its full potential as one of the most recognisable brands in the sporting world. Following so much uncertainty over the last 12 months, it is particularly satisfying that the routine of The PGA continues. Whilst we have been unable to hold our usual regional meetings and AGM, the business of the Association continues. Congratulations to Bernard Gallacher who has taken over as Captain of The PGA for the coming year. He will be formally welcomed at our physical AGM in June. It’s particularly fitting that he is our Captain in a Ryder Cup year. Congratulations also to Sarah Bennett who steps into the position

We are encouraged also by how many people are being introduced to the BMG by existing Members. Those personal recommendations are what makes any membership grow and be successful. which are open to non-Professionals working or volunteering in golf. Meeting like-minded people who are sharing the same challenges and opportunities is invaluable to all of us, whatever stage we are in our careers or work as a volunteer. We already know from feedback that the opportunity to meet others and share those experiences is seen as one of the biggest benefits to being a member of the groups. We are encouraged also by how many people are being introduced to the BMG by existing Members. Those personal recommendations are what makes any membership grow and be successful. You will have recently received an email from me setting out the benefits of being part of our new groups and we would ask all of you to spread the word to your work colleagues, club management volunteers- anyone that you feel would benefit by being part of one of the fastest growing networks in the industry. The new PGA Member categories of PGA Coach and PGA Manager continue to grow as more

of Vice Captain. Both share their reflections for the coming year in this issue and on behalf of the Board and the Members we thank them for their support of the Association and look forward to working with them in the coming year. We must also thank outgoing Captain Peter Hanna who has had certainly one of the most memorable periods as PGA Captain and has been unstinting in his support of The PGA through some trying circumstances. I look forward to being able to meet with Members and also my industry colleagues in the coming months. There will certainly be many shared experiences from Covid-19, but as we look ahead it’s the shared opportunities where we need to focus our attention and efforts. The next few months will be busy but please do take time for yourselves, your families and your own hopes and aspirations for the year ahead. It’s going to be a good one!

Robert Maxfield CHIEF EXECUTIVE The PGA Professional

#makinggolfhappen

NEWS

The PGA joins British Golf Industry Association The PGA is joining the BGIA in a move which will further unite the golf industry in growing the game. The BGIA is the lead trade body representing UK manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of golf products and services and their members represent some of the biggest brands in the industry. Commenting on the new relationship, Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of The PGA, said: “The PGA and the BGIA are naturally aligned organisations. PGA Members represent the largest market available to BGIA members and a close working relationship with the manufacturers is crucial to both our futures. I am excited at the prospect of working closely with BGIA Chair Martin Wild and his Executive Board.” BGIA Chair, Martin Wild, added: “This is an important moment for the industry. The last year has been especially challenging and it’s vital that the industry continues to come together as a united voice with a common goal. “Our closer links will now enable us to more effectively work towards our shared objectives, benefitting not only BGIA and PGA members, but the wider golf community in the UK.”

The PGA and PING extend 25-year partnership Leading golf equipment manufacturer, PING, has extended its long-standing relationship with The PGA past a quarter of a century after signing as a Principal Partner. The two parties have enjoyed a close association dating back to 1996 when PING became the official sponsor of The PGA’s Training Academy at its headquarters at The Belfry. Since then, PING has continued to support and help develop the next generation of PGA Professionals as a much-valued ‘Education Partner’. As part of the new five-year agreement, PING will also continue to provide engaging, educational content for The PGA’s worldrenowned education programme and ongoing CPD platform PGA Learn, while also supporting the Association’s Foundation Degree course. “PING has enjoyed an excellent relationship with The PGA for over a quarter of a century and the support of the PGA Member has played a significant part in the strength and success of the brand over that period,” commented Lisa Lovatt, PING Europe Managing Director.

“In 2019, we celebrated the 60th anniversary since our inception and we are looking forward to many more years of success with the support of The PGA, in what is an exciting time in the organisation’s development.” Richard Barker, PGA Executive Director – Business Development, added: “PING continues to be a fantastic partner for our Association and for the last 25 years has played a key role in the training and development of thousands of PGA Professionals who have come through The PGA’s training programme at our Training Academy - known to everybody here as PING House. “We look forward to working with Lisa Lovatt and her team as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in PING’s history as its new Managing Director, and we welcome them onto our PGA Principal Partner programme.”

You can learn more about The PGA’s long-standing partnership with PING by listening to our exclusive chat with Dave Fanning (PING Marketing Director) and Marty Jertson (PING Vice President – Fitting and Performance). Dave and Marty were special guests for a PGA LIVE - The Podcast episode which focussed on driver fitting. https://anchor.fm/thepga1901/episodes/ Episode-11---Making-the-most-of-Fitting-with-PING-er0e79

Tom Oliver Nutrition join partnership programme The PGA has announced a new and exciting partnership with premium UK nutrition brand, Tom Oliver Nutrition, who will become the Association’s preferred vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements provider. Tom Oliver Nutrition was founded in 2015 by fitness & rehabilitation expert and former professional rugby player Tom Oliver whose products are stocked in Harrods, Boots, Whole Foods Market and Holland & Barrett amongst other retailers. Commenting on the new partnership, Tom Oliver said: “We believe our extensive

range of products can help every golfer perform better on the course. Our products range from injury prevention with our Curcumin Complete and Vitamin C products for reducing inflammation, to recovery and weight management using one of our many protein formulations. As part of the agreement, PGA Members will have access to an exclusive ‘PGA Own Use’ programme, as well as healthy retail margins for golf shop sales to help grow their business and provide wellness formulas for both members and guests.

David Adams, PGA Head of Commercial Partnerships, added: “The PGA and Tom Oliver Nutri-tion are both committed to promoting the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. We are excited to work with Tom Oliver Nutrition to further develop their business, and brand, in Great Britain and Ireland.” For more information about product sourcing and in-store merchandising, please email Stephen Banks (PGA Member) stephen@tomolivernutrition.com.

April 2021

www.pga.info

NEWS

Ibbetson claims top 59club award PGA Members were among the winners as the golf industry ‘Oscars’ went ‘virtual’ this year, with hundreds tuning in online to watch their contemporaries receive a coveted 59club Service Excellence Award. Presenter and broadcaster Dan Walker hosted the event as the market-leading performance-management specialists continued to honour its best performers across the UK & Ireland. The coveted ‘Golf Manager of the Year’ award went to James Ibbetson (Farleigh), with Stuart Collier (Stoke Park) claiming runner-up and Andrew Jowett was also recognised for finishing third. Tim Harris (Stoke Park) scooped ‘Golf Retail Manager of the Year’ alongside fellow PGA Members Jack Heginbotham (Long Ashton), while Paul Babbage (Farleigh) and Stuart Morrison (Tain Golf Club) finished runner-up in this category. PGA National Scotland Gleneagles was named Golf Operations Team of the Year (sponsored by Club Car), along with Long Ashton Golf Club and Stirling Golf Club. To view a full list of award winners and to watch a video of the 2021 award visit www.59clubuk.com.

Pros back celeb challenge Four female celebrities have embarked on a unique challenge to learn how to play golf and compete for a place at the highly sought-after BMW PGA Celebrity Pro-Am with the help of PGA Professionals. TV and radio presenter Helen Skelton, singer and song writer Fleur East, Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham and Sky Sports News host Bela Shah are taking part in The Slingsby Golf Academy. With the support of PGA Professionals Steph Davies, Barry Middleton, James Irons and Alice Hiluta, the celebrity quartet will transform from novice to competitor in just seven months. Each celebrity will be guided by their PGA pro and compete for a spot in the celebrity pro-am at Wentworth on 8th September, 2021. With just one spot up for grabs in the Pro-Am, the ‘Cadets’ will have to play-off against each other in a nerve-racking shoot-out in early September. The challenge will be covered across social media as well as a regular programme on Sky Sports which will document the highs and lows of each celebrity as they learn the game and compete on the biggest stage. The aim of the campaign is to broaden the appeal of golf as an accessible sport and inspire more women and girls to take up the game. We will be following the four PGA Professionals and their celebrities throughout their journey. Keep an eye on The PGA’s social media channels for more information.

The PGA Professional

#makinggolfhappen

BRO SUPPORT Challenging Times In the latest column promoting the services of The PGA’s Business Relationship Officers, Fiona Champness talks about how the last 12 months have been the most challenging since coming into post. Since last March 2020 I have supported Members in a timely and effective manner, as well as continuing to work with golf facilities and club managers to foster a partnership working approach. We have been on-call as Government advice was released and did our utmost to interpret this guidance to understand what it meant for our Members. Additionally, Members have needed assistance interpreting the furlough arrangements, self-employment payments, accessing various grants, understanding the impact on their ability to deliver services, as well as implementing new policies and procedures. The can-do attitude of our Members and willingness to do whatever it takes to keep going has been inspiring. PGA pros have acted as delivery drivers for their members, greenkeepers, car park attendants, marshals, in many cases whatever was asked of them, along with continuing to deliver their usual services (whilst also juggling the home-schooling). During lockdowns we have supported access to and use of the new PGA Learn platform, which will allow Members to return to their facilities with even more knowledge, skills and raring to go with new ideas. The welfare of Members has continued to remain a top priority. We have recently trained as Mental Health First Aiders, which allows us to support Members in an even greater capacity and signpost them to further help. We are very much looking forward to returning to our usual activities, which include assisting with business, coaching, staff and career development. Whether a Member works as a contractor, worker or employee, our experience has shown that good communication, adequate resources and the ability to keep abreast of current industry knowledge and skills are the key to their success and resulting ability to work in partnership with their golf facilities. As golf reopens, we would encourage all Members to pace themselves, take time to reflect on their working practices and reach out for support when required - we are always here to help.

Your BRO team

Sam Carr

Fiona Champness

Paul Wisniewski

Justyn Branton

Please ring your regional helpline and you will be put in touch with a PGA Business Relationship Officer East Region Midlands Region North Region South Region West Region Ireland Scotland International`

01279 652 070 01675 624 755 01204 496 137 01483 224 200 07799 111 857 00353 4293 21193 07799 111 862 +44 (0) 7771 751 324

NEWS ON THE MOVE The latest PGA Member appointments across the UK, Ireland and overseas.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ThirtySixth Annual General Meeting (the “Meeting”) of The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited (the “Company”). Members are invited to appoint a proxy as per the explanatory note below*. The meeting is to be held at The Triumvirate Suite, PGA National Training Academy, Ping House, The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B76 9PW on 7 June 2021 at 2.00 pm, to transact the following business: ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS To consider and, if thought fit, approve the following resolutions that will be proposed as an Ordinary Resolutions:

Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club has appointed Simon Fowler as its new Membership & Marketing Manager. Fowler began his new role earlier this month, succeeding Paul Crowe, who left the club after four years to become general manager at Royal Winchester Golf Club. Fowler commented: “My ambition is to enhance the members’ experience at one of the most famous ‘Royal’ golf clubs in the world and to raise the profile of its two high quality courses even further.” One other move in the South Region sees Jonathan Gibbons move to N1 Golf in London as a teaching professional. The K Club has announced the appointment of Conor Russell as the new Director of Golf at the five-star resort. Conor commented: “I really am delighted to be joining The K Club team and I am looking forward to being part of this new phase of developments at this world-renowned resort.” After more than two decades at Skidby Lakes Golf Club, Karl Worby has started a new chapter in his career as head professional at Doncaster Town Moor Golf Club. In the Midlands, Daniel Ashcroft is now owner and director of events at

1. To receive and adopt the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the group and parent Company for the year ended 31 December 2020; and 2. To ratify the nomination of Bernard Gallacher as Captain and Sarah Bennett as Vice-Captain effective from 1 April 2021. Explanatory Notes: The Annual Report and Financial Statements have been available on the Company website (www.pga.info) since 19 March 2021 and will be available until the conclusion of the Meeting.

The documents can be found on the members’ area of the Company website www.pga.info - log in then go to Association Resources. If you have any difficulty accessing the website or require an electronic or paper copy of the documents ahead of the meeting, please contact clare.ball@pga.org.uk. Information on how to appoint proxies has been available on the Company website since 19 March 2021 and will be available until the conclusion of the Meeting. This information can be found on the Members’ area of the Company website www.pga.info - log in then go to Association Resources - AGM. *Due to social distancing measures which may be in place at the time, attendance in person could be restricted. For this reason, if Members wish to attend, they should email executive. dept@pga.org.uk to request a place. Members should only attend once their place is confirmed in writing. Please note Registered Assistant Professionals are permitted to attend the Meeting but are not entitled to vote. By Order of the Board Robert Maxfield Company Secretary March 2021

Conor Dillon lands top PGA role in Ireland Conor Dillon knows he has big shoes to fill after replacing the ever-present Michael McCumiskey at the helm of The PGA in Ireland. McCumiskey will step down from his role as Manager for the Irish region at the end of April having spent more than three decades helping to grow the game in Ireland. “I am delighted to have been appointed the new manager of The PGA In Ireland,” said Dillon, who started his new role at the beginning of March. “I can’t wait until the COVID-19 restrictions ease so I can personally meet PGA Members. “Michael (McCumiskey) has represented the region exceptionally well over a long period of time and has been very generous in his

knowledge sharing within the transition, and for that I’m very grateful." After choosing to pursue a career in golf, Dillon completed his PGA training with the help of Garry Nicholson (Douglas Golf Club) and Leonard Owens (Royal Dublin), and he soon developed a keen interest in the commercial side of the industry. Asked what his vision for The PGA in Ireland is, Dillon added: “In my previous roles, I have always had a strong emphasis on servicing my customers with excellence, with my new role, I will strive to increase and improve the quality of member engagement. “I will draw on the many experiences that I have learnt from, throughout my career, to promote continued success within The PGA.”

April 2021

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NEWS WPGA tournament programme boosted by major makeover The PGA has responded to the results of a survey conducted among WPGA Members by giving the One-Day series a significant makeover that includes increased prize money and the introduction of two pro-ams. The survey canvassed Members’ views regarding the WPGA One-Day Series, a competition that had remained unchanged for many years and appeared to be losing its appeal. The PGA’s response it is a new look schedule, doubled prize money, the chance to network with amateurs in a couple of pro-ams, and a new name – the WPGA Series. The Series, which kicks off at Little Aston on May 25, comprises eight events that are worth a collective prize fund of £20,000 That includes £6,000 on offer in the WPGA Championship at Kedleston Park, Derbyshire. The tournament also carries points toward the WPGA Series Order of Merit as do the events at tried and tested venues - Little Aston, Three Rivers, Ormskirk, Salisbury and South Wilts, with the fifth to be confirmed. In contrast to previous years, however, points will be earned for a top 10 finish – 10 for first place descending to one for tenth.

Three newcomers elected to WPGA committee Half of the six-strong WPGA committee will comprise newcomers following the Association’s AGM which, staged online, was attended remotely by more than 50 members. The three new faces are the reigning WPGA champion Heather MacRae, her 2019 WPGA Cup team-mate Suzanne Dickens, and Lynn McCool, the director of golf at Glasson Country House Hotel and Golf Club, Co Athlone, Ireland. The trio will join WPGA Cup captain Tracy Loveys, chair, and founding Ladies European Tour member Catherine PantonLewis, who were re-elected, along with Sarah Bennett, vice-chair and PGA Captainelect.

The PGA Professional

Two pro-ams will take place at Goodwood in West Sussex, and Bowood, a PGA-branded golf course in Wiltshire. Both carry £2,000 prize funds and will be contested by female teams comprising a WPGA Member and three amateurs. The events, which will be held within a week of each other in August, also count towards the Order of Merit with half points being available. The accumulation of points to determine the Order of Merit will also change and the best totals from five events out of the eight will count. “That makes it more of a level playing field for those who cannot play in all the events because of club commitments,” explained Charles Hine, The PGA’s head of national tournaments. “It also acknowledges this is a national series and the possible ongoing restrictions regarding travel because of COVID may make getting to venues difficult or impossible.” The final facet of the makeover comes with reversing the traditional order of events. Historically the season has begun with the Vivien Saunders Fourball but this will now end the campaign at Trentham Golf Club, Staffordshire in October.

Arnold Clark to sponsor Tartan Tour The PGA in Scotland is delighted to announce Arnold Clark as the title sponsor of the Tartan Tour, which returns for another packed schedule in 2021. This year’s Tour starts with the 36-Hole Order of Merit Challenge at Stirling Golf Golf Club on April 21 and consists of eight Order of Merit events, as well as a number of high-profile pro-ams. David Longmuir – Manager - The PGA in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Arnold Clark as title sponsor of the PGA in Scotland Tartan Tour and we thank them for their contribution to this year’s calendar of events. “We sincerely believe that this is the start of a new and fruitful partnership which members and competitors will hear more of as the season unfolds.” David Cooper, Arnold Clark Director, added: “There are few organisations as prestigious as the PGA in Scotland and we’re delighted that Arnold Clark can add our support to what’s sure to be an outstanding series of events. Visit www.pga.info to access the full 2021 Tartan Tour schedule.

#makinggolfhappen

ON THE MOVE Shires Junior Golf Tour, Lee Marshall joins Cavendish Golf Club as their new head professional, and Andrew Stubbs is Leominster Golf Club’s new manager. A 20-year spell as the head professional at John O’Gaunt Golf Club has come to an end for Lee Scarbrow who joins the coaching team at Brampton Park Golf Club. Elsewhere in the East Region, Simon Brierly takes on the head professional role at Burnhan-On-Crouch, Richard Wheeler moves to Rivenhall Oaks Golf Club, while Adrian Hubert is Fynn Valley Golf Club’s new head professional. In the West Region, Upavon Golf Club has announced Claire Waite as its new general manager, Oliver Leett is now head coach at Leett Putting Hub, and Jamie Cundy has landed a new head professional role at Henbury Golf Club. There are four Member moves to report in Scotland. Ross McConnachie and Stuart Smith have started new head professional jobs at Deeside Golf Club and Ranfurly Castle Golf Club respectively. Elsewhere, David Patrick is now a club professional at Bruntsfield Links, while Jamie Allan joins the Loretto School Golf Academy. Three moves internationally see Martin Gallagher join Montgomerie Golf Club as a teaching professional, Premier Golf Academy has hired Matthew Nicolle and Mike Ross is the new head professional at Palinbeek Golf Club in Belgium. If you would like to feature in this column send your details to membership@pga. org.uk.

NEWS

Sandler builds spectacular underground golf simulator in his garden Justin Sandler has used the latest COVID-19 lockdown to good effect after creating his dream golf simulator underground in his back garden in just five weeks. Sandler wanted to build his own indoor space where he could both teach and play, as well as providing an entertainment facility for his family. Planning… After coming up with some design concepts, Sandler spoke with his local planning agency to assess what was needed. Planning permission would likely be granted, however, Sandler felt that a structure with the required ceiling height of three metres at the end of the garden would be too intrusive and look out of place. He chose to dig down into his garden to avoid the need for potentially problematic planning permission, which resulted in a simple and attractive above-ground outbuilding, and provided the most effective possible use of space for all of his requirements in the studio itself. The shed build… The swimming pool team arrived to begin construction – once the diggers were in place in Justin’s garden they created a hole 7m x 4m, to a depth of 1.3m The swimming pool company then built up the brick walls to ground level and poured in the concrete. The shed structure was built, after which the foundation could be tanked and made waterproof. Once the foundation was completely dry, the shed company returned to clad the internal walls and floor before the electrics were applied. The simulator build… Once the external structure had been completed, work could begin on transforming the internal space into Justin’s dream golf

the simulation studio.

This began with carpeting the walls and ceiling, then laying the subfloor, the turf and the hitting mat. Next came the installation of the simulator hitting screen and the ceiling baffles. The PC, projector and launch monitor were all installed and connected. Justin started out with the GC2+HMT launch monitor, with the simulator powered by Foresight Sports’ FR1 golf simulation software. Since then, he has upgraded his launch monitor to the GCQuad and his simulator software – firstly to FSX 2018 and most recently to FSX 2020. Sandler was then able to make the space his own, adding finishing touches with furniture, golf bags and sporting memorabilia. “The space is great for the children,” Sandler commented: “They love being able to use it when their friends come around, and it means they aren’t making noise in the house! “The simulator is fantastic; I’d find it hard to stop hitting balls if it wasn’t for my two-year-old always wanting to have a go himself!”

April 2021

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Mark Smith - PGA Professional Stamford Golf Club

Graphic Designer Business Development Consultant Central Invoicing Executive Buying Terms Manager EMP Marketing Editor

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

F E AT U R E

A PROUD MEMBER Bernard Gallacher OBE became The PGA’s 80th Captain when he succeeded Peter Hanna in the role at the start of this month. The Scot’s appointment is the latest honour in a success-laden career that has seen him captain Europe’s Ryder Cup team on three occasions, play in the match eight times, win 22 professional events, and serve Wentworth as head PGA Professional for 25 years. Throughout he has remained a proud PGA Member…

Image by Christopher Lee/Getty Images

What are your thoughts about becoming PGA Captain and what are you looking forward to? “I am a proud PGA Member and I am honoured and humbled to captain the Association. I’m really looking forward to representing the PGA Members and doing do my best to promote the Association at all times. I’m also looking forward to meeting as many Members as possible. Graduation in December will be a great opportunity, as will tournaments. I plan to attend as many of those as I can - I had a good chat with my predecessor, Peter Hanna, during the 2019 PGA Cup and he’s told me what’s involved.

In captaining the Association you are joining an elite group comprising PGA co-founder J H Taylor, Ted Ray, George Duncan, Sir Henry Cotton, Eric Brown, Bernard Hunt and Dai Rees. All have led either Great Britain or Great Britain and Ireland in the biennial contest with the USA while you captained Europe in three matches. It’s a rare double? “It’s a great honour to be made captain and to follow in such illustrious footsteps, especially those you mention. Others who have held the role include wonderful players like Peter Alliss and my great friend Tommy Horton. I played in the same Ryder Cup team as Peter in 1969. He has been a living symbol of the best in golf for my generation, the ones before it and the ones afterwards. He was a great golfer, PGA Captain twice, a peerless commentator, golf writer and was part of golf in many ways ever since I turned professional. I remember when I was a youngster my dad taking me to Royal Burgess Golf Club in Edinburgh to watch the Swallow Penfold tournament way back in the early 60s.We watched Peter going round and he was the epitome of brilliance.

April 2021

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F E AT U R E We went on to become Ryder Cup team-mates and friends and I used to see him at least once a year when we played in the ‘Grand Match’. He conceived the idea of a match that involved a team of former Ryder Cup players playing against one of former Walker Cup players. The match gathered great momentum over the years and it was played at Deal. Peter hosted it and was very enthusiastic about it. He even got it sponsored. It was competitive but light-hearted and a really good get-together. If Covid had not happened we would have played it last year and Peter would still have been around. I know he was looking forward to it.

Peter Alliss’s father, Percy, also captained The PGA and played in the Ryder Cup. Like you, he was also a club professional. However, you combined 25 years as head pro at Wentworth with competing in tournaments and playing in the Ryder Cup on eight occasions. Would it be fair to say you’re the last of that breed of PGA Professional? “There’s no chance that could happen now. The demands on Tour players make that an impossibility. Similarly the role of Ryder Cup captain is a full time one - that

wasn’t the case in my day. I was still head pro at Wentworth when I captained the team and some of the members came out to Kiawah Island in 1991 to support us.”

What does The PGA mean to you? It’s a pinnacle for a golfer to be a member of The PGA. When you turn professional that’s what you want to achieve – you want to be a fully qualified PGA Member. That’s your mission when you turn professional. It’s a strong brand, it means excellence, service and a lot more besides. That’s what it means to me.

What is the importance of a PGA Professional, especially at a golf club? The pro shop is the first place people usually go to. It’s the first place of introduction. There’s a paradigm shift going on at the moment in The PGA with the introduction of the 2020 Vision. I think it’s great the way there are different facets of membership. You can be a PGA Professional, you can be a PGA Coach, you can be a PGA Manager. This is the way forward and I think it’s a very good idea.

Sarah Bennett Sarah Bennett, the head teaching professional at Three Rivers Golf and Country Club, Essex, and WPGA vice-chair, follows Bernard Gallacher as PGA Captain-elect. When she succeeds him as Captain in 2022, she will follow in the footsteps of Beverly Lewis, her close friend and mentor, and become the second female to hold the role. How do you think your appointment will help the women’s game? I think it sends out a strong message that there are opportunities for women to be recognised in the golf industry. My intention as Captainelect and then Captain is to try and promote the numerous roles in golf that are open to women – pretty much all in fact that are open to men. Historically, women have been seen as coaches but there are so many other opportunities -managerial roles, manufacturing roles, any number of roles. PGA membership opens doors to go for and get those opportunities and I want to get that message across. I also want to feed that back to club level, not just professional level. That’s very important. I think the interaction between a female professional and her club’s female members is hugely important. It’s essential to get them involved and aware of the great work a lot of women do in our industry. That’s why I’m delighted this year’s WPGA tournament schedule will include two pro-ams -one at Goodwood, the other at Bowood.

Peter Hanna- “Thank you for your support” It has been an honour and pleasure to have served as PGA Captain and it’s hard to believe four years – two each as Vice and then Captain – have passed. That time has left Lynne and I with many wonderful memories. The Masters, The Open, Ryder Cup and PGA Cup all stand but one of the highlights was the 2019 Graduation ceremony (unfortunately the 2020 ceremony fell foul of Covid). The day filled me with such pride as Captain, addressing the graduates all wearing their PGA blazers. I know the Association will be safe in their hands. Another memory I will cherish was a surprise invitation to be guest speaker at my old school, Lurgan College. I was honoured to speak to such an interested group of young people, their parents and teachers. They enjoyed tales of my schooldays and life in golf and the head teacher said how honoured the school felt having the PGA Captain as a past pupil.

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I also enjoyed spending time with our dedicated staff in the regions, at national events and headquarters. Board meetings showed me how Rob, Alan, the directors and whole team work tirelessly for the Association’s benefit. They do such a professional job and help make The PGA the success it is. Attending national events gave me the chance to meet many interesting people in golf, especially PGA Members who play such a pivotal role in the game’s future. My successor, Bernard Gallacher, needs no introduction of course. I wish him well and know he will be a great ambassador for the Association. His year will fly by and hopefully Covid restrictions will not affect his term too much. Finally, thanks again to everyone for helping with mine - I cannot stress enough how proud I was to wear the burgundy blazer. Yours in golf Peter Hanna

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JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED As the country slowly emerges from lockdown, leisure pastimes that are deemed to be safe and good for people’s health and mental wellbeing are riding a wave. But is golf really taking full advantage? Jane Carter examines the opportunities for the game and PGA Professionals in the world of ‘Social Prescribing.’ Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic much has been written, posted, and tweeted around the benefits of golf both for people’s mental well-being, and their physical health. Those in the industry have long been aware of these benefits thanks to volumes of research but now the discussion is turning to how the industry can capitalise on the widening public perception that golf has so much to offer. One of the biggest areas of opportunity is in the fast-growing world of ‘social prescribing’. The proper definition is “ a means of enabling primary care services to refer patients with social, emotional or practical needs to a range of nonclinical services”. These non-clinical services can include referrals to everything

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F E AT U R E

Group coaching outdoors are just two of the many qualities which make golf an ideal social prescription activity

from arts groups and volunteering to activities that involve physical exercise- and that is where golf comes in. It ticks so many of the right boxes. Good exercise, played outside, in group of people providing important social interaction, suitable for people of all ages, even those with chronic health conditions where the level of exercise needs to be managed. “The challenge of the ageing population and supporting people with long term conditions is one of the biggest society faces. Chronic illnesses consume approximately 70% of the health budget but as there is often no cure of them, we are now having to look beyond the traditional clinical model the NHS offers. “This is where social prescribing comes in. By connecting people with local community services and activities we can improve the health and wellbeing of large numbers of people,” said Izzie Seccombe, Chair of the Community Wellbeing Board.

SOCIAL PRESCRIPTIONS The bulk of social prescribing is currently delivered by local authorities working in conjunction with health professionals. Your local council is likely to have a Social Prescribing Champion and their role is to liaise with both referrers and social prescription scheme coordinators.

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Commonly ‘prescriptions’ are a set length of time, between 8-12 weeks with a structured follow upand this is where golf tick’s another of those important boxes. A network of highly trained PGA coaches at golf clubs throughout the country is well placed to deliver structured programmes and both individual and group follow-up.

BEST PRACTICE Work is already being done to look at the options and the best industry coordinated approach in this expanding area. A 2018 pilot scheme (see panel) run by MyTimeActive, England Golf and UK Active, raised both awareness of the potential and also gleaned some important evidence on the success of a golf

Golf needs to be regarded as something that can fit into people’s lifestyles. We have the research and the evidence. PGA Professionals are well used to delivering structured coaching activity But golf still has some work to do to be seen as a viable social prescription option. Whilst leisure centres, personal trainers, slimming clubs, counselling services are all common options for referrals, golf is rarely if ever considered. Rob Drinkwater, Head of Participation and Development for England Golf, said “There is no doubt this is a massive opportunity for golf to reach a sector of the public who would not normally even consider the game as a choice. “But we have to work on how we package what we have to offer. We need to build relationships with local GPs, health professionals, local authories and PGA Professionals are well placed to do just that.”

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referral programme. Another pilot project was planned for last year but delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is likely to restart in 2022. There is also much to be learnt from other schemes already in operation with local authorities up and down the country. One of the most successful is being run within the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Their success is put down to ease of use with the council investing in IT projects to build a simple ‘Choose and Book’ system which allows GPs to refer people directly . There is also a wide range of schemes regularly delivered which is another important criteria. Referrers need to know that a scheme is run regularly and

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GOLF ON REFERRAL PILOT Back in 2018, Golf on Referral was piloted in two phases at Bromley Golf Course and Orpington Golf Course as part of a study by MyTimeActive, England Golf and UK Active. It was seen as proving clear evidence that patients taking part in golf saw significant boosts to their levels of fitness, muscle strength and happiness. Researchers said that golf on referral could be particularly good at encouraging middle-aged men to take up exercise- those who are often unlikely to respond to standard health initiatives. In pilot schemes, participants were given two sessions a week for six weeks. Each involved a 30-minute group discussion about lifestyle changes followed by 45 minutes of golf coaching. UK Active CEO Steven Ward said at the time, “Golf is proving to be a fantastic way to encourage people to be more active, particularly among sectors of the population who may not be too engaged with other activities. The research showed that there are clear mental, physical and emotional benefits for Golf on Referral. We should look to roll out more of these programmes across the country as part of wider efforts to get the nation moving.” The pilot project had some advice and recommendations: • The chosen pathway of two sessions a week for six weeks worked well. However, further work was needed to compare this delivery to one session as week for 12 weeks using a control group. • The session leaders created a welcoming and non-judgemental environment. Tutors need to be supportive, engaging, and relevant using both golf and behaviour change techniques • Creating a welcoming environment at the golf courses led to sustained behaviour change and golf participation • All session leaders need to be fully equipped to deliver the programmes with training and support to ensure activities, discussions and data collection take place effectively

consistently, and that people can join from one week to the next. There is also a very clear pathway to continuing the chosen activity – another important success criteria. Funding is available typically through grants, lottery funding and direct from the Community Wellbeing hub but in the main the activity is funded by the participants. A 10-week scheme with East Riding leisure service is £33 with discounts to join once the 10-week programme is completed. Rob Drinkwater said: “Golf has so much to offer. Regular group

• The programme must be accessible, social, and fun • The programme must incorporate elements of wider behaviour change • The programme must develop skills and help people understand the activity • The programme must deliver enough physical activity to enable health benefits. There will be learnings from existing group programme already run by the PGA Professional and golf facility and these could be

There is also much to be learnt from other schemes already in operation with local authorities up and down the country golf activity has been seen to be particularly effective with groups of men. Its sociable, is not seen as emasculating but as a sport and the PR of the last 12 months has ensured it is well placed as an activity of activities. “But this is now about target positioning. Golf needs to be regarded as something that can fit into people’s lifestyles. We have the research and the evidence. PGA Professionals are well used to delivering structured coaching activity to many different markets from schools to women and this is another market.”

REACHING OUT Golf courses are busy, and membership is not currently seen as an issue, but the industry would be foolish to ignore the opportunity for too long. There is nothing to stop a PGA Professional reaching out to their local Community Wellbeing hub and arranging an initial meeting. Start with the local authority but a simple internet search in your geographical location will reveal how widely this has been adopted and some of the schemes already in operation. You need to be very clear on what your programme can offer. Evidence based principles for any successful social prescription programme include

simply repurposed and re-messaged to highlight the key components sought by social prescription coordinators. The other top tip is “to be easy to do business with.” The East Riding scheme and others like it were successful as GPs knew where to go to find information, could make a booking or an appointment while the patient was with them, had literature and information to support the programme and knew that regular sessions were happening. Once you have your programme and the support information clearly in mind then make contact with your local coordinator and get their feedback. They may want to make some adjustments that better suit the market you are aiming that. They will also feel some involvement and confidence which will make their support easier as you progress. Health professionals from nurses to GPs, even pharmacists is another group to target. A simple idea would be for you and the golf club to hold an initial meet and greet at the club to show them the facilities, outline the programme and get their input. Use other examples of your current group coaching to show them how you work. A few simple adaptations and change in marketing message could see another customer audience open up.

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F E AT U R E

Time to prioritise your health PGA Professional Stephen Banks can personally testify to the difference the right nutrition has made to both his career and his own health. The Brand Ambassador for The PGA’s latest partner Tom Oliver Nutrition talks about his own personal journey to wellness and how fellow PGA Members and their customers can benefit from the partnership

ou’re very passionate about the Tom Oliver brand and the difference it has made to your own health and wellness outlook. Tell us about that:My personal journey in wellness started some 10 years ago with the newfound desire to eat clean of carbs and sugars, losing weight, gaining weight, losing weight but mostly working on flexibility and range of movement from the everyday stresses of golf and life. Part of that winning formula has been taking various supplements to add and enhance a healthy lifestyle, combined with strengthening and conditioning as we all know the demand that golf puts on our bodies over time. To add further, a few years ago I had a nasty accident, resulting in a severe back injury with inflammation that just wouldn’t subside from physio alone, thus I started to take specific supplements to accelerate my recovery.

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Pro-Shop Starter Pack For your pro-shop or retail operation, we have starter packs available at different price points to suit your needs. Retail packages are available on a Sale or Return basis with an attractive 40% retail margin. We are currently stocked in Harrods, Boots, Whole Foods Market and Holland & Barrett amongst other retailers.

How did you discover the Tom Oliver nutrition brand? I’d known Tom personally through the family that I have worked for several years and he introduced me to a specific product called TON Curcumin Complete, which combined with a healthy lifestyle has over time worked absolute wonders for my back, joints, and general wellbeing. Now don’t get this wrong supplements don’t work like a ‘magic wand’ to fix or enhance well-being on command. It requires an understanding of the science with a combination of healthy eating and activities, from which an individual can really benefit, hence why nutritional products are a ‘supplement’ to support a healthy lifestyle. What is your own health Tom Oliver regime? Like most, I am not a huge fan of popping various pills in the morning, nor am I heavily into whey protein powders as I practise both intermittent fasting and a diet of Keto but added to that I do ensure that I take a TON Multi-vitamin, Curcumin for joints and Omega 3 for brain health, and for me this enables sustained energy throughout the day and reduces ‘the dreaded’ aching back in the morning, thus free’s my movement to play golf and enjoy life. That said I need to stretch religiously and ensure that I perform exercises that increase and sustain my heart rate for up to 1 hour per day. Q. So for PGA members and their customers, what is the Winning Wellness formula in Golf and Life ? This is a great question as there is so much variety available, but for sure the nutrition business is booming not only in

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the UK, but globally. “The U.K. nutritional supplement market is expected to reach USD 15 billion growing at a CAGR of 6% by 2023” I believe that taking specific quality nutritional supplements for your individual needs (you don’t need to take a handful of tablets), combined with a healthy lifestyle of exercise will certainly enhance golfers both on the course and in general life. “One key feature of TON nutrition is the high potency ingredients in reduced sized capsules which are very easy to swallow, with no after taste compared to other brands” Q. Why Did TON partner with The PGA? Tom Oliver Nutrition was founded in 2015 by fitness and rehabilitation expert and former Rugby player Tom Oliver. Our goal is simple, we want to make a difference in our customers lives by producing high quality nutritional products which help support healthy lifestyles, by providing the very best ingredients and conveniently deliver high-quality products through our uniquely researched formulas. The vision and values of both TON and The PGA in providing the finest wellness products to its members was simply the ‘perfect match’ of two premium UK brands.

F E AT U R E

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For more information on PGA own-use special offer and to arrange a bespoke starter package for your pro-shop please contact: Stephen Banks, Business Development Manager on stephen@tomolivernutrition.com TON 50% off Own use discount can be accessed via the unique code “PGAMEMBER” accessed directly through www.tomolivernutrition.com, *T&C’s apply.

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I N T E R NAT I O NA L

TEAM LEADERS What does it take to become the coach of an international team? What inspires a PGA Member to take on such a role and what qualities are needed for success? We talk to Jussi Pitkanen and Geoff Dixon about the career path that has taken them to the pinnacle of the coaching profession at the elite amateur and professional team level in Finland and Norway respectively.

Geoff Dixon, PGA Advanced Fellow Head Coach for Norway’s Ladies Professional & Amateur Teams What was your path to becoming a PGA Professional? I was born and raised in Newcastle Upon Tyne and was brought up in what you might call a traditional working-class family. From a young age, sport rather than education was by far my main interest and I played a lot of different sports, including football, badminton and golf. Even though I represented England at badminton, I considered football to be my best sport. Yet, at the age of 24, I chose golf as a career. I started out as an Assistant Pro, and progressed through the ranks to become Head Professional, then Director of Golf and then a National Coach. From 1998-2003 I worked at The PGA’s Headquarters at The Belfry, firstly as a training executive and then a training manager. This practical experience, combined with completing a Masters’ degree, provided me with a practical and theoretical grounding within coaching, coach education, sports science and management. What led to you working in Norway? The opportunity to work in Norway came when I met my Norwegian wife of almost thirty years. She was then living on the south coast of Norway, and the local golf club was looking to hire a young coach. The demand for coaching in Norway at that time was extremely high and, over the following seven years – (1989-96) I developed my coaching skills by delivering a large number of lessons on a daily basis, primarily to beginners. After a spell back in the UK, my wife and I returned to Norway in 2009, and I took up the position of head coach at Vestfold Golf Club, which is located on Norway’s east coast an hour south of Oslo. I was presented with a group of 15 juniors and given a brief of guiding them to the highest possible level. Working to a budget, I was given free rein with these juniors and arranged coaching, both individual and group, and tournament follow-up as I saw fit. The short summer seasons and the extremely hard winters, which involved indoor practice, was all rather new to me, however despite these challenges I was able to develop an effective year-round training programme. It wasn’t long before these players started to show signs of improvement, which led me to be offered a regional coaching role, which I took on in 2014. Two years later I was offered the position of Team Norway Amateur/Junior Head Coach and most recently – February 2021 – Team Norway Ladies Coach for both Professional and Amateur squads.

What qualities are required for the role of a national coach? The work of a national coach is extremely diverse. A Ladies European Tour event in Australia can be followed by a week in front of the computer organising the next training camp, booking accommodation and flights or answering mails. So a burning passion for the job and the ability to manage people is in my opinion essential. Effective communication and organisational skills are also high on the list. Players within Team Norway have a variety of needs. Most have their own network of coaches and it is my job not only to maintain an overview of each player’s activities, but also to add that little extra, which can assist the player’s development. At national junior level, a lot of emphasis has been placed on developing effective communication links with the parents – after all, the parent is likely to be the largest influencing factor on a child. I have always considered myself to be a holistic coach who, in addition to technique, places a lot of importance on the mental, physical, social and strategic needs of the player. This holistic approach has certainly proved beneficial at a national level. The International Olympic Committee list the qualities of a great sports coach as being ‘positive, enthusiastic, supportive, trusting, focused, goal-oriented, knowledgeable, observant, respectful, patient, and a clear communicator’. During my first 12 months working for Team Norway I was overseas for over 150 days. So, I would like to add a footnote to the IOC list – ‘having a considerate wife is a definite advantage.’ What are you most proud of regarding your work with the Norwegian teams? I must say that while it has been a pleasure to follow Viktor Hovland’s progress through the amateur and professional ranks, I take most satisfaction out of the progress of two girls who were part of the original junior group at Vestfold Golf Club. One of these players, Madelene Stavnar, became the youngest player to qualify for the Ladies European Tour in 2016, aged 16; while the other, Celine Borge, is currently participating on the Symetra Tour and is making good progress towards the LPGA Tour.

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Jussi Pitkanen, UKCC Level 3 Golf Coach Head Coach for Finland’s Girls & Ladies Teams When and why did you start your PGA career? I started my PGA career in 2003, when I was offered the role of assistant professional at my home club in Ireland, Headfort Golf Club in County Meath, working under Head Professional Brendan McGovern. Before then, after I graduated from university, I had been working in IT for IBM in Madrid, but soon realised that a normal 9-5 job was not what I wanted. Brendan offered me a position and I did not look back. The environment at Headfort had a big influence on my decision, as there is a rich history of PGA Professionals from the club, including Damien McGrane (now at Carlow GC), Liam Bowler (Wexford GC), Gordon Smyth (PGA National Ireland, Slieve Russell), Conor Russell (K Club). What took you down the coaching route? Following my training, which was completed at Royal Tara Golf Club in Navan under Adam Whiston, I set out to play for a couple of years, which in hindsight was never going to be a good career move for me. The playing side led me to coaching, where I am still involved today. It was during my time working for Dave Pelz in Ireland that I first saw an advertisement for the Finnish national team job – my home country – and made a conscious decision to direct my learning and development towards one day securing that role. Following my stint with Pelz Golf, I worked for the PGA for three years in coach education and development, which was priceless in learning about governing bodies such as Golf Ireland, PGA, and other stakeholders; development programmes, and the internal workings of performance programmes in the home countries. In addition, there was interest in learning about how other countries structure their programmes, which helped with benchmarking. Also, there was a fantastic opportunity to network, and create learning opportunities for fellow PGA Professionals to become better coaches. How did you get involved with the Finnish national team? When the then CGI decided to discontinue funding for the PGA role, I interviewed a second time for the Finland national coach position, as well as for the National Coach of Iceland. I was appointed in Iceland in early 2017 as National coach and sport director in charge of all aspects of performance and development. Having the chance to learn the craft in a smaller country was invaluable, as I was able to directly transfer most of the knowledge I had gained until then and use it to put systems in place for the development of golf in Iceland. For example, some people who I worked with previously, such as Jackie Davidson at the R&A, David Kearney (ILGU), Mark Bull (Bull 3D), Steven Orr, Daragh Sheridan (Irish Institute of Sport), Stuart Morgan (Swiss Golf Federation), were influential in helping me get initiatives up and running and were on hand to consult. The highlight was in 2018, which culminated in travelling to two European Team Championships, the Eisenhower & Espirito Santo Trophies and the Youth Olympic Games with Team Iceland. Following two years in Iceland, the head coach role in Finland

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came up again and finally I managed to achieve my goal of securing the position – at the third time of asking! What is your role and what are your duties with the national team? My areas of responsibility are girls’ and ladies’ national teams, plus the professional and Olympic teams as a joint responsibility with another coach. Additionally, I have responsibility for developing the Team Finland Academy pathway and working with the PGA of Finland in developing coach education. Our role is to co-ordinate the service providers and realign the direction of the national squad. Competitively, our focus remains on performances at European team and individual level, plus World Amateur Team Championships. We are also trying to develop a smoother pathway for players from the national team into the professional ranks, in order to achieve success as professionals. What have been your biggest achievements with the Finnish teams? There have been several successes. Organisationally, to be able to incorporate both domestic and international service providers within the national team and service provider network; while competitively, helping players to achieve second place at the European Ladies Amateur Championship, and third and fifth at the Women’s Amateur. OVID-19 seriously disrupted our competitive schedule in 2020, however it has allowed us to run camps and training sessions in order to develop our players skills. In a sense it has been a blessing in terms of realigning our priorities for 2021 and beyond. What qualities do you need to become a successful national team coach? For me, the most important qualities or attributes include openness, perseverance, acceptance, clarity and a willingness to draw on the support of others. It is no surprise that most Premier League football managers have their own support teams who they bring with them to each organisation. For example, my go-to person in movement and biomechanics is Dr Mark Bull, in conjunction with a local strength and conditioning and physio team, to provide world class support for our players and coaches. Having a network of contacts, and using them wisely, has been crucial in helping to provide education, training and development opportunities for players and coaches alike during the past 36 months. They have also provided me with invaluable access to training facilities, support and personal growth. By clarity, I’m mean being 100% clear on your goals and objectives, as well as how your resources will support this. Both are intertwined and must be carefully managed. Change takes time, and sometimes feels impossibly slow, so I’ve had to accept that every decision is made with the players development in mind, and not necessarily my own preference. Also having outstanding administrative support makes it easier to stick to our task as coaches, which is player development.

F E AT U R E Ken Brown, the former European and USPGA Tour winner and five-time Ryder Cup player who has become an accomplished broadcaster since qualifying as a PGA Professional in 1994, was a guest on a recent PGA webinar. This is an edited selection of his answers to some of the questions put to him.

KEN BROWN

LIVE Is it correct your swing is self-taught? I was definitely self-taught. In days gone by you’d get a few tips from the local pro but basically you worked things out for yourself and copy the top players. It had its benefits if things went wrong when you were on Tour – you could fall back on what you’d learned yourself. When I was young we didn’t have much money, the golf course was quite near to me, so I used hit balls and hit balls and develop my swing that way. It was a good way to learn – you developed a natural feel and it certainly helped my short game. Although you copied other players – I liked the way Gary Player putted and Lee Trevino swung – you had to learn for yourself.

You made your Ryder Cup debut when you were 20, just two years after turning pro. What was it like at such a young age? It was an amazing experience. Two years before I’d been an assistant pro at a golf club being paid £11 a week. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Brian Huggett – I was one of his picks. Mark James and I got picked when there were a number of other more experienced players who could have been chosen. I think Brian saw there were some young players he could go with – Howard Clark, myself,

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F E AT U R E Do that and you’ll hit the ball more consistently out the sweet spot, the ball will run more truly, and you’ll judge the pace of the ball more accurately. If you get those few basics right you’ll start to putt better and hole a few more six-footers.

Following your successful playing career, you opted to join the PGA training scheme. What was your motivation? Mark James, Sam Torrance was coming up as was Nick Faldo. He felt let’s give these youngsters a go because one or two of them might do something great in the game. I was amazed when I got picked. I had a nice short game and could get the ball round but suddenly I would be facing Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, and Jack Nicklaus. I was nervous with 15,000 people watching, I didn’t play particularly well, and the course got the better of me. Lytham St Anne’s in those days was a brute. It was a stepping-stone and that Brian Huggett, and the top players believed in me gave me hope.

What was the atmosphere like in the 1983 Ryder Cup match when Europe started to give the USA a game and turn the tables? The addition of Antonio Garrido and Seve in 1979 made an enormous difference to the team and by the time we got to 83 a lot of the players were starting to get more international experience. Tony Jacklin had taken over as captain and Seve was back in the team after being left out in 81. They changed the whole atmosphere and set the bar very high. It was a fantastic week – the whole team gelled, and we were so close to winning. We had a very strong side in 85 and 87. Bernard Langer had won the Masters in 85 and we knew The Belfry well. Nick Faldo was coming on strong, as was Sandy Lyle, and Seve was amazing – it was like having two men in the side. We won reasonably easily but it wasn’t easy until the end. It was our first win in 28 years, and it set the standard – and marked the changing of the guard.

You played in the Ryder Cup on five occasions and subsequently have been involved as a broadcaster – could you ever have imagined how big the match has become? The American players loved playing, but the American public weren’t that interested when I was involved. When we played in Britain, by contrast, we’d get big crowds. All that changed after we won in 85 and 87. Those wins made the Americans focus more and, slowly but surely, the American public became interested. It all changed at Brookline in 99. I was a vice-captain to Mark James, and it was when the Americans made a big comeback. It was bitterly disappointing for us, but the match elevated the Ryder Cup to a new level. It was watched by millions and the scenes at end were frenetic – it was like being at a Celtic Rangers match and the wrong side had won.

Seve described you as Picasso with a putter and you have written a book on putting. What would be your top tip for a player looking to improve their putting?

I didn’t know what I was going to do when I stopped. I did a bit of course design, which I enjoyed but it was hard to get into. So I did the PGA course with a view to becoming a club pro. I enjoyed the course – three of us shared a caravan for the residential at Lilleshall. I learned a lot. It was a nice experience and put me in good stead for the future. There’s a real status to being a qualified PGA Professional and it allows you get all sorts of jobs in golf. I got the chance to work with Sky towards the end of the course.

How much preparation goes into Ken on the Course? There’s a lot that goes into it beforehand, especially at Augusta. It’s very strict there. You’re allowed to go out on Saturday and Sunday mornings before play. That took some getting over the years. You get about 45 minutes and just two holes to feature. In that time I’ll get eight pieces done from different spots on each hole, so you have to be organised. There isn’t any time to practise so, while I know what I want to say, nothing’s rehearsed. If it doesn’t work out and I do it wrong, I’ll just point out how difficult the shot is! You have to be inventive in coming up with an angle to follow but they are great fun to do.

There are some very simple things that can help. Don’t grip the putter too tightly; make sure you eliminate body movement; keep your head steady and don’t have any leg action.

To watch the full webinar, log-into the Members’ Area at www.PGA.info and select PGA Live.

The PGA Professional

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2020 VISION

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO BROADEN THE PGA’S INFLUENCE The PGA wants to be at the heart of the game and you can help spread the word

GA Chief Executive Robert Maxfield recently sent out an email asking for your help sharing The PGA’s 2020 Vision with the people you work with. As you hopefully know by now, The PGA’s 2020 Vision initiative recognises that golf is changing and reflects the evolving role of both Members and the Association itself, offering increased specialisation for PGA Professionals plus group membership opportunities for all who work or volunteer in golf through the creation of the Business Management Group and Club Volunteer by PGA. What are we asking you to do? Simply share the attachment (pictured below) on the email from the Chief Executive with your colleagues and any volunteer members. It contains information about the many benefits to them of joining the Business Management Group or Club

Volunteer and becoming aligned to The PGA. Why are we asking you to do this? The more people who join, the more we are able to speak to and work directly with the people who directly influence your day-to-day business and your futures, including golf club committees, golf club managers and proprietors. Bringing all those who work and volunteer in golf under the umbrella of The PGA will enable you as PGA Members and us as an Association to have a much greater influence in clubs, facilities and the game as a whole. Why is this important for you? The better we can engage with the golf industry the more we will be able to shape its future direction and take a more significant role in increasing participation and the development of the game. By

placing The PGA at the heart of the game, and as the organisation that makes golf business happen, we are empowering you as a PGA Member, enhancing your status and increasing your ability to develop both personally and professionally. What next? Simply share the document that was attached in the Chief Executive’s email with anybody you think could benefit from joining, whether it’s the Secretary, General Manager, Chairman, Junior Organiser or any volunteers that sit on a committee or working group. The document contains information on the two groups, links to find out more and details of a dedicated contact at The PGA – Kristian Wright – who is on hand to answer any questions they might have. Email Kristian at Kristian.wright@pga.org. uk or call 07500 104961.

April 2021

www.pga.info

2020 VISION

The PGA Professional

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2020 VISION

YOUR BRAND

YOUR

CHOICE A snapshot of the PGA Members’ Brand Guidelines

E are thrilled to introduce your refreshed PGA Brand Guidelines. The guidelines, which are available to view in full in the Members’ Area of The PGA’s website, demonstrates how you can use the Members’ Crest and the Members’ Logo. The development of the Members’ Logo allows you to use the most powerful three letters in golf with pride and is great way of highlighting

your skills to both the golf industry and wider world. With the Members’ Logo and Members’ Crest, you have the choice of two logos depending on your preference. It is recommended that whichever logo you choose to use, it is used as your preferred route on all your applications consistently. Let us a look in a little more detail on the different ways you can use the Members’ Logo or Members’ Crest…

Example of Members’ Logo usage on business cards

April 2021

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OFESSIONAL

2020 VISION

WAYS TO USE THE LOGOS AND CREST The agreed Logos can be used on the following items/areas: • Headed notepaper and stationery • Business cards • Marketing material (including brochures, catalogues, flyers and advertisements)

• Website • Email signatures • Own signage, apparel and accessories including golf bags etc.

Other items can be submitted to The PGA for consideration. For the avoidance of doubt, the Members’ Crest or Members’ Logo may not be used on merchandise, gifts or prizes.

The Members’ Logo The Members’ Logo is an official designation of The PGA and as such it occupies a privileged position within the hierarchy of our brand. Use of the logo is for PGA Members only and should not be used by PGA training assistants. Please ensure that the Logo appears as supplied and that PGA does not appear on its own as a separate entity – the relevant accreditation must be in full, i.e. Advanced Professional. If you wish to include your name, please ensure that this appears in upper case underneath the Logo and the relevant accreditation. Every use of the Logo must be accompanied by the trademark PGA PROFESSIONAL PGA PROFESSIONAL ownership line which must appear even if it is at the bottom of the page or on the back of a business card. It can be used in very small print, but it must be used in order to safeguard the trademark: ® PGA is a registered trademark of The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited PROFESSIONAL

ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL

PROFESSIONAL

ADVANCED SPECIALIST PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL

Example of Members’ Logo on retail signage

SPECIALIST PROFESSIONAL

The Members’ Crest ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL

SPECIALIST

PROFESSIONAL The Members’ Crest is an alternative that you can use depending on your preference. With its heraldic design, the Members’ Crest is a symbol of our heritage. It is an official designation of PGA Membership and as such it occupies a privileged position within the hierarchy of our brand. We are very keen for you to promote yourself as a Member of the Association, and the use of The PGA Crest, a registered trademark, has been reserved for the exclusive use of PGA Members. Every use of the Crest must be accompanied by the trademark ownership line which must appear even if it is at the bottom of the page or on the back of a business card. It can be used in very small print, but it must be used in order to safeguard the trademark: ® The Crest is a registered trademark of The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited

Example of Members’ Logo-only embroidery

To download and read the full PGA Brand Guidelines, visit pga.info

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at membership@pga.org.uk or on +44(0) 1675 470 333.

The PGA Professional

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AW21 APPAREL SPOTLIGHT ON WINTER WEAR LAUNCH PAD

Rounding up the latest equipment releases The PGA Professional

TAKING STOCK

How XPOS’s new Caddie App can save you time & money

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TRADE Titleist TSi1 metalwoods From clubhead to grip, Titleist’s new TSi1 driver, fairway woods and hybrids have been designed to deliver maximum distance for moderate swing speeds. With 30% of amateurs swinging at less than 90mph, the TSi1 range has the potential to enhance the performance of a huge number of players. The ultra-lightweight 460cc driver – which is almost 40g lighter than most drivers – boasts a thin titanium crown and a face from made high-strength ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium, which is exclusive to Titleist and offers high energy level returns for greater distance. Delivering high launch and midspin, with built-in draw-bias, the centre of gravity has been moved closer to the face to deliver more ball speed compared to the original TS1 driver. Titleist’s patented SureFit Hosel, featuring 16 independent loft and lie settings, provides additional ball flight optimisation through precision fitting. The fairway woods (15°, 18°, 20°, 23°) are almost 50g lighter than standard fairway metals. This was achieved by taking 10g out of the head while maintaining the MOI at the same level as the TSi2 fairways. The larger profile hybrids (20°, 23°, 26°, 29°) are designed to deliver high launch and mid-spin. They feature steel forged faces and boast a deep centre of gravity for high MOI and exceptional stability and speed across the face. RRP: Driver £519, Fairways £279, Hybrids £245

LAUNCHPAD Your guide to the latest gear Callaway Chrome Soft X LS

Motocaddy Protekta

Played on tour by Danny Willett, Marc Leishman and Jordan Smith, among others, the new Chrome Soft X LS is designed to combine maximum low-spin distance with Tour-level short game control. It boasts a four-piece, single core construction that is engineered to increase ball speed through a SoftFast Core and Dual Mantle System. The core design is significantly larger to create more distance through the bag, and it works with the mantle system to deliver high resilience and speed. It also promises maximum greenside control courtesy of a thin urethane cover which delivers high spin, low launch and excellent feel with higher lofted clubs. It offered in plain white, or white/yellow with Triple Track alignment.

A brand new product in Motocaddy’s updated range of cart bags for 2021, the Protekta is a waterproof and lightweight model that features a 14-way organiser top that is designed to stop clubheads knocking together. It boasts nine pockets, including a fleece-lined valuables pockets and insulated food and drinks pockets, all of which are fitted with YKK zips and thermo-sealed seams. Other features include a carry handle, internal umbrella sleeve, anti-twist base, waterproof rainhood, scorecard holder, and a new towel and accessory hook. It is available black with blue and white trim options.

RRP £39.99 for 12

RRP £269.99

April 2021

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TRADE Powakaddy Freeway The new Freeway range is headlined by the all-new FX7 GPS (£679£899), which now comes with a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen display that allows the user to swipe between screens. The integrated GPS system provides distances to the front, middle and back of greens and hazards on over 40,000 courses, and also counts calories and allows users to set automatic stopping distances. The new FX5 (£599/£649) boasts a 2.8-inch full-colour widescreen display, an automatic distance function and a USB charging port, while the updated FX3 (£549/£599) features a 2.3-inch display, an anti-tamper dial control and a heightadjustable handle. All Freeway models boast new chassis shapes and a new 1-Click folding system that folds down to be 20% smaller than before, plus optional electronic braking systems. The lithium 30v Max Plug ’n’ Play battery is 40% smaller than earlier models. PowaKaddy’s new compact CT6 GPS (£799) also offers touchscreen GPS and electronic braking, and folds down 20% smaller than the previous model.

Skechers Go Golf Arch Fit A key innovation for Skecher’s new footwear range for 2021 is Arch Fit technology – an insole system developed with over 20 years of data and 120,000 foot scans to provide podiatrist-certified arch support. First launched in the brand’s sport and performance walking styles, the Arch Fit insole is designed to mold to the foot, reduce shock and increase weight dispersion. The Arch Fit Line Up is a sporty lace-up model available in black/white and grey, while the Arch Fit Front Nine offers a hook-and-loop closure system for a personalised fit in black/grey and white/navy. Both feature water-repellent uppers and a Goodyear outsole for enhanced traction, stability and durability. RRP £89

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TaylorMade Spider X TaylorMade has added four new models to its Spider putter range with the introduction of the EX, X Hydro Blast, S and SR, all of which boast different alignment systems designed for each putter’s shape. The EX pairs an aluminium frame and carbon centre section with two 28g steel heel-toe weights and a rear tungsten weight. The X Hydro Blast boasts a paint-free finish in a rich silver, while the squareshaped S is fitted with two 42g sole weights to help stabilise the head, while a heavy tungsten backbar optimises swing weight based on the length of the putter. The SR delivers high-MOI performance in a double wing shape. Two back weights made from either steel (10g) or tungsten (15g, 20g) can be switched in to optimise swing weight. They are offered in short slant, flow neck or single bend hosels, with a Super Stroke Pistol GTR 1.0 grip. RRP: £269/£299

Puma Ignite Fasten8 Pro The key new technology in Puma’s latest spikeless shoe is the FASTEN8 Fit System, which consists of eight interior webbing support straps that are integrated into the lacing system. The straps are secured from below the foot to deliver an exceptionally secure fit for all shapes and sizes. It also features a TPU saddle, an ultra-thin TPU frame, and an Ignite foam midsole, all of which enhance stability during the swing and increase comfort while walking. The microfibre uppers are waterproof and breathable in the forefoot, while a thin TPU film around the midsole makes it easy to clean off mud. RRP £100

Titleist Hybrid 14 Titleist’s new Hybrid bag range is designed for golfers who like to carry and use a trolley, offering the perfect blend of premium cart and stand bag features. The Hybrid 14 (£195) and Hybrid 14 StaDry (£235) combine the versatility of a stand bag with an added cart strap loop that allows access to the valuables pocket when strapped into the trolley, as well as a new trolley cart rest. Both bags boast 14 full-length club dividers and double straps with foam padded back panels, with the StaDry model offering added weather protection through the use of waterproof materials and seamsealed construction. They are offered in four colours.

TRADE NEWS

Trafford Golf Centre opens new high-tech superstore

Inrange transforms driving range experience Golf clubs and driving ranges looking to enhance their practice facilities have a new ball tracking system to choose from following the launch of Inrange in the UK. Already installed at several venues in the UK, including N1 Golf’s ranges at Greenwich Peninsula in London and Riverside Family Golf Centre in Nottingham, InRange’s unique radar systems create the ability to track the ball from the moment it is struck, until it comes to rest, regardless of weather or light conditions. This means that over 98% of shots are tracked to less than 1m accuracy. The system can create an exact virtual ball flight on a golfer’s smartphone or on touchscreens installed in each bay. Inrange and Inrange App offers detailed analysis of every shot hit and provides engaging and motivating challenges for players of all standards. Designed for multiplayer use, Inrange+ provides an inspirational and fun gaming experience, with multiplayer challenges or virtual golf on famous courses from around the world. Inrange has formed an exclusive partnership with YUMAX Golf to roll out the system in the UK. Ben Davis, Commercial Director at Yumax, said: “The way we learn, practice and play golf has evolved massively over the last couple of years and this has opened up a completely new demographic with golf being viewed as a form of entertainment by large numbers of people around the world. Inrange technology presents a huge opportunity for golf club and driving range owners across the UK. Not only from a system perspective, upgrading and enhancing their current practice facilities, but also to tap into multiple, innovative revenue streams.” For more information, visit www.inrangegolf.com or email Ben Davis at bendavis@yumax.co.uk.

American Golf has opened a new £650,000 superstore at Trafford Golf Centre in Manchester. The store, which officially opened on April 12, in line with other non-essential retail, features three custom fitting bays with GCQuad technology, as well as the UK’s first digitally controlled Zen Green Stage. Used in the Sky Sports TV studio, the Zen Green Stage will enable golfers to tackle a limitless variety of breaking putts, as well sign up for putting lessons and putter fittings. Boasting 53 bays kitted out with Power Tee and Toptracer technology, Trafford Golf Centre employs a coaching staff of 10 PGA teaching professionals, while 15 new jobs have been created at the new store, where visitors can take advantage of a free custom fittings and a free MOT-style service for golfer’s current equipment. In order to help new golfers, the store also offers a ‘New Starter Experience’, where a custom fit specialist advises customers on the equipment needed to start the game.

Pete Styles, Director of Golf at Trafford Golf Centre, said: “We’re thrilled about the new features in the American Golf store. As the North’s leading golf centre and driving range, our facilities are perfect for pros, beginners and families alike. The exciting additions to the new store, such as the Zen Green Stage and state-of-the-art custom fit service, will strengthen our offering even further.”

TaylorMade rolls out free golf ball logo offer In order to help retailers get back into the swing of things, TaylorMade Golf is waving the fee on all artwork and set up costs for all logo golf ball orders during 2021. The minimum order is 12 dozen and orders must be made in multiples of six dozen per ball SKU. To support this offer at retail, TaylorMade has invested in golf

ball jars that hold 20 dozen logo balls, which is set to arrive in stores by early May. To highlight its new TP5 range of balls, the company has also invested in over 400 premium steel standing POS units which will be rolled out in shops in the UK & Ireland.

April 2021

www.pga.info

TRADE NEWS

Smith chips in to beat cancer

Golf Pride predicts gripping times ahead Innovative golf pro Stuart Smith is chipping in to help Breast Cancer UK by giving the charity some of the proceeds from sales of the latest addition to his range of Heavenly Hybrid clubs. Smith, an advanced PGA Professional based at Thetford Golf Club, Norfolk, has invented a club that is designed to help golfers when their ball is just short of the putting surface. Known as the Chipper, the club comes in Breast Cancer UK orange and grey livery – the grip and clubhead is orange and the shaft is grey. In addition, the charity’s logo is featured on the shaft and the club’s head cover. “We will give a generous donation to Breast Cancer UK from every Chipper sold,” said Smith. “A close relative has been diagnosed with the disease and we’re doing our bit in the battle to beat it.” As well as supporting Breast Cancer UK, the Chipper has the potential to help golfers slash their scores by improving their short game. “Many golfers struggle around the greens and even more so when there is a bunker in the way,” Smith added. “Most other chippers out in the market have a 37-40° loft, which is perfect for little bump and runs. But the Heavenly Hybrid Chipper has a 50° loft, which allows you to chip over bunkers and mounds with ease. The Heavenly Hybrid Chipper costs £79 and can be purchased from https://heavenlyhybrid.com.

With golf now back in full swing throughout the UK, leading golf grip brand Golf Pride is keen to ensure PGA Professional retailers are ready to take advantage of what could be a bumper period for grips sales. “The return to golf represents a fantastic opportunity for professionals to capitalise on the amazing profit margins that selling Golf Pride grips can deliver, and we want to help them maximise that potential,” commented Craig Watson, Key Accounts Manager EMEA for Golf Pride. Golfers will be looking to find their form quickly as they enter the eagerly awaited new season, and a fresh set of grips could be exactly what they need to enable them to hit the ground running. To help fit golfers into the perfect grip for their game, Golf Pride suggests that PGA Professionals use four focus points that will provide a quick personalised fitting process and inspire confidence with the customer. The correct grip size can have a huge impact on a golfers’ game, yet many people don’t consider the potential issues of having an incorrect grip size. Most commonly, a grip that is too small will create overactive hands at impact, while a grip that is too big will make it difficult to control the clubface. Size is a great starting point. Feel is crucial to a golfer being comfortable with the grip in their hands. Try to gain an understanding of whether they prefer a softer material, or a firm corded style that produces greater levels of feedback during the hit. What are the typical conditions that the golfer in question will play in? Do they like to play even if it’s raining? If so, a grip style that focuses on moisture management would be advisable. Golf Pride has various patented technologies that are designed to enhance a golfers’ performance. ALIGN technology will help golfers achieve consistency with their grip and throughout their swing. PLUS4 technology was designed to prevent manipulation of the hands at impact and deliver greater power. The ZGRIP has deep grooves and a corded construction that make it superior in wet conditions with maximum traction. “There has already been a huge demand for grip stock with orders continuing to flood in. We have an array of point-of-sale items that we would love to get into the hands of club professionals to bolster their displays this year,” added Watson. “To find out more about our materials, professionals should contact their local Golf Pride distributor.” Being able to advise members and customers on specific technologies and requirements is crucial to gaining trust in the purchase of a new set of grips. For more infomration head to www.golfpride.com

April 2021

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TRADE NEWS

Swing Plate takes the coaching world by storm

The Swing Plate provides a corrective guide for many of the most common swing faults

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT, ASK OUR TGI GOLF PARTNERS... “

TGI Golf is one big family that

to the precise path for golfers to follow, provides me and my business with promoting the desired plane and a consistent opportunities and support including swing, but the applications of the unit do not events such as the Business Conference, stop there. Enewsletter, 0% Finance and my own retail Brittain adds: “Because the Swing Plate consultant is always on hand. can be moved around the practice area and Ian Mowbray Liphook Golf Club be easily set to precise angles, I’ve developed several drills that can guide the correct swing Joining TGI Golf was the best thing plane, promote a positive weight transfer, I have ever done for my business. eliminate a backswing sway, improve body The team at HQ is a fantastic resource rotation and minimise head movement. and have a wealth of knowledge that can These are key features of a great golf swing be tapped into. I see them as an integral part of and The Swing Plate can help with them all.” my team. The success of the Swing Plate since its Darren Arber Halifax West End Golf Club initial design has been phenomenal, with coaches and golfers all across the world using it to hone their technique. Having been with the group from The Swing Plate has even made it on to the early ‘80s I have benefitted the Tour. European Tour coach Michael Welch in so many ways from being a TGI commented: “I’ve used The Swing Plate for Golf Partner. A family of likeminded some time now. It’s a very simple aid which Professionals who wrap their arms around my can be used in multiple ways. A must have business and encourage my team to develop our in every golfers bag.” While fellow European business year on year. Tour coach Liam James said: “The Swing Kevan Whitson Royal County Down Golf Club Plate is an invaluable tool for every level of golfer. It is both portable and versatile.” The Swing Plate can be purchased for £50 tgigolf.com @TGI_Golf /TGIGolf at www.theswingplate.com, where a series of video tutorials and drills created by Brittain tgigolf.com @TGI_Golf /TGIGolfPartnership can be viewed and downloaded.

“

One of the simplest and most popular training aids in the game, the humble alignment stick, has been given a new lease of life thanks to the inventiveness of a UK-based PGA Professional. The brainchild of PGA Professional Jamie Brittain, the Swing Plate secures alignment sticks in a static horizontal attachment for alignment and an adjustable swing plane attachment that provides a corrective guide for several of the most common faults in the swing. Brittain previously used alignment rods in many of his lessons but felt that they could be deployed to better effect by both coaches and golfers. “Walk down any golf range, from a local public course to the PGA Tour, and you will see players practicing with alignment rods,” says Brittain. “Whether laid flat or pushed into the turf at an angle, these visual guides for the swing are incredibly useful. It occurred to me that by adding adjustability and precision, you could use them more effectively and also to practice different parts of the golf swing.” The Swing Plate is a robust, high quality portable unit that fits in a golf bag. Weighing 800g, the free-standing unit needs no anchoring and is ideal for use on grass, an artificial golf range or an indoor studio. It features two 8mm attachment points that are compatible with all standard sized alignment rods. The horizontal attachment is fixed, and acts as a guide for alignment in the traditional manner associated with alignment rods. The adjustable attachment moves from vertical through to horizontal and fixes in place at whatever angle the golfer or coach needs for any particular drill. The use of angled rods is most common as a guide to swing plane for golfers who might have a shallow or steep path. The adjustable attachment on The Swing Plate can be set

“

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THE TGI GOLF PARTNERSHIP IS A GOLF RETAIL 37 SERVICES GROUP, OWNED BY PGA PROFESSIONALS.

TRADE NEWS

FOOTJOY PARTNERS WITH GOLF FOUNDATION FootJoy has announced a three-year partnership with the Golf Foundation, launching a collaborative effort to champion growing the game. Now recognised as the ‘Official Golf Clothing and Golf Shoe Supplier’ to the Golf Foundation, FootJoy has stepped up its long-term commitment to supporting junior golf and growing the game through an exclusive partnership. Brendon Pyle, CEO of the Golf Foundation, said: “The Golf Foundation team is very excited about the opportunity to work with FootJoy as its Official Shoe and Clothing Partner. Both organisations share the ambition to make the sport more accessible to a wider diversity of young people and with the Foundation about to embark on a new five-year strategy to create more golfers, now is the perfect time to work with such a well-known and respected brand as FootJoy.” The partnership promises to deliver a number of activations and collaborations throughout the threeyear period. Paul O’Hagan, FootJoy’s European Marketing Manager, said: “The work the Golf Foundation do in introducing golf to children from diverse backgrounds is truly game-changing, and we look forward to working together to deliver a brighter future for tomorrow’s golfers.”

True Spec Golf expands European operation Club fitting specialists True Spec Golf is expanding its European operation with the opening of new indoor studios in Geneva, Munich and Paris in partnership with Doma Golf. The collaboration, which already operates an outdoor location in Switzerland, positions True Spec’s hallmark custom fittings as a valuable amenity in three of Europe’s leading golf markets. The Paris and Munich studios allow for year-round club testing and customisation. Both studios incorporate the latest in swing

assessment technology. True Spec Munich utilizes GCQuad Foresight, whereas True Spec Paris uses Trackman and also features a state-of-the-art putting studio. Each facility comes with club blueprint stations, as well as loft and lie machines. In Switzerland, True Spec’s new indoor studio is located on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. Just five minutes from Geneva Golf Club, the new location features two Trackman simulators, a pro shop, and a Lacoste clothing boutique.

• Developed by a PGA Professional in 2020. • Fits standard alignment sticks. • Used on Men’s and Ladies European Tours. • New Extension Pole added for 2021.

• Now featuring angle reading • Discounts and trade pricing offered to PGA Members, Industry Professionals and Golf Retailers

Brand Ambassadors

Amy Boulden - Ladies European Tour Liam James - European & PGA Tour Coach

@theswingplate www.theswingplate.com 38 Swing plate 1/2 page April 2021.indd

April 2021

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P R O D U CT FO C U S : P L AY E R S D I S TA N C E I R O N S

POWER TO THE

PLAYERS Players Distance irons promise yardage gains, increased forgiveness and powerful, low-spin trajectory for decent ball strikers, but the vast number of models ensures custom fitting remains vital to achieving consistent performance advantages with these highly tuned – and high cost – clubs

hile drivers quite rightly grab the majority of the headlines when it comes to discussing distance in golf, it’s in the irons category where most golfers will enjoy the benefits of enhanced yardage, especially given that they are the clubs that get the most use during a round barring the putter. While the ability to hit their irons as far they can is the holy grail for beginners, high handicappers and older golfers, it’s also becoming an increasing focus for better players, with the ‘Players Distance’ category being arguably the fasting growing sector of the irons market in recent years. Even the best players don’t want to lose too much distance on shots that don’t quite find the middle of the sweet spot, so irons that offer a combination of precision, power and an element of forgiveness have really taken off over the last two or three years, with every brand boasting a least one model, often two, that fall into this category. They have proved hugely appealing for a wide range of players, from mid-handicappers up to elite amateurs and, of course, pros, and with prices for 5-PW sets often well over £1,300, there are clearly some

The PGA Professional

good margins to be earned from selling and fitting these clubs. Players Distance irons are not simply game improvement models scaled down to something that fits the eye of the single-figure golfer, they typically feature stronger lofts, less generous offset and different bounce configurations to better suit the attack angles of a strong iron player. Titleist, Callaway, Cobra, TaylorMade and Honma are among many brands that allow golfers to customise their lofts up or down one or two degrees when they order a set of irons, while PING has been offering different loft specs – ‘Retro’ (weaker) and ‘Power’ (stronger) – in the same set of irons for several years. Offered with the new G425 irons, as well as the G410s, G710 and i210, Blueprint and iBlade, Power lofts are aimed at players looking to boost their iron distance or increase spin to hit a desired trajectory window without sacrificing the integrity of the club’s design. Of course, decreasing or increasing loft comes with its own issues, most notably turf interaction, so keeping an eye on the bounce/loft relationship and the quality of the resulting strike from

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a variety of lies, is key when fitting these clubs. Reducing offset will also help players work the ball in both directions a bit more, which should come in handy as their ball-striking improves. Going to a slightly smaller profile will reduce the heel-toe forgiveness, but with the designs and technologies entering the marketplace, golfers won’t be sacrificing much on off-centre strikes. And for customers perhaps caught between a game improvement and players’ distance iron, it makes sense to suggest that they consider a blended set, offering forgiveness in the longer irons and blending into more precision tools in the shorter irons. Whatever they decide, Players Distance irons will be hot property this year, so it will pay to stock a range of them as the new season gets under way.

Who Needs Player’s Distance Irons? Players distance irons are for golfers who have developed their skill to the point that feel and shot shaping is more important than forgiveness, but still want a little bit more distance. If their current clubs are holding them back in terms of distance, but they are still making good contact with the ball, then they should be in the market for a set of players distance irons.

P R O D U CT FO C U S : P L AY E R S D I S TA N C E I R O N S Here’s a quick guide to the latest Player’s Distance irons and their key technologies. Cobra King Tour MIM The King Tour irons feature a cavity back head which is manufactured using a unique metal injection molding process to deliver the precise shaping with the soft feel that better players demand. The metal used in the head is heated to a higher temperature than forgings, resulting in a tighteraligned grain structure that delivers the highest level of precision and soft feel, rivalling that of carbon steel forgings. A tungsten weight in the toe moves the centre of gravity behind the hitting zone to provide added stability, while a polyurethane insert is positioned behind the centre of the face to dampen vibrations at impact. RRP: £999 for a 7-club set

Callaway Apex DCB The Apex DCBs claim to deliver the ‘look, feel and performance’ of a forged players club with the forgiveness of a deep cavity back design. Made from forged mild carbon steel, they are first game-improvement iron to feature an AI-designed Flash Face Cup. The creates high ball speeds and increased spin robustness. A 50g tungsten weight is placed in each of the long and mid-irons to offer more forgiveness on off-centre shots, while the improved shaping helps enhance feel through the turf. RRP: £1,089/1,399 (st/gr)

Ping G425 The G425s blend distance with forgiveness to create an iron that is ideal for a wide range of players. Although the blade length is shorter than the G410, it boasts a 3% higher MOI – and 11% higher than the G400 – due to weight savings from the face that have been moved to toe and hosel weights, which expands perimeter weighting and tightens dispersion. They feature a variable thickness face which increases flex to launch shots higher and farther, while retaining stopping power to hold greens. Available in Standard, Power Spec and Retro Spec lofts. RRP: £129/£139 per club

Ping i500 First launched in 2018, the i500 iron combines a stainless steel body with a forged steel face which flexes at impact, adding dynamic loft while increasing ball speed, trajectory and distance. The clean, blade-style shape, minimal offset and precision milled grooves will give the i500 irons plenty of appeal to better players looking for low-spinning distance with added control into greens. RRP: £149/£159 per club

Srixon ZX5 Callaway Apex TCB The TCB is a tour-inspired forged cavity back which is specifically designed for elite players. It features lofts, bounces, blade lengths and COR values designed for the stronger iron player. Similar in footprint to the X Forged 18 irons, they feature a new hollow body construction coupled with a stainless steel face plate and visible tungsten weighting. RRP: £1,089/1,399

Designed using AI technology, the ZX5 irons have been built for speed with a Mainframe design sees a number of channels and grooves milled into the back of the face to enable it to flex at impact for faster ball speeds. A V-shaped sole glides through the turf, while short-iron groves are sharp, narrow and deep to create more spin on shots into and around the green. RRP: £899/£999

TaylorMade P770 Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal Pro The Hot Metal Pro delivers Mizuno’s fastest ever ball speeds courtesy of a combination of Chromoly 4140M, a thinner seamless cup face, and a variable thickness sole which acts like a hinge to produce additional energy at impact. New sound ribs inside the cavity back strengthen the structure to reduce vibration, while also free up extra ineffective weight. The lofts are one degree stronger than the previous JPX919 irons for a more penetrating ball flight. RRP: £135 per club

The P770 is a slightly more compact version of the P790s, although its smaller head shape and thinner topline and higher launch angle with long irons and additional spin will also meet the performance demands of lower handicappers. Boasting a forged hollow body made from carbon steel, urethane foam is injected inside the head to boost speed and improve feel, while progressive Inverted Cone Technology expands the sweet spot and minimises the negative effects of common miss-hits. Tungsten weights are positioned towards the toe for precise CG placement and increased forgiveness. RRP: £1,299 for a 7-club set

April 2021

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P R O D U CT FO C U S : P L AY E R S D I S TA N C E I R O N S TaylorMade P790 The P790 is the most forgiving model in the P700 range, with the widest blade length. It features a forged carbon steel body and carbon steel face combined with a hollow cavity. The cavity is injected with a foam insert that serves to increase ball speed, as well as enhance the feel and sound at impact. A cut-thru Speed Pocket on the sole of the long- and midirons creates greater forgiveness and consistency. RRP: £1,049/£1,299

Business Development Consultants

Stuart Kerr BDC Scotland & Ireland

Titleist T200 The T200 features ‘Max Impact’, an innovation that extends the maximum speed across the face by combining a thin face, a structural support and a silicone polymer core. To assist off-centre hits, an average of 90g of highdensity tungsten is placed in the heel and toe of the 4-7 irons, which creates a higher moment of inertia and lowers the centre of gravity for higher launch with less spin. Progressive blade lengths, sole widths and hosel lengths create a natural flow through the set. RRP: £125/£160 per club

5 tips

to increase iron sales •

Titleist CNCPT CP-04 The CP-04, which replaces the CP-01 irons launched in 2019, are forged and cast to the extreme limits of precision, yielding a strike that is claimed to generate ‘supreme ball speed with ideal launch and unparalleled forgiveness’. It features a thin, unsupported constantthickness face made from a super strong alloy never before used in golf that produces ball speeds never previously seen off the face of an iron. Large amounts of high-density tungsten – an average of 100g per head – produces higher launch, greater distance and more forgiveness across a wider area of the face. RRP: £3,500 for a 7-club set

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Wilson Staff Model CB The CB irons are heavily influenced by Wilson’s previous V6 irons and are forged from carbon steel for a soft feel. They feature a stabiliser in the cavity which connects the topline to the sole and puts more mass behind the ball at impact. Tungsten weights low in the toe help lower the centre of gravity for easier launch. RRP: £849

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Honma TR21 X The TR21 X irons boast the same muscleback design as the brand’s previous TR20 B irons, but in a larger, more forgiving profile. A hollow body design, low tungsten weighting, and a foaminjected screw port combine to deliver fast ball speeds in a head shape that will appeal to a wide range of players, while also making them perfect to mix with TR20 irons or even be used as a utility in the lower-lofted irons. RRP £175/£210

The PGA Professional

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Showcase your fitting proposition - It’s vital that you market your offering across your digital platforms – website, newsletter, social media and YouTube. Highlight all the phases you undertake to make sure that customers get the correct set of irons for their game. This could include launch monitor technology, fitting equipment and fitting components. Understand your customer’s needs – Get to know your customer prior to them arriving by attaching a pre-fitting questionnaire on a booking confirmation email. This will give you a better understanding on their brand preferences, budget, current iron set and ability, and whether they are looking to trade in or take you up on a finance offering. Always be the expert – Never allow your customer to know more than you. Make sure your team knows the features and benefits – and prices – of all the irons that you fit for. Take advantage of your main brands product and fitting training sessions. Provide a strong after-sales service – Follow up all fittings with your customers so you can complete the experience. A post-fitting email is a nice touch and can generate loyalty. The email could contain details about the clubs they have been fitted for, the cost and expected delivery date and an overall ‘thank you’. Invite your customer back in with their irons 4-6 weeks after collection to make sure they are happy with their purchase. Highlight success stories – Be sure to include customer testimonials within your digital marketing, as this is a great way of inspiring somebody else to book a fitting. They should include all abilities and ages, to remove barriers of certain groups thinking new irons might not benefit them.

F E AT U R E

FIT FOR

PURPOSE As courses reopen, we spoke to Titleist about its programme of nationwide fitting events and the steps taken to provide a safe environment for golfers.

Jack Yetton, Golf Club Fitting Manager, and Jan Diprose, Golf Ball Category Manager, offer insight into Titleist’s fitting principles for club and ball, and also outline the support for PGA Professionals when golf reopens. What is the golf ball fitting ethos at Titleist? Titleist wants to help every golfer play better and shoot lower scores and, as the only equipment used on every shot, being fit for the right golf ball is central to that. There are many performance and quality differences between brands and models to be considered, so Titleist believes a proper fitting takes place on

April 2021

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F E AT U R E

INTERACTIVE the course. Our “green to tee” approach, working backwards from the hole, allows us to successfully select the right model for any golfer – from Tour player to high handicapper. There are three steps to the fitting process: Initial Assessment: Assess a player’s performance objectives and their personal preferences - i.e. increased greenside control, softer feel, higher flight. On Course Evaluation: The Green-toTee fitting process involves an evaluation of all shots on the golf course, with the greatest emphasis placed on shots around and into the green Putting the New Ball in Play: Golfers should exclusively play the new ball to eliminate any performance variation, helping build consistency and confidence. Titleist is also the first brand to offer Virtual Golf Ball Consultations with a fitter over video conference – making it more convenient than ever for players to access experts and find the right model for their game. What is the golf club fitting ethos? Titleist’s mission is to inspire golfers to try new equipment, so our approach to golf club fitting is to ensure we give the golfer a multitude of ways to try and then be fitted into the best performing products for them. Whether at a Titleist event or with a Fitting Partner, we have all angles covered. Sessions are available at one of our National Fitting Centres, where golfers will receive the same treatment as PGA or European Tour professionals. In addition, product specialists conduct fitting days at venues across the UK and Ireland, working individually with golfers to present the products available and help determine the models that offer the greatest performance improvement. In fact, when courses re-open, we plan to service more than 8,200 golfers this year across 1,700 days of fitting, further demonstrating our commitment to providing dedicated golfers with equipment that can help improve their game.

The PGA Professional

Q&A

How have custom fittings from How can PGA Professionals benefit Titleist evolved over the years? from hosting a Titleist Fitting Jack: Titleist has always put Event at their club? custom fitting at the heart Jack: We are very excited of everything we do. Every about our events for 2021 golfer has a unique swing, and our increased investment so every golfer should have in promotion, improving equipment that is unique to the booking experience and Jack Yetton them. Our fitting methodology making golfers feel safe at our has stood the test of time, events will deliver an even better but recent advances in technology, service for your members. materials, and processes mean we can Jan: The flexibility of our product better understand the golfer and build specialists is important, across both products that provide improved overall on-site activations and via our virtual performance. consultations. Alongside our new Jan: Our methodology has online booking service, it is now remained consistent over easier than ever for golfers to time, as is our belief that find the right ball for their every golfer, regardless of game. We have also invested ability, age and gender in digital and PoS collateral for can benefit from a golf ball clubs to promote events, and Jan Diprose fitting. We have evolved the our Covid secure protocol means different types of events we are every golfer fit by Titleist is done able to execute – from conversational Ball so safely. Education to Trackman, Tour Level Fitting and now Virtual Golf Ball Consultations. What are the most exciting products Technology has also played a significant golfers can look forward to testing role, through improved launch monitor when golf re-opens? technology and therefore the depth of Jack: The new TSi metals stand out for our analysis. Our extensive R&D and me. After an unbelievable launch last year engineering processes have also enabled and following the recent introduction us to produce the most comprehensive of the TSi1 family and TSi4 driver, there portfolio of high performing products is now a TSi for any golfer. In addition, that meet different performance and there has never been a better time preference requirements. to upgrade your wedges to the Vokey Design SM8, given so many people have How can PGA Professionals been practicing their short game in the maximise performance with garden during lockdown. Finally, our consumers through product fittings? Scotty Cameron putters have continued Jack: Giving golfers a best-in-class to improve, with the Phantom X line up service, while recommending the best garnering professional success worldwide. performing golf equipment for their Jan: The standout product is undoubtedly game, will ensure you stand out. We have the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x. Following created several opportunities for PGA their global launch in January, they have Professionals to provide golfers with the been extremely well received – through best fitting experience, such as National both Tour adoption and consumer Fitting Centres, our expansive event demand, where golf is permitted. schedule, and with numerous levels of Both models have been re-designed fitting partnership available. in-line with feedback from Tour and via Jan: Our team of ball fitting specialists dedicated golfer focus groups, enhancing can offer industry leading expertise at performance from core to cover, in your venue, flexing the type of event addition to a new dimple pattern – the to deliver an optimal experience for overall result is longer distance, even more members. greenside spin and control, and softer feel.

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P R O D U CT FO C U S : AW 2 1

WEATHER BEATERS In the second part of our preview of AW21 apparel collections, we look at the new ranges coming from adidas, Glenmuir, Sunderland of Scotland and Swing Out Sister

ADIDAS GOLF adidas will mainly be focusing on new technical layering and outerwear pieces for its AW21 apparel collections, while the brand is continuing to make significant progress in its mission to end plastic waste with 87% of its the range using recycled polyester in its PRIMEBLUE and PRIMEGREEN products. Having been previously limited to special edition items, PRIMEBLUE

products, which are made with upcycled Parley Ocean Plastic materials, will enter the inline range for the first time. The AW21 collection will focus on COLD.RDY, RAIN.RDY and WIND.RDY products which ensure golfers can play their best in wintry conditions. The colours used in the AW21 collection have been inspired by Scotland, which will appear in literal and non-literal inspirations through print and colour. There will be a mix of

Below PRIMEBLUE Full Zip Jacket

patterns to compliment the key basics, including ‘Ling’, a Scottish heather, which comes to life in the women’s line. A focus on layering sees an update to the popular Frostguard Jacket, which features a water repellent DWR coating on the body combined with a lightweight down filling. It will be available in men’s and women’s models, as well as a sleeveless vest option. Another key piece from the Performance collection will be the PRIMEBLUE ¼-zip COLD.RDY Hoodie, a version of which was worn by Tyrrell Hatton during his victory at last year’s BMW PGA Championship. Made from recycled plastic, this ideal layering piece features a drawstring adjustable hood, insulated brush-back fabric and boasts a marble print on the chest. Moving back to the men’s range, a new PRIMEBLUE Jogger, which is made from a water-repellent coated terry material, adds a fashionforward lifestyle look to the legwear category,

April 2021

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P R O D U CT FO C U S : AW 2 1

SUNDERLAND OF SCOTLAND Headlining Sunderland’s new men’s AW21 rainwear collection, all of which comes with a lifetime waterproof guarantee, is the Whisperdry Pro-Lite jacket (£150), a featherlight, breathable and fully waterproof jacket with built-in stretch which comes in lightning blue with sporty black trims. The highly technical Valberg Jacket (£140) is now available in a striking lightning blue colour with white four-way stretch panels in high impact zones to promote freedom of movement throughout the swing and black waterproof zips. It is finished with silver retro reflective trims and branding and a groove cleaning device on an elasticated pocket

Above ¼-zip COLD.RDY Hoodie

sitting alongside the Ultimate Pant and Go-To Five Pant, while the fleecelined Frostguard Insulated Pant offers golfer an option for playing in all conditions. For women, key highlights for AW21 will include the PRIMEBLUE Full Zip Jacket, which features the same marble print across the sleeves and back as the men’s hoodie, while also offering a high collar with a drawstring cord to keep out the elements. While an updated COLD/ RDY Legging features a bonded waistband for a locked-in athletic feel, side pockets and brushed-back fleece lining for added warmth. It’s also made with PRIMEGREEN material, made a with a minimum of 50% recycled polyester. Speaking about the new range, Jodie Coles, adidas Golf’s Apparel Product Manager, said: “Versatility drives the design inspiration behind the AW21 collections, offering the golfer comfort and style on and off the course. adicross and the ‘Go-To’ products are great examples of versatility that have been well received in SS21, and these continue with new updates into the second half of the year.” “She added: “The mission to end plastic waste continues to drive the DNA of the range. For the first time, our PRIMEBLUE products, which are made with Parley Ocean Plastic materials, move to the inline collection, which will be seen at the US Open in June. It is our goal at adidas to shift to fully recycled polyester by 2024 and we are currently ahead of the curve on this.”

The PGA Professional

WhisperDry ProLite

Valberg

Aspen

Zermatt

side panels to enhance movement. The midlayer range includes the Aspen (£70), refreshed in the new Lightning Blue/White/ Black colourway, which protects from the elements with its Teflon-coated interlock stretch and breathable fabric; while the Arizona Midlayer (£70) is made with fleecebacked, four-way stretch performance fabric that is showerproof and windproof while ensuring heat insulation, breathability, and enhanced freedom of movement. LADIES’ COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS Headlining the women’s AW21 range is the Waterproof Killy jacket (£120) engineered

Nevada

Killy

Arizona

WhisperDry Techlite

cord. The ever-popular Vancouver Pro with a lightweight polyester technical Jacket (£120) has been given an fabric with mechanical stretch injection of the new Lightning Blue/ combined with flattering panels Black/White colour combo. looks fresh in the new Navy/Tropics Moving into windproof wear, colourway. The luxuriously soft the Nevada full-sleeve and Cortina touch featherlight Whispedry Techhalf-sleeve windshirts (£80) are Lite jacket (£150) is now offered in made from a three-layer interlocking a Navy Tropical Print with vibrant Anton four-way stretch fabric, which makes Tropics waterproof zips. them extremely wind and shower For the ladies’ Coldwear collection, proof, while remaining lightweight. These the Arosa midlayer (£70) boasts thermal and striking new tri-colour designs have a bold water repellent properties and adds a bright sleeve flash with co-ordinating zips and come new colourway to the mix in Tropics/White. in three colour combinations - Navy/Red/ New for AW21 is the Nira fleece jacket White, Electric Blue/Black/White and Black/ (£80), made from a smooth fabric outer Lightning Blue/White. warm polar-brushed fleece inner, with The popular Coldwear range sees Black/ contoured seams and discrete in seam Lightning Blue/White added to the Anton pockets, made from a smooth fabric outer Padded Gilet (£75) and Lightning Blue/Black/ warm polar-brushed fleece inner. Shower and White to the Zermatt Padded Jacket (£80). windproof, it is offered in three colourways Both are made with a robust nylon and Navy/White, Black/White and Purple/White. padded down which retains heat to insulate While the Tania windproof padded gilet the body while being incredibly lightweight (£75) in Navy/White merchandises well in and breathable. This is combined with stretch the Tropics colour story.

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P R O D U CT FO C U S : AW 2 1

GLENMUIR

Adalyn Windproof Jacket

SWING OUT SISTER

Bute Storm Block Gilet

Ramsay Midlayer

Glenmuir’s AW21 collection for men and women combines sustainable and luxurious natural fibres and technical fabrics with contemporary designs. There are three main colour stories running through the range – Spring Green, Magenta and Ascot Blue. New additions to the brand’s padded outerwear collection in ‘21 include the Bute Storm Bloc Gilet (£80), which features a water and wind resistant outer and heat insulating down which retains body warmth, while bonded zones add a contemporary design element. Stretch binding around the armholes and hem retain freedom of movement. Also offering warmth without bulk is the Callendar hybrid jacket (£85), which combines stretch brushed back fleece sleeves and side panels with a warm padded front and back body panel. Both are available in three colours. For women, there are new padded outerwear options, including Ayla (£80), a wind resistant and water repellent gilet with thermal padded zones on the front and back. It has brushed fleece side and shoulder panels for comfort and freedom of movement while retaining heat. A little sparkle is added with high shine zips and a silver retro reflective logo. Boasting all the same properties, but with long sleeves, is Samara (£85). Both are available in Black, Navy and Mid Grey/Mid Grey Marl. Moving into midlayers, Ramsay (£70) is a new raglan sleeved zip-neck combining a tonal marl and solid colour block design with a striking highlight sleeve stripe and zip detail. It is made from an active functional fabric with moisture-wicking yarn to deliver breathability and enhanced movement. For women, there is Bree (£65), which has a full-length zipped front and a sporty colour block design. Made with a brushed fleece inner and a four-way stretch, this raglan sleeved midlayer is both wind resistant and water repellent. It comes in Navy/ White, Light Grey Marl/Black and Hot Pink/Light Grey Marl. For Glenmuir’s signature Touch of Cashmere zip neck sweaters (£85), contemporary sporty design meets natural fibres to create unique knitwear pieces which are breathable, stretchy, soft to touch and have an anti-pill finish. Girvan, Jedburgh, Olivia and Alissa offer a fresh and bold take on traditional knitwear, while Bothwell and Nika feature subtle rib and cable detailing. To order Glenmuir products, log on at www.glenmuirpro.com.

Callander Hybrid Jacket

Jedburgh Sweater

Bree Midlayer

Founded in 2016 by Lucy Dickman, and co-owned with her PGA Professional husband Robert, Swing Out Sister specialises in women’s apparel for what it calls the ‘female forever 40’ market, offering stylish ranges that combine technical fabrics with the freshest fashion accents. The brand’s latest capsule collection for AW21 takes its inspiration from the Northern Lights, featuring navy with accents of volcanic fire and ice, peppered with monochromatic simple fauna. Committed to providing maximum freedom of movement, the range features thin insulation layers to provide comfort and warmth and provides a core of pieces for on and off-course wear, all at a great value price point for consumers, while offering healthy margins for retailers. Key products in the range include the Oslo Active Vest (£64.99), a lightweight, storm-resistant sleeveless body warmer with a heat-generating lining, moisture shedding outer fabric and stretch thermo-lined back and side detail. Offered in navy, it’s the ideal layering piece, keeping the core warm while enabling the arms to swing freely. The same principles apply to the Helsinki Insulate Jacket (£59), which boasts an active stretch design for easy swinging, while also delivering body warmth. Ideal for wearing over a baselayer or lightweight midlayer, it has a slim fit design and is offered in a classic navy colour. The Glacier Soft Stretch Luxe Sweat (£49.99) is the perfect answer for those really cold days, with its fleece brushed lining, cosy soft collar, extended cuff detail and snoodshaped neckline keeping the wearer warm and the wind out during those chilly winter rounds. Made from a two-way stretch woven fabric, combining cotton and spandex, it also allows complete freedom of movement. It is available in Icelandic Blue or Lava Fields colours. Another supremely practical, yet stylish piece is the Aurora ¼-Zip Pattern Tech Mid Layer (£39.99), a technical jersey knit which features an extended zip and water-repellent treatment, making it work both as a midlayer or a thicker base layer. Its stretch and moisture-wicking properties, along with its soft-feel fleece lining make it ideal for active wear on and off the golf course. It is offered in a Midnight Navy pattern with Icelandic Blue/Lava Fields accents. The AW21 range also includes needle cord stretch trousers and skirts (£59.99), soft knit sweaters (£34.99), waterproof trousers (£55.99), along with a range of stylish accessories, including bobble hats, belts, socks, snoods and thermal tights. With a sell-out AW20 collection under its belt, and strong sell-ins for the SS21 range, the SOS team is looking forward to a strong year ahead now that retail is back. For further information, call 01444 448988, email marc@ swingoutsistergolf.com or visit www.swingoutsistergolf.com.

April 2021

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ADVERTORIAL

Supporting a return to life after lockdown With recent announcements signalling restrictions lifting in March, we know how important it is to get your club ready to welcome your members back. As an Official Partner of The PGA, First Data is excited to work with golf clubs across the UK to help get your fairways, clubhouses and shops open for business once again! Specialising in payment solutions that fit your business’s needs, First Data can help golf club owners prepare for reopening and make sure you have your payment services and equipment ready from the moment you can welcome members and customers back to the greens. Payment solutions that will have you raring to reopen Our industry-leading payment solutions are the perfect caddy for every golf club.

The PGA Professional

From taking bookings online and over the phone, to payments in the club house and pro shop, our solutions give your members the flexibility to pay how they want safely and simply – whether that’s a website order, tap of a contactless card, Apple Pay or Android Pay app. Tee up easier payments with Clover Clover is our industry-leading suite of point of sale solutions. Our portable Flex terminal goes wherever your staff need, with Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity delivering quick and reliable service – whether that’s in the drinks garden or the club shop. And it’s not just for taking payments. Use Flex to take care of everything from member bookings, food orders and tips, stock control and staff rotas, all in one sleek device. Every Clover comes with the latest in security technology, is fully customisable

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to meet your club’s needs and features an antimicrobial touchscreen. Clover takes things even further with a class-leading range of apps available via the Clover App Market. Covering a vast range of services and functions, Clover apps improve not only your customer service offering, but also your back office efficiencies. Clover special offer To show our support for the golf clubs and small businesses of Great Britain after this difficult year, Clover is currently available on a special rental price of just £1 per month on a Clover Flex contract for the first three months. To find out more and talk to First Data about how we can support you as you ready for reopening, call us on 0330 123 1241 and mention the PGA. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

R E TA I L

FUTURE-PROOF

YOUR BUSINESS WITH

XPOS ‘XPOS Unwrapped’, a new three-part series, shows how XPOS can make your life as a retailer easier, more efficient and, above all, more profitable

Retailers can save time stocking in and stocktaking with the XPOS App

‘Spinning plates’, ‘balls in the air’ and ‘wearing many hats’ are all expressions that could have been coined for the busy PGA Professional. How do you manage everything during the height of the season? How do you keep on top of stock and optimise sales when your team is coaching all day? How can you keep customers happy when shop administration takes up so much of your time? You’ve got a custom fitting at noon; the phone is ringing off the hook with people asking about lessons and if you have a particular brand of putter in stock; a member is querying his account balance; you’ve been meaning to catch up with someone else about the regrips he needs; and, oh, hang on, your Saturday assistant just called in sick. There are no two ways about it, PGA Professionals have their fingers in a lot of pies and time is a precious commodity. It’s what makes the job so interesting and exciting. But with tough competition from eCommerce, stressed margins, and ever-increasing customer expectations, it can feel like the pressure is coming from all angles, especially during a busy season.

April 2021

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R E TA I L STORE ADVANTAGE The early electronic point of sale systems (EPOS) were designed to make the retailer more efficient and productive; replacing the original paper-based methods of recording what came in and went out of the shop; hand-written receipts; and stock-takes that could take a whole week. More recently, EPOS solutions, such as XPOS, have brought even greater advantages to the pro shop, helping to bridge the gap between online and the bricks and mortar shop, while giving customers more of what they want and freeing up time for the retailer. Mark Hopkins, XPOS’s Business Development Director, warns that retailers must get the basics in place now so they can benefit from the tools that will make their lives easier during busy seasons ahead. He says: “After the 2020 boom, we’re expecting all those new golfers to come back this year, while others have been cooped up indoors and are excited to return to a sport that’s safe to play. When multi-tasking through a busy day, you need to focus on what’s important to you as a business. Retailers shouldn’t have to worry about checking up with a member to see if he’s enjoying his new clubs. There are tools that do that for you. We’ve made sure that all our new software is designed specifically to introduce automation to the pro shop.” Mark adds: “XMAIL is an automated email service that sends a short email from the pro shop to follow up on sales. The customer doesn’t know it’s an automated email, as it looks personal. Similarly, if another customer wants to know her account balance, she can just check her XPOS Caddie app, rather than ask the team in the pro shop. That’s more time saved. Members can also use the XPOS Caddie app to see what brands you stock, check stock levels, book golf lessons and view digital vouchers: all with little, or no effort for the retailer. It just makes life easier for the customer and better for the Professional team.

Sean Pearson, Head Pro at Pennard GC, is delighted with XPOS Caddie’s labour-saving features

KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER New technology can help to relieve a lot of pressure and it starts with good foundations. Collecting customer data at every purchase is a great starting point. Not only does it help you truly understand who your customers are, but it paves the way for adopting new tools that can open up the world. One PGA Head Professional who enjoys the benefits of having captured customer information is Sean Pearson from Pennard Golf Club in Wales. He says: “Every transaction is recorded in XPOS and we now even set up visitor accounts to enable me to look at visitor spend as well. I now know that around 35% of my shop customers are visitors and this helps me to plan my inventory.”

In this video, Dan Webster, Head PGA Professional from St Anne’s Old Links, talks about how the XPOS Caddie app is taking his shop business into the modern world and giving him a new way to drive sales, build customer loyalty and save time.

A self-confessed technophobe, Sean says he had to embrace a more digital route to keep in touch with customers during the pandemic. “I haven’t had a great online presence so my communication with members has been a bit hit and miss in the past,” he says. “While the shop was shut during lockdowns, I put together a weekly PDF with photos of products from the shop which was sent out with the club news. It was a great way to showcase shop products and keep cash coming in, but it was also very time-consuming. I’m now using the XPOS Caddie app and am looking forward to an easier way to display and sell my stock with the Reserve & Collect feature.” Sean now sees the need to take advantage of new tools and was able to get up and running quickly because of his customer email database. Post-pandemic, a digital connection is going to be an essential element of the customer relationship. What’s more, this needs to co-exist with the shop’s sales system, XPOS, so that the business can take advantage of automated processes that will improve efficiencies, as well as help to build resilience in the event of future events such as bad weather, or lockdowns. In the future, these digital tools and services may also be the best way to give customers more of what they want and, indeed, expect. Pro shops that are slow to embrace technology may miss out now and struggle to catch up in the future.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW6IBZ2_Jyg

XPOS POS Caddie is the new app for golfers who love their pro shop. For more information on the app’s wide range of benefits, including how to set up your new Reserve & Collect store, visit www.crossovertec.co.uk.

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P G A R E TA I L FO C U S

Simon Race, the Head PGA Professional at Meltham Golf Club in Yorkshire, provides the lowdown on his retail operation How big is your retail space and how many staff work in it? Our shop is approximately 50 square metres and we have a great team of five including myself; James, who is a fully qualified PGA Pro; Sam, who is a first year PGA Trainee; one of our senior lady members, the worldfamous Barbara, star of many show-stealing appearances in my pro shop videos; and my wife, Sarah, to help keep me in line. How has your retail operation fared over the last 12 months? There’s no question it’s been a challenging year, with massive ups and downs from a retail point of view. We have had periods of no sales at all, especially the first lockdown, but overall, the times we have been open have been busier than normal, so it’s helped balance it to some extent. Have your future ordering plans altered? The one major difference has been ordering less and trying to focus on the brands that have done well and been supportive of us during the past year. What brands do you stock and what sold best in 2020? Equipment-wise, we stock Titleist, PING, Cobra, Lynx and Odyssey, while for apparel we stock FootJoy, Galvin Green, Under Armour, Glenbrae and Swing Out Sister. On the sales front, Cobra’s SZ and T-Rail irons were very popular, while we also saw a spike in demand for electric trolleys, especially PowaKaddy’s range of GPS models. What products are you most excited about stocking for the new season? The new Titleist TSi range of woods are incredible, while the Cobra RAD Speed and PING G425 look like very strong, so hopefully it should be a good year for hardware. Are you worried about potential stock shortages? I think the key is managing customer expectations as best you can. The old saying of ‘under promise and over deliver’ is never

more vital than now. As long as you communicate any delays clearly and regularly most members understand it’s out of your control. Do you offer click ‘n’ collect and/or sell stock online? We didn’t during the first lockdown but have done since the start of the second lockdown in November. With the help of my TGI Golf Retail Consultant Chris Taylor and Juan Ravagli at Shopify we were able to put together a great Shopify site and have continued to utilise this to provide a bespoke service to our members since then. Have you noticed an upsurge in new customers following the increase in golf participation? As a club we have definitely seen some new members join and the tee sheet has been extremely busy when we’ve been open, and this has brought new customers into the shop. Do you belong to a buying group? I have been a partner of TGI Golf for nine years and they have been an invaluable support to me, especially throughout this past 12 months. They have kept in regular contact, offering first-class advice and up-to-date guidance on how to navigate the unprecedented year we have all had. As mentioned, the partnership they have with Shopify helped me set up my online store and continued to provide an email marketing system to help me communicate regularly with my members. More than anything though, they provide a sounding board for all my ideas, thoughts and struggles that I’m sure all pros have had this year. Simply put, I couldn’t do what I do without TGI Golf. What marketing do you do to attract customers into your shop? We primarily use the TGI Golf E-newsletter Programme with weekly coaching tips on Tuesdays and product promotion/offers on Fridays. We also use social media, posters around the clubhouse and A-frame display boards outside.

How active are you on social media with regards to retail? We have increased out activity over the past year, but we could definitely do more, we have used the past few months to really plan this season out in terms of social media activity to try and ensure we fully engage with as many of our customers as we can. Do you offer custom fitting? Yes, absolutely, we have just invested in a new GC Quad launch monitor and will use this for all our fittings. We certainly try and get as close to 100% as we can for hardware being fitted, as we truly believe this is the best way to buy equipment. What special promotions have proved most popular? We run annual sweepstakes for the men’s Majors, Players Championship and Ryder Cup; these are always popular, as it gives the members someone to cheer on in the big events. We have also been running weekly home golf challenges and quizzes throughout the three lockdowns. These have been extremely popular in terms of engaging with the members and keeping them thinking about golf and Meltham Golf Club at a time where it would have been easy to lose touch. The positive feedback I have received from the members has really helped keep me going throughout the year. What are your future plans for your retail operation? We haven’t done much this past year, other than making it Covid-secure, however we did a full shop re-fit three years ago, so the layout is still looking pretty new. Plans for the coming season are to try and improve the signage around the shop and make more use of our digital displays. I’m also looking to expand the online sales platforms we use, such as the new XPOS Caddie App, which will really offer another level of service to our members. Hopefully this can lead to us having a fantastic 2021 to make up for last year.

April 2021

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ADVERTORIAL

s y a d li o H g in h c a o C lf Go

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

entury-old olive groves, picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, exotic beaches and a WWFprotected salt lagoon: these are some of the unique landscapes that surround the PGA National Italy, Argentario Golf Resort & Spa. The five-star resort is home to an eco-friendly, 18-hole golf course where golf can be played at any time of the year. Argentario Golf Club is ideal for coaching breaks and groups of golfers thanks to its large practice facilities, which include a driving range with 27 stations for long and short game, three putting greens, a practice bunker and two pitching greens. It is also home to the Callaway Golf Academy and offers the TrackMan IIIe simulator. From the moment they arrive, golfers are looked after by the Golf Manager – Ottavio Coppola – and his team. The Argentario Club House is home to the golf secretary’s

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office, the pro shop, and to a stylish yet informal restaurant and bar overlooking the Tuscan panorama. A second restaurant offering gourmet cuisine and a lounge bar are located in the main building of the Argentario Golf Resort & Spa. Golf pros who bring groups to train and play here enjoy complimentary accommodation at Argentario Golf Resort & Spa. For more deals reserved to PGA members, please email: segreteria@ argentariogolfclub.it

NOT ONLY GOLF After a long day on the course, golfers can enjoy deep-tissue massages or go for a relaxing swim in the heated indoor swimming pool with saline water. Espace Wellness Center includes a Turkish bath, sauna, Kneipp circuit and spacious gym among other services. Personal trainers and a nutritionist are available on site for

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personalised experiences. Additional sports facilities include two tennis and two padel courts, one small football pitch, and two jogging trails. In addition to golf programmes headed by their Professional, groups can enjoy other bespoke 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. 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. 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. www.argentarioresort.com

F E AT U R E

LAIRD OF THE

GLEN Andrew Jowett’s ascent of the career ladder at Gleneagles has resulted in him becoming the world-renowned venue’s head of golf, writes Adrian Milledge.

Many golf fans have a bucket list of courses to play or tournaments to witness. For Andrew Jowett, by contrast, helping stage prestigious ones at Gleneagles have been among the highlights during the 15 years he has worked there. The Johnnie Walker Championship – tick; Ryder Cup – tick; the inaugural European Golf Team Championships – tick; Solheim Cup - tick. Indeed, if tradition did not dictate The Open Championship was contested on a coastal venue, the chances are Gleneagles would have hosted that as well since Jowett arrived there as a PGA teaching professional in 2006. By way of compensation, however, the British Senior Open is due to be held on the Perthshire estate’s King’s Course next year. By which time Jowett will be well into his latest role as head of golf at Gleneagles, a PGA Principal Partner and the home of the PGA in Scotland. “I’ve been very lucky to see some great events and be part of a fabulous team staging them,” says the 43-year-old Mancunian who has been appointed the world-renowned resort’s head of golf. “In terms of my own career at Gleneagles, every time there’s been an opportunity to progress I’ve been able to take it. “I started as a teaching professional and then I became the senior golf professional on the tuition side of things. I was appointed head PGA Professional just prior to the Ryder Cup in 2014 and now I’m head of golf. I guess I’m part of the furniture now!” In terms of longevity, however, Jowett trails Scott Fenwick, the estate’s head of agronomy, by some distance. Fenwick has been at Gleneagles for 40 years and Jowett’s new role involves working alongside him looking after its three courses: The King’s, Queen’s, and Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary. Jowett also oversees golf operations, the retail business, membership development and the PGA National Golf Academy. In addition, his appointment coincides with the estate’s objective to grow the game by inspiring more youngsters to play the game and women and families to give golf a try. “Our three world-class championship golf courses will always be at the heart of our business,” he says. “Pandemic-permitting, they will continue

April 2021

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F E AT U R E

to attract tens of thousands of golfing aficionados from across the world each year. “But we also have a huge opportunity to become an exciting, fun and trusted brand for a new breed of golf enthusiast - families, youngsters and women - who are searching for a warm, friendly and new approach to golf.” To that end, the Gleneagles team has capitalised on its hosting of major events to grow the game, especially locally. “It would be no surprise to anybody that we have tried to derive awareness of golf from staging the Ryder and Solheim Cups,” he explains. “We tried to ensure we got golf clubs into the hands of as many school children in the lead up to those events. “It was a fantastic thing to be part of. It certainly shaped our community engagement and how we interact with local schools and the programmes we do with them, the junior ones we run, all the way up to our own Gleneagles Foundation. “We are also heavily involved with promoting women’s golf and all these initiatives are huge pillars of our philosophies

in moving forward and making sure we continue to grow the game.” Those initiatives are complemented by Jowett and his team ensuring would-be golfers and locals are not put off patronising the estate because of its status as one of the world’s elite venues. “We’ve worked hard to ensure the local community are aware that the driving range for example is open to the public,” he says.

posse of PGA pros and Jowett’s promotion has resulted in a restructure. “Gilbert Hepburn is the senior golf professional and Matthew Reid has moved from Golf Ops to become PGA Academy manager,” Jowett adds. “That has created an opportunity for an assistant golf ops manager to support David Blackadder and we’re about to fill that by appointing another PGA pro. It shows our diversity of structure and opportunities for trainees.

Gleneagles is an extremely special place, managed by a hugely dedicated team, and steeped in over 100 years of Scottish golfing history. “Anybody can come and practise or play and lessons are accessible for everybody. You don’t have to be a member or hotel resident. “It’s a different audience - we want to make sure the game is accessible to all. It’s a big part of what enthuses and motivates the professional team.” That team features a not insignificant

“Gleneagles is an extremely special place, managed by a hugely dedicated team, and steeped in over 100 years of Scottish golfing history. To be given the opportunity to oversee and elevate a golf operation that continues to create life-long sporting memories for visitors to our Perthshire estate, is something hugely exciting.”

The ultimate finishing school Gleneagles offers PGA trainees unrivalled opportunities to learn their trade. Gleneagles has a minimum of five PGA trainees on its books at any one time and, because of its diversity of operations, it offers them an unrivalled golfing education. Indeed, such are the experiences to be offered to aspiring PGA pros that the five-star facility is set to become a five-star finishing school of the golfing variety. “Moving forward, we’re looking to change the way we educate our PGA trainees,” explains Andrew Jowett, Gleneagles head of golf. “We’re fortunate with the depth of experience that the trainees can tap into at Gleneagles but we probably haven’t made the most of that in recent times. “We’ve now made a commitment for any trainee coming in that although they may have a base – whether that’s in the

The PGA Professional

PGA Professionals can stay and earn commission at Gleneagles in 2021. Located less than one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, Gleneagles is one of Scotland’s most luxurious 5 star resorts and home to three of the finest Scottish Championship Golf Courses.

Bring 3

or more full paying guests and the PGA professional pays £200 per room per night.

• Bed and breakfast in a Country Room, including use of The Health Club leisure facilities. • Complimentary golf for the professional. • Free range balls for the group.

Bring 7

or more full paying guests and the PGA professional stays for free. • Dinner, Bed and breakfast in a Country Room, including use of The Health Club leisure facilities for the Professional. • 10% commission for the Professional on the rooms and golf booked. • Complimentary golf for the professional.

Bring 11

or more full paying guests and the PGA Professional stays for free. • All of the aforementioned, with the addition of The PGA member being entitled to use the bottom end of the driving range at The Golf Academy for 2 x one hour sessions to offer pre round swing checks or a golf clinic.

• The PGA member will also be entitled to use of the bottom end of the driving range at The Golf Academy for a one hour session to offer pre round swing checks or a golf clinic. • Free range balls for the group.

Please note – the above rates and access to the driving range are subject to availability and apply to direct bookings made by a PGA Professional paying guest is based on single occupancy. only. A full For availability and rates for your guests, please contact Resort Sales on; T +44 (0)1764 662231 or (US)1 866 881 9525 E Resort.Sales@gleneagles.com quote ‘PGA Professional’ at the time of booking. Please

Dormy Golf Shop, down at the range, the PGA National Golf Academy or golf operations – they will have a much wider experience of the estate as a whole. “We want to make sure the trainees rotate through those divisions. We’re also keen for them to spend some time in resort sales and with the finance and marketing teams to learn those areas of the business. “That will provide them with the best possible platform on which to build their careers – whether as a club pro, working

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at a resort or somewhere else within the industry. “It would be an opportunity missed if we didn’t provide those trainees and our key staff members with that diversification in their working lives. “It keeps people enthused and motivated and allows them to get that holistic view of the business and understand all the elements that come together to deliver that level of service and experience.”

T R AV E L

GOLFBREAKS PGA FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP G

Enter this years’ tournament Deadline for entries is Monday 26th April Final – Carden Park Tuesday 24th to Thursday 26th August Scotland – Falkirk Tryst GC Monday 10th May East – Crews Hill Wednesday 2nd June South West – Players Club Tuesday 8th June North – Pleasington GC Monday 5th July Midland – The Staffordshire GC Tuesday 13th July Ireland – Headfort GC Wednesday 21st July

olfbreaks have been dedicated to supporting PGA Professionals since 2009, when we introduced a team to look after PGA professionals specific travel needs. In 2013 we became a PGA Partner and more recently a PGA Principal Partner in 2018. On becoming a PGA Partner we also assumed the title sponsorship of the PGA Fourball Championship and have remained title sponsors ever since. The excellent prize fund of £35,000 on offer and the relaxed format of the event makes it one of the most popular events on the tournament calender. “I’m really looking forward to getting back to an event where you can walk the fairways with you friend and work as a team.” – James Watts Last years’ event saw plenty of drama, with the final being closely contested at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey for the first time in the tournament’s history. James Watts and Jack Winer emerged victorious again, following up their victory in 2018 at Belton Woods and making it back-toback titles for the strong pairing. They are looking to make it an unprecedented three in a row this year. “It’s always nice to pull into the Champions car spot. Winning two in a row was amazing but to win a third would be even better. I think I speak for James when I say that we just enjoy playing some golf.” This year’s final heads back to Carden Park in Cheshire, who last hosted the tournament back in 2017. The first two days play will be contested over the Nicklaus course before a cut is made for the final days play and 60 pairs battling it out to be crowned the Golfbreaks PGA Fourball Champions for 2021. Make sure you look out for the Golfbreaks Pro Travel team at this year’s final, who will be on hand to discuss any travel plans and questions you may have.

WHY ENTER THE GOLFBREAKS PGA FOURBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

South – Leatherhead GC Monday 9th August

One of the most popular events for club professionals Generous £35,000 prize fund £5,500 team winners cheque Exclusive Golfbreaks offers for entrants

THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER – register before 26th April for one of the seven regional finals by heading to The PGA website – www.pga.info/about-the-pga/tournaments/pga-fourball-championship/

April 2021

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T R AV E L

BREAKING DEALS

JOE BOWREY Senior Travel Consultant T: 01753 752880 E: jbowrey@golfrbeaks.com

Don’t miss out on these top Breaking Deals for later in the year! Take a look at some of the best offers on Pro Travel venues available in the market. In addition to these fantastic offers we also offer you 5%commission as a PGA Professional. We have over 2,000 venues worldwide for you to choose from so get in touch to help us create your perfect break.

HUELVA, SPAIN

QUINTA DO LAGO, PORTUGAL

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ISLANTILLA BEACH GOLF RESORT

THE MAGNOLIA HOTEL

FREE group airport transfers on 7 night 5 round packages

£245pp £325pp £545pp

3 nights, half board, unlimited golf 4 nights, half board, unlimited golf 7 nights, half board, unlimited golf Prices are per person based on two people sharing

Free welcome dinner, transfers included, Free Beer per person per round 3 nights, half board, 2 rounds of golf 4 nights, half board, 3 rounds of golf 7 nights, half board, golf pass Prices are per person based on two people sharing

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LE TOUQUET, FRANCE

BARCELO MONTECASTILLO GOLF

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15% Buggy Discount

Includes Eurotunnel crossing, Sunday Saver

EXPERT CHOICE 3 nights, semi all inclusive, 3 rounds of golf

£375pp £249pp £315pp

3 nights, bed and breakfast, 3 rounds of golf 4 nights, bed and breakfast, 4 rounds of golf Prices are per person based on two people sharing

EXPERT CHOICE 2 nights, half board, 2 rounds of golf 2 nights, bed and breakfast, 2 rounds of golf 3 nights, bed and breakfast, 3 rounds of golf

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*all prices are dependent on time of travel and indicate a “from” price per person For more information or to book your next break, get in touch with our dedicated Pro Travel Team 01753 752 880 | pga@golfbreaks.com |

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T R AV E L

As you arrive at one of the world’s most famous golf courses, where the azaleas are in full bloom, you will without a doubt be lost for words. For those of you lucky enough to visit the first Major of the year, we have picked out five things to do at The Masters both inside the club’s grounds and in the town.

THINGS TO DO AT THE MASTERS Attending The Masters truly is a bucket list experience, and a pilgrimage to Augusta is one that almost every single golfer wants to take.

HEAD TO AMEN CORNER

TRY A PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICH

BUY A SOUVENIR

WATCH THE PAR 3 CONTEST

HEAD INTO AUGUSTA

You can’t visit Augusta National and not spend time at Amen Corner – one of the most recognised group of holes in the world. Holes 11, 12 and 13 test the player’s shot-making abilities and mental strength, but for patrons it is the ideal spot for viewing. From a single vantage point, you can watch the pros make their putts on the 11th, watch them play the beautiful 12th hole, and then their tee shots on the 13th.

Yes, you may be at Augusta National, where the fairways are lush and golf history is coming alive, but a trip to Augusta is not complete without trying the famous pimento cheese sandwich. Like strawberries and cream at Wimbledon, a pimento cheese sandwich has become an essential part of The Masters’ experience. You will also be pleasantly surprised by the amazing value of the food and drink, with a sandwich and a drink coming to around just $4.

As simple as it may sound, you will definitely want to buy something from The Masters Shop to remind you of the incredible experience you have had. The shop is full of fantastic merchandise that won’t break the bank and that will forever remind you of Augusta. Alternatively, if you buy a drink it will come in a Masters cup that will serve as a constant reminder every time you take a sip after a round of golf at home.

A Wednesday at The Masters is a great day to spectate, especially if you only have one day to visit. Although a practice day, you are afforded the opportunity to watch the Par-3 Contest where you will find a lot of the world’s best, and greats of years gone by, competing in a more relaxed environment. Our dedicated and experienced on site team will ensure your trip runs smoothly

If my clients could have given 11 out of 10 they would have. It surpassed their expectations many times. Tim Coxon – Head Professional, Mickleover GC

The city of Augusta is bustling during Masters’ week, so you must spend a day or an evening here. As the home of soul singer James Brown, you can enjoy live music at almost every turn. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, you should definitely try T-Bonz Steakhouse, where you may possibly get some insights from caddies who frequent there – as well as the Frog Hollow Tavern, Farmhaus and Calverts.

If you’re feeling inspired to visit the most highly anticipated Major of the year, get in touch for more information on our packages for 2022 and you and your members could be watching history unfold!

April 2021

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T R AV E L

GUIDE TO THE PLAYERS

CHAMPIONSHIP 2022 Each year the best players come together to compete on the world-renowned Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. To add to the excitement, the par-3 17th, dubbed as “the most famous hole in golf” always provides plenty of drama as the world’s best compete to be named THE PLAYERS Champion. The tournament is also made for the spectators. The grandstands and large sloping mounds provide unobstructed views of the action and create an overall spectator experience that is unrivalled in golf. Will Justin Thomas be able to defend his title next year or will another stalwart like Lee Westwood give him a run for his money? Why not take your members to witness the drama unfold and enjoy an unforgettable experience for your group!

UPGRADE TO HOSPITALITY THE PLAYERS Club hospitality is located in TPC Sawgrass’ famous clubhouse and considered a VIP experience like no other! From hand crafted food to a private viewing space on the 18th green, it is one of the most impressive hospitality experiences on the PGA Tour.

From the historic competition to the unparalleled fan experience – THE PLAYERS Championship is like no other! WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE PLAYERS’ The ultimate fan experience for your members Soak up the atmosphere on the famous Par 3 17th Witness the strongest field in golf Extend your stay – play golf in Florida, Georgia or South Carolina

WHY NOT ADD GOLF TO YOUR EXPERIENCE The Sunshine state boasts more golf courses than any other such as Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill or the well known “Bear Trap” at PGA National Resort. There are plenty of options for creating your perfect member’s experience.

WHERE TO STAY The DoubleTree Hilton hotel in Jacksonville is just 30 minutes away from the course. A bustling, buzzy city, Jacksonville has plenty to offer with authentic cuisine, a thriving craft-beer scene and a cosmopolitan nightlife.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BY GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE GOLFBREAKS PRO TRAVEL TEAM Tournament page www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/tournaments/the-players-championship/ Register your interest - pga@golfbreaks.com

The PGA Professional

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singles brand in the UK. receive 20% off your first order at kindsnacks.co.uk/products using code PGA20 contact Will for POS Support, email will.chamberlain@kindsnacks.co.uk or call 07584 544111 also available via:

Get your putting back on a roll! The quickest way to help your pupils score lower is to improve their putting. The innovative new Explanar putting mat helps teach the art of rolling the ball – the key to enhancing distance control, consistency and accuracy. Revitalise your coaching – and your margins – with the putting mat used by Pete Cowen, #1 Coach in Europe and putting biomechanics expert Dr. Paul Hurrion.

“I designed the Explanar Putting Mat to teach the skill and art of rolling the ball. If you can roll the ball, a great putting stroke comes for free!” – Luther Blacklock, Master PGA Professional

“The indoor surface of the Explanar putting mat gives excellent, consistent and repeatable ball roll. The clear and distinct graphics help improve visualisation and focus your aim.” – Dr Paul Hurrion, Quintic Consultancy

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Practise putts of different lengths – from two feet to 10 feet Groove the perfect ball position Cure pushed and pulled putts Realistic green speed – rolls 10.5 on the Stimpmeter Start the ball on the correct line – every time! Made from premium materials for durability and to lay flat on any surface

“The clear, simple markings make it a fantastic training aid for all players. Its eyecatching colours make it very appealing and great fun for the kids. We use it with all our young Academy juniors.” – Pete Cowen, Top Tour Coach in Europe

For more information, go to: www.explanar.com/#putting | 07831 653723 To find out more about our special PGA pro retail offer, contact Luther Blacklock at: luther@explanar.com Explanar 58 1/2 page February 2021.indd 1

April 2021

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12:37

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

C OAC H I N G

Dr Nicky Lumb, PGA Professional and specialist golf practice coach, explains how practising effectively can optimise performance.

Most golfers practise to develop their skills so they can execute them effectively when playing and competing. However, many often feel any progress they make during practice doesn’t frequently transfer onto the course. One way to help overcome this is to break your practice up into three main categories: technical, training and tournament.

TECHNICAL PRACTICE This involves developing your technique and working on parts of your set-up or swing you want to improve. Most golfers practise by trying to move in new ways that often feel awkward and uncomfortable at first. To benefit most from technical practice, start by focusing on making a movement rather than worrying about where the ball goes. Be willing to make mistakes as you practise each new move so you can learn from them. Through repetition and perseverance, you will progress from getting the odd swing right in a jerky and hesitant manner to getting a few correct. Your swing will feel easier the more you do it and, as you continue to practise, you will hone your new skill until it becomes automatic. While good technique can help you play better golf, it does not prepare you for competition. Technical practice often focuses on hitting one shot after another with the same club, whereas playing rarely calls for the same club twice in a row. Thus, technical practice must be balanced with training and tournament practice.

This article is an extract from Better Practice, Better Golf by Dr Nicky Lumb and Dave Alred MBE

TRAINING PRACTICE Training develops skills and improves ball control, preparing you to get the ball as close to the target as possible. It focuses on shots instead of swings and is achieved by recording and monitoring your scores so you see your skills improve over time. Training practice can involve much repetition but is not about repetitive repetition.

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C OAC H I N G

4ft 3ft

On the course, every shot is unique. You have a different lie, distance and target, so your brain has to prepare for each shot by going through several thought processes. In contrast, during practice, most golfers hit the same shot to the same target many times in a row. This repetition makes it difficult to give each shot full attention. To make your practice most effective, treat every shot as if it is unique so that your brain prepares to hit each ball as it would on the course. You can do this by adopting a one shot, one opportunity mindset.

While good technique can help you play better golf, it does not prepare you for competition.

10yds 13yds 16yds 19yds ??yds

This sounds straightforward but is hard to do. When we hit a number of similar shots in a row, our brains usually make assumptions about the next one based on the knowledge gained from the previous shot instead of analysing it as a new one. This results in less benefit and poorer concentration on each additional shot. To overcome this, try to set a clear intention for every shot and hit balls in sets of no more than five. If five is too many, reduce it. This will create some repetition but will provide a good number of ‘first shots’, and more closely replicate playing. Keep your supply of balls away from the hitting zone so you have to collect your next set. This will give you a mental break and encourage your brain to prepare for the next shot.

TOURNAMENT PRACTICE

TRAINING PRACTICE EXAMPLE CHIP AND RUNS – HOW FAR CAN YOU GO? Equipment: wedge, three balls, putter, notebook, pen • Choose a hole 10 yards from the edge of the green. • Put tees three feet around it at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. • Scatter three balls on fairway grass. • Play every ball as it lies. • When three balls finish inside the marked area, hole one • four-foot putt, then move three yards back and repeat from 13 yards. • Always hole one four-foot putt before moving three yards further back. • Set a time limit, such as 15 minutes. How far back can you go? Time

This attempts to replicate competitive golf where every shot differs and you have one opportunity to execute it effectively. This method involves scoring every ball hit, being accountable and getting used to performing under pressure. Tournament practice is the ultimate test in determining whether the skills you learned or refined during technical and training practice will hold up in competition. Usually, the more often a shot matches your intention, the better your skills will transfer onto the course and into competition.

Distance

April 2021

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C OAC H I N G PERIODISATION The time of year should influence the proportion of time allocated to technical, training and tournament practice. During the season when competing regularly, it’s productive to spend more time sharpening your skills (training) and replicating competitive conditions (tournament) and less time working on your swing unless you need to address a specific technical issue. Most golfers see their swings as a work in progress because there are always parts they want to improve. Since a swing requires the precise coordination of many movements, there is little margin for error so any major changes can be disruptive at first, with players often feeling they get worse before improving. For long-term improvement, it is best to plan your year by breaking it into sections and allocating specific times to focus on playing skills and improving swing technique. Developing your swing technique off-season gives plenty of time to learn and ingrain new movements and build confidence in them before the season starts. During the season when you are focusing on training and tournament practices, try allocating a few minutes of technical practice to each session. This will enable you to check your basic fundamentals including grip, ball position, posture and alignment. It is also productive to reinforce good swing movement to reduce the likelihood of developing bad habits. As a general guide during the season, aim to spend about 20 per cent of your practice time on technical training and 80 per cent on training and tournament practices. In the off-season, if you are making a swing change, you may initially spend 80 per cent of the time on technical practice and 20 per cent between the other two areas. After a few weeks, gradually introduce more training and then tournament practice.

TECHNICAL, TRAINING AND TOURNAMENT PRACTICE PROPORTION GUIDE In-Season (no serious technical issue) 20% technical, 40% training, 40% tournament In-Season (serious technical issue) 50% technical, 25% training, 25% tournament (Do this for as short a time as possible and then revert to the usual in-season guide). Off-Season (no swing change) 20% technical, 40% training, 40% tournament Off-Season (making a swing change) 80% technical, 10% training, 10% tournament (First couple of weeks) 60% technical, 30% training, 10% tournament 40% technical, 40% training, 20% tournament 30% technical, 40% training, 30% tournament 20% technical, 40% training, 40% tournament

TOURNAMENT PRACTICE EXAMPLE

20yds

HOW MANY SHOTS TO ACHIEVE NINE UP AND DOWNS? Equipment: wedges, ball, putter, notebook, pen

13yds 10yds

15yds 18yds

Holes

• Use one ball. • Each hole is a par two, 10 to 20 yards long. • Move around the green and use different flags. • Include different lies and slopes • Always choose a small, precise landing spot, and picture how you want the ball to reach the hole. If you struggle to visualise a spot, chose one and place a coin on it so you have a target to aim at. • Before every shot, go through your pre-shot routine. • Always hole out. • How many holes does it take to

achieve nine up and downs? • Put yourself under pressure by setting a target for the number of holes you have to complete the practice. If it takes more, give yourself one opportunity to get up and down from 20-yards, with a consequence of repeating the practice or choosing an unwelcome penalty. • Record your score and next time aim to complete the practice in one shot fewer. Every time you set a new personal best, write it down. Be proud of your progress and celebrate your success!

Total

Attempts The PGA Professional

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PGAPRO HP - DGI Academy 2019.indd 1

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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 +44 (0)1483 266679

sales@golfswingsystems.co.uk 62

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BENEFITS

PGA BENEFITS HAS BEEN ON THE HUNT FOR SOME GREAT SPRING OFFERS Looking for ideas for the Spring? Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, PGA Benefits has some ideas to help you unwind and have fun with the family. SAVE 6% WITH LIFESTYLE VOUCHERS PGA Members can save 6% on a range of brands to inspire you for Spring*. Keep the kids entertained with Hobbycraft, the Entertainer and Xbox. Pick a new bike with Halfords and Decathlon. Other brands include: Currys PC World, Argos, Sky Store, Boohoo, Just Eat, Deliveroo, plus many more. Lifestyle vouchers can be redeemed online, in-store or both dependant on the retailer. Vouchers can be split and spent across multiple big brand names, so you’re not limited to spend in one place and potentially losing your change from purchases.

10% ONLINE DISCOUNT AT FOYLES.CO.UK Get lost in a good book with Foyles. With nearly a million books available for home delivery, Foyles is the home for book lovers on the web. Their site boasts a wealth of author interviews and blogs to help you choose your next read plus, sign up to their Foyalty card to earn points on every purchase*.

STAY ACTIVE AND SAVE THIS SPRING From savings on running shoes to online yoga classes, MyActiveDiscounts has a range of offers for you to make great savings on things to help keep you active and healthy such as footwear, sportswear and nutrition.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING HUB THROUGH PGA BENEFITS Health and wellbeing, both mental and physical, are fundamental to everyone’s lives. The Health and Wellbeing Hub is a free content hub for all Members through PGA Benefits. The hub offers advice and information about key health and wellbeing topics from reliable brands you may not find elsewhere. This is designed to provide members with a diverse resource to support their professional and personal lives. Topics include fitness, motivation, mental health, family and employee wellbeing.

To take advantage of these and other fantastic deals log into https://benefits.pga.info today! *Terms and conditions apply to all benefits. See website for details. Offers subject to change without notice and correct at time of print. Foyles - unfortunately the discount is not applicable against certain items, including but not limited to already discounted products, events, gift cards, book tokens, theatre tickets, and A Year of Books. The discount is not applicable to postage costs. Foyles reserves the right to alter products included or excluded from the scheme, and to add to or amend these terms and conditions. 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.

g, keep your contact details up-to-date by visiting ‘My REMEMBER: The way you access the Members’ Area online is changin hboard) and select ‘Edit my details’. In future, an email Dashboard’ under ‘My PGA’ (www.pga.info/members/my-pga/my-das t Details’ labelled ‘Preferred Email’. address will be required to login and you can check yours under ‘Contac The PGA Professional

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BENEFITS For more detailed information and to take advantage of these and other fantastic deals, log into www.pga.info, select Member Benefits then click ‘Find out more’. *Only available to PGA Members in the UK. Terms and conditions apply to all benefits. See website for details. Offers subject to change without notice. †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.

Formby Hall Golf & Spa Resort Rates from £95pp including use of the pool and health club. Spa days from £49 pp. PGA deals available Sun – Thur. Members wmore. Contact Mark Williams on 01704 875 699 or reservations@ formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk quoting your membership number.

Argentario Golf Resort & Spa 20% off the flexible rate at www.argentariogolfresortspa.it. For availability and prices on bespoke packages for members/clients, email booking@argentarioresort.it or call +39 0564 810292 quoting PGA Member

Modry Las Golf Resort Modry Las, The PGA National Poland is delighted to offer fantastic Stay & Play coaching packages for PGA Members. Visit the Members’ Area and find us under ‘Travel & Experiences’ for more info. Get in touch on golf@modrylas.pl or +48 667 710 410 or visit www.modrylas.pl

Aphrodite Hills Golf & Spa Resort 25% off for members on holiday residences public rates and 20% off hotel package rates (terms apply)†. For availability and prices email: Hotel Packages – reservations@aphroditehills.com Residences – reservations_mgr_AH@atlanticahotels.com For pro coaching groups, check with PGA Travel Partners.

Slieve Russell Golf & Country Club 20% off B&B rates on www.slieverussell.ie For availability and prices email slieve.reservations@slieverussell.ie on or call +353 49 952 6444 quoting membership number.

Public liability Insurance Cover is included in your subscription fee. Contact membership@ 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

Health and Wellbeing Support The PGA is committed to providing support and offers access to a 24/7, totally confidential helpline manned by trained counsellors who can provide help and advice on any matter that is causing anxiety, concern or depression. The service is also available to your close family and employees. If you feel you or someone close to you needs help, call 0333 000 2082.

VAT Advice For VAT advice, contact Tom Newman at PGA Headquarters on 01675 470 333 or email thomas.newman@pga.org.uk

Antalya Golf Club Attractive, all-inclusive rates for members and family. For The Sirene Hotel contact: volkan.cavusoglu@sirene.com.tr For empinski The Dome Hotel contact: michael.jones@agc.com.tr

Golfing Packages Commission Access to bespoke golfing packages for you and your club members through the dedicated Golf Pro Travel Team. Receive 5% commission on your booking. Contact 01753 752 900 or email pga@golfbreaks.com to book your next trip.

Vehicle Leasing Offers* Exclusive contract hire rates on a selection of BMW and MINI models through BMW Group. Visit www.bmwpgasales.co.uk, call 0370 700 5215 or email mail@bmw-issd.co.uk

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

Legal Advice 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.

Prostate Cancer UK An official charity of The PGA. Speak to a Specialist Nurse on 0800 074 8383* or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org 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.

April 2021

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BENEFITS Coca Cola European Partners* CCEP are delighted to offer PGA Members free coolers for their retail facilities. To arrange delivery/installation, please contact John Balchin on jbalchin@ccep.com. Wholesale & delivery of products can be arranged via Chapple & Jenkins.

Wholesale and Delivery Service* We are delighted to offer PGA Members in England and Wales a reliable wholesale and delivery service. A complimentary gift is available to all new PGA account holders. Contact Tim Swingler on 07519 111 582 or tim@chappleandjenkins.co.uk or visit www. chappleandjenkins.co.uk

GreenClub GreenClub work with golf facilities to identify the potential of roof or ground-mounted solar installations which can reduce energy costs by up to 40%. GreenClub will support with surveys, audits, planning and design and, subject to meeting required criteria, will fund the entire project. For more information, visit www.greenclub. energy, email info@greenclub.energy or call 0800 999 1904.

IT Services*

Incentive Programme

Offering members a free IT health check of their business; up to three months free managed IT services when taking out a contract with an option to leave within the first three months if you change your mind. For more information contact 0207 078 3795 quoting PGA.

Incentive programme of up to £500 in commission when recommending customers to purchase an all-weather home putting green. Call 01730 829 608 or visit https://www.huxleygolf.com/pga

XPOS Sales and Stock Management

Loch Lomond Whiskies Loch Lomond Whiskies would like to offer all PGA Members in the UK a discount of 15% on all Loch Lomond Expressions available to buy on our website. Visit lochlomondwhiskies.com and enter the discount code PGA15 at checkout to receive your discount.

Card Payment Services* Preferential rates to PGA Members for accepting credit and debit cards. Call 0330 123 1241 quoting PGA.

Vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements Tom Oliver Nutrition offer a free pro-shop Sale or Return starter pack with excellent profit margins. Contact Stephen Banks (Business Development Manager) on stephen@tomolivernutrition. com to request a starter pack and visit www.tomolivernutrition. com for 50% off own-use products with the code: PGAMEMBER

Rangefinder Savings SkyCaddie are delighted to offer PGA Members savings of up to £150 on their latest award- winning family of GPS products. Call 01844 296358 or email sales@skycaddiegps.co.uk for more info.

Turf Maintenance Equipment Take advantage of a special offer on the Prostripe Rear Roller Mower for your clubhouse surroundings. For more product information, visit ‘toro.com/prostripeuk’. To place an order on this offer or learn more, please share your contact details at pgamembers@toro.com

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XPOS is the sales and stock management solution for golf retail, used by professionals to reduce stock and improve profit. PGA Members quote PGAX01 to receive three months free XMAIL, the integrated customer email service. Contact on 01454 418 395 or via the CHAT button at crossovertec.co.uk

Golf Carts To discuss your golf cart requirements, contact Kevin Hart, Sales Director – EMEA at: kevin_hart@eu.irco.com or call +44 1785 280 344. Members in Ireland can contact Liam Ross at The Buggyman at: liam@buggyman.net

Special Product Offers Special offers on selected LG products for PGA members. For the most up-to-date offers, log into member benefits, select the ‘Shopping’ section. Or contact the team at lgvip@lge.com for any orders.

CBD products Cannaray CBD are offering PGA retailers a no-commitment, sale-orreturn kit worth £560 free of charge. For more info go to PGA benefits or visit www.cannaray.co.uk. To order, email scoop@cannaray.co.uk

Affiliate Bonus Become a SkyTrak Show Case Dealer and earn a bonus 40% affiliate fee on your first sale and 20% fee on any future sales. Call 01844 296358 or email sales@skycaddiegps.co.uk for more info.

Personalised Luggage PGA Members receive 20% off our luggage range. To view the full range visit www.asbrigolf.co.uk/pga-members-luggage Contact sales@asbri.co.uk or 02922 678 842 quoting membership number.

E M P LOY M E N T O P P O RT U N I T I E S

County Louth Golf Club, Baltray, established in 1892, is a member owned club with over 1000 members. The links course consistently ranks among the Top 10 courses in Ireland and is a highly sought- after destination for visiting golfers. Opportunity With the pending retirement, after 41 years, of Paddy McGuirk, the Club invites applications for the position of Head Professional. This is an excellent opportunity for a customer focused and commercially minded PGA Qualified Professional who will be the first greeting point for members, guests and visitors. The successful candidate must be a self-motivated high achiever with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills. The role will suit a committed individual who can lead a team to build strong relationships with members and visitors, enhancing the services and reputation of County Louth Golf Club. Duties and responsibilities • Operate a successful retail business, providing a first-class service to members and guests • Administer and oversee golf related services for members and visitors to provide an excellent customer experience • Embrace current technology in the areas of club fitting, point of sale, stock management and social media • Develop tuition programmes and deliver high-quality individual and group coaching to members, juniors, guests and other interested parties. • Be an Ambassador for the Club, proactively contributing to its on-going development. • Understand and fully comply with all legislative requirements associated with the delivery of the service The role reports directly to the General Manager, who in turn reports to the Club’s Management Committee. Interested applicants should apply by submitting a cover letter and CV to Liam Murphy, General Manager, County Louth Golf Club, Baltray, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland, ideally by email liam@countylouthgolfclub.com, by April 30th 2021.

Burnley Golf Club@GlenView - PGA Professional A private members Club established in 1905, set within the heart of East Lancashire, our James Braid course provides challenging golf in the most picturesque settings. Our golf facilities include a large shop, two practice areas and a purpose-built Tuition Centre with open bays and an indoor coaching facility. We look to recruit a PGA professional with the commitment and determination to provide a high level of service and to drive business in line with the Club’s aspirations and objectives, you must: • Have proven leadership, interpersonal and business management skills. • Offer a range of Professional services to include retail. • Be responsible for the organisation and administration of all golfing activities. • Always provide an excellent service and experience to members and visitors. • Be target driven delivering as high levels of green fee and visitor income. • Develop a Golf Academy to increase participation in golf across all areas. • Be instrumental in the recruitment, development and retention of members and visitors. • Develop community links and build on those already in place. Applicants should set out their requirements in terms of a retainer and or incentive-based compensation as well as an outline business plan presenting their vision of aligning to the club’s objectives. The closing date is Friday 22nd April 2021. Please email a covering letter, CV and an outline business plan to: secretary@burnleygolfclub.com or post to Burnley Golf Club, Glen View, Burnley BB11 3RW. 66

April 2021

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E M P LOY M E N T O P P O RT U N I T I E S

Cradoc Golf Club

Vacancy for a Qualified/ Trainee Assistant Professional Cradoc Golf Club invites a Qualified or Trainee Assistant Professional to join the Golf Operations and Academy Team at this established and well-respected Golf Club in an exceptional location near the Brecon Beacons, with around 400 members. The successful candidate will join our team at an exciting time for the Club with a brand new pro-shop and opportunities to be involved in growing the business with an increased focus on Ladies Coaching and the Junior Academy. This is a newly developed position which includes an employment contract, training and staff development and employee benefits. The role allows an individual to develop a coaching position alongside the Operations Team, an excellent opportunity for someone to develop their career and skills further. Please apply with CV’s to headprofessional@cradoc.co.uk and please feel free to contact Oliver for an informal discussion on 07796353796. Main Role Includes: • Handle customer enquiries, bookings, shop sales and use of XPOS (training will be provided) • Assist with tee sheet management and policies • Preferably be able to carry out Custom Fittings and Club Repairs (training can be provided) • Maintain in-depth product knowledge of our range of products stocked in the golf shop • Promote retail items and maintain a high standard of retail presentation • Conduct individual and group golf lessons • Assist with Driving Range activities • Deliver the highest level of member and visitor service Benefits • Competitive Salary • % of custom fitting sales • Sales bonus scheme • Training and development opportunities • Playing and practice privileges Hours • 30 hours Employment contract working in the Golf Operations department • Additional hours outside of this to conduct golf lessons • Working a shift pattern across the week, including weekends Closing Date:23rd April 2021 Proposed Interview Dates 28th and 29th April 2021 The PGA Professional

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InPlayGolf, Bristol

A vacancy has arisen for a PGA Coaching Professional to offer individual coaching at our indoor golf facility in Bristol. We have five golf simulators available for general hire and a specialist coaching & custom club fitting bay. The role also includes the hosting of individuals and groups for general practice & play. Previous coaching and custom club fitting experience is essential. This role is a salaried full time permanent position working five days a week on a seven-day rota with 28 days paid holiday. For further information please contact paul@ipgolf.co.uk Paul Barrington 07818 001 606 www.inplaygolf.co.uk

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior PGA Professional to join our modern, busy golf club. We are seeking a friendly, charismatic individual who enjoys interacting with members and guests. To deputise and work closely with the Head Professional to ensure the day to day operation of the golf department is carried out to the highest standard. The right individual will also support the team to generate sales, manage custom fittings, organise and run fitting days, and ensure the custom fitting experience is kept to the highest level. Applications to: Head PGA Professional, Ben Emerson on ben.emerson@sandmartins.com

Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club, United Arab Emirates Golf Operations/ Teaching Professional An opportunity has arisen at the AESGC, for a driven, reliable and customer focused, Golf Professional. Working within the current team, the role will see the successful applicant involved in delivering the required experience to members and guests throughout the golf operation, including both courses, as well as at the Golf Academy. There will also be the opportunity to promote and deliver their own teaching programs at our busy Golf Academy. Package: Salary, teaching commission plus benefits. Ideal opportunity for qualified or nearly qualified PGA Professional. Please send CV and covering letter to gavin@aesgc.ae Closing date: 30th April 2021.

Supporting the relationship between PGA Professionals and the golf industry

The PGA offers a free, bespoke service designed to assist you through the recruitment process to ensure you get the right PGA Professional for your facility. The PGA has helped more than 150 golf clubs with their recruitment needs in the past two years by: • Identifying roles and responsibilities • Assisting with writing the initial advertisement • Advice on interviewing • Guidance around remuneration • Developing service level agreements / contracts • Mediation and ongoing support For more information contact Jessica Harrison on 01675 470 333 or at: recruitment@pga.org.uk

E M P LOY M E N T O P P O RT U N I T I E S

Supporting the relationship between PGA Professionals and the golf industry The PGA offers a free, bespoke service designed to assist you through the recruitment process to ensure you get the right PGA Professional for your facility. The PGA has helped more than 150 golf clubs with their recruitment needs in the past two years by: Identifying roles and responsibilities Assisting with writing the initial advertisement Advice on interviewing Guidance around remuneration Developing service level agreements / contracts Mediation and ongoing support For more information contact Jessica Harrison on 01675 470 333 or at: recruitment@pga.org.uk

Woodside Golf Club, Cheshire We are looking for a self-employed Teaching Professional at Woodside Golf Club based in Cheshire. We are looking for somebody to come in and restructure the academy and run their own teaching diary and build their business within the area. There will be a monthly rental agreement in place. Email: Rob Hart rob@tgcacademy.co.uk

The Pro Shot Golf Club, Milton Keynes An exciting opportunity is available for a PGA Coach at The Pro Shot Golf Club, Milton Keynes to help build on an established client list. This is a real opportunity for a dedicated individual to grow a relatively new business. Apply now, send your CV and cover letter to patrick@proshotgolfclub.com

Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood, Glasgow Exciting and varied post involves being responsible for the day to day management of the golf department. You will be responsible for the commercial functions as well as delivering an outstanding guest experience. Previous resort experience in a similar capacity is desirable. Please apply via email to: Joe Gallacher – jgallacher@dbhglasgowwesterwood.com

Newcastle West Golf Club, Ireland Fantastic opportunity for a motivated PGA assistant to join the team at these busy members club. The candidate must have a focus on retailing, coaching and custom fitting. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential as customer service is our priority. Good earning potential. Cover letter and cv to iangolfpro@gmail.com

Oulton Hall, Leeds Exciting and varied post involves being responsible for the day to day management of the golf department. You will be responsible for the commercial functions as well as delivering an outstanding guest experience. Previous resort experience in a similar capacity is desirable. Please apply via email to: Claire Steven – csteven@oultonhallhotel.co.uk The London Golf Performance Academy Teaching Professional required at The London Golf Performance Academy, Bexleyheath Golf Club. Full time availability on course coaching and Friday, Saturday & Sunday in our Trackman 4 studio. For applications please email booking@londongolfpa.com Alresford Golf Club An excellent opportunity has arisen for a PGA Qualified Assistant to join the team at Alresford GC in Hampshire. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our professional team. MWGA Career Opportunity markwoodgolfacademy.co.uk

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa Looking for a highly motivated self-employed Professional to join the Academy at The Mere, with huge earning potential. Candidate will be expected to deliver golf lessons to all levels of clients, including beginner and group coaching. Experience with technology is preferred, with access to state of the art studios. Email: oliver.barnes@themereresort.co.uk Pytchley Lodge Golf Club The Pytchley Golf Lodge are looking for a new pro/coach to join their established 9-hole golf course, 24 bay modern driving range and to manage their new junior programme. For more info please email us at info@pytchleygolf.co.uk or call 07969487785 Gog Magog Golf Club An opportunity has arisen to join the professional team at Gog Magog Golf Club in Cambridge. Roles will be retail based within the busy club shop with excellent opportunities to develop their own skills. If you would like to be considered for the role, please Email your CV to: proshop@gogmagog.co.uk

April 2021

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E M P LOY M E N T O P P O RT U N I T I E S

Wentworth Club Delivering the finest services to our members and guests across the full golf offering as well as opportunities to develop your club fitting and teaching knowledge. The ideal candidate would be PGA qualified, service focused with great enthusiasm for a fine career in golf. Please forward your CV to Careers@wenworthclub.com Kirkcaldy Golf Club Opportunity to join one of Scotland’s fastest growing businesses at our Trackman Range Kirkcaldy store. Large Professional team at 3 retail stores, 2 driving ranges & overseas coaching business. Trackman, award winning custom fitting team & large retailer. Send CV & covering letter to Kevin@craigdonnellygolf.com & Craig@craigdonnnellygolf.com Alder Root Golf Club Opportunity for Assistant Professional to join the team at Alder Root Golf Club. Role will include shop hours and opportunity for teaching and custom fitting. The successful applicant will have access to our brand-new state of the art studio with Trackman 4, Boditrak, 4DMotion. CV and Cover letter to Paul via email Info@northwestindoor.golf Exminster Golf Centre Seeking a friendly, charismatic PGA professional to join a social and busy club. The individual will enjoy interacting with members and guests and be fully involved in teaching and playing as well as supporting the day to day operation of the golf department including the generation of sales. Contact 07718128909 Lenzie Golf Club, East Dumbartonshire Assistant Professional required to start 1st May 2021 at busy members club. Duties to include the following: • General day to day shop work. • Coaching • Repairs • Sales • 1st class service the members • Able to work on their own initiative Please send CV to Jim Mckinnon at linksmasterjim@aol.com Driffield Golf Club An opportunity has arisen for a PGA Assistant Professional to join the team at Driffield Golf Club. The position offers a competitive salary plus the opportunity to earn commission on sales. Retail and custom fitting experience preferred, lots of coaching and playing opportunities. Letter of application and CV’s to cobie.atkin@outlook.com

TRAINING APPLICANT OPPORTUNITIES Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club This is an opportunity to work at a world class venue. The club has a busy playing membership who expect the highest levels of service. The successful applicants will have genuine desire to become part of a team that help each to develop their skills to the highest level. Email: andrewgolf@hotmail.com

Bush Hill Park Golf Club, North London Trainee/Assistant required to join the professional team at Bush Hill Park GC. Candidates must be enthusiastic, hardworking, ambitious, and able to work as part of a team. Plenty of coaching opportunities and flexible shop hours to allow time for competitions. Please send CV’s to Danny@bhpgc.com Bush Hill Park Golf Club, North London Trainee/Assistant required to join the professional team at Bush Hill Park GC. Candidates must be enthusiastic, hardworking, ambitious, and able to work as part of a team. Plenty of coaching opportunities and flexible shop hours to allow time for competitions. Please send CV’s to Danny@bhpgc.com Bristol & Clifton Golf Club The Paul Mitchell Golf Academy at Bristol & Clifton Golf Club is seeking a registered or training applicant to join our existing team of professionals to start this March. 25 hours per week flexible. Excellent facilities for teaching, opportunities to play. Qualified pros will also be considered. Email: Caren/Paul at Paul@mitchpga.co.uk Mannan Castle Golf Club Exciting opportunity for a PGA trainee to join the team at Mannan Castle golf club. The successful applicant must have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, must be self-motivated and committed to delivering excellent customer service. Our facilities include 10 bay floodlit driving range, golf coaching studio & short game area. Email: mannancastleproshop@eircom.net Prince’s Golf Club We have an exciting opportunity for a PGA Trainee Golf Professional who will deliver an excellent service to all members & guests of Prince’s Golf Club. This is a full-time position, offering a great opportunity to further your career in golf. If interested please submit your CV to golf@princesgolfclub.co.uk The Wychwood Golf Club Looking for a self-motivated PGA registered trainee/recently qualified. An exciting opportunity for a pro-active individual, with excellent interpersonal skills. Experience in retail, coaching and custom fitting is preferred. Flexible shop hours. Please forward your CV and covering letter to: tom@thewychwood.com

TRAINING APPLICANT JOB SEEKER John Routledge - john-routledge92@live.co.uk – 07977590202 Training Assistant – Oxfordshire within 25 miles Alexander Huth - huth.clan@sky.com - 01763 268486 Training Assistant - Eastern England/South East within 30 miles Alfie White - aw90639@gmail.com - +44 7833439223 Training Assistant - Staffordshire withing 15 miles Alfie Coe - Alfiecoe10@hotmail.co.uk – 07975660013 Training Assistant – Southampton Within 20 miles James Denegri - Jamesdenegri1992@gmail.com – 07368367049 Training Assistant – Norfolk within 40 miles

For more information please go to pga.info The PGA Professional

#makinggolfhappen

M E M B E R S I N T H E S P OT L I G H T WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATHWAY? I spent six years studying at Stirling University where I undertook my Honours degree in Sports Studies and my Postgraduate studies in Research. Whilst there I was on the International Sports Scholarship programme which gave me the opportunity to further my playing career while studying. I turned professional in 2003 having won the Scottish, British and World University Championships and I had also amassed over 50 caps for Scotland and GB&I. In 2003 I started my PGA training at Kirriemuir Golf Club under the watchful eye of Karyn Dallas, who at that time was the Scotland Ladies and Girls coach. At the same time, I was also a member of the Ladies European Tour. After suffering a career ending wrist injury, I focused on completing my PGA training and becoming a coach. I qualified in 2006 and received the Beverly Lewis award for the top female assistant finishing in the top 10 overall. My first teaching job was at World of Golf in Glasgow. At the same time, I was asked by the Sports performance manager at Stirling University to see if I would become the Ladies High Performance coach. In 2007 and one of the highlights of my career was being the Scotland Coach at the U21 Championships. In 2009 I moved to PlaysportGolf, in East Kilbride, the largest golf facility in Britain. I became the Head Professional there in 2010 which allowed me the opportunity to work with several tour players, international players

WHAT/WHO HAVE BEEN YOUR CAREER INFLUENCES? I have been very fortunate and had a lot of people influence me from my PE teacher in School (Willie Mackay), to the Sports performance manager at Stirling University (Raleigh Gowrie) to some of coaches who have had a profound impact on my performance and coaching style. Karyn Dallas has had a massive impact on how I coach. My family, friends and wife, Donna have all played a part in who I am today. My dad used to caddy for me at both Amateur and Professional events which was fantastic and memories to be treasured. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? The one piece of advice is never giving up. If someone says you can’t do something, then make sure you prove them wrong. Nothing is impossible- only if you think it is. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE? I would say take time to appreciate how far you have come, and then you keep going. Listen more than you speak, and the most important piece of advice is, always be kind. In school I only ever wanted to be in the PE department and wasn’t that interested in other subjects. I always got told I needed to do better at the core subjects. I left school without higher English or Maths, but I now have three degrees and work in Higher education. It doesn’t matter how you get there just make sure you follow your passion and education is key. So many routes and paths that can be taken...never give up!

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION

Lesley Mackay has been a PGA Professional for 13 years and has worked on the golf curriculum at the University of the Highlands and Islands for the last six years.

along with several county organisations, developing their juniors, ladies and senior squads. I was the Ladies coach in Stirling from 2006-2014 where I was able to travel the world and watch the players win several individual and team titles. Whilst at Stirling I also contributed on an academic level in delivering seminars and lecturers. This ultimately led to my move to the University of the Highlands & Islands. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? My current role is as a Lecturer with the University of the Highlands and Islands, based in Dornoch. I deliver on both the BA(Hons) Professional Golf and BA(Hons)Golf management degree programmes alongside my

colleagues, including to other PGA Professionals. My role involves delivering on a variety of different modules linked to Coaching, Equipment Technology, Psychology, Sports performance and Sports science. I am also the UHI Golf Team Coach. It is the perfect job for me where I can combine my passion for coaching, my experience from playing but most importantly use my past studies to help students reach their potential from an academic and playing perspective. UHI is the only Scottish Institution to be in partnership with the PGA, something we are very proud of. Through the partnership I am also the Personal Academic Tutor to all secondyear Scottish assistants.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISHED YOU HAD KNOWN NOW? For me it was a fear of failure but without failure you can’t move on an evolve as a person. I have always tended to play it safe, strangely enough even on the golf course. I wish I had been more aggressive and not been so worried of failing. It is better to have tried and given it a go rather than wonder what if. It is a lesson I try and pass on to my students give it a go and don’t be scared to make mistakes. It is the only way to learn. http://www.uhi.ac.uk/golf Lesley.mackay@uhi.ac.uk

April 2021

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