The PGA Professional Magazine - September 2021 by The PGA

THE OFFICIAL PGA MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE

PROFESSIONAL VOLUME 17 ISSUE 8

SEPTEMBER 2021

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THE OFFICIAL PGA MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE

PROFESSIONAL VOLUME 17 ISSUE 8

SEPTEMBER 2021

Rising YouTube star PGA Professional Chris Ryan

DEALING WITH THE RIPPLE EFFECT

How COVID-19 has impacted PGA Professional education and employment

STANDS THAT DELIVER Best stand and hybrid bags

AUTUMN ACTIVATIONS

Business after the summer boom

BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN Working in Russia

Justin Thomas

O N LY

Sophia Popov

Webb Simpson

Nelly Korda

#1 BALL IN GOLF

Adam Scott

Jordan Spieth

There’s only one most trusted. Only one most consistent. Only one most advanced. The all-new Pro V1 ® and Pro V1x.® Always bring your best.

CONTENTS FEATURES

TRAVEL

44 45

DEALING WITH THE RIPPLE EFFECT Dr Paul Wiseman reflects on the effects COVID-19 has had on education

TRADE WATCH Which pro travel venues are trending?

YOUR TIPS ON THE ALGARVE

World-class courses, excellent practice facilities – no wonder the Algarve is one of the most popular destinations

EARLY BIRDIE OFFERS This month’s amazing deals

COACHING

LIAM JAMES IN CONVERSATION

INSIDE THE PGA

05 07 58

ROBERT MAXFIELD

In a recent PGA Podcase, we spoke to top coach PGA Professional Liam James

This month from The PGA’s Chief Executive

PGA Fellow Professional Nicky Lawrenson

TRADE NEWS Latest industry news

STANDS THAT DELIVER

34 38 39

MARKETING

Showcase on the upcoming designs for SS22 We speak with Glyn Evans, FootJoy’s UK&I Sales Manager

INTERNATIONAL

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

MEMBERSHIP

YOUR BENEFITS

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

RECRUITMENT

We talk to two PGA Members who have ventured to Eastern Europe

The PGA Professional

Contributors: Golfbreaks, Crossover Technologies, Lily Hymes Photographers: Getty Images, Adobe Stock,

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

GOLF RETAILER’S GUIDE TO

Jonathan Markham, Head PGA Professional at Stowmarket Golf Club in Suffolk.

Recruitment Advertising: recruitment@pga.org.uk

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’

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Advertising Sales: commercial@pga.org.uk

Chris Ryan is steadily making a name for himself as one of the leading online coaches

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

MEMBERS RETAIL Q&A

Equipment and Trade Editor: nick.bayly@pgapublishing.co.uk

CHRIS RYAN: THE SOCIAL COACH

Our pick of the latest models your members will want to transport their clubs

AUTUMN How to manage your operation between the summer boom and Christmas uptick

PGA News and Features: steven.carpenter@pga.org.uk adrian.milledge@pga.org.uk

Design: Andrew Beavis andy@whiteshadowmedia.co.uk

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

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

24 30

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

Production Assistant: Kelly Lewis

PGA NEWS

PGA RETAIL

THE OFFICIAL PGA MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE

PROFESSIONAL

#makinggolfhappen

SITUATIONS VACANT All the latest recruitment opportunities

may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photography and recording, without the written permission of the copyright holder, application for which should be addressed to the copyright holder (PGA). ®PGA is a registered trademark of The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company 02653887 www.facebook.com/thepga www.linkedin.com/company/ professional-golfers-association www.twitter.com/thepga www.instagram.com/thepga www.youtube.com/thepga

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FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

eptember is traditionally the time when I take start to take stock of the past year and begin looking ahead to the next 12 months. It has been a tough year for many of you and I know there are still long hours in your business and on the practice ground as we continue to cope with the upsurge in interest in the game. But as the nights draw in, hopefully you will find more time to reflect on the months past but more importantly those ahead as we begin planning for 2022. The PGA is no different. This is a busy month for us, not least our education and training department as we welcome a new intake of trainees to our degree course and step-up work with the hundreds of qualified Members who continue to develop their own skills through our CPD offer.

Director of Golf Qualification and our top up degree. These are opportunities for Members to set themselves apart and I would urge all of you to consider the pathways we have on offer and how they may support you in your own careers. Our Find A Golf Lesson Platform will be rolling out to consumers this month and its important that your own profile is completed. There will be a lot of interest on the PGA website as the Ryder Cup is staged, and this will be further supported by social media campaigns designed to drive even more traffic to the site. COVID-19 has introduced a lot of golfers back to the game and those looking to try it for the first time. Game improvement will be high on the list of many and backed by the PGA brand, we are aiming for our new digital platform to be the first port of call for the many looking for a coach.

Your feedback is vital if we are to maintain our objective of improving the professional and personal lives of every Member. Thanks to our PGA Learn platform it has never been easier to engage in personal development in all aspects of the game. It now holds thousands of pieces of content that can be watched, read, listened to, and then logged to ensure CPD records are completed. Those of you looking to maintain your accredited status need to log your 15 hours CPD learning for the year and the deadline of October 31st will come round quickly. It is becoming more and more important to keep your skills current. The employment landscape in golf and many other industries is both competitive and demanding. This is the time when many of you will be renegotiating your retainer contracts with golf clubs. It’s important you can demonstrate how you have sought to improve your skills, particularly through the last year which has been a steep learning curve for all of us. The PGA now has many further education opportunities not just through our PGA Learn platform but more formal education such as our

The Ryder Cup will be eagerly awaited. Now regarded as one of the finest sporting events in the calendar, it will provide a final fanfare for golf at the end of a difficult year, but which has seen interest in the game soar worldwide. The job of maintaining that interest and impetus rests with us all but the Ryder Cup never fails to attract huge media attention and interest among golfers and non-golfers alike. September is a busy month for our Membership department as we begin the renewal process for our 8,000 plus Members. In order to provide the best service we possibly can, we are always looking for information and feedback on the services we do provide and those we need to consider. This year as you renew you will be asked to complete a short but very important survey. Please do take the time to carefully consider your responses. Your feedback is vital if we are to maintain our objective of improving the professional and personal lives of every Member.

Robert Maxfield CHIEF EXECUTIVE The PGA Professional

#makinggolfhappen

prostate golf club. Take on cancer 72 holes ininayour day with TeamPGA

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VISIT: prostatecanceruk.org/PGApro CALL: 020 3310 7041 0141 218 4770 in Scotland)

prostatecanceruk.org/TeamPGA

Partner Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number 02653887.

6407

Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered co

NEWS

Women and Girls in Golf Week smashes records Women and Girls in Golf Week has created new records of engagement thanks to the 2021 edition highlighting inspiring and positive stories involving females and their participation at all levels of the game. The PGA supported England Golf’s online digital campaign, which ran over seven days from August 16-22, coinciding with the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie Golf Links. Throughout the course of the week, a mix of professionals, celebrities and everyday golfers took to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to tell their #WhyIGolf stories and celebrate female successes in the sport – both on and off the course. Statistical highlights from Women and Girls in Golf Week 2021 included: • More than 370,000 video views were recorded across all England Golf digital platforms. • Over 500 contributors from England and as far afield as continental Europe, America and Australia posted their #WhyIGolf stories. • A record high of 13 million impressions through use of #WhyIGolf. A rise of 3.3 million from 2020. Lauren Spray, England Golf’s women and girls in golf manager, commented: “Our aim was to raise awareness of the female side of the game. And, with the support and collaboration of a committed group from within the golf industry as well as the wider golfing public, we’ve succeeded beyond our expectations and smashed the totals of last year.”

Heggie made Honorary Member of The PGA Moortown Golf Club head professional Martin Heggie has become an Honorary Member of The PGA in recognition for his commitment to the Association and the game of golf. Formerly the head professional at Carlisle Golf Club, Martin has been at Moortown since 2002 and his team of staff have been providing a first-class service in all areas of the game, from tuition to shop merchandise. “Those three letters (The PGA), I believe, are still the strongest branding in golf along with the R&A,” revealed Heggie. “I stil get the most enjoyment from trying to get someone enjoy the game, from giving them the right equipment, seeing the transformation and then having them come into the shop and say how well they played that day.” Heggie turned professional at 18 and started his career at Lyme Regis under Andrew Black in 1983.

Three years later he completed his PGA training as an assistant at Bigbury in Devon before becoming a head assistant to Keith Williams at Hawkstone Park. He took on his first head professional role at Hallowes near Sheffield where he spent four years but moved back to the Black Country to Clevedon to take on a secretary/manager role. A lack of playing and coaching resulted in Heggie returning to a head professional role, this time at Carlisle before he joined Moortown in 2002. “If I had any particular skill, it would be remembering names,” Heggie added. “I used to be encyclopaedic about every club that I’d sold. “In five years I’d like to see my succession here almost sorted, I’ll be in my 60s and I’d like to see a more gradual changeover with Moortown still going forward and the pro still an integral part of all that.”

Reap the rewards by renewing your PGA Membership Throughout the challenges presented by COVID-19 over the past 12 months, PGA Members have been at the heart of re-opening golf. Join us in #makinggolfhappen in 2022 and renew your 2021/22 subscription as we move forward into another Membership year that will bring you more opportunities than ever before. The Association remains committed to improving the personal and professional lives of it Members. Your PGA Membership provides you with a whole suite of benefits including:

The PGA Professional

• Access to a Members’ logo which will represent your area of speciality and also enables you to use the most powerful three letters in golf with pride • A CPD digital platform, PGA Learn, offering new content on all aspects of the golf industry, and your own personal development • Free listing on The PGA’s new Find A Golf Lesson digital platform, enabling golfers to search for and connect with PGA Professionals • Free personal public liability insurance provided for Members within the EU

#makinggolfhappen

• A bespoke employment and business support service through the Business Relationship Officer programme, as well as free legal advice provided by ARAG plc Renewal payments can be made online, monthly direct debit or bank transfer. You will receive an email in the coming weeks confirming when you can renew your PGA Membership. If you have not received this email or if you have any questions regarding renewals, please contact the PGA membership department by emailing membership@pga. org.uk or call 01675 470 333.

NEWS ON THE MOVE The latest PGA Member appointments across the UK, Ireland and overseas. James Broughton has been appointed the new South West area sales manager for Callaway Apparel and Original Penguin Golf. Elsewhere in the West region, Taunton & Pickeridge has hired Jason Avery as its new head professional, Alex Nicholson has joined the sales team at Yonex UK, Fairwood Park Golf Club has welcomed Llewelyn Miller to its coaching team, and Tim Mitchell is now the owner of Parsystemgolf. In Scotland, Ailsa Murphy has left Gullane Golf Club after seven years to take up a teaching professional role at Peebles Golf Club, and Graeme McDougall is the new head professional at Bishopbriggs Golf Club. Portumna Golf Club has hired Shane Franklin as its new head professional in Ireland. Colin Starrett has also become a head professional at County Sligo Golf Club and Shane Ryan joins McGuirks Golf in Limerick. Charles Haynes has ended more than two decades at Olton Golf Club to become the new head professional at Bransford Golf Club. Also, in the Midlands, Holme Hall has welcomed Ed James as its new head professional and Andrew Plester has started a similar role at Ansty Golf Centre. Carl Cross has joined the coaching team at Buxton and High Peak Golf Club, Harriet Matthews has moved to Fulford Health Golf Club, and Glyn Krause is now a teaching professional at Derby Golf Centre.

Farrier-Twist claims Assistants’ title Michael Farrier-Twist rescued a seemingly lost cause at Farleigh Golf Club to win the Coca Cola PGA Assistants’ Championship and add his name to an honours board that includes those of Tony Jacklin and Peter Alliss. It is doubtful, however, those illustrious predecessors were faced with the mountainous task the year one PGA Trainee had to overcome to win a tournament that was first contested in 1930. Over-turning a five-shot deficit in the final round to win the £5,000 first prize was a difficult enough task for the 29-year-old from Sedlescombe Golf Club in Sussex; that three-time European Tour winner Kenny Ferrie was the beneficiary of the advantage only compounded the difficulty. Moreover, he had to hold his nerve to prevail in a play-off to overcome his vastly experienced opponent. Ferrie is likely to reflect on some short putts that failed to find the target, not least one of less than four feet that would have secured victory at the first play-off hole had it dropped. Nevertheless, a three under par round of 69 for a 54-hole total of 15-under should have been sufficient for the 42-year-old to claim the title. The alternative was for the left-handed Farrier-Twist to produce the best round of his short career. Which he did. An eight under par round of 64 equalled the course record that Ferrie had breached on day one of the tournament with one of nine-under. Farrier-Twist added: “That was my best ever round. I’ve gone seven-under a couple of times but have never been eight-under. “I’ve been having a pretty good season but this tops the lot, especially as it was the last outcome I expected at the start of the final round.”

Higgins seals second Irish PGA victory

Thornton wins The Northern Ireland Masters Simon Thornton won The Northern Ireland Masters at Clandeboye Golf Club by two shots ending a 13-year wait since his last victory on the PGA EuroPro Tour. Thornton, who is based at Tulfarris Hotel Golf Resort, began the final round one shy of the lead and put pay to the rest of the field to secure victory with a final round of four-under-par for a week of 60, 72, and 67. His opening round of 11-under-par was just one shot off a first sub-60 round on the PGA EuroPro Tour. Thornton said: “When you shoot 60 on the first day everybody expects you to win but really the second day was a great round of golf, one over par and I am still thinking is it still true (the 60) to stay in the mix. “Then it came and I have to say the weather suited me. Hitting those little punch shots in. I’m delighted."

David Higgins (Waterville Links) birdied the last to edge out overnight leader, Mark Staunton (Mark Staunton Golf) and win a second Irish PGA Championship title at Carne Golf Links. In very wet and windy conditions, the 2012 winner capitalised on an 18th hole double-bogey from Staunton to seal victory. “I knew I was a couple behind so I had to commit to the tee shot, try to take it on and make eagle,” said Higgins. “I hit my best drive of the week and then hit a seven iron into 15 feet (he missed the eagle but tapped in for an easy par). “You never know what is going to happen. All you can do it work on your own ball and I did that and won the tournament. I am proud of myself for that.” Higgins added: “I am at it long enough now to know that anything can happen when the weather is like that. You have to keep trying and dig deep. “Keep going to the very end, that’s what happened and I am after winning a huge tournament.” Defending champion, Simon Thornton and Richard Kilpatrick finished joint third on even par.

September 2021

www.pga.info

NEWS

Young golfers come together #foretheocean A group of young golfers from Scotland were the first to participate in a brand-new project to help combat plastic pollution and reduce its impact on the planet. #foretheocean is the brainchild of PGA Partner OCEANTEE who, through educational workshops and beach cleans, will help young people explore sources of pollution and the impact on marine environments. The project also involves the Marine Conservation Society, who are providing the education elements, and The Ladies European Tour (LET) who hosted the launch session at The Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open on 10th August at Dumbarnie Links. Young golfers from The Fife Golf Trust, St Regulus and Lundin Links golf clubs took part in a beach clean, along with representatives from OCEANTEE, Trust Golf, Visit Scotland and LPGA player Stacy Lewis and LET player Camille Chevalier. The group collected five kilos of litter in less than one hour. At the end of the session, the youngsters were given ideas and actions that they can take away and implement in everyday life and at their own golf clubs. Ed Sandison, Founder of sustainable golf brand OCEANTEE and lead on the FORETHEOCEAN project, said: “We want future generations to be able to enjoy the fabulous views and wildlife we all take for granted and that means taking action now to protect the environment. We hope these youngsters go away feeling empowered to become activists and inspire others to take action themselves.” OCEANTEE and The Marine Conservation Society plan to roll the education out in various formats to golf clubs and tournaments in the coming year.

Annual Renewal Declaration URGENT ACTION REQUIRED All PGA Members’ contracts of insurance requires you to give your broker, Howden, immediate notice of any claim or circumstance, which may give rise to a claim, regardless of any excess that you have to bear under your policy cover, or whether you think that you may be legally liable. In order to assist the 2021/22 period of insurance and to ensure continuation of your insurance cover, insurers require you to confirm that you are not aware of any claims or notifiable incidents that have not previously been advised to Howden. If this is not done, you will not receive the cover. You should have already received an email asking you to action this. If you have not received the email, please contact the membership department by emailing membership@pga.org.uk or call 01675 470 333.

The PGA Professional

Everett completes 24hour charity challenge Darren Everett, the PGA director of golf at Exeter Golf & Country Club, has honoured the memory of his late father by playing golf non-stop for 24 hours and raising more than £7,000 for charity. Everett’s father succumbed to cancer in March after fighting the disease for 14 months and a frequent comment he made to his son when he was growing up inspired the golfing marathon. Everett recalled: “Dad used to say to me when I was young: ‘You would play golf 24 hours a day’. “So, to honour the memory of a much-loved man who loved life, fuelled my passion for sport and supported me when I embarked on a golfing career, that’s what I did.” Twenty-four hours of non-stop golf saw Everett, aided by friends, Exeter Golf & Country Club members, and special night golf equipment to play during the hours of darkness, raise much needed cash for Marie Curie UK and Hospice UK. In doing so he completed six rounds of golf, took 75,000 steps and covered 39 miles. Reflecting on his achievement, Everett admitted: “It was brilliant and I am so glad I decided to do it and have no regrets, but also no real desire to do it again… or maybe I will!”

#makinggolfhappen

ON THE MOVE Three PGA Member moves in the South region sees George Hannah join PlayMore. Golf as a sales manager, and both Josh Rideout and Ciar Porciani have left Queenwood to take up director of golf roles at Dukes Meadow Golf Club (Rideout) and Buckinghamshire Golf Club (Porciani). In the North Region, Burnley Golf Club has hired Sam Punchard as its new head professional and Damon Wood is the owner/coach at My Golf Tribe. James Curtis is now the head professional at Didsbury Golf Club, Lewis Thompson has set up LJT Performance Golf and Callum Nicoll is Rockliffe Golf & Country Club’s new Director of Golf Estate. Matthew Gardner has joined Mattishall Golf Club as its new golf academy manager after spending a decade at Barnham Broom Golf Club. Other moves in the East Region sees Chris Payne move to West Essex Golf Club, David Coles is Harpenden Golf Club’s new retail manager and Harriet Key is now a head coach at Batchwork Park Golf Club. Giles Johnson has left Aphrodite Hills resort to join the coaching team at the Secret Valley Golf Resort in Cyprus, Matthew Marsh takes up at project director role at Russia’s Shishkino Country Club, and Frank Holly has moved to The Club at Glenmore. If you would like to feature in this column send your details to membership@pga. org.uk.

NEWS

Like father, like son

Free coaching A team of PGA Professionals will be providing FREE 15-minute coaching clinics throughout both days of the 2021 British Golf Show. The British Golf Show takes place from 17-18th September at Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire and will showcase the best products and services from leading golf suppliers with an emphasis on equipment, technology and travel. The full complement of PGA Professionals at the 2021 British Golf Show is: Alan Bradshaw, Alison Perkins, David Bartlett, Ian Bailey, Marcus Bell and David Playdon. Buy your show pass in advance and save 25 per cent compared to the on-the-gate price. Visit britishgolfshow.com to find out more.

Who’s the daddy now? That’s the question at Astbury Golf Club with Phil Bills having joined his son Daniel to form a ‘Bills Brigade’ PGA presence at the East Cheshire facility. When he was 16, Daniel started his first job in golf, working part time for his father in the shop at nearby Heyrose in Knutsford, where Phil was then the club professional. Daniel, now 29, recently left Royal Aberdeen to land the head professional role at Astbury and his first signing was his dad. It is 13 years since Phil gave Daniel his start so it has been an interesting exercise for him to see first-hand how his son has developed. “We needed to get the pro staff up to strength quickly at Astbury but dad took a lot of persuading to come and join me because he was

2020/21 CPD Deadline Reminder The deadline for all PGA Members to complete and submit their 2020/21 CPD journals via PGA Learn is fast approaching. PGA Learn enables you to capture and store all the CPD you do and print it off in a professional, PGA branded document. Completing and submitting your CPD Journal for the 2020/21 CPD year will ensure your CPD records are complete, up to date, and reflect the personal development you have done over the last year. Once the 31st October, 2021 deadline has passed, all journals will automatically lock for this period and further edits or entries will not be possible. If you meet or exceed the minimum learning hours for this period (currently 15 hours), you will maintain or gain CPD Accredited status for the 2021-22 CPD year if you are eligible. If you currently hold Accredited Status but do not submit a 2020/21 journal by the deadline, you will lose it on 1st November, 2021. However, you will be able to regain your status immediately by meeting the minimum learning hours for the 2021/22 CPD year and submitting your 2021/22 CPD journal. To learn how to complete and submit your 2020/21 CPD journal or learn more about The PGA CPD system, visit pga.info/members/pga-learn

enjoying it at Dunham Forest,” said Daniel. “It was hard to get him to step across but I managed to convince him to come and help me out.” Phil, who spent 12 years at Heyrose, joined Astbury from Dunham Forest in Altrincham and has also worked around his home area at Bidston in Wallasey, Adlington in Macclesfield and Woodside in Holmes Chapel. “I’m very proud of him getting one of the best jobs in the county and really happy for him,” said Phil. “He has come on a ton. Danny is very professional, he has a good head for business and he is making a wonderful job of it. Daniel paid tribute to his father’s influence, adding: “A lot of the way I coach comes from the way he always keeps everything really clear and totally simple.”

Skelton wins celebrity golf academy challenge TV presenter Helen Skelton has won a spot at the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am thanks to the help of PGA Professional Steph Davies. Earlier this year Skelton along with singersongwriter Fleur East, Sky Sports broadcaster Bela Shah and Sky Sports Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pinkham were challenged to take up golf to encourage more women to take up the sport. The four celeb cadets had six months to master golf, working week-on-week with their PGA Professional partner to ace their skills before a hair-raising play-off against each other. Over the course of their training, the four stars have documented their golfing journey in a six-part series showing the highs, lows and thrill of taking up golf. After six months of training and a nail-biting play-off, Skelton was announced as the official winner of Slingsby Gin’s celebrity Golf Academy 2021. As well as competing in the Celebrity Pro-Am, she also received a £5,000 bonus cheque from Slingsby that she has announced will be donated to Eden Valley Hospice. Skelton said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to learn how to play golf through the Slingsby Golf Academy initiative and to have had so much top level support from my partner PGA Professional Steph Davies. “It has been a pleasure to go on this journey with my fellow cadets Fleur, Natalie and Bela, hopefully we have done a bit to inspire more females to take up the game.”

September 2021

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NEWS

Long-time friends enjoy long-overdue triumph Graham Laing and Steve Cook crowned a 45-year friendship by winning the PGA Super 60s Championship in dramatic circumstances at Tewkesbury Park Golf Club. Not that Laing, the head PGA Professional at North Wiltshire Golf Club, was aware of the significance of the 20-foot putt his amateur partner faced on the final hole on the Deerpark Course at the Gloucestershire resort. Neither was Cook. “That was just as well,” said the 13-handicapper after coolly propelling the ball into its target for a tournament-clinching nett birdie. “If I’d known what holing or missing the putt meant I would have been a bag of nerves and probably missed it!” In the event, Cook’s successful putt meant the duo amassed 87 points from two rounds in the Stableford betterball format event and won it by a single point. Nic Gilks, owner of Bramcote Waters Golf Course, Warwickshire, and his brother Andrew, a member at The Warwickshire Golf Club finished tied second on 86 points with the Smiths – Martin, a PGA pro at Hartley Wintney Golf Club, Hampshire, and Brian, a member of Mendip Golf Club, Somerset. Former European Tour player Michael Steadman, who coaches at Swingrite Golf Centre, Taunton, and Bruce Chadwick, a member at Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club, racked up 77 points to win the Superb 70s, the competition for players aged 70 or over.

Creating the perfect Find a Golf Lesson profile Ahead of the imminent launch of Find a Golf Lesson - The PGA’s new digital platform which connects you to golfers looking for a lesson - we provide you with some helpful advice on how to make your profile stand out. The new ‘Find a Golf Lesson’ platform will be embedded into the home page of www.pga.info as well as other external sites, enabling golfers, as well as non-golfers who are looking to take up the game, to search for and contact PGA Professionals. Each PGA Member will have a dedicated profile that outlines your areas of expertise, services offered, training qualifications and availability of latest technology, along with location and contact details. Golfers will be able to search by a number of parameters to find the right PGA Member for them and will then contact them through a dedicated contact form that will go straight to your inbox.

Top tips on how to boost your personal online profile... A good biography can really lift your Find a Golf Lesson profile: • Be personal – Write your profile as if you are talking to someone about your abilities as a PGA Professional. • Who do you teach – share a little information about the range of abilities you teach and the experience you have with these groups. • What services do you offer – talk about the different lesson packages or coaching schemes you offer and any accreditations or qualifications you have that makes you an expert in that field.

• What facilities do you have access to – explain to your prospective customer what technology and training facilities do you have • Any additional services – make sure to mention if you offer any additional services such as custom fitting, re-gripping or club repair. • Sign off with a good impression – finish your biography with an impactful statement to leave a good impression.

Choosing your profile image: • Your main profile image should show your face clearly. It should be a recent image and if possible, taken within a professional environment such as your place of work. If you need to resize it, follow the simple steps below. • Select an appropriate image that shows your head and shoulders clearly. • Visit www.img2go.com/crop-image - this is an online image cropping tool. • Select ‘Choose file’ on the landing page and select your chosen image. • On the next page your image will be displayed with various options along the top of the page. In the width box enter 355 and in the height box enter 330. This will create a 3x3 grid that you can drag across

• •

•

your photo. Move this grid to a position that best shows your head and shoulders. Select ‘Save as’ and then select ‘Save’ (keep optional settings as they are). On the next page select the green ‘Download’ button and download the cropped image to your computer. Return the Find a Golf Lesson form and scroll down to the ‘Profile image and video’ section. Click the ‘+’ next to ‘Choose a file’ under the Profile image option and choose your cropped image file from your computer. For any other image uploads repeat the steps above but change the width to 1220 and the height to 810 and add the image to the desired image location.

To complete your profile visit the Find a Golf Lesson page in the Members area Link here for digital https://www.pga.info/members/find-a-golf-lesson/find-a-golf-lesson-profile/

September 2021

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F E AT U R E E D U C AT I O N

Dealing with the

ripple effect At the end of another tumultuous year in the education sector, Dr Paul Wiseman, Director of the PGA Education and Training Programme, reflects on the effects COVID-19 has had on education, and how it has impacted the future of golf industry employment and the working lives of PGA Members

ife has changed. Perhaps not to the extent some might have thought back at the start of the pandemic in 2020 but things are different. Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of employment as employers scramble to recruit and the existing and future workforces take stock of the massive impact the last 18 months has had on our working lives. Like many other organisations, The PGA itself has not escaped change but it is in the area of education and training that the Association is seeing its biggest shift. September marks the start of the department’s busiest period with a new intake of trainees, an enhanced CPD offer, planning for degree awards ceremonies delayed by the pandemic, and a review of the current learning development pathways on offer to qualified Members. There is no doubt that- like much of the industry- The PGA is reaping the benefits of a massive spike in interest in the game described by Wiseman as the perfect storm. “In the same way that the decline in golf and fewer young people taking

up the game in recent years saw our numbers decline, the current boom has a ripple effect that we are now seeing at every level of our education offer from new trainee numbers to qualified members seeking further development. “Increased interest and participation in golf, the WHS, an increased demand for trainees from Members has seen the trainee numbers hit their highest levels of three years. “We are clearly benefitting from the upsurge in interest in golf. Our training numbers are the highest they have been for some time driven by Members who recognise that they need a trained workforce to cope with the current and ongoing demand.” But whilst the increasing interest in The PGA’s training programme is encouraging and welcome, the focus remains equally on existing Members and the increasing number of learning and formal educational opportunities open to them. “The affects of Covid- 19 can be measured in numbers, but I believe they run deeper

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F E AT U R E E D U C AT I O N “The PGA’s Director of Golf Course is a fantastic initiative and a great opportunity for PGA Professionals to continue with their professional development in very demanding times, were setting yourself apart from others can be the deciding factor in obtaining your next role and furthering your career.” James Shippey, Al-Badia Golf Club, Dubai

“The PGA Director of Golf programme is in my view essential for any PGA Professional who is already in this position or considering this type of role for their future. Having a qualification as a DoG allows you to embrace the role with confidence and as Golf Clubs look to save money, being a DoG gives a professional the edge by being able to carry out the traditional role of a PGA pro and take on the club administration as well.” Danny Spillane, Rothley Park Golf Club

The PGA Graduation Ceremony takes place on December 13th, with the delayed graduation for the 2020 cohort of trainees. In July 2022 the combined trainees from the 2021 and 2022 years will graduate at an all day ceremony at Birmingham University.

“Studying towards The Director of Golf qualification has been the best decision I have ever made. The skills gained through the course have evolved me into a true modern day Professional. These newly acquired skills helped me bring my previous golf club back from the brink of closure into a now profitable business. Ian Orrell, Bolton Golf Club

than that. What the pandemic has done is introduce chaos to a world which for most of us was relatively well-ordered and predictable. It demanded new thinking from us and it’s clear we didn’t know all of the answers,” said Wiseman. “Even in the golf industry, which is relatively small, and static in comparison to some industries, nothing now is really as it was. Those who made sense of the chaos set themselves apart. It demanded critical thinking at every level and not everyone could respond. As we move into a new world of hybrid working and potentially more challenging situations such as climate change, employers will increasingly look to those employees who can demonstrate they have kept pace with the changing world around them.” So, as Members are now having to keep pace with the demands by employers and an increasing frenetic industry, so does the PGA education department need to ensure it is one step ahead when it comes to equipping Members with the skills they need. PGA Learn has provided a long overdue digital platform where content can be easily added and found by Members but it’s an ongoing task for the department led by Gareth Shaw. The content is expanding day by day and so is the usage (See panel), clear evidence that more and more Members are recognising the need to keep their skills current. There is also a return to physical meetings

planned but these will be rolled out slowly in line with the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions. With the October 31st deadline looming for Members to register their 15 hours of learning to maintain their Accredited status, usage is naturally increasing. The autumn and winter are traditionally the time that Members take stock of their own situations and potential career paths with even the most senior of PGA Members recognising that standing still is no longer an option. But it isn’t all about content for content’s sake. A steering group has been established to monitor take-up and get feedback from those using the learning- and understanding the reasons behind those that don’t. Wiseman said: “Initially it has been about the content but now it’s about being intelligent. Looking at the popular assets and those that don’t have any traction. Always ensuring the learning is fit for purpose and can be properly applied. We are all busy and offering learning for learning’s sake is no longer good enough.” As PGA Members increasingly look to specialise, so must the education and personal development on offer need to recognise those specialisms, from the traditional fields of coaching to business management. One of the areas which is gaining traction with Members is the Director of Golf qualification. Introduced back in 2007, it has slowly grown to

“The PGA Director of Golf Qualification has been fundamental to my coping with the rapid and dramatic changes that are happening in golf. It has enabled me to keep my business on track whilst enhancing my role at the club, by helping them achieve many of their goals. I am now much more in control of many factors that affect my profitability, and have been taught the truth in the old saying “fail to organise, organise to fail” Ian Taylor, Dumpellier Golf Club

September 2021

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F E AT U R E E D U C AT I O N

The PGA Learn platform is seeing increasing usage as more Members recognise the importance of improving their skills

more than 101 PGA Directors of Golf but in recent years the number enrolling has gathered pace. Mark Skinner, Head of The PGA’s Business and Management Department, said: “It was initially ahead of its time. PGA Members were still seen as traditional coaches, retailers, customer service professionals and few were interested in the management side of the business. That has changed massively in recent years.” For PGA Members looking at a more formal learning path and a clear differential between them and their peers, the top up degree is starting to prove a serious choice. It will be a rare qualification initially, only open to those who have the FdSc qualification, earning them a BSc Hons degree. The PGA has

taken the workload demands of a PGA Professional into account and structured the four modules around the working patterns with the emphasis on the winter period where PGA Members are traditionally quieter in their ‘day’ jobs. The intake for the next start date of January 1st 2022 is open now and places are limited to just 25 PGA Professionals. Wiseman said: “We are very excited by the prospects for the top up degree and those Members who enrol. They are serious about really setting themselves apart from their peers, vital in an increasingly competitive employment landscape.” So as the ripples begin to settle and the world takes stock of the last 18 months, the picture is

becoming clearer. The world of work has experienced a major shift, with change artificially accelerated. Wiseman said: “There was no doubt that how we work would have changed over time, with more people working remotely and using digital communication platforms. COVID-19 accelerated that change faster than anyone could have imagined. “Things change so quickly now. We have a very different customer base in what golfers want and demand of their golf experience. Digital coaching is just one example. Members and their golf clubs need to recognise these changing demands and increased education and understanding will be an important factor in dealing with them successfully.”

LEARN TOP FACTS USAGE

CONTENT

Over 2,100 users have logged onto PGA Learn Approx. 350 Members accessing PGA Learn each month Over 18,000 entries added to CPD Records Over 61,000 learning hours added onto CPD records 1,535 Members have added to their CPD records

200 resources in the Resource Library 489 Business Management content items 191 Coaching content items 120 Professional content items 160 PGA Live webinars and podcasts

The PGA Professional | #makinggolfhappen

I N T E R NAT I O NA L

FROM RUSSIA

WITH LOVE

We talk to two PGA Members who have ventured beyond the ‘Iron Curtain’ to develop their careers in Russia, where a growing volume of clubs are catering for a small, but everincreasing number of citizens that have taken up the game

country club was first conceived while I was having a game of golf with the owner on his indoor simulator. How would you rate the current strength of Russian Golf? Golf in Russia is a growing sport. The data provided by the Russian Golf Association on participation from 2020 suggest that there are 130,000 people actively participating in some form of golf. Most of this participation comes from the 100,000 kids in schools receiving some form of coaching and 20,000 having tried the game in some form of

MATTHEW MARSH PGA Advanced Professional Golf Project Director at Shishkino Country Club What attracted you to working in Russia? It certainly was not the two-metre snow drifts, -30c winter windchill temperatures in Moscow, or the six minutes of sunshine we experienced during the whole month of December in 2016! On a serious note, I always felt that greater opportunities for my career development were overseas. Eastern Europe and CIS countries are emerging golfing markets which can provide progressive opportunities. I was also attracted to experiencing and discovering new cultures and the personal development that working and living overseas provides. After spending the first eight years of my PGA career in Yorkshire, in 2014 I saw a job advertised on the PGA website for a teaching pro’s position at The Don Golf & Country Club in Russia. I was lucky enough to be offered the job following a series of interviews with the then Director of Golf Christopher Snape. It was only a seasonal teaching role, but it was the platform from which my career in Russia has progressed. The following year I was offered the head professional’s job at Skolkovo Golf Club Moscow, where I stayed for six years. I started my current role as Project Director at Shishkino Country Club in April this year. It’s a new golf development in the South of Moscow, and the job offer came about through my own network. This highlights how valuable building your network can be as a PGA Professional overseas and the importance of developing relationships.

Matt Marsh spent six years at Skolkovo Golf Club before moving to his current role

What is the remit of your job? As Project Director at Shishkino, I am responsible for the development of the whole project, from the golf course to all the infrastructure such as the clubhouse and real estate. It’s an expansive, but very exciting role. The project is currently in the conceptual phase, with construction due to start in spring 2022. I have recently appointed our course design team, which includes an award-winning architect and one of the best agronomy consultancy companies in Europe. We have undertaken site analysis and are already reviewing initial zonification plans, ahead of creating a preliminary course routing and masterplan of the whole club in the coming weeks. Parallel to this, in line with the design brief from the owner, I have identified and met with potential clubhouse design teams and architects.

corporate events at golf clubs, driving ranges or indoor facilities. Officially there are only 2,641 golfers registered with handicaps, of which 83% are adults and 17% are juniors. The gender split is 70% men, 30% women. In 2020, there were over 585 new registered golfers with handicaps. It does feel like that there has been a golf boom due to Covid-19 in Moscow and I expect those figures to increase more significantly over the next few years. During my seven years in Russia there has been a 167% increase in registered golfers. From an elite level perspective, the highest ranked amateur is Nataliya Guseva, who is 77th in the women’s world amateur rankings, while Nina Pegova is currently the highest ranked professional Russian golfer, and is ranked 458th due to her recent success on the LET Access Tour.

How has the pandemic affected the Shishkino project? COVID 19 continues to challenge us as we move forward with the project. We have faced difficulties bringing foreign specialists into Russia due to travel and visa restrictions, and we will also face challenges with production and delivery times of materials for the construction of the golf course. Bizarrely, it was actually during the first lockdown in Moscow, back in April 2020, that the idea of creating a new golf and

How easy was it to settle in Russia? Maybe my view is slightly biased after over seven years here, but only a few weeks ago I celebrated my second wedding anniversary, having married a Russian, so I suppose I found it reasonably easy to settle! I feel fortunate to work in one of the best cities in the world. Moscow is a historical city with great culture and a thriving nightlife. It has become much easier for foreigners to get around in Moscow since I came. The city was transformed for the 2018 FIFA World

September 2021

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I N T E R NAT I O NA L Cup, with almost all signage now in English and Russian. Unfortunately, I haven’t had as much time to travel within the country as I would like, but a trip to see the Northern Lights over the Barents Sea is definitely on my bucket list for this coming winter! What advice would you give to PGA Members who may be interested in working in Russia? You do not need to think twice, take the opportunity! Be open minded and ready to adapt. Unfortunately, there are not as many overseas PGA Professionals left in Moscow due to the current economic situation. But like other emerging golf markets in Eastern Europe, golf is a luxury industry which can provide great opportunities for career development. And lastly, don’t be put off by what you hear about Russia on the mainstream news channels. Come with an open mind and develop your own opinion.

What facilities are on offer at Zavidovo? As a full-scale leisure resort, Zavidovo has a diverse range of facilities. The golf course, which opened in 2012, was built by European Golf Design and blends heathland and links style features, with a few water hazards to add to the challenge. Each hole has its own unique character and strategic element, while five sets of tees enable a wide range of abilities to enjoy the 7,400-yard course. Other leisure activities include fishing, biking, hiking trails, kids camp, while there are four on-site hotels. The local rivers link up with Russia’s longest river, The Volga, so we also offer plenty of water sports. How many members does the golf club have and what does an annual membership fee cost? The last few years has witnessed a surge in membership and we are approaching 200. This year’s annual membership fee is around £1,700, with a guest green fee of up to £140.

busy period with a packed calendar of events, which often pushes the limits when it comes to tournament organisation. How would you rate the current strength of the golf industry in Russia? Although the golf industry in Russia is small, the country has witnessed a significant upsurge in domestic play in recent years, which has been accelerated even further due to the recent restrictions to travel caused by the pandemic. There is a very strong potential to grow as more courses open. While golf used to be a game for Russia’s elite, more courses with more affordable membership rates and green fees are opening all the time, which has enabled more people to be able to afford to take up the game. How easy has it been to settle into the local community? Very easy. The Russians are welcoming and generous by nature. There are also quite a

National РОССИЯ

PETER HOLLAND Director of Golf, PGA National Zavidovo What has been your career path to date? Over the last 20 years I have worked in a variety of roles in a wide range of countries. Previous positions held include Assistant Professional at The Montgomerie in Dubai (2002-05); Golf Operations Manager at Monte Rei in Portugal (2005-07); Director of Golf at Vigne Del Barolo in Italy (2007-09); Teaching Professional at the Butch Harmon School of Golf in Dubai (2009-10); and Director of Golf at Agalarov Golf Club in Russia (2010-2020). I started my current role as Director of Golf at the PGA National Zavidovo in April this year. What attracted you to working in Russia? Russia was never on my radar for work until a family friend mentioned the opportunities out there. I heard about the job at Agalarov Golf Club via contacts at Troon Golf. I was recruited to the position at Zavidovo after the club’s general director made contact with me directly.

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PGA National Zavidovo opened in 2012 and currently has 200 members

What are the benefits of being a PGA National venue? Creating partnerships with other PGA National clubs around Europe.

few expatriates here and plenty of social activities within the local community. The most challenging part about living here is the language – it’s a work in progress for me!

What is the remit of your role? Primarily the creation and generation of ideas to enhance golfers’ experiences on and off the course, sharing and developing these ideas with the general management and golf operations. I also oversee all golf tuition, as well as giving individual and group lessons. What are the most challenging parts about working in golf in Russia? The golf season is comparatively short, and generally operates through the summer months, so April to October is an intensely

What advice would you pass on to other PGA Members who may be interested in working abroad in general, and Russia specifically? If you have a desire to work abroad, get out there, make contacts and show a positive attitude. PGA pros, like all other professional people, will benefit by broadening their horizons through diversification and by learning about all elements of the industry, including people management, communication skills, food & beverage, golf operations, agronomy and finance.

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ADVERTORIAL

THE VALUE OF TRUSTED FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR GOLFING PROFESSIONALS Introducing The PGA’s newest Principal Partner, St. James’s Place Wealth Management GREAT PARTNERSHIPS ARE ABOUT MORE THAN MONEY Partnerships, whether professional or personal, are mutually beneficial, creating strength and unity.

WHO IS ST. JAMES’S PLACE? We’re a FTSE-100 wealth management business that puts long-term relationships and advice that clients trust at the heart of everything we do. The St. James’s Place approach to financial advice is relationship-based. We believe that high-quality, faceto-face financial advice should be accessible to everyone. As your life circumstances change, we respond with practical advice and personal support, because all major money decisions have an emotional aspect to them. We look after more than your money. We look after you and your family.

This July, The PGA announced its Principal Partnership with one of the UK’s leading wealth management companies, St. James’s Place, making trusted financial advice more easily available to all its members. St. James’s Place is a FTSE 100 company. It looks after over £140 billion of client funds and offers personalised, practical, and comprehensive financial advice. They advise clients on the whole range of wealth management needs and objectives – from pensions and protection to complex issues such as Inheritance Tax, retirement planning and investing for income or growth.

As David Adams, Head of Commercial Partnerships for The PGA confirms, a true partnership is based on more than money: it should offer a tangible benefit to peoples’ lives. “Many of our members are sole-traders, and therefore will benefit from practical financial advice on all aspects of money management and future-planning; from income protection to ISAs, pension advice to inheritance tax.” “Because of its reputation and track record, St. James’s Place is a perfect commercial partner for The PGA. We don’t enter into partnerships lightly – to know that we can offer members financial advice from a trusted partner who shares our values of integrity, honesty and quality is key”. 3 IN 4 OF US ARE STRESSED ABOUT MONEY. IT NEEDN’T BE THAT WAY’1 The first lockdown threw all the cards up in the air, highlighting that having a ‘safety net’ for sudden crises – from lockdowns to unforeseen medical emergencies – is something that you can plan for. St. James’s Place financial advisers create long term, goals-based strategies for their clients with all eventualities in mind, to help protect and preserve their clients’ wealth. People often think that financial planning is there to protect your finances during difficult circumstances – the proverbial ‘saving for a rainy day’. However, it’s as important to manage your money efficiently in the peaks as well as the troughs. Summer 2020, golf was seen as the safest sport to keep you both healthy and sane: a

September 2021

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ADVERTORIAL non-contact, outdoor sport that you could play on your own. As a result, the golfing industry has prospered. The 2020 GB&I Golf Participation Report by the R&A revealed an influx of 2.3 million new or returning golfers - a phenomenal number of new ‘customers’ looking for lessons, buying equipment. A mini boom time. Now is a good time to take stock of your own financial situation to plan for the future, whatever might be round the corner. It may mean that you could consider putting more money into a tax efficient ISA earlier in the financial year for example. If your money is invested for longer, the better its chance to grow and the longer it is shielded from tax. FINANCIAL PLANNING THAT LASTS A LIFETIME AND BEYOND St. James’s Place advisers are collectively referred to as the St. James’s Place Partnership due to the way they build long lasting, sometimes lifelong relationships with their clients. They work in partnership with you to manage your money to help meet your goals and make the right financial decisions for the right reasons – at the right time. Financial planning is about making the right choice for the long term. It’s not just about what happens in your lifetime, it’s about giving your children a sound financial future and a world worth living in. Which is why the company is committed to responsible, sustainable investing. As St. James’s Place Director of Investments, Rob Gardner says “Wealth and prosperity are only worth something in a world worth living in.” INCOME PROTECTION – HAVE I FORGOTTEN SOMETHING? Protection is fundamental. It may not be the most exciting of subjects, but it answers one of our most basic desires – to keep safe all that we hold dear. We all strive to achieve the standard of living we want, and your earning potential is likely to be your family’s most valuable asset, but ask yourself how would you and your family maintain your lifestyle if you could no longer work? Income protection plans should be seen as one of the foundations of comprehensive financial planning. Yet despite this, YouGov reported that less than 1 in 10 (9%) protect their income through insurance.2 Income protection plans are designed to provide you with an income should you be unable to work for a prolonged period, due to illness or injury. You cannot prevent the unexpected from happening, but you can help to make sure you are prepared if it does.

The PGA Professional

WHEN CAN I AFFORD TO STOP WORKING? It’s the million-dollar question – and if only the answer was worth a million dollars too! St. James’s Place helps people plan for the retirement they dream of, whether they have an employee pension or they are selfemployed and the trend for private pensions appears to be downwards. In 1998, 48% of self-employed workers had a private pension, by 2018 that had fallen to just 16%.3 “People will put blood, sweat and tears into getting their business off the ground, and it can be chaotic. So, it’s often hard to find the time to focus on the bigger picture when it comes to retirement finances,” says Tony Clark, Senior Propositions Manager at St. James’s Place Wealth Management. Many self-employed people also expect their business to provide their main pension. Whilst this is understandable, a business should form part of a broader financial plan and relying on it entirely can leave you exposed. Ideally, having a mix of investments such as ISAs, pension funds, property and business, is a stronger solution for both the employed and self-employed as it spreads risk and builds resilience. Finding time to discuss long term finances when you’ve got a busy job or business to run can slip down your agenda without you noticing. That’s why it makes sense to start talking to a financial adviser to get a plan in place in good time. TAKING THE WORRY OUT OF MONEY Just as a round of golf is never just about playing one hole under par, managing your money is never just about choosing an ISA or pension provider. It’s about the ‘why’; all winning strategies are planned and

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thought-through. St. James’s Place is proud to have been selected as a PGA Principal Partner and we look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months. MORE INFORMATION FOR PGA MEMBERS If you’d like to get in touch with your regional St. James’s Place Partner, please contact us via the email address pga@sjp.co.uk. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in the UK represent St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom. Registered in England Number 4113955.

References: Metro, 2018 (1000 UK residents surveyed) YouGov, 2019 (3,017 respondents) 3 The Institute for Fiscal Studies, retirement saving of the self-employed, 2020 (data from the Family Resources Survey (FRS) 19,000 households) 1 2

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September 2021

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INSPIRE MEET PING’S I59

RETAIL

IRONS TO

LIGHTENING THE LOAD The game’s best stand & hybrid bags AUTUMN ACTIVATIONS

How to keep your retail business ticking over after the summer boom

The PGA Professional

SS22 APPAREL

Part 2 of your guide to next season’s best threads

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PGA RETAILER SPOTLIGHT Jonathan Markham, Head Professional at Stowmarket Golf Club

TRADE

Titleist T Series Irons With four distinct models – 100, 100s, 200 and 300 – Titleist’s new T-Series is all about choice, with each iron capable of enhancing the performance of tour players right through to those battling to break 90. The T100 is designed for elite iron players and offers precise control and a forged feel that will enable better ball strikers to shape and flight their shots. The 3-7 irons also feature a forged dual cavity that supports the face and contributes to slightly more spin and control, while the 8-PW are one-piece irons forged from carbon steel. The T100S irons are identical in size, shape and feel to T100 irons but are designed for speed and more distance. The lofts are 2° stronger and they have been completely re-engineered to maintain the Vokey-designed sole geometry, while a muscle channel located beneath the forged face in the long and mid irons generates extra speed.

The T200 boasts a hollow body design and unlocks distance and forgiveness for just about any skill level. A revised Max Impact support structure, a new internal polymer core and a forged L-face insert, also enhance performance, while an average 90g of tungsten weighting is positioned uniquely on each club to optimise CG and create higher launch with less spin. The T300 irons feature the longest blade length in the line-up and the most offset, and are made for speed and distance. And with 40% more tungsten added in each head compared to the previous T300, the CG is lowered further to make them high launching and highly forgiving. They also boast a variable thickness face insert and Max Impact 2.0, a cantilevered support structure located behind the badge that works in conjunction with a feel-enhancing polymer core. RRPs: T100, T200 £164/£178 per club (st/gr), T300 £129/£142

LAUNCHPAD Your guide to the latest launches Taylormade P790 Irons The P790s have been a hit because they combine great looks with plenty of forgiveness, and most importantly, they’re super long. Carbon steel heads are forged for a soft feel, and they feature a 1.5mm forged teel L-Face for ridiculous fast ball speeds. The magic ingredient though is the SpeedFoam air material that sits between the two parts. At 69% less dense than previous foams used, it’s lightweight which means they can add extra tungsten to the heel and toe for forgiveness, while providing a soft feel and adding support to the ultra-thin clubhead. This third-generation model also happens to be TaylorMade’s best ever looking set of irons. RRP £1,149

Nikon Coolshot Rangefinders Nikon has updated it rangefinder offering with three new models, the Coolshot PROII Stablised, the Coolshot Lite Stabilized and the Coolshot 50i. Offering accurate measurements up to 500 yards, the PROII Stabilized (£499) steadies the laser by counteracting handshake, ensuring a clear and accurate view of the target. It features four measurement display modes, including a Golf mode which provides a slope-adjusted distance, while Actual Distance Mode makes it compliant for competitive play. Dual Locked On Echo technology let you know when the laser has fixed onto the target. The Lite Stabilized (£429), which can also measure up to 500 yards, boasts stabilising technology which reduces vibration by 80% and features Locked On technology, with a visual cue giving the distance to the closest subject. It also offers slope-adjusted and actual distance. The Coolshot 50i (£359), which can measure up to 400 yards for slope adjusted and actual distance, boasts a built-in mounting magnet, enabling it to be connected to a golf bag, trolley or buggy. A Dual Locked On Quake function gives a brief vibration when it has locked on to the target.

September 2021

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TRADE Srixon AD333

Callaway Jaws Full Toe Wedge

The AD333 has long been of the most popular model in Srixon’s ball range, offering a soft feel and distance for golfers with moderate swing speeds at a competitve price point. The two-piece design is now in its tenth iteration, and the latest model comes with a lower compression to help give a soft feel on shots into the green, but more distance from the tee. Sharing technology with the brand’s premium Z-Star balls, the AD333 features a FastLayer Core to deliver exceptional feel and ball speed. The cover is coated in Spin Skin with SeRM, with its flexible molecular bonds digging deep into wedge and iron grooves to maximise spin for more control and more stopping power and give it performance more akin to a three-piece ball. It is available in white or yellow.

Callaway’s new range of JAWS Full Toe wedges offer a larger hitting area than a traditional wedge and feature a new raw face – chrome or black – and new new sole design that enhances spin and control on partial shots around the green and on full shots from the rough. The pronounced toe area increases the size of the hitting zone, while the new C-Grind sole boasts slightly less bounce and more heel relief to make shots that need to get in the air quickly, such as bunker and flop shots, easier to accomplish. Spin is enhanced through the introduction of milled micro grooves located between the main grooves to help grab the ball’s cover more effectively. The grooves spread across the entire face to create more contact areas. To enhance control on full shots, a toe pad moves the centre of gravity higher, a design trait that helps lower ball flight for a more controlled trajectory with higher-lofted clubs. Additionally, a variable-weight port system moves the centre of gravity away from the hosel and towards the centre of the face for enhanced feel. Loft options are 54°, 56° 58°, 60° and 64°, while the shaft choice is True Temper’s Dynamic Gold Spinner steel or Project X’s Catalyst Wedge graphite, with Lamkin UTx Grips.

RRP £27 per dozen

Adidas Adicross ZX Primeblue Inspired by adidas’s iconic ZX 8000 trainers, the ZX Primeblue golf shoes are made from at least 50% recycled plastics reclaimed from the oceans. Even the leather used on the upper is made from cut outs that would have usually gone to waste. Elsewhere the shoe uses a Boost midsole for comfort, a Torsion bar for added stability, while the Traxion outsole will keep you secure through the swing. It is offered in three colours combinations, including an eye-catching black/ grey/orange design.

RRP: £159

RRP £100

Scotty Cameron Champions Choice Putters Scotty Cameron has re-imagined one of his most iconic designs to create three new models called Champions Choice. The limited-edition putters marry the tour-proven shapes of the Special Select range twith an integrated Teryllium insert and Cameron’s ‘Button Back’ setup. Offered in three models - Newport Button Back, Newport 2 Button Back and Flowback 5.5 Button Back – each features a solid milled stainless steel body with a soft Teryllium inlay fused together with button head machine screws and vibration dampening technology. Each features heel-toe weighting with two Tungsten (Newport, Newport 2) or stainless steel (Flowback 5.5) weights and stepless steel shafts. RRP £599

Taylormade 300 Mini Driver Taking inspiration from the 300 Series driver that kickstarted the modern TaylorMade era, when the company first pushed past the 300cc barrier, the 307cc Mini Driver is small by modern standards, and that’s by intention, as its designed as a club that’s easy to hit off the tee for the player who struggles with a driver, while also being a powerful second safer option for the stronger golfer. Featuring a carbon crown for a low centre of gravity, the 300 Mini features a midfield V Steel sole to help usability off the deck despite its large size. It is available in 11.5° and 13.5° loft options. RRP £369

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TRADE NEWS

Golfstream’s winter accessories Golfstream has launched a new range of winter trolley accessories designed to complement its Vision trolley and prepare golfers for all weather conditions. The range includes a heavy-duty trolley carry bag and a set of wheel covers which feature two fully elasticated side wheels and a draw string cover for the front wheel. Large canopy windsafe umbrellas come in round and square shapes with an easy fix umbrella holder that fits most major trolley brands, while there is a pair of winter trolley mitts which conveniently attach to the handle. Other accessories include winter hedgehog wheels, bag towels, a caddy pack, and a variety of holders for drinks, mobile phones and GPS units. For more details visit www.golfstream.co.uk.

Dye’s the limit for adidas’s new footwear range adidas Golf’s latest footwear collection aims to boost the brand’s eco credentials by featuring uppers that showcase the material’s natural colour rather than being dyed. The new No-Dye Collection features the material’s natural colour to cut out the pre-treatment phase of conventional dye techniques which uses large amounts of water and energy. This new process will be featured in the brand’s adicross ZX PrimeBlue and ZG21 Motion footwear for both men and women. Masun Denison, global director of footwear for adidas Golf, said: “Since we create so many products, we’re always looking at ways we can do better about our impact on the environment, and that includes the way we use water to dye materials. The naturallycoloured fabric does require a post-treatment step to achieve the same performance qualities, yet still achieves an average of 60% savings on water and energy. “We’re continually evaluating ways to reduce our environmental impact when it comes to our products. With this collection, we’re giving golfers another reason beyond just style and performance to feel good about the shoes they’re wearing.”

PING raises the iron bar with i59 Any new i Series iron from PING always makes golfers sit up and take notice, and that’ll certainly be the case with the new i59 irons, which are a custom-order only model. Employing a new technology known as ‘AlumiCore’, the i59s are forged blades that deliver the look, feel and trajectory control preferred by better players while also offering an unprecedented level of forgiveness for a bladestyle design. Used by recent European Tour winners Viktor Hovland and Johannes Veerman, the irons feature an aluminium insert that allows 30g of material from the centre of the club to be redistributed to the perimeter, some in the form of toe and shaft tip weights, elevating the MOI to match that of the larger PING i210 iron. The result is a forgiving, forged iron with a crisp, solid feel at impact that delivers lower launch and trajectory control with the precision expected from a blade design. “We know this type of player may not put forgiveness at the top of their list when considering their iron choice, so we engineered it in a way that increased the MOI in a clean and impactful way,” said PING president John K Solheim. “At address, it’s perfectly sized and shaped with a thin top line and the right amount of offset. It has a narrow sole to move smoothly through the turf and ensure a pleasing impact experience. Inside, the AlumiCore technology allows us to increase the MOI by moving the weight to the perimeter using toe and shaft tip weights. Our player testing shows tighter dispersion throughout the set and very high marks for feel.” The stainless steel face has new MicroMax grooves for tighter spacing and a geometry that results in an average of four extra grooves on each club to reduce fliers in the short irons and preserve spin in the long irons for greater control and consistency. Available 3-PW in 10 colour-coded lie angles, the i59s have an RRP of £239 per club.

September 2021

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TRADE NEWS

Duca Del Cosma becomes TGI Golf partner

FootJoy has winter golfers covered with new HydroSeries rainwear FootJoy’s new Hydro Series rainwear features DryJoys waterproof technology and includes a protective option for every golfer during the colder and wetter months. Headlining the range is the HydroTour jacket (RRP £225), which features DrySeal Technology and is designed to withstand the most extreme weather conditions. A double collar with a cinch cord on the inner layer keeps rain out, while drainage holes on the outer layer prevent water from running down the back of the neck. A three-panel construction with fewer seams and multi-directional stretch fabric provides a full range of motion. It is offered two colour options, black with charcoal and lime or navy with black and bright red. The HydroLite (£170) is a lightweight waterproof rain jacket with added breathability and a four-way stretch fabric. Better suited to warmer conditions, it is 100% waterproof and its breathable construction ensures comfort, while the lightweight fabric folds to a compact size for easy storage. It is available in five colourways, including a tonal marble-effect print in black and navy, in addition to a chevron pattern design in black with grey and lime, royal with black and silver and navy with bright red and white. Offering the wearability of a midlayer with the performance of a rain jacket, the versatile HydroKnit 1/4 Zip jacket (£150) is made from a fourway stretch fabric and 30% lighter weight construction than the previous version. It also boasts new hand pockets and DWR finish throughout. It is offered in black and grey with lime, navy and denim, and charcoal with bright red and white. All three jackets are accompanied by matching waterproof trousers that offer a revised fit and more tapered feel and can be used as a stand-alone trouser as well as an over-trouser, depending on conditions. The HydroTour (£170) is available in black, while the HydroLite (£120) and HydroKnit trouser (£150) are available in black or navy.

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Duca del Cosma, the leading Italian golf fashion brand, is to become a preferred partner with the TGI Golf Group in in 2022. The new retail partnership follows similar arrangements with both Foremost and the Euroselect buying groups earlier this year that has lifted the profile of Duca del Cosma’s shoes for both men and women golfers significantly in recent months.

“We are delighted to confirm that Duca del Cosma has become a Preferred Partner with the TGI Golf group for next year,” said Tony Eccleston, Sales Director for the UK & Ireland. “Although we’ve had relationships and support from some TGI members in recent times, this marks a major step forward in the brand’s progression and follows on from our record sales performance this year. “There has been a great reaction to the news so far from TGI members and we’re optimistic about the level of sales that we can generate together in the coming year through the professionalism of the buying groups and our new partners nationwide,” he added. “We have always talked about offering golfers something different in the shoe sector in terms of look and comfort and now we can offer something different when it comes to availability too as we embark on the brand’s next stage of development.” For trade enquiries contact enquiries@ducadelcosma.co.uk or call 0800 1933822.

TRADE NEWS

ECCO ADDS BOA CLOSURE TO BIOM H4 RANGE ECCO Golf has added a lace-free BOA option to its Biom H4 footwear collection. The new BOA option comes in black or white for men, complementing the black, white, silver grey and white/concrete colourways available in the laced version of the shoe. For women, the H4 is available in three new colours, with ombre in the laced option, and black or white/silver grey in the boa system. The design also comes in white, limestone, and white/silver grey laced options. The H4 features Ecco’s new Biom 2.0 last which enables the foot to move more naturally and forms like a second skin around the foot. A new outsole design includes three sections to provide the ideal blend of traction, stability, and rotational support, while Ecco’s Fluidform Direct Comfort technology ensures a finely tuned balance of cushioning and rebound to deliver dynamic comfort. The shoe’s uppers are made from durable, thin leather providing natural protection from wind and water, while a GORE-TEX lining keeps feet dry in all conditions.

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TaylorMade puts a new spin on Milled Grind wedge range TaylorMade’s new Milled Grind 3 wedges aim to satisfy the two distinctly different demands of tour players and average golfers in one design. The new minimalistic shaping, which came from input from TaylorMade tour staff, features progressively thicker top section that pushes the centre of gravity slightly higher as lofts increase to create a flatter trajectory with more spin. While the main grooves are the same as those featured in the MG2 wedges, the MG3 now features raised ribs between the grooves to add extra surface roughness. Just 0.02mm tall and 0.25mm wide, the ribs aim to increase spin on the shortest shots - those between 10-40 yards – for golfers who need a little bit of extra help to generate spin around the green. The bounce options have also been tweaked, with the MG3’s standard bounce featuring a slightly wider sole with added trailing edge relief than the MG2. The low bounce model now sits closer to the ground with added sole camber, while the high bounce option also boasts a slightly wider sole than MG2 and also features increased camber. Loft options are 46°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58° and 60° in the standard bounce; 56°, 58°, 60° in the low bounce, while high bounce lofts are 52°, 54°, 56°, 58° and 60°). They have an RRP of £149 per club. A custom Tiger Woods TW grind sole is offered in 56° and 60° lofts. The 56° uses a dual sole shape with extra heel relief, while the 60° uses a very high bounce angle on the leading edge with an extremely shaved heel section.

September 2021

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TRUST THE FORWARD THINKING GROUP partnership

The best business decision you will ever make. Being a successful PGA Professional is a complex matter, so be part of a forward thinking group. The TGI Golf Partnership’s collaborative approach offers current and relevant business solutions, and thought leadership to driven, engaged professionals.

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

TRADE NEWS

Perry Ellis brings in Broughton to sell Callaway & Penguin apparel PGA Professional James Broughton has been appointed the new Area Sales Manager for the South West of England for Callaway Apparel and Original Penguin Golf, managed under the Perry Ellis roster of golf apparel brands. Broughton was previously Retail and Operations Manager at Manor House Golf Club in Wiltshire, where he developed his passion for sales, apparel and merchandising. Of his new role, Broughton commented: “It’s an honour to represent Callaway Apparel and Original Penguin, two brands which are deep rooted in golf in their own respective ways, and I am looking forward to showcasing the brands’ high-quality products. I’m really excited to combine my skills in a new role in the industry and to deliver high levels of customer service to golf retailers. It’s great to be able to use my strengths to build long term relationships through high levels of service and communication.” Helen Willsmer, Brand Director of Perry Ellis Golf, added: “We are delighted to welcome James to our UK team and represent our portfolio of brands. He brings with him a great foundation to enable us to strengthen our relationships and continue to grow. We remain absolutely committed to our green grass retailers and with James’ background and experience we are in great shape to deliver on this to existing customers while also developing new business.”

SkyCaddie resurrects ‘Dead or Alive’ trade-in deal SkyCaddie has rebooted its popular trade-in offer to encourage golfers to upgrade their GPS technology and help retailers to sell more of the latest models in stock. Until September 15, retailers will be offering a £50 discount off all new SkyCaddie GPS handhelds and smart watches to customers trading in any GPS or laser rangefinder, any brand, in any condition, while making the purchase. In the promotion, golfers can choose between two handheld GPS models, the newly-launched SkyCaddie SX550 and the more compact SX400, while those who prefer to see yardages on their wrist can choose between the SkyCaddie LX5 or LX5C smart watches. To fulfil the trade-in, retailers should discount the SkyCaddie sale by £50 off RRP including VAT at the point of purchase after taking possession of the customer’s old laser or GPS device. SkyCaddie’s Trade-In Form, which gives advice on how to obtain a credit on your account, should then be completed. Although consumers have until September 15 to participate in the trade-in, retailers have until September 24 to process the trade-in and receive their credits. For retail queries email sales@skycaddiegps.co.uk or call 01844 296360.

St Andrew Links partners with Topgolf Topgolf Entertainment Group has signed a 10-year partnership with St Andrews Links that will see it become the exclusive ‘golf entertainment partner’ for the Home of Golf, along with Toptracer as the official range technology. Together, TEG and St Andrews Links will collaborate on a range of initiatives and activations designed to offer even more ways for golfers to experience St Andrews Links through TEG’s respective brands – Topgolf, World Golf Tour online game and Toptracer. The partnership will provide players of all ages and ability levels from all over the world access to one of the most iconic venues in golf through virtual gaming, global tournaments and more. A key element of the strategic partnership is the installation of Toptracer Range technology at St Andrews Links. The ball tracking technology provides golfers with live shot data that can be used for practice or to compete in challenges and games, with data displayed on a 21-inch monitor in each hitting bay.

September 2021

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TRADE NEWS

Glenmuir celebrates 130th anniversary

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“ “

“

The PGA Professional

PGA, and through its title sponsorship of the Glenmuir Club Professional Championships remains The PGA’s longest standing tournament sponsor. Glenmuir was acquired in 2002 by the Ruia Group, a family-run textile TGI Golf is one big family that business based in provides me and my business with Lancashire that also opportunities and support including owns Sock Shop. In 2009, an agreement events such as the Business Conference, between Glenmuir and Sunderland of Enewsletter, 0% Finance and my own retail Scotland meant Glenmuir became the consultant is always on hand. official European distributor of Sunderland Ian Mowbray Liphook Golf Club of Scotland products. Mansi Ruia, Glenmuir’s head of public Joining TGI Golf was the best thing relations, said: “Many things may have I have ever done for my business. changed since our beginnings in 1891, but The team at HQ is a fantastic resource our purpose was, is and always will be, to and have a wealth of knowledge that can craft the world’s most loved golf clothing. be tapped into. I see them as an integral part of We are proud to see our golf shirts, golf my team. sweaters and outerwear from Lanark sent Darren Arber Halifax West End Golf Club to the four corners of the world to over 30 countries. We have supplied the European Ryder Cup team between 1987-2014, and Having been with the group from remain the Ryder Cup’s longest standing the early ‘80s I have benefitted retail merchandise partner. We are proud in so many ways from being a TGI to be the only Scottish golf brand which is Golf Partner. A family of likeminded based and remains in Scotland, the Home Professionals who wrap their arms around my of Golf.” business and encourage my team to develop our She added: “At Glenmuir, we put our business year on year. heart into everything we do. Each piece Kevan Whitson Royal County Down Golf Club is conceived, created and crafted with passion, enthusiasm and the utmost care. We’re a proud family-run tgigolf.com @TGI_Golf /TGIGolf business, with a valued, close-knit team who tgigolf.com love @TGI_Golf /TGIGolfPartnership golf.”

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Scottish golf clothing brand Glenmuir is celebrating 130 years in the golf apparel trade in 2021. The company was founded in Lanark in 1891 by Andrew MacDougall, who started his hosiery business with a workforce initially consisting of just five women, all of whom were called Mary. MacDougall was the inventor of a new power-driven machine that greatly simplified the design and manufacture of knitwear. Before the turn of the 20th century the company moved to a new factory on Delves Road in Lanark, which remains its headquarters to this day, and soon the premises were extended to accommodate the growing business. From its beginnings as a hosiery and knitwear factory, the company’s Lanark site has developed over the years to provide a club, corporate, and event embroidery programme, which has been hallmark of Glenmuir’s success. Marketing and design, customer service and administration and, crucially, graphics and embroidery, are all controlled under one roof, to maintain standards of quality and service. The Glenmuir brand was created with the specific aim of offering club embroidered sweaters to golfers through the professional’s shop. These green grass customers remain the core of the company’s business. To further develop its relationship with PGA Professionals, Glenmuir developed close links with The

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

THE TGI GOLF PARTNERSHIP IS A GOLF RETAIL29 SERVICES GROUP, OWNED BY PGA PROFESSIONALS.

P R O D U CT FO C U S : G O L F B AG S

STANDS THAT DELIVER

lthough it’s been six months With so many new golfers taking up the game, it’s been since golf courses reopened, a bumper time for golf bag sales. Here’s our pick of the and six weeks or so since all golf-related Covid latest stand and hybrid models to help your members restrictions were lifted, transport their clubs in comfort and style it seems only yesterday that while out walking my dog with a socially-distanced friend during the third lockdown that I have been stand bags, along with a new phone holders and accessible rangefinder came across a couple of middle-aged men breed of hybrid bag that is designed to be pouches, have proved a boon to golfers and dressed in golf gear walking the streets of equally at home across the shoulders as golf retailers alike, with many of the latter our village with golf bags strapped to their they are strapped to a trolley or buggy. reporting the most popular ones flying out backs. Without a golf course nearby, and Golfers new to the game might have the door as soon as they hit the shop floor. all of them being shut, I politely enquired shied away from the big investment that As well as being hugely practical, the as to what they were up to. “We’re is required for an electric trolley and a tour latest models also look great too, with a protesting,” one of them said. “ Why is OK bag, but a well-made stand bag, with their great choice of eye-catching colour options for you to walk your dog with a friend, but ergonomic padded straps, spacious apparel and designs with plenty of youth-appeal. we can’t do the same, but with golf clubs pockets, insulated drinks pockets, mobile Slimmed down stand bags, the type on a golf course?” that have enough room for a full I obviously agreed wholeheartedly set, but dispense with some of the with their protest and wished them extra pockets, have also proved a well on their long march to freedom. hit with the new breed of workingAnd while I admired their spirit from-home golfer heading out for a of rebellion, I also admired the quick nine between Zoom calls, with lightweight stand bags that were retailers reporting strong sales of resting comfortably across their these ultra-light options. shoulders with a full set of clubs on With the golf boom showing board. no signs of slowing, and likely to While cart bags and trolley bags carry on through the winter, it will remain popular with the older certainly pay to stock up on the golfing fraternity, and also among latest bags, although, as with all hot Carry bag design has improved hugely in recent years, those too young to carry the products right now, getting hold of with many models being waterproof and being more burden, the bulk of golf bags sales enough stock of the most popular comfortable over the last 18 months or so models is another matter entirely.

September 2021

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P R O D U CT FO C U S : G O L F B AG S

KEEP GOLFING & CARRY ON Our pick of the best new stand bags and hybrid bags TITLEIST HYBRID 14

PING HOOFER

The Hybrid 14 combines the versatility of a stand bag with the practicality of a trolley bag thanks to an added cart strap loop that allows access to the valuables pocket when strapped onto a trolley, as well as a new trolley cart rest. It boasts 14 full-length club dividers, external water bottle pockets and a full-length apparel pocket. There is a StaDry model of the Hybrid 14 which is made from waterproof materials and boasts a seamsealed construction. RRP: £195 (£235 StaDry)

The latest iteration of the Hoofer boasts 11 pockets, including one for valuables, a magnetic rangefinder pocket, a magnetic slip pocket, a large apparel pocket and a bottle pouch. It boasts a five-way top, while a new back puck simplifies conversion from a double to a single strap. The cart strap channel makes it easy to load onto a trolley and ensures all pockets are still fully accessible with the carry strap still on the bag. RRP £190

TITLEIST PLAYERS 4PLUS STADRY

PING HOOFER LITE

The Players 4 Plus StaDry features a low-profile top cuff, four full-length dividers and a new adjustable double strap which is also self-balancing, meaning clubs always stay well above the horizontal with no chance of them falling out when you’re walking. The StaDry waterproof construction and the high-grade lightweight aluminium legs make for a practical bag in all conditions. It features eight pockets, three more than the previous model, including an expandable full-length apparel pocket. Other pockets include a new pocket exclusively for tees, a larger drinks bottle pocket and a quick-access accessories pocket with magnetic closure. RRP £240

A paired down version of the Hoofer, the Lite is all about reducing weight without compromising performance. Constructed with lightweight and durable materials, it offers a roomy four-way top, seven pockets, a hip pad, an auto-deploy stand with full contact base, umbrella loop holder, towel and glove attachment points. The double strap features front padding with SensorCool technology, while there’s a new cart-strap channel for trolley use. It is not waterproof, so it won’t be ideal for year-round use, but is a great option for summer rounds when you don’t have to carry all your wet weather gear on board. RRP £139.99

TITLEIST PLAYERS 4 CARBON

PING HOOFER MONSOON

Designed for golfers that always prefer to carry their clubs, the Carbon is a sleek, stripped back stand bag that boasts an ultra-lightweight construction and weighs just 1.3kg. With the outer shell made from a durable rip-stop material, it boasts a four-way top cuff with full-length dividers, while its carbon fibre legs provide a solid and sturdy platform. It features five spacious pockets, including an exterior mesh water bottle holder and a rangefinder pocket. RRP £185

Weighing 2.4kg, the Monsoon features a waterproof construction and four seam-sealed pockets (6 altogether) and is designed for use in all weathers. A deployable hood protects the clubs inside a rigid five-way top, while the sliding shoulder pads feature a strap connector that allows the bag to be carried by a single strap or backpack style with optimal weight distribution and balance. RRP £219

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P R O D U CT FO C U S : G O L F B AG S BIG MAX DRI LITE HYBRID TOUR

TAYLORMADE FLEXTECH CROSSOVER

The next generation of BIG MAX’s successful Hybrid line, the water-resistant Dri Lite Tour is the ultimate all-round solution for the golfer who likes to push, pull or carry. This ingenious bag sits perfectly square on a trolley thanks to its flat, footless trolley compatible base, leg lock feature and the clever positioning of the stand mechanism low on the body of the bag. Its 14-way divider and five spacious water-repellent pockets – including cooler and 100% waterproof valuables pocket – give it cart bag capacity, while its ultra-lightweight – 2kg – and practical features, such as padded carry straps breathable air channels, mean it also excels as a stand bag. RRP £179.99

The FlexTech range features four models, with the standard FlexTech, Waterproof and Lite available alongside the Crossover. The Crossover’s USP is its versatility in that it’s designed to be carried or fitted on a trolley. The Strap Slider System keeps the bag stable while carrying and adjusts itself as you move and is easily removeable for trolley use. A 14-way top ensures there is less clunking of clubs, while 10 pockets include a lined valuables pocket, two large apparel pockets and an insulated cooler pocket. The bag is made from a water-resistant material but is not 100% waterproof. RRP £239

CALLAWAY HYPER DRY C

SUN MOUNTAIN H2NO LITE SPEED

Weighing just 1.8kg, this lightweight stand bag offers less storage space than some other models, but its four roomy pockets still offer more than enough volume to pack in some wet weather gear and other esssentials, while its waterproof material ensure that the contents will remain dry should conditions turn to the damp side. The self-balancing X-Act Fit double strap is generously padded, while the four-way top with full length dividers makes a decent job of keeping your clubs securely in place, while the stand mechanism is robust and well balanced. Offered in seven colours, it’s a proper year-round carry bag that is ideal for playing in all weathers. RRP £229.95

The H2NO Lite Speed weighs just 2kg and features a 4-way top with plenty of space for clubs for a bag of this size. There is plenty of storage too, with six pockets, including a full-length clothing pocket, several accessory compartments and an accessible drinks pouch. The adjustable X-Strap Dual Strap System guarantees comfort and ease of use, with the carry straps attached to the top of the bag for a more balanced carry. Sturdy aluminium legs add stability and activate quickly, while the Velcro leg lock system ensures ease of used with a trolley. As with all bags in the H2NO series, it is fully waterproof with a TPU coated fabric, sealed seams and a matching rainhood, RRP £279.95

MOTOCADDY HYDROFLEX

COBRA ULTRALIGHT

Designed for those who often switch between using a trolley and carrying, the HydroFlex is a versatile, lightweight carry bag that is also designed to fit on any Motocaddy trolley thanks to its Easilock compatibility. This is great for golfers who already have a Motocaddy trolley, but even if they don’t, the bag fits on most other brands and comes with an easily removable strap. A waterproof nylon fabric shell ensures everything stays dry inside, while full-length dividers and five spacious pockets make it a practical option whether carrying or pulling/pushing. A moulded hip enhances comfort when carrying. RRP £219.99

Tipping the scales at 2kg, the Ultralight features a fiveway top with full-length dividers. Eight szippered pockets include everything from a full-length apparel space, insulated drinks pocket and a fleece-lined valuables pocket. The bag also benefits from Cobra’s CoolFlow hip pad and padded, quick-release shoulder straps.. The EasyFlex base and integrated non-slip stand foot pads give advanced stability, while front lift handles make it easy to get in and out of the car. Offered in six colour options comes with a detachable rainhood. RRP £139.99

September 2021

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ADVERTORIAL

TRADE NEWS

POWAKADDY RENTAL CARTS Unmissable opportunity to boost your revenue!

orld leading electric trolley company, PowaKaddy, has continued to drive innovation in the market in 2021 as a relative boom in the golf industry for the first half of the year has seen an ever-growing number of people playing the sport. As a result, PowaKaddy’s rental fleet offering has continued to flourish, offering partners the chance to benefit from The Ultimate Cash Machine. PowaKaddy’s innovative approach to electronic trolley hire has allowed golf professionals country-wide to provide the everyday golfer with the ultimate on-course experience as industry-leading technology is combined with robust andreliable construction, making PowaKaddy the rental cart of choice for club professionals. PowaKaddy’s rental trolleys have fully integrated GPS technology which will help speed up play on the course. They come preloaded with over 40,000 courses worldwide and provide distances to the front, middle and back of greens. On top of the GPS technology, therental trolley is powered by a 36-hole Lithium battery, the thinnest and most powerful battery on the market. Features of the PowaKaddy GPS Rental Trolley • Super-accurate fully integrated highperformance GPS technology • Preloaded with over 40,000 courses worldwide • Accurate distances to front, centre and back of the green • Automatically locate golf courses and auto advance from hole to hole • Bluetooth connected app to allow for quick course updates • No annual fees or subscriptions Numerous clubs have upgraded and invested in all new fleets for 2021. CEO of the London Golf Club, Stephen Follett, has seen the popularity of rental trolleys at the European Tour destination continue to grow, even utilising an annual usage price within

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membership packages. “We are delighted with our brand-new fleet of 90 FX5 GPS trolleys, the largest fleet of PowaKaddy’s in the UK,” he said. “The new technology and ease of use creates an easy sale within the Golf Shop, increasing our rental revenue stream annually.” Meanwhile, some golf clubs have increased the size of their existing fleets to keep up with demand from members. Carl Bianco, Club Professional at Woking Golf Club, commented: “We have increased our fleet by 50% from 2019 due to the increasing demand, and the popularity of the GPS facility on the trolleys. Our investment is recouped after a couple of months, leaving the remainder of the year as 100% profit.” Some professionals have looked to further enhance the rental trolley experience for their customers. Martin Heggie at Moortown Golf Club, Leeds, took the opportunity to add umbrella holders to every trolley in his rental offering, and has found his fleet to be a fantastic profit-maker for his business. Martin said: “I have used PowaKaddy rental trolleys for many years now. The best addition I made in 2020 was adding umbrella holders to all my rental fleet, and at any sign of rain it’s not uncommon for the whole fleet to be out.” “Typically,the trolleys are paid offin 3 months and I replace my fleet annually, the whole electric trolley rental proposition is now a very profitable part of my business.” Jon Salter, PGA Professional at Ullesthorpe Golf Club, sees PowaKaddy rental trolleys as the perfect money-maker. “We have a fleet of 10 trolleys here at

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Ullesthorpe, and every year they are of great benefit to us. Typically,I replace them every couple of years, but in the interim I can make a solid margin on renting them out, typically paying themselves off within the first six months. When I do upgrade to newer PowaKaddy trolleys, I can sell on old models and make further profit.” PowaKaddy trolleys offer professionals a range of different ways to profit from a rental fleet - that’s why PowaKaddy is proud to refer to its rental carts as The Ultimate Cash Machine for the modern-day club professional. PowaKaddy Rental GPS trolleys are available to order from your local PowaKaddy Area Sales Manager. For more information on the entire range of highperformance trolleys, bags, batteries, and accessories, go to www.powakaddy.com. • Boost your revenue with The Ultimate Cash Machine • Double your investment in as little as 2 months • Speed up the pace of play • Charge increased hire fees • Increases your retail sales • High residual value with 2-year warranty

P R O D U CT FO C U S : A P PA R E L

SPRING IS IN THE

AIR In the second part of our round-up of SS22 apparel collections, we look at upcoming designs from Galvin Green, Oscar Jacobson, adidas Golf and Sunderland of Scotland

■ GALVIN GREEN Galvin Green has placed a heavy focus on sustainability with its Part One apparel collection for SS22. Having recently won the 2021 Sports Technology Award for Sustainability, the Swedish apparel brand has continued to push its ‘green’ credentials even further to produce a collection of garments that is nearly 90% sustainable. Balancing comfort, style and performance in a sustainable manner, the new range will include 39 garments many of which are made from environmental Bluesign approved fabric or certified by OEKOTEX 100 to cover thread and buttons as well as fabric. Placing an importance on the ability to play in all weathers, garments in the latest collection have been designed to ensure complete freedom of movement, without compromising on looks and comfort. MEN’S COLLECTION Of the 23 GORE-TEX jackets available in the latest men’s waterproof range,

September 2021

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P R O D U CT FO C U S : A P PA R E L

■ OSCAR JACOBSON

Galvin Green’s SS22 collection has garments for every weather condition

the new tri-blend ARMSTRONG Paclite leads the way and offers a sporty look. Constructed using Bluesign approved fabric and weighing just 280g, the 100% waterproof and windproof jacket features stretch technology, plus shaped sleeves and an adjustable chest width for ease of movement in the swing. Available in five bold colourways, the jacket also incorporates front pockets into the design. An addition to the highly versatile men’s INTERFACE-1 range, the LIAM offers exceptional windproof capabilities, along with a water repellent finish. Crafted from Bluesign approved fabric, the jacket features Thermore padding on the shoulders and back for added warmth. The DAXTON is new to the line of INSULA sweaters that incorporate fabric crafted from recycled plastic bottles and delivers incredible warmth and breathability. Using this sustainable fabric provides a soft and stretchy feel, plus reduces energy consumption by 75% and water consumption by up to 86% compared to the conventional polyester manufacturing process. It comes in eight vibrant colour options, including the recently introduced Golf Green colour tone. Spearheading the popular VENTIL8 PLUS shirt range, the MATHEW features broken textures to offer a supremely modern look. As with all VENTIL8 PLUS garments, the shirt provides UV 20+ protection and comes in a Quickdry stretch fabric for improved comfort. Other new styles that display bold colours include the floral MALIK and pixel-design MACK.

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WOMEN’S COLLECTION In the women’s GORE-TEX range, the AILA Paclite jacket has been matched with the all-new ALINA Paclite trousers – weighing just 320g – to form the ultimate lightweight rain suit. Providing 100% waterproof protection, the garments are adjustable to ensure the perfect fit and are available in an array of attractive colours. New to the women’s INTERFACE-1 range, the sleek LORELLE offers elegant looks both on and off the course, without compromising on features. The windproof and water-repellent jacket incorporates super-soft and extremely breathable fabric to ensure it can be layered with other garments in the collection. Offering a level 3 warming effect - the highest level of warmth - the jacket is available in the standout Navy and Black colours. The extensive INSULA collection is comprised of 20 options, including the new DONNA hoodie that doubles up as a great option to wear off the course. Crafted from soft stretchy Bluesign approved fabric, the garment features a drawstring at the base of the hood for the perfect fit, plus two front pockets for added comfort. A key focus in the VENTIL8 PLUS garments is the patterned combinations on offer to women. The ebreathable MARISSA shirt and MARIE skort deliver an eye-catching look in the Blush Pink/Black/White and Surf Blue/Navy/Pink colour combinations. Providing UV 20+ protection, the OEKO-TEX certified garments ensure golfers can remain cool thanks to the light, soft and comfortable feel to the outfit.

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Oscar Jacobson has created a collection for SS22 that embraces its heritage with classic tones of navy, white and grey with playful seasonal updates of aqua, ochre and teal that bring a freshness and vibrancy customers will enjoy. As well as showing its brighter side, Oscar Jacobson is really celebrating the brand name with new, bolder logo presentations. There are 12 polo styles to choose from, including mixed textures, jacquard, striped and colour block designs such as the Dodman. The Croft is a great multi-stripe, lightweight technical polo that combines performance with the new colour ways. Also look out for Chap 2, next in the series of the popular Chap Tour polo range which has been a firm favourite amongst golfers in previous seasons. This fully co-ordinated collection comes with midlayers, gilets including the new Rolfe and ¼ zips such as the Darwin. These are complimented with premium, lightweight knitwear designs in luxurious merinos and cotton. Shorts, including the perennial favourite Davenport, boast brighter colours such as aqua and teal and the Davenport trouser has the colourful addition of teal as well as a new charcoal colourway. To finish the look, Oscar Jacobson continues to deliver an outstanding accessories range that is a must have for any customer. From its luxurious socks to its popular belt range, Oscar Jacobson has something for everyone, including a fantastic headwear collection that now boast a new Lynton baseball cap which is bound to attract brand interest. With an impressive roster of Tour ambassadors around the world who choose to play in Oscar Jacobson apparel every week this is a collection that delivers on performance and style. TOP Colour block designs are a feature of the polo range RIGHT OJ has a number of new gilets options for SS22

P R O D U CT FO C U S : A P PA R E L

■ ADIDAS GOLF

adidas Golf is launching its most versatile and most sustainable ever apparel range for SS22, offering stylish pieces that can be worn on and off the course, and continuing the brand’s journey to ending plastic waste, with 95% of the range made from recycled polyester. With versatility being key to the line-up, adidas is focusing on some key garments that will transition across golfer’s lives. These include the Anorak PRIMEBLUE Quarter-Zip Pullover that continues the trend of hoodies that are made to move with the body. Built with Parley Ocean Plastic, this anorak pullover offers the perfect balance of performance and versatility. In the women’s range, the PRIMEGREEN Colorblock dress combines high-performance recycled materials with a stretch pique build that allows a full range of motion.

Moisture-absorbing AEROREADY helps keep the golfer dry and comfortable throughout a round. In the trousers category, the new GO-TO Commuter Pant is made with PRIMEGREEN material. The lightweight nylon fabric is designed to stay airy, and the textured build has plenty of stretch for full range of motion. Moistureabsorbing AEROREADY keeps you dry. The fashion lead design is loose fitting on top whilst tapering at the leg for a modern fit. As the brand looks to provide more inclusive products across all categories, it will offer key styles in inclusive sizing, focusing on a better fit that is more wearable, as opposed to just increasing the sizing which can compromise the overall fit. There are a few carry over products, including the Ultimate365 Solid polo, which has been a staple in the range for

95% of the SS22 range is made from recycled polyester

a few seasons as it serves as a great cresting option, as does the Microstripe Polo. In terms of layering, the Novelty Hoodie carries over, continuing the versatile product offerings. Similar to the Ultimate365 polo, the Club Quarter Zip layering option is a consistent feature in the line. Again, offering a wide range of cresting options for retailers. In the women’s range, the Commuter Pant, Pullon Ankle Pant, Ultimate365 Skort and the HEAT.RDY legging are all kept in the line up. In layering, the Texture Full Zip is carried over in the core colours that sit alongside some new seasonal colour updates. Likewise, the Ultimate365 polo in both sleeveless and short sleeve carry over in core colours with seasonal colour updates alongside. As with the SS21 range, a CORE drop that lands in January features all of the neutral colours, highlighted by some seasonal pops of colour. Then the range gets colour updates in March, where Blue Rush and Semi Mint Rush provide the colour lead to navy and white neutrals. Then moving into May, it will add Pulse Lime and Legacy Indigo as lead colours to sit alongside the Black and White neutrals, accented by Almost Lime and Light Purple to round off the SS22 collection.

Bold prints and strong block colours are a feature of the new collection

September 2021

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P R O D U CT FO C U S : A P PA R E L

■ SUNDERLAND OF SCOTLAND Sunderland of Scotland is introducing two new colour palettes for its Spring/ Summer ‘22 collection, with the men’s range featuring Storm Grey in its rainwear, windshirts and coldwear garments, while Ocean Blue features prominently in the women’s collection. Camo and tropical prints introduced last season have enjoyed strong sales and will continue into next season. MEN’S COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS In rainwear, all of which come with a lifetime waterproof guarantee, the Whisperdry Pro-Lite jacket (£150) has been introduced in Storm Grey with sporty black trims and is featherlight, breathable and fully waterproof with stretch. The highly technical Valberg (£140) is now available in Storm Grey/ White/Black, 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 cord. The popular Vancouver Pro Jacket (£120) has been

given a fresh look with introduction of the new Storm Grey/Black/White colour combination. Moving into windshirts, the Nevada full sleeve and Cortina halfsleeve (£80) are made from a 3-layer interlocking four-way stretch fabric. They are wind and shower proof, while remaining lightweight. These striking tri-colour designs have a bold sleeve flash with coordinating zips and are available in four colour options, including the new Storm Grey/Black/White. The coldwear range sees Storm Grey/Black/White and Black Camo/ Gunmetal/Silver added to the Anton Padded Gilet (£75) and to the Zermatt Padded Jacket (£80). Built with a robust nylon and padded down which retains heat to insulate the body whilst being incredibly lightweight and breathable. This is combined with stretch side panels to enhance movement. The Aspen midlayer (£70), refreshed in the new Storm Grey/Black/White colourway, protects from the elements with its Teflon-coated interlock stretch and breathable fabric. The Arizona midlayer (£70) boasts a strong colour block design created with fleece back

The WhisperDry Tech-Lite jacket in silver marl (left), and the Whisperdry Pro-Lite (right)

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Ocean Blue is one of the main colour themes for Sunderland’s SS22 women’s range

four-way stretch performance fabric. This midlayer is showerproof, windproof and offers heat-insulating properties while ensuring breathability and enhanced freedom of movement. Finally, the Hamsin lined sweater is both shower and windproof with a bionic finish and is also offered in the new Storm Grey/White colour option. LADIES’ COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS The waterproof Killy jacket (£120), engineered with a lightweight polyester technical fabric with mechanical stretch combined with flattering panels, looks fresh in the new Ocean/White colourway. The luxuriously soft touch featherlight Whisperdry Tech-Lite jacket (£150) has a new offering in Silver Marl with Ocean waterproof zips. For the ladies’ coldwear collection, the Arosa thermal water repellent midlayer (£70) adds a crisp new colourway to the mix in White/Ocean. The Nira fleece jacket (£80), a sleek design with contoured seams and discrete in seam pockets, is made from a smooth fabric outer warm polar brushed fleece inner. The Nira jacket is both shower and windproof and has been introduced in Ocean/White, while the Zonda lined sweater has a fresh Silver Marl/Ocean/ White colourway introduced.

T R A D E TA L K

BEST FOOT

FORWARD

Ahead of planning your footwear orders for 2022 we spoke with Glyn Evans, FootJoy’s UK&I Sales Manager, to share some key principles that the FJ team use to create, plan and manage their range for the year ahead, and what key learnings retailers can implement to create the most effective range How does FJ look to create its footwear range for the upcoming

As the No.1 shoe in golf we are delighted to celebrate a number of popular models across the range, and if there is a shoe that has dominated the market over the last few years, it is the Pro|SL. We’re confident that the Pro|SL momentum will continue, especially in 2022. Pro|SL is always a shoe that we want to be in stock of, in all sizes, widths and colours. So, when we order Pro|SL we want to go deep to avoid losing sales and not providing golfers, customers, with what they want. We are all consumers and today’s consumer has much more information about the products they are looking for, so they know what they want, and they want it

year? With a single-minded focus on the golfer, FJ’s research and development team, along with the design team, are continuously testing product components and tracking trends years in advance to create the most comprehensive range of shoes in golf that will both excite and surprise golfers of all levels, abilities and tastes. What strategies or principles do the FJ team use to help to create the upcoming range and how can retail partners use this to plan? One of our goals is to make sure that the range is appealing to the broadest group of golfers that it possibly can, that enables retailers to work with FJ to present a total shoe solution to their customers. A key principle in creating this total shoe solution is what we call ‘range architecture’. It is a template that helps FJ build a comprehensive range of products by dividing the market up into three styling segments: Classic (FJ Traditions and Premiere Series), Modern Tech (Pro|SL) and Casual Athletic (Flex category). This is FJ’s first ‘rule of three’ - Classic, Modern Tech and Casual Athletic. The other rule of three that will help retailers build their range is the ‘Good, Better, Best’ principle. A good example of this is selecting and stocking SuperLites XP (Good option), Pro|SL (better option), Pro|SL Carbon (best). To assist with your planning, FJ has created a range architecture planning

Flex XP

When planning your shoe ranging, back the winners and go deep” document which covers both of these principles mentioned above and it is available to all retailers via the retail groups or an FJ Area Sales Manager.

Once we have used the range architecture to create the shoe line-up for 2022, the next thing FJ turn to is what stock are we going to order and in what depth? First and foremost, we need to make sure we hold enough stock to fulfil retailers forward orders and then the replenishment that we will have in the season. Our key principle here is to ‘Back the Winners’.

now. So, when you plan your shoe ranging, back the winners and go deep. That means ranging the best sellers and holding a depth of stock, in all the sizes and colours, to make sure you fulfil the sale, and your customer doesn’t walk away to a competitor. This will make ensure that you can supply the demand that you are creating by showing those styles. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘less is more’ and we believe so when it comes to stocking footwear. Ultimately, stocking less brands and certainly less styles can result in more profitable sales from stock. We are grateful to PGA Pros for their continued support for the FJ brand and look forward to building on the momentum together in 2022 with our strongest line to date.

SuperLites XP

Pro|SL Carbon BOA

With such a comprehensive footwear line-up, how does FJ manage its stock and how can retailers use this process to plan?

September 2021

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R E TA I L

THE GOLF RETAILER’S GUIDE TO

AUTUMN

Two PGA Members discuss how they manage their retail operations during the tricky autumn period, when the summer boom is over and the Christmas uptick is several months away Historically, the month of September sits solidly in the mid-table when it comes to golf retail sales in the UK, occupying a steady, if somewhat unspectacular, sixth position. It can be a month where retailers feel stuck between a rock and a hard place, with the weather often dictating its success. Autumn/Winter stock for this season will be sitting on shelves and most of your orders for Spring/Summer 2022 have been finalised, so what’s left to do? Is it time to sit back and hibernate or give yourself a pat on the back after a busy season and relax? We talk to two retailers with very different businesses to find out what they’ll be doing to boost their retail business this autumn.

SIMON CORP PGA Professional and founder of Major Golf Direct, a high street golf shop in Huddersfield and successful e-commerce site. Along with his business partner, Jamie Coverley, he also owns the retail shop in Morton Hills Golf Centre and the pro shop at West Bradford Golf Club.

Stock Solutions “September is generally a transition month for us. The stores have been remerchandised with a fresh look for Autumn/Winter and we always challenge the brands about any in-store creative displays they can provide to help us stand out from the crowd. We also had a rethink

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about shoes this year as we are promoting more shoes with cleats rather than spikeless models right now. Slow-moving summer pieces are moved to the 3-for-2 rails. I do 3-for-2, rather than individual sale items, to bump up the basket value. I look at the ‘Unpopular Products’ report in XPOS to identify products that haven’t sold for six months or more. These items are tying up cashflow and I want to turn them into cash! I’ll also speak to the brands to see what they have available so I can top up stock where it’s needed or negotiate a deal. That said, this year is different. We have more golfers out on the golf courses than ever before, but stock is a problem. Some of my brands didn’t land until mid-July due to lack of stock, so I’m not sure there’ll be an appetite to get more product in now. Autumn is also a time when I usually gear up for some product launches with some of the leading brands, but some have been delayed until 2022.

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Customer Communication We have every member’s email address and mobile number on file, so we send out marketing via SMS and email, which we integrate through Mailchimp. In September, we’ll tend to promote seasonal summer offers along with introducing new lines that have just hit the business. In the pro shops, the golf professional has a column in the newsletter and he’ll be encouraging members to get their balances down, and will usually use an incentive to do this. Event Management The main thing I’m doing right now is thinking about Christmas. It’s our second busiest time of year, so I’ve been planning this for a month already. What’s out there that we don’t already have in our stores? I’ll be looking at gift ideas as well as clearance deals to attract new customers. The Ryder Cup will also provide a welcome boost to the sport at the end of September and we’ll usually create a Europe/American display in

R E TA I L our stores. Some of the equipment brands get behind the Ryder Cup, so our marketing will reflect that and we’ll use all of our channels – social media, email marketing, SMS – to optimise opportunities. Decision-making I use XPOS across all my sites and am an avid user of the reports. I use the Supplier Statistics Report to help me make my buying and replenishment decisions. Another favourite is the Sales Analysis Comparison report which I run monthly in all the shops and allows me to compare sales and margins year-on-year for any given date range.

MARK BOSCOTT PGA Advanced Head Professional, Tidworth Garrison GC, Wiltshire Stock Solutions At this time of year, I’m forward planning and looking more towards 2022. We have 600 members, most of whom are very active and we see them several times a week. We make it our business to engage with our members to find out if they’re happy, if they might be thinking about new equipment or if they’re talking about what their friends are buying. We have a noticeboard in the backroom where we write down things we hear. I take all of this on board when I do my planning. Accounts Balanced We keep our shop competitive. We price match and offer a service that other stores can’t. We make it easy for members to buy from us, so if they have £30-40 on their account, I know they’ll spend it with us. We often look at the ‘customer’ section in XPOS and sort by Account Balance and if anyone is up to £200 or so, we try to encourage them to spend it before the end of the year. Whether they’re in debt or credit, we’ll work out what a member needs to be comfortable and happy.

Ryder Cup activations Events like the Ryder Cup are more about member engagement than specific products. We’ll run a sweep stake and organise a competition with a Ryder Cup format. We might also use it as an opportunity to clear some of the high value stock with a raffle or sweep stake. A few years ago we sent some of our members to the Ryder Cup with TGI Travel. They make those getaways easy for members, who then engage with the professional team about the trip. If I know they’re going away, it makes sense to sell them what they need. It’s a great service for the customer. Business Sense I’ve been an XPOS customer since the start. I did a degree in Business Management at university and understood the value of getting behind the numbers. When I was looking for an EPOS system, my research showed me that XPOS was the best. Caddie Competitive We are realists. We know our customers are

very knowledgeable and will look elsewhere for golf products. If they’re researching something, they’ll go online and look around when they’re at home. If they can see our stock in the Reserve & Collect area of our XPOS Caddie app, they can compare our prices and ask us to price match. We’ve had the app for a year and it works. It puts us in our customers’ minds and we’d rather they bought from us. Right now, members are reading about stock issues in the industry and we want our customers to know that their XPOS Caddie app is a great way to be the first to reserve a new product and make sure they don’t miss out. This month, I’ll also use the app to run some special previews of new stock. We’ll be selective and will drip feed new product to keep things looking fresh. We recently added the ProAgenda.com online lesson booking system, which has been a game changer for me. Anything I can do to save time is great and this is an absolute must for us now. It’s a great start to the day when I see that I’ve sold £90 of lessons and someone’s reserved a new golf bag – all before I’ve had my breakfast!

EXPERT TIP FOR THE MONTH PHIL BARNARD, XPOS CHAIRMAN “With the current stock issues across the industry, it’s more important than ever to make plans and pre-order enough stock to satisfy your needs. With some shaft manufacturers quoting 8-12 months lead time, the issues around stock availability are likely to carry on.”

To book a Business Health Review with XPOS Business Development Director Mark Hopkins, email mark.hopkins@crossovertec.co.uk. For information on XPOS Caddie or XMAIL, visit www.crossovertec.co.uk.

September 2021

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T R A D E R E TA I L Q & A

LOYALTY PAYS

Jonathan Markham, Head PGA Professional at Stowmarket Golf Club in Suffolk, gives the lowdown on how his retail operation has not only survived and but thrived during the pandemic thanks to the loyalty of his members

How big is your retail space and how many staff work in it?

especially our weekly newsletter to keep our members up to date with what’s going on. Do you offer custom fitting for all clubs?

Our retail area is 8m x 6m and we have a 8m x 4m indoor swing studio which is connected to the shop. This was built in May 2019 and has made a huge difference to our retail operation. We have two fulltime PGA Professionals and two part-time members of staff.

We offer a full custom fitting service in our indoor swing studio. We use a GC Quad launch monitor which provides us with amazing club and ball data to assist with the fitting experience. Our studio is full of technology, including extra monitors and computers to help with showing our customers all the information they need. We also use Mizuno’s DNA shaft optimiser to help when fitting Mizuno clubs.

How has your retail operation fared over the last 18 months? It has been a challenging time. We have been very busy at times, but obviously very quiet at times too. I have recently had to self-isolate for two weeks, which was not ideal during the busy summer period. The club has seen a big increase in membership over the last year and many of those new members are seeking our help and advice with equipment and coaching, which has been great. Did you operate a ‘click ‘n’ collect’ service during shop closures? Yes, we did when when the golf course was open and non-essential retail was still restricted. We did very well on essential items like balls, gloves and accessories. Foremost’s click and collect service is great too, as it allows us to offer products that we do not stock. What equipment and apparel brands do you stock and what is selling well at the moment? We stock Titleist, Mizuno, PING and TaylorMade equipment, while our main apparel brands are Under Armour and Ping, with Glenmuir club-crested clothing. All are selling really well this year, especially PING and TaylorMade drivers, Mizuno irons and ladies Ping clothing. Are you having any supply issues, and if so, what are you doing to mitigate them? Yes, we are finding it increasing difficult to

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source certain products from manufacturers. We are having to be honest with our customers and explain the situation, and thankfully most are happy to wait. Most of our hardware sales come from custom fittings, so we have our manufacturers websites open on our swing studio laptops so we can give the customer live information regarding availability and lead times. Have your future ordering plans altered at all? We are looking to be a little braver and increase our stock levels for next year. I want to make sure we have sufficient number of products in store in case availability continues to be an issue. We are also having to be more prepared as companies are requesting 2022 pre-books earlier than usual. Do you belong to a buying group, and if so, how do they help you with your retail operation, and what kind of support have they offered during the pandemic? Yes, I am a Foremost Central member and they have been brilliant throughout the pandemic. They have helped us financially with delaying payments and offering extra dating on invoices. They supplied us with plenty of tools to help us with reopening after the lockdowns including counter screens, hand sanitisers and signage. Their communications are also very helpful,

#makinggolfhappen

Have you held any demo days this year? We have only had one demo day so far inn 2021. We will look to possibly get a couple of indoor ones scheduled during the winter when hopefully hardware is more readily available. What kind of online presence does your shop have? We keep active on all social media platforms and email out a weekly newsletter. What improvements have you made to your retail operation over the last 12 months? During the last lockdown we revamped and redecorated the shop, introducing new fixtures, fittings and signage. We also invested in a new EposNow till system and Dojo card terminal through Paymentsense. We’ve also had a new screen and new mat recently installed in the swing studio. What are the key lessons that you’ve learned as a retailer during the Covid crisis? I have learnt that we have a very loyal and supportive customer base and membership at Stowmarket. We ran an account ‘top up’ incentive at the start of the first lockdown and I was overwhelmed with the response and support we received.

ADVERTORIAL

Roganstown Hotel & Country Club is looking to fulfil its long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral

GREENCLUB HEADS TO THE EMERALD ISLE AFTER PARTNERING WITH ROGANSTOWN

GreenClub chief executive Liam Greasley

Roganstown Hotel & Country Club is ready to leave its rivals green with envy after becoming the first golfing venue in Ireland to appoint environmental specialists GreenClub as consultants to help fulfil its long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral. Renowned for offering outstanding golf, leisure and spa facilities, Roganstown is the only golf hotel in North Dublin offering two 18-hole championship golf courses on-site, and the Swords resort has turned to GreenClub to provide a sustainable roadmap across all elements of its business to ensure a greener future. After carrying out a detailed top-to-toe review of all existing infrastructure and energy provision, the leading environmental specialists will be on hand to help Roganstown to develop environmental strategies to address their current and future business needs. Also helping the resort to deliver major events in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way, the sustainable strategy that GreenClub will put in place will create an opportunity for the venue to generate their own renewable energy on-site using the most appropriate power sources – helping to reduce overheads. Currently featuring 52 bedrooms and a new spa, Roganstown’s future development plans include increased bedroom accommodation and new golf academy facilities, all of which enthused the resort’s managing director, Ian McGuinness, to engage GreenClub’s expertise to help the venue build for the future. McGuinness said: “Sustainable energy provision and a greener approach to all elements of Roganstown infrastructure is very important to me and the whole team here. We were one of the first golf resorts here in Ireland to install a wood chip burner, rather than

September 2021

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AADDVVEERRT TOORRI A I ALL

GreenClub would like to hear from you!

rely on LPG gas, and alongside the 60,000 trees we’ve planted in the past few years, we’re at a great starting point to begin our journey with GreenClub. “In order to secure success for the business in the future, it’s imperative that we have a coherent environmental strategy moving forwards, and GreenClub can help us to deliver this in an efficient, responsible way so that we can reap the rewards in the future.” GreenClub chief executive, Liam Greasley, said: “All the team at Roganstown is committed to building a brighter and more environmentally friendly future and we’re delighted to be working with our first club in Ireland.” GreenClub founder and Manager in Ireland, Paul Cuddy stated: “Roganstown have some exciting and ambitious longterm plans and it will be our job to provide them with a strategy and recommendations that will help achieve their aims in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible, from the initial comprehensive audit and setting out the long-term goals to reducing carbon emissions and the creation of their own renewable energy sources.” GreenClub – a Principal Partner of the PGA – is committed to improving sustainability in the golf industry and beyond and their objective continues to gather pace on several fronts. As well as their consultation services to assess current and future needs of any business as they seek to reduce their carbon emissions, venues can also become generators of their own green renewable energy. In some cases, any surplus energy can then be sold to the local market, rather than back to the grid.

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#makinggolfhappen

GreenClub would like to invite you to take part in a survey which tackles the subject of environmental issues with a view to better understanding the general thinking on the topic of renewable energy at golf and leisure facilities. Participants will be entered into a draw to win two places to join the GreenClub team at the PGA Lunch on Friday, December 17, 2021, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. GreenClub chief executive Liam Greasley said: “We’re hoping we can tap into the vast knowledge of the golf family and better understand some of the priorities and challenges everyone is facing within the industry. It’s about having some useful data at our disposal but we’re keen to help in any way we can to help golf venues achieve their energy goals.” To take part in the survey, please visit www.greenclub.energy

TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE IN GOLF Liam Greasley and Andy Brown discuss the hugely important topic of climate change and the need for golf to address its impact on the environment. Listen by searching for PGA Live on your preferred podcast platform.

T R AV E L

TRADE WATCH With pent up demand amongst members for overseas golf travel, many of the top resorts and venues are filling up fast. Take a look at where is currently trending for Pro groups, whether it be a coaching or leisure break for a trip away in 2022.

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

La Manga Club La Manga has a vast array of facilities on-site as well as 3 golf courses and excellent practice facilities. One of our top resorts for coaching breaks and only half an hour away from Murcia Airport. “I have taken a group of our members to La Manga for 4 years now. We all love the place due to the fantastic practice facilities and variety of the 3 courses. As a coach it has all the facilities I need with plenty of space on the driving range to keep my group private on what is a busy facility.” Mark Allen – Head Professional, Hillsborough GC STOP Packages start from £295 per person

Aphrodite Hills This stunning 5-star resort is only 20 minutes from the lively town of Paphos, offering the best of both worlds for Pro groups. With good weather all year round, Aphrodite is perfect for a member’s winter break. “Aphrodite was a great experience on my visit and I was very impressed with the course. The condition was superb and it features a wide variety of tees available to the players depending on their ability. The practice facilities are excellent and would provide everything you would want in a trip.” Rich Pace -Head Professional, Hornsea GC STOP Packages start from £785 per person

Precise Resort El Rompido An ever present in our Top 5 Pro Travel resorts – Precise Resort El Rompido has everything you need for a member’s getaway. Located in Huelva, it is a short transfer across the border from Faro Airport and offers excellent value for money. “El Rompido is a superb resort with challenging courses, great practice facilities and superb accommodation. The whole vibe around the place is brilliant and my feeling is you will struggle to get greater value for the all-round quality.” Tim Coxon - Head Professional, Mickleover GC STOP Packages start from £239 per person

To discuss you’re next break away get in touch with the Golfbreaks Pro Travel team 01753 752 880 | pga@golfbreaks.com |

@Golfbreaks_Pro |

@golfbreaks_pro_travel

September 2021

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T R AV E L

YOUR TIPS ON THE

ALGARVE Quinta do Lago “I have been travelling to the Algarve for many years with my members and clients and without doubt my favourite venue is Quinta do Lago. The 3 courses are world class (my favourite being the South Course) and the facilities and hospitality are second to none. If you want to take a group of members away to play tour standard courses that won’t break the bank, Quinta do Lago is the place to go. Make sure you take a trip to Bovino if your partial to a nice steak!” Steve Carter – Head Professional, Walmley GC

World class golf courses, excellent practice facilities and lively evening entertainment, no wonder the Algarve is one of the most popular Pro travel golfing destinations.

Amendoeira Golf Resort “After getting into Pro Travel a few years ago, Amendoeira was the first resort I went to to run a coaching trip with my members. It had everything I needed to run an exceptional break and offered great value for money with free use of the par 3 course and free buggies for my group. The practice facilities are excellent with a huge grass range that was reserved and plenty of short game options. Coupled with two excellent courses on-site it is the perfect venue for anyone looking to run a coaching break. My members loved it and we have been back several times since.” Carl Cross – Head Professional, Buxton & High Peak GC Vilamoura “Vilamoura has everything you need to enjoy a relaxed break away with a group of members. We always stay at Dom Pedro Marina, right in the middle of the action, with the bars and restaurants a short stroll away and offers the perfect place to base yourself from. The courses in the area are also fantastic with the likes of the Old course and Victoria only a short transfer away, a must play if you’re staying in Vilamoura.” Paul Hetherington – PGA Professional Golf Coach, Great Hadham Golf & Country Club

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T R AV E L

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C OAC H I N G

IN CONVERSATION WITH

LIAM JAMES

In a recent PGA Podcast, we spoke to top coach PGA Professional Liam James. Liam has worked on the European and PGA Tour and with Robert Rock for the last 10+ years, working at his Academies globally. He has worked with Tour professionals including Matt Wallace, Thomas Bjørn, Matthias Schwab, Grant Forrest, Oliver Wilson, Jason Scrivener, Wade Ormsby, Steven Brown and Max Kieffer.

What coaching processes have had the biggest impact on your players? I have leant more towards the performance and skill side of thingstrying to develop players as opposed to being massively technically driven. And obviously understanding from a playing perspective and a performance perspective about what have we got to do this week, or what’s this player going to do around this golf course or in this environment. A couple of guys are very technically driven, but then nine times out of 10, it’s about just going over the shots, the skills that are needed for this week, and what’s needed for this golf course. You’re obviously a young coach, how have you dealt with more experienced players? Somebody like Lee Westwood, who’s a very experienced campaigner, and you’ve probably watched his career grow and admired his skill? That’s a question I get a lot. I asked Butch Harmon and he told me the greatest players in the world teach you more than you’ll ever teach

them. That’s a really good way of looking at it. I’m never going to be able to teach Westwood how to play the game. I mean, he’s amazing at it. He’s talking to me from a technical standpoint, and he just wants my opinion on that area. There’s so much that he has said to me already about just the way he goes about things in a tournament that if I can pass that on to aspiring professionals back home that’s really the position I’d see myself in. Experience, like we say, you can’t buy it, you’ve just got to go through it, and learn as you go. How do you structure your time with the players? I’ll always love to go on the golf course. I think it’s massive to go on the golf course, walk and watch the player execute and just talk about how we are going to go about this, how we’re going to go about that. Managing the time is one of the biggest things. Also just knowing when it’s beneficial to leave the player to it. I think some players will make you politely aware that you’re not needed. But then you kind of just learn to read the situation.

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C OAC H I N G You’ve been out on the tour for a short amount of time, but it’s been a meteoric rise and you’ve done amazing things with players and won some big tournaments. What would you say has been difficult about adopting to Tour life? Learning when to switch on and off is really, really important. Something I’ve not done so well. I mean, obviously, when you’re in a job, and you really want the best for the players, it can almost push you one way where you keep thinking about it. But then, at some point, you’ve got to switch off, chill out and just enjoy. I guess enjoy the country that you’re in or enjoy the place that you’re in and learn when to leave it alone. I think I’m doing a better job now of being able to switch on and off. And then there’s amazing instructors on the PGA Tour. So, it’s good, I’m able to go for dinner with a couple of those guys and we talk about theory or coaching. Not only is it social over a beer, but I’m also learning at the same time. What traits are you seeing in the top players compared with amateur golfer? What’s the big difference? I would say more than anything, the way that they manage their time or their practice sessions. They get the most out of every practice session. They don’t hit any idle shots. The typical guy who’s walking into a driving range, or lady who’s buying a five-pound basket of balls, I would ask them what are you trying to achieve in that basket of balls? I guess the one thing that you probably see a lot with amateurs is if they have golf lessons, and they’ve got a lot of technical content or information in their mind, they want to just take all my information to the first tee. The Tour guys have learned how to separate all these things. But it goes back to exposure, doesn’t it? Amateurs are not able to see players doing these things. How do you use and manage technology with your players? Obviously, now, there’s so much technology. And I think that we got to be careful with technology, because I think that you use it

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as a measure of a measurement, that’s all it is. You get the objective information about what’s happening, get the plan in place, and then you kind of set your plan and then you use that as confirmation that the things that you are doing, are they really, really helping? It really does hold you accountable. However, the golf ball is also telling you an awful lot about what is going on and what’s happening so you can’t stop looking at that. So, it goes back to learning when to use it and when not to use it. You mentioned you like to see your players on the course. I just wondered how often you get to walk a tournament round with one of your players. And how do you debrief that round? I would say on tour where coaches would do Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and then off they would go, there comes a certain point with players where the trend is not transferring. What you see on

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, is not what you’re getting on Thursday or Friday. I do try to go on the golf course. That’s where I want to know if the struggles of making the cut may have been due to certain scenarios. And then obviously, don’t throw that in their face the moment they come off the golf course. The caddie is always the first person for me. I’ll ask them what’s their take on the day? Does that marry with what you see? And then what’s the player’s perspective of the day. That feedback, the 10 minutes that you get after they’ve come off the golf course and then before you go to the range, they’re obviously massively influential to what we’re about to do, the time that we’re about to spend on the range. If you text the player or if you’d spoken to a player and asked, how did you play today, and then you were there actually watching, you will almost guarantee that those two stories in no way reflect each other.

LEARN To access specialist coaching content, log on to www.pgalearn.pga.info This month:

Listen

Watch

FROM THE COURSE TO THE MIC – SOPHIE WALKER

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

Sophie talks to us about her career on the LET tour and now her various roles as presenter and analyst, host and coach.

PGA Business Relationship Officers discuss recruitment and retention - solutions that are financially and operationally beneficial for both PGA Member AND your club.

https://bit.ly/38yNEsn

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MARKETING

CHRIS RYAN:

THE SOCIAL COACH With 96,000 followers on Instagram and more than 286,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, Chris Ryan is steadily making a name for himself as one of the leading online coaches, not only in the UK, but across the world. Interview by Lily Hymes PGA Professional Chris Ryan has gone from club fitting and teaching, to building a thriving and ever-growing social media profile and has paved the way for a new kind of coaching. Like any aspiring golfer, Ryan harboured ambitions to become a player. He soon realised he wasn’t going to reach those heady heights and soon concentrated his efforts on becoming a PGA Professional. He explained: “I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to train at The Belfry and have the PGA headquarters on my doorstep. “I used that to my advantage and when I was looking for more advice and guidance I headed across to PGA HQ and would pick their brains on a regular basis. For me my PGA training was brilliant, and I had a really

good experience for which I am very grateful for. “The training for me was a really positive experience. Since I qualified, I have had a few instances where I have needed some legal support with contracts for events I am running at venues and The PGA has sent someone along with me in those meetings with professional expertise to ensure that I’m comfortable with the legal side of things. “It’s brilliant to know that if you need additional advice and support, they’ll be there for you.” After qualifying, Ryan got an opportunity to coach and went selfemployed and it was a stroke of luck that helped kick-start his social media profile. Ryan continued: “When I started out as a self-employed coach it took time to build up a client base so of the eight hours in the working day, I would probably have around four hours spare initially. “I decided to use that spare time to my advantage and start posting content online mainly around coaching tips. I guess I was one of the early adopters, I was also finding it so useful as I could direct my existing clients to my online content so they could go away and look at it in between lessons.” “After about a year I started to see lesson bookings coming through YouTube and Instagram. I was generating income through those platforms and that was very exciting. From that point on I was all in and knew this was definitely what I wanted to do.”

Photos by: Luke Davies 50

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MARKETING Ryan soon realised that he had a following and a blueprint, but it wasn’t so easy in the early days. “The hardest thing for me was that I had to train myself on how to capture content correctly, how to take photos, record audio, produce videos - it was all new to me, but I love learning so I really enjoyed it. “For me there are no downsides to it, for example when I do a corporate event and host 80 golfers here at the Forest of Arden, I am much more confident with doing that due to the hundreds of hours I have spent talking to the camera and developing my presentation style, its great for developing your communications skills.” In the early days Ryan used his then anonymity within the social media world to his advantage. He continued: “When I first started out, I was doing very basic recordings on my phone, recording audio on another phone with wires hanging out the back of my shirt. “I wasn’t too bothered as at that stage I knew no one was really watching, therefore it allowed me to try different things and play around my presentation style. If you look at my videos now, they are definitely more polished.” It’s clear that a lot more people are heading to YouTube for instruction. Ryan has found that it’s about getting the balance right as golfers are using this platform for a quick fix and as a result, they ignore the core learning process. Ryan believes the issue comes when creating lengthy content. It tends to get ignored and as a result doesn’t get as many views as the shorter videos. “The more we can help to educate people on how to use YouTube for instruction the better it’ll be for everyone. “For example, we need to encourage viewers to look at the ball flight, see where their ball is going and take it back step-by-step so they

can make those very subtle changes which will hopefully get them striking the ball better. “The responsibility is also on the end user and they must accept that it’s not all about quick fixes. They need to take the time to understand the game as a whole and not just single elements of it. The difficulty is getting that message across as the majority don’t want to hear it!” A large number of PGA Professionals have forged hugely successful careers using social media platforms, including the likes of Rick Shiels, who surpassed 1.2million followers on YouTube alone, and Peter Finch. “It’s a free way to get your name out there, a free way to get content out there and build your own brand. “It’s a resource every coach should be using even if it’s just to develop your communication skills so you can talk to a group of students comfortably.” When asked about what direction instruction will take on social media in the future, he added: “There is so much to think about right now - how to shoot videos, whether its landscape for YouTube, vertical for Instagram and TikTok. There are so many platforms and the list of content you can look at creating is never-ending. “We are seeing a trend in more short formats like the vertical videos you’ll see on Instagram and TikTok. Even YouTube is doing vertical short videos now. “We are definitely seeing a trend in videos being no longer than a minute. The hard thing for a golf coach is that its hard to convey some instructional messaging in under a minute. Platforms are striving for more views and to keep users on their platforms, so as someone that uses social media for my profession, I need to be aware of new trends and keep my eye on the ball so that I concentrate my efforts in the right places.”

8,400 LIKES 16,000 FOLLOWERS

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96,800

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10,200

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289,000

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BENEFITS

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To take advantage of these and other fantastic deals visit 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. 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.

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BENEFITS 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 752 880 or email pga@golfbreaks.com to book your next trip.

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, 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

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 – Thurs. Contact Mark Williams on 01704 875 699 or reservations@ formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk quoting your membership number.

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.

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

Health and Wellbeing Support The PGA offers access to a 24/7, totally confidential helpline manned by trained counsellors providing 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.

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.

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

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.

Golf Academy

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Attractive rates for PGA Members to play Chee Chan Golf Resort in Pattaya, Thailand. Contact passakorn@cheechangolf.com for details.

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VAT Advice For VAT advice, call PGA Headquarters on 01675 470 333 or email robert.spencer-smith@pga.org.uk

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.

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.

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BENEFITS Coca Cola European Partners* Free cooler offer to PGA Members for their retail facilities. To arrange delivery/installation, contact John Balchin on jbalchin@ccep.com.

Wholesale and Delivery Service* Reliable wholesale and delivery to PGA Members in England and Wales, plus complimentary gift available to all new PGA account holders. Contact Tim Swingler on 07519 111 582, at tim@ chappleandjenkins.co.uk or visit www.chappleandjenkins.co.uk

Incentive Programme 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 www.huxleygolf.com/pga

Award-winning Distiller* 15% discount available to all UK PGA Members on all Loch Lomond Expressions available to buy online. Visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and enter the discount code PGA15 at checkout.

Sustainable Golf Products Exclusive 25% off pro-shop offer, buy three Shelf Ready Packaging (SRP) units for £120 (ex. VAT) and get one free. Each SRP contains 20 individual bamboo tee matchbox units, RRP £3.99/unit. Contact rob.emerson@ilbrands.co.uk or 01372 236117. T&Cs apply. Visit www.oceanteegolf.com

Vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements Free pro-shop Sale-or-return starter pack offer with excellent profit margins. Contact stephen@tomolivernutrition.com for 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 296360 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 www.toro.com/prostripeuk. To place an order on this offer or learn more, share your contact details at pgamembers@toro.com

Reduce Energy Costs We can help 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. Visit www. greenclub.energy, email info@greenclub.energy or call 0800 999 1904.

IT Services* Free Members’ IT health check of your 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.

XPOS Sales and Stock Management Retail management solution, used by professionals to reduce stock and improve profit. Quote PGAX01 to receive three months free XMAIL, the integrated customer email service. Contact on 01454 418 395 or via the CHAT button at www.crossovertec.co.uk

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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

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

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

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Personalised Luggage PGA Members receive 20% off our luggage. 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.

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

Acushnet Europe Ltd is the home of Titleist, the #1 ball in golf, and FootJoy, the #1 shoe in golf. We have a long-standing reputation in the industry for quality and have always delivered the highest standards of golf products. Titleist currently has a vacancy working for the #1 Ball in Golf. As a Golf Ball Fitting Specialist, you will have great communication and organisational skills, be confident and outgoing with the ability to develop and sustain key relationships. This position is offered on a permanent basis and will cover the North, East and Southeast of England. You will represent the brand at various trade and consumer events, providing education and best in class ball fitting experience for the dedicated golfer. You will also support the Area Sales Managers with merchandising and sales opportunities and ensure that all product launches and executions are to the highest standards. Reporting directly to the Titleist Golf Ball Category Manager, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks including, but not restricted to: • Organise and administer the successful execution of Titleist Golf Ball Fitting events throughout the specified territory – for both On Course and Key National Accounts to ensure that the trade and consumer understand the benefits of playing #1 Ball in Golf. • Work in partnership with local Area Sales Managers, when required, to educate trade partners (golf professionals and key off course accounts) during new product launches to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to successfully tell the story of the #1 Ball in Golf. • Deliver quality product presentations to groups of trade and/or consumers, in both formal and informal settings, educating golfers and Trade Partners about #1 Ball in Golf. • Represent the Titleist brand and #1 Ball in Golf at various Titleist brand events, trade, and consumer shows throughout the year and at different locations around the UK region. • Prepare and submit regular reports to Management, providing event overview and performance against key objectives. • Capture golfers' profiles and key events (i.e. email address, preferred golf shop, etc.) and communicate passionately the benefits of joining Team Titleist to all consumers. • Represent the Titleist brand name in a professional manner at all times with both trade and consumer alike. • Manage Titleist golf ball inventory, samples, van supplies and collateral in an appropriate and conscientious way. To succeed in this exciting position, you must be a keen golfer, with custom fitting experience. A PGA qualification is desirable, and you will have a strong educational focus in Maths and English. You will need to work flexibly and will be able to work over weekends. With extensive travel a requirement of the role, you will also be expected to set up tents, Trackman and move golf equipment, all of which require light to heavy lifting. A full driving licence is a prerequisite of the role, as is a sound knowledge of golf equipment technology. Since job holders will work largely unsupervised, we will require candidates who can demonstrate a mature and responsible attitude to their work, and the ability to effectively prioritise a heavy workload. The ability to use Microsoft Programmes (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is essential. Experience of operating a launch monitor is preferable and previous customer service or retail experience would also be an advantage. To apply for this role please send a CV with a covering letter to the HR Department – UKRecruitment@acushnetgolf.com stating current salary. Closing Date: 22nd September 2021. Acushnet Europe Ltd collects and processes personal data in accordance with the EU General Data Protections Regulations (GDPR). See the Job Applicant Privacy Notice on our website at www.titleist.co.uk The PGA Professional

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E M P LOY M E N T O P P O RT U N I T I E S Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club PGA Professional Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club, established in 1909, is a member owned club with approximately 1,100 members, has a vacancy for a Club Professional opportunity. This is an exceptional opportunity to develop a successful business for a Qualified PGA Professional with a focus on developing golfers of all ages as well as providing excellent customer service to 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 Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club. Duties and responsibilities • Have excellent business management skills and be a positive ambassador for the club. • Offer a full portfolio of golfing services including retail, repair, and tuition. • Be passionate regarding the development of junior and novice coaching. • Be responsible for the organisation and administration of golfing activities for the club:o Running competitions, including timesheet administration . o Coordinate & facilitate Green-fee & Society booking for the club. o Golf buggy rentals & daily upkeep. • Be instrumental in the development and retention of members and visitors to the club. • Be proactive in the ongoing development of the club. • Facilities include a shop, practice areas. The role reports directly to the Chairman of the Board of Management. Please forward a covering letter and C.V. detailing your experience to date and why you think you would be the ideal candidate for this position by email to: links@landb.ie Closing date for applications is September 21st, 2021 All applications will be acknowledged and treated in strictest confidence and all candidates will be advised of the Club’s decision.

Crosland Heath Golf Club - Head Professional Crosland Heath Golf Club seeks to appoint an enthusiastic Head PGA Professional with drive and determination to continue to take the club forward. Boasting a full membership of 600 members, this is a great opportunity for a dynamic, self-motivated individual. Applicants are asked to provide details of previous experience working within a private members club and managing a retail environment. The successful candidate must have excellent, leadership, interpersonal, communication and organisational skills to work across all aspects of the club, including external visitors and societies. Focus on delivering an excellent customer experience will be essential to the marketing and promotion of the club with a view to the overall strategic vision of the business. Key responsibilities include: • Establishing and operating a well-stocked shop and managing staffing levels. • Ensure excellent service is consistently delivered to members and visitors. • Developing and enhancing the existing coaching and tuition model at the club. • Supporting the strategic, operational, and financial plans of the business. If you would like to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please send a covering letter and CV to: secretary@croslandheath.co.uk by no later than 17th September 2021. 56

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a trainee/newly qualified PGA assistant to join our compact and professional team. The ideal candidate should be highly motivated, customer focused, pro-active and keen to increase both their retail and coaching skills. Lundin Links is a private members club with excellent visitor traffic only 12 miles from St Andrews and has hosted many Open Championship qualifiers over the years. The facility has a large retail outlet, a 12 bay practice facility, 18 hole putting green and purpose built short game area with excellent opportunities to teach. Please send applications (CV & Covering letter) by email: ron@lundinproshop.com

An opportunity has arisen for two qualified PGA Professionals/ trainees (yr 2 yr 3) to work at our busy 27-hole daily fee golf course with floodlit driving range, par 3, bespoke short-game area and 18-hole adventure golf course. Work would be in a shift pattern leaving ample time to develop a full coaching diary. 100% of coaching income goes to the professional. The job demands an outgoing and pro-active person who wants to make a very good living and be involved with a dynamic team at a busy venue. In the first instance apply to kim@garonparkgolf.co.uk August 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 Ravenmeadow Golf Centre Ravenmeadow Golf Centre requires a motivated PGA Professional who is reliable and confident to manage a golf shop and its associated services at a busy golf centre. The successful applicant will be responsible for the daily operations of the centre including retail, green fees & the driving range. The role will provide opportunities within our teaching academy and provides excellent earning potential. The right candidate will be qualified or nearly qualified, able to work on their own and as part of a team. Please email a covering letter and CV to james@ravenmeadowgolf.co.uk Kingswood Golf Centre Looking for a self-motivated PGA qualified professional and trainee professional. The role includes retail, coaching and custom fittings. A flexible rota system will offer anyone a great opportunity to further your career. Please send a CV and cover letter to chris.mann@foremostgolf.com Ravenmeadow Golf Centre Trainee/ assistant required at a busy golf centre. 18-hole course, driving range, pitch & putt and adventure golf. Excellent opportunity for the right candidate. 30–40 hours per week. Applicant must honest, reliable and able to work as part of a team or alone. Applications in writing to james@ravenmeadowgolf.co.uk Letchworth Golf Club Trainee/ qualified assistant sought for vibrant members’ club. Must be experienced, self-motivated, enthusiastic, reliable, and work well both independently and within a team. This position offers excellent earning potential from coaching/club fitting. Excellent customer service/IT skills are essential, shop hours are required. Send your CV with covering letter to andrewhurleypga@aol.com Royal Blackheath Golf Club Great opportunity as an assistant professional at a busy members club ideally suited to a newly registered or year 1/2 trainee. Role to include shop hours delivering first class service to members and guests with plenty of scope to coach and play. Apply with CV and covering letter to matt@londonputtingacademy.com AFGolfStore We are seeking a passionate coach to join our journey. Great earning potential and benefits with a long-term view of coach development within a driven team. Social media, marketing and advertising all done for you along with daily support from the head of academy. OTE £35K+ Benefits, holiday, pension plus more. Email: alan@afgolfstore.co.uk Haverfordwest Golf Club Assistant/ trainee required. Fantastic opportunity for a motivated candidate with strong communication skills to join a vibrant professional team providing first class customer service. Excellent training and coaching opportunities at a busy members club. Apply with CV and covering letter to Elliot.harding@live.co.uk by Sept 30th JD Golf Academy, Abingdon Exceptional, motivated PGA professional required to head our teaching academy. We want someone who can make our Academy, the “No.1” place to book their golf lessons! Driven and want to make a difference then we want to speak to you! Mail CV to info@jdgolfacademy.co.uk

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

Sutton Green Golf Club Golf club seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated PGA assistant / trainee. Pro shop shift work to allow time to play and teach. Ability to multitask, good IT skills and great communication skills an advantage. Send CV and covering letter to accounts@suttongreengc.co.uk. Stoke by Nayland SbN Resort is recruiting a full-time golf operations executive to join their team. This role offers a competitive salary plus benefits. Responsibilities; • Operations across 2 courses • Deliver excellent customer service • Daily operation of the shop and other service areas • Deal with enquiries via company systems Experience is preferred. Email: taylor.jones@stokegolfandleisure.com Horsham Golf, West Sussex PGA qualified coach, with proven track record of coaching and customer excellence, required at busy, well located 27-hole facility with full radar tracked range and short game area. Applicants should be passionate, motivated with excellent communication skills. Great earning potential. Please email CV and covering letter to mike@horshamgolf.co.uk Tandridge & Cherry Lodge Chris Evans Golf requires two dynamic trainees for immediate start. We serve over one thousand members and our growing operation boasts two high class stores and full coaching programmes aided by Trackman technology and state of the art fitting facilities. Send your CV to evo63@aol.com and start your professional journey. Sutton Golf Club, Ireland Exciting opportunity for a hard-working candidate to train in Sutton Golf Club, Ireland. Sutton is a 9-hole links course with a thriving membership. Candidates will be enthusiastic, eager to learn and deliver great customer service. Role includes retail, coaching and playing opportunities. Reply with CV and cover letter to paddevine@yahoo.co.uk Weybrook Park Golf Club PGA qualified coach required to join our academy. New members coaching incentive/opportunity to deliver group coaching sessions. Excellent coaching facilities at a well located 27-hole club with 750 members. Bringing own clients, is welcome. 10 to15 shop hours, included in the opportunity. Please email CV and covering letter to steve@basingstokegolfacademy.co.uk.

For more information, please contact recruitment@pga.org.uk 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 first took up golf when I was 12 and became hooked from there. I began my PGA training at the age of 23 at the Belfry and was based there for 4 years. Upon completing my training I was fortunate to have the opportunity of joining the team at the Peter Cowen Academy at Emirates Golf Club, Dubai and became Senior Instructor and Academy Director. Following on from Dubai I went to the South East Coast of Spain as Academy Director of the PGA Academy at Roda Golf & Beach Resort. Having enjoyed several years overseas it felt the right time to move back to the UK where I established a coaching base and academy. I have always enjoyed personal development and learning and over the years have travelled within the U.K and overseas to various workshops and certification programmes, The World Golf Fitness Summit in Florida and time shadowing the late Ramsay McMaster in Melbourne Australia have been great highlights.

during my time at Emirates Golf Club and for that I am extremely grateful. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN? I was told when I was younger to ‘Look ahead, not around’ which really translates into focusing on your own unique strengths and avoiding any negative comparison or self-doubt. I think this could certainly apply both on and off the golf course, particularly in today’s world of social media where there can be a tendency to feel under pressure, comparing to what others may be doing or achieving which can sometimes knock us off track in some way. It’s always good to embrace your own unique strengths and follow your own path. I also remember coaching a very successful business man a few years ago and asking him his best piece of advice within business that has made the biggest difference to him. He replied instantly, look after your team and your customers will always be taken care of!

LOOK AHEAD

NOT AROUND

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE? Remain as open as possible to opportunities, try not to put limits on what you think may be possible. Most importantly follow what you are passionate about and what you enjoy. Focus on what you can give a little bit more than what you can get. How can you make a positive difference, add value and do your best ensure people feel better when they leave than when they arrive.

PGA Fellow Professional Nicky Lawrenson first took up golf more than 20 years ago. She has experience of coaching in Dubai, China, Germany, Spain and in the UK. She is currently the Director of Golf at the prestigious Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Wiltshire.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I am currently the Director of Golf at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort. It is a fantastic venue to be a part of and the role offers a great variety on a day to day basis. The combined elements of the resort which include a healthy golf membership, hotel guests, corporate clients and a growing academy keeps me on my toes and means no two days are the same! The role also enables me continue with my coaching which is great and something I still really enjoy. As much as lockdown has brought its challenges it also provided an opportunity to see through a new project at Bowood involving our new Performance Studio which has been developed in conjunction with Steve Gould and GASP. Bowood has been fantastic in supporting and investing in the development of the academy and the coaching team.

WHAT/WHO HAVE BEEN YOUR CAREER INFLUENCES? I have to credit my dad for introducing me into the game from about the age of 12 and being a big influence on my involvement within golf. My parents have always bee very supportive and never placed any pressure on me with regards to my golf or career path. I was fortunate to have some great people around me during my training at The Belfry which provided a really good platform for my career moving forward. I also gained a lot of great guidance and experience from Pete Cowen

THE ONE THING WISH YOU HAD KNOWN NOW? You don’t have to know your exact path at the start, it’s OK the explore different avenues. I think early in my career I was unsure as to which route I wanted to take whether that be within coaching or within the options available as a PGA Professional. As time went along it became a bit clearer what I felt drawn to and what felt right.

September 2021

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17TH - 18TH SEPTEMBER 2021 WYCOMBE AIR PARK, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 100+ golf exhibitors & live experiences FREE lessons with our PGA Pros 300-yd outdoor driving range Test the latest equipment Play in golf simulators See golf destinations Try new golf technology Try the amazing Zen Green Stage and other interactive exhibits Plus additional entry to the co-located Elite Events - London luxury lifestyle show 110+ luxury lifestyle exhibitors

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TRY N E E RE G E T FI T H C O D E W 20243 BGS