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        <title>Confederation of Professional GolfSeptember 2012 &#8211; Confederation of Professional Golf</title>
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                        <title>Ryder Cup Day Two – Team USA Extends Their Lead to Four, But Europe Keep Within Touching Distance</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/ryder-cup-day-two-team-usa-extends-their-lead-to-four-but-europe-keep-within-touching-distance/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sun, 30 Sep 2012 10:57:54 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8247</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[Day Two of the 2012 Ryder Cup did not disappoint when it came to drama and incredible golf – but it was the American Team that ended up on top after another day]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day Two of the 2012 Ryder Cup did not disappoint when it came to drama and incredible golf – but it was the American Team that ended up on top after another day of Foursomes and Fourballs, leaving them in the driving seat in today’s Singles matches.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Play got underway with two of the games biggest characters stepping up to the amphitheater stage that is the first tee at Medinah Country Club in Chicago, Illinois. America’s Bubba Watson did his best job at getting the crowd fired up with chanting and cheering on the tee, and Europe’s Ian Poulter responded by getting the fans to cheer during his tee-shot. All that was left for Watson to do was reply and reply he did to rapturous cheers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This first matchup of Poulter and Rose versus Watson and Simpson proved to be a showcase match, but it was Poulter who proved to be the standout player promoting comparisons to Europe’s Ryder Cup legend, Seve Ballesteros. Poulter showed his might and passion alongside Rose and won the match 1-Up.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But that proved to be the only point scored by Team Europe in the Morning Foursomes, as America showed their mettle by winning all three other matches.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The standout performance on the American side was once again coming from the dream pairing of Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The duo dominated their opponents, former world number 1s Luke Donald and Lee Westwood and were 5-Up at the turn eventually winning the match on the 12th hole, 7&amp;6, in a record-equalling defeat for the Europeans.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Team America’s Phil Mickelson said, &#8220;Europe has had some great team-mates, but to be able to share this experience with Keegan has been really awesome. We&#8217;ve had so much fun, the crowd has provided so much energy and it&#8217;s brought our best golf out.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Europe entered the afternoon Foursomes still with a positive outlook even with a four-point deficit, however, once again the American Team came out of the blocks quickly, leading in the majority of matches.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Match One, McIlroy and Poulter versus Dufner and Johnson, looked to be turning into a red win going through the halfway point, however, the European pair managed to turn things around with a McIlroy birdie at 13 and Poulter birdies at 15 and 16 ensuring a European point on the board.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The following two matches proved to be domainted by the Americans though, as Rose and Molinari were overcome by the stalwart pairing of Waston and Simpson, and Colsaerts and Lawrie were beaten 1-Up by Johnson and Kuchar after Colsaerts’ putter did not function quite as it did on Day One.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But having suffered a big defeat in the morning Donald, along with Garcia, came out strong and lead the slightly off-the-boil Stricker and Woods pairing through the front nine. Woods attempted to come back during the back nine after finding some form, but the European pair stayed strong to win on the last hole 1-UP securing another much-needed point for Team Europe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Today’s final round Singles matchups are undoubtedly going to provide great drama and fantastic golf, and with Europe needing to make up four points as quickly as possible, the strong starting pairings from Captain Olazabal need to perform at their best to give Europe any chance of defending successfully.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>After Day Two the Americans lead 10 points to 6 points.</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For more live updates from this year’s Ryder Cup visit The Confederation of Professional Golf on Twitter &#8211; <a href="http://bit.ly/Pojrwy" target="_blank">@PGAsofEurop</a>e – or at the <a href="http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc" target="_blank">Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook page.</a></p>
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                        <title>Ryder Cup Day One – Europe Comes Out Fighting But USA Finish With Upper Hand</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/ryder-cup-day-one-europe-comes-out-fighting-but-usa-finish-with-upper-hand/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sat, 29 Sep 2012 10:53:11 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8244</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[Day One of the 2012 Ryder Cup got off to a fiery start today with Team USA coming out on top after the morning Foursomes and afternoon Fourballs.]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day One of the 2012 Ryder Cup got off to a fiery start today with Team USA coming out on top after the morning Foursomes and afternoon Fourballs.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Today’s pairings, announced during the Opening Ceremony on Thursday afternoon, looked to be favouring the Europeans, at least in the eyes of the on-course pundits at the 7658 yard, Par-72 Medinah Country Club course in Chicago, Illinois. Solid choices from European Captain, Jose Maria Olazabal, allowed Team Europe to come out with all guns blazing as Graeme McDowell got the tournament underway in Match 1.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Close friends McIlroy and McDowell ensured the first game lead the charge, leading from the off, with the aid of a chip-in and some glorious shots from the pair, Furyk and Snedeker didn’t let them pull away too far, but it was the European pair that managed to keep their lead and win 1Up.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Donald and Garcia, playing against one of the strongest pairings of the day, started out well, but were closed out into the back nine when Bradley and Mickelson upped their game in what was just their start of their tirade against the Europeans, taking the match with a 4&amp;3 victory &#8211; the first time the Donald/Garcia pair have lost a Foursomes match together in the Ryder Cup.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Even after a good start, Westwood and Molinari weren’t able to get past the strong mid-section fight from Dufner and Johnson losing their match 3&amp;2 to the home pairing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Poulter and Rose versus Stricker and Woods faced each other in what was classed as the biggest matchup, but a poor early showing from the USA pair allowed the Europeans to get ahead. Wins for the Europeans on holes 11, 12, and 14 managed to close out the match, winning 2&amp;1.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The afternoon Fourballs brought change to the pairings on both side, with what some called a controversial dropping of Poulter for the rookie from Belgium, Nicolas Colsaerts, but it did allow all the European team members to get a match on Day One.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But it was not to be the Europeans’ afternoon as the Americans came out fighting after the short break to lead early on in three of the four matches. Johnson and Kuchar managed to keep in and around 3UP for the majority of their match with Rose and Kaymer eventually winning 3&amp;2.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson showed what they were made of in their tie against Lawrie and Hanson, having both been left out of Captain Love’s draw sheet for the first round Foursomes, going 6Up through the turn and substantially winning with a 5&amp;4 victory.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Star pair of the day was experienced Ryder Cup veteran, Phil Mickelson, now playing his ninth Ryder Cup, alongside rookie, but major winner, Keegan Bradley. The pair took an early lead to go 3UP, but after a late fight back from the McIlroy and McDowell, Mickelson struck the killer blow with a stone dead tee-shot on the Par-3 17th hole to secure their victory in emphatic style.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But there was a European saviour of the day in the form of Nicolas Colsaerts, however. The first time Ryder Cup player from Belgium, had the game of his life carding 8 birdies and an eagle on the way to his and Westwood’s 1Up win over Woods and Stricker – not even a storming putt on the 17th hole from Tiger Woods could stop the Belgian’s charge. Westwood, whilst not on top form, provided the experience and reassurance required to let Colsaerts do what he had to do – as Westwood said in his post-match interview, “I was just a jockey with a really good horse”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Not the best of finishes to the day for Team Europe, but what is certain is that an inspired team talk from Captain Olazabal, and a slight re-sort of the draw for this morning’s Foursomes, will mean the Europeans will not be holding back from making up the two point deficit.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>After Day One the Americans lead 5 points to 3 points. </strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For more live updates from this year’s Ryder Cup visit The Confederation of Professional Golf on Twitter &#8211; <a href="http://bit.ly/Pojrwy" target="_blank">@PGAsofEurope</a> – or at the <a href="http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc" target="_blank">Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook page</a>.</p>
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                        <title>Golf Europe 2012 Celebrates International Success</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/golf-europe-2012-celebrates-international-success/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sat, 29 Sep 2012 10:51:38 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8241</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[Golf Europe returned to Germany this year but with a new host venue, Messe Augsburg, and a reinvigorated programme to excite visitors. ]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Golf Europe returned to Germany this year but with a new host venue, Messe Augsburg, and a reinvigorated programme to excite visitors. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The show got underway with the new inclusion of Demo Day, bringing it in line with the likes of the Orlando trade show, in which show-goers can test out the latest products and technology in their ‘natural’ environment.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Split across two halls, the main exhibition part of the show, coming back to the industry having taken a year out from the golfing calendar, allowed industry professionals from over 30 different worldwide countries to meet, conduct deals, and learn from each other, whilst in the comfortable surroundings of The Messe Augsburg exhibition centre, only 45 minutes from Munich.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;Feedback is unanimous that the industry needs Golf Europe, and Augsburg has proved that it is an ideal location. The conviction that the trade fair is important within Europe has pervaded nearly every conversation,&#8221; said Gerhard Reiter, CEO of Messe Augsburg.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A key to the success of the show was the diversity of nationalities visiting: Ian Randell, Chief Executive of The Confederation of Professional Golf, a co-supporter of the show alongside the PGA of Germany, said “The return of Golf Europe was a positive one with plans for further developments in 2013 and beyond. The key element is the international nature of the show that attracted visitors from more than 30 countries and opens up numerous doors and establishes new contacts”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Golf Europe also gave Professionals the opportunity to visit the Confederation of Professional Golf and PGA of Germany &#8220;Learning Zone&#8221; in which invited speakers, such as European Senior Director of Instruction DLGA Germany, Paul Dyer, and Niall Flannagan, Managing Director of Club Inc., each speaking about their Top-3 Key Topics within their niche of the industry.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The seminars proved to be a very well received part of the show, ensuring Golf Europe covers multiple disciplines within the industry, whilst still having a strong focus on education and providing resources alongside The Confederation of Professional Golf and native PGA of Germany.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Golf Europe is set to return in 2013 and exhibitors can register their attendance for the second year at Messe Augsburg by visiting <a title="Golf-Europe.com | Home" href="http://www.Golf-Europe.com" target="_blank">www.Golf-Europe.com</a>, or emailing <a title="Contact Messe Augsburg" href="mailto:info@messeaugsburg.de" target="_self">info@messeaugsburg.de</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Find out more about Golf Europe 2012 in our reviews:</p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a title="CPG.com | Golf Europe 2012 – Demo Day" href="http://bit.ly/QHodYg" target="_blank">Golf Europe 2012 Demo Day Review</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a title="CPG.com | Golf Europe 2012 – Day 1 Gets the Show Off to a Great Start" href="http://bit.ly/Wi16V0" target="_blank">Golf Europe 2012 Show Day One Review</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a title="CPG.com | Golf Europe 2012 – Day 2: The Show Gets Into Full Swing" href="http://CPG.com/pages/view/article/golf-europe-2012-day-2-the-show-gets-into-full-swing?WEB" target="_blank">Golf Europe 2012 Show Day Two Review</a></li>
</ul>
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                        <title>Portugal’s Hugo Santos Takes UniCredit 2012 PGA Professional Championship of Europe Title for the Second Time</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/portugals-hugo-santos-takes-unicredit-2012-pga-professional-championship-of-europe-title-for-the-second-time/</link>
                        <pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 10:45:30 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8238</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[After a hard-fought battle though changing weather conditions, Hugo Santos from Portugal came out on top becoming the UniCredit 2012 Professional Championship]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>After a hard-fought battle though changing weather conditions, Hugo Santos from Portugal came out on top becoming the UniCredit 2012 Professional Championship of Europe Champion for the second consecutive time, taking home a winners cheque for 10,000€.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Carding an even-par 72 final round score, to give a total of ten-under-par (278), Santos ensured he remained steady, composed and strategic as he negotiated the final stages of the round.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A strong fight was made from all three tied-for-second place competitors, Lee Rooke from Wales, Frederic Cupillard of France, and Mikel Galdos from Spain, all finishing at nine-under-par (279) for the championship.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The early stages of play shook things up, when the leading group all matched up to sit at ten-under-par through 6 holes, along with Rooke, after which Cupillard and Galdos each dropped a shot to leave Santos and Rooke at the top.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Steady rounds from all three eventual runners-up kept them in the hunt, but it was Santos who had his fair share of drama on the back-nine, making bogeys on fourteen and fifteen, and the pressure mounted as he neared the end of the round.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The difficult part is when you start feeling the pressure, it’s more difficult to keep control,” Santos said. “On 17 when I was playing my tee-shot it started raining pretty heavy, but to be honest I almost didn’t feel the rain because of the pressure. It was a very important moment and that was key.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But it was eventually Santos that took advantage of the situation and lined himself up for a twenty-foot putt on the last to take the win. Level-headed as always, Santos rolled the putt in to become the UniCredit PGA Professional Champion of Europe for the second year running having won here at Pravets Golf Resort and Spa last year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Santos said of successfully defending his title, “It felt more difficult this year – the trees are bigger, rough longer…but I’m really proud to represent our PGA. I had two or three moments like the second where I bogeyed but I recovered and it was enough!”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the full final leaderboard visit <a href="http://bit.ly/Qf5P60" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/Qf5P60</a>, and for more photos, videos and information, visit The Confederation of Professional Golf Twitter account, <a href="http://bit.ly/Pojrwy" target="_blank">@PGAsofEurope</a>, or the <a href="http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc" target="_blank">Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook page</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For more information on host venue Pravets Golf and Spa Resort, visit <a href="http://bit.ly/Oas6pL" target="_blank">www.pravets-golfclub.com.</a></p>
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                        <title>Introduction of Peter Bronson as the Executive Director of the PGA of Spain</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/introduction-of-peter-bronson-as-the-executive-director-of-the-pga-of-spain/</link>
                        <pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 10:42:25 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8236</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[The PGA of Spain are pleased to present Peter Bronson as their new Executive Director. ]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The PGA of Spain are pleased to present Peter Bronson as their new Executive Director.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Peter has been a member of the PGA since 1999, after finishing his studies at Georgetown University, in Washington DC. He has worked as a teaching and playing professional, and in the last years moved to Warsaw to help develop the Polish PGA, and serving as one of their National Coaches. He has been trained as a Tutor by the Confederation of Professional Golf.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;We are excited to have Peter on board, as his experience with education and structure of a PGA will prove invaluable. His decades of tournament involvement and international relations will surely also help move our Association in the direction being marked by all the leading PGAs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I&#8217;ve known Peter for more than ten years, and am confident that his experience, enthusiasm, and hard work ethic will be key in moving the PGA of Spain into its deserved place among the leading PGAs of the world. We welcome him, and look forward to a time of growth in education, communication, and competition.&#8221; – Carlos Roca, President PGA of Spain.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I&#8217;m so excited about the honor and challenge of directing the PGA of Spain. We have an inspiring time ahead of us; lots of organization to do, and for sure I&#8217;ll need the help of my fellow professionals. Together we can raise our standards and form an association that will serve as an example for others to follow. I can&#8217;t wait to work with everyone.&#8221; – Peter Bronson</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For more information on The PGA of Spain, visit <a title="PGASpain.com | Home" href="http://www.pgaspain.com" target="_blank">www.pgaspain.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ES:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Introducción de Peter Bronson como Director Ejecutivo de la PGA de España</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">La PGA de España se alegra en presentar a Peter Bronson como nuevo director ejecutivo. Peter forma parte de nuestra asociación desde el ´99, después de haber acabado sus estudios en la Universidad de Georgetown, en Washington DC. Ha trabajado de profesional de enseñanza y como jugador, y en los últimos años vivió en Varsovia, ayudando a desarrollar a la PGA Polaca y ocupándose de los equipos nacionales. Recibió la formación de “Tutor”de la PGAs de Europa.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Estamos encantados de incorporar a Peter a nuestro equipo. Su experiencia en la educación y estructura de las PGA nos será de gran utilidad. Las décadas de participación en torneos que tiene y la práctica en relaciones internacionales seguramente nos ayudará a avanzar nuestra asociación por las líneas que marcan los mejores PGA.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Conozco a Peter desde hace más de diez años, y confío que su experiencia, entusiasmo y mentalidad de trabajar duro serán clave para posicionarnos dentro de nuestro merecido lugar entre los PGAs más avanzados y respetados del mundo. Le damos la bienvenida, y esperamos una buena racha de crecimiento en nuestros servicios de educación, comunicación y competición.” – Carlos Roca, Presidente PGA de España.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Me ilusiona enormemente tener el honor y el desafío de llevar la gestión de la PGA de España. Tenemos un tiempo inspirador delante nuestro; mucho por organizar y hacer y seguro que necesitaré la ayuda de mis compañeros profesionales. Juntos podemos elevar el estándar y formar parte de una asociación que servirá como el ejemplo que otros querrán seguir. Me alegro mucho de poder trabajar con y por vosotros.” – Peter Bronson</p>
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                        <title>UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe 2012</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/unicredit-pga-professional-championship-of-europe-2012/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:14:05 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=9278</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[Portugal’s Hugo Santos Takes UniCredit 2012 PGA Professional Championship of Europe Title for the Second Time]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><em>Portugal’s Hugo Santos Takes UniCredit 2012 PGA Professional Championship of Europe Title for the Second Time</em></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>After a hard-fought battle though changing weather conditions, Hugo Santos from Portugal came out on top becoming the UniCredit 2012 Professional Championship of Europe Champion for the second consecutive time, taking home a winners cheque for 10,000€.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Carding an even-par 72 final round score, to give a total of ten-under-par (278), Santos ensured he remained steady, composed and strategic as he negotiated the final stages of the round.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A strong fight was made from all three tied-for-second place competitors, Lee Rooke from Wales, Frederic Cupillard of France, and Mikel Galdos from Spain, all finishing at nine-under-par (279) for the championship.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The early stages of play shook things up, when the leading group all matched up to sit at ten-under-par through 6 holes, along with Rooke, after which Cupillard and Galdos each dropped a shot to leave Santos and Rooke at the top.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Steady rounds from all three eventual runners-up kept them in the hunt, but it was Santos who had his fair share of drama on the back-nine, making bogeys on fourteen and fifteen, and the pressure mounted as he neared the end of the round.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The difficult part is when you start feeling the pressure, it’s more difficult to keep control,” Santos said. “On 17 when I was playing my tee-shot it started raining pretty heavy, but to be honest I almost didn’t feel the rain because of the pressure. It was a very important moment and that was key.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But it was eventually Santos that took advantage of the situation and lined himself up for a twenty-foot putt on the last to take the win. Level-headed as always, Santos rolled the putt in to become the UniCredit PGA Professional Champion of Europe for the second year running having won here at Pravets Golf Resort and Spa last year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Santos said of successfully defending his title, “It felt more difficult this year – the trees are bigger, rough longer…but I’m really proud to represent our PGA. I had two or three moments like the second where I bogeyed but I recovered and it was enough!”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the full final leaderboard visit <a title="CPG.com - UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe Final Leaderboard" href="http://bit.ly/Qf5P60" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/Qf5P60</a>, and for more photos, videos and information, visit The Confederation of Professional Golf Twitter account, <a title="Twitter.com | @PGAsofEurope" href="http://bit.ly/Pojrwy" target="_blank">@PGAsofEurope</a>, or the <a title="Facebook.com | Confederation of Professional Golf" href="http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc" target="_blank">Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook page</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For more information on host venue Pravets Golf and Spa Resort, visit <a title="Pravets-GolfClub.com | Home" href="http://bit.ly/Oas6pL" target="_blank">www.pravets-golfclub.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">&#8216;Big Brother&#8217; Hugo to Defend as Passport to Pravets Race Hots Up</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>HUGO SANTOS, the elder brother of two Portuguese golf professionals will be bidding for a repeat performance when he defends the UNICREDIT PGA Professional Championship of Europe, at the PRAVETS Golf &amp; Spa, Bulgaria, on September 17-20</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As the pursuit of a coveted Passport to Pravets hots up, the senior of the golfing brothers 33-year-old Hugo, who is based at Vilamoura Laguna, gets his entry as the inaugural winner, after a play-off against Ben Collier, in 2011.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To back up his bid to successfully defend the title of PGA Professional Champion of Europe, Hugo now has the valued tournament experience of having represented Portugal, alongside brother Ricardo, in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China last November (right).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The PGA Professional Championship of Europe has already established itself as a ‘must play’ event for the elite of club and teaching professionals who include tournament play in their varied list of activities and the pursuit of places is now underway in earnest as players at national championships and other leading events across the Confederation of Professional Golf member countries jostle for the chance to win the title of individual champion of Europe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Several countries have already staged their qualifiers, as the list below indicates, and soon more names of qualifiers will be announced as others compete to join them for a shot at the prestigious European crown currently held by Santos.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Israel’s Oren Geri (left), a professional who will have benefited from the Golf Development Programme staged by The R&amp;A and the Confederation of Professional Golf, is among the growing list of qualifiers. Aged 37 from Tel Aviv, Geri earned his place while competing at the Caesarea club championships in trials for the country’s Maccabi Games which takes place every four years there, and will be held next in 2015, one year before the return of the sport’s eagerly-anticipated return to the Olympics, in Brazil.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Though initially a leading amateur, golfing progress was not straightforward for him in his teenage years due to the obligatory three-year military service but he persevered to eventually become the pro at Herzelia where he works to service the golfing requirements of its members in terms of lessons and club fitting.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Geri, who played in the Confederation of Professional Golf-endorsed BlackSeaRama Pro-Am in Bulgaria in July, said: &#8220;My goal in participating in the event at Pravets is to represent the relatively young PGA of Israel in the true spirit of the game, network with our colleagues from Europe who are so kindly helping us develop our organisation and skill level&#8230;and create awareness to our existence.&#8221;</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Passport to Pravets</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Launched to universal acclaim last Autumn, the UNICREDIT PGA Professional Championship of Europe, at the PRAVETS Golf &amp; Spa, Bulgaria, is firmly established as the No.1 individual playing target on the association’s tournament schedule…but first, for potential champions, comes the necessity to qualify for a shot at it!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Before the elite field of 60 players can take shape for the second staging of the 72-hole stroke play title on September 17-20,  each member PGA wishing to be represented – and surely that must be all? – has to nominate its national qualifying event to take place in the upcoming weeks or months.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some have already specified their qualifiers and are listed below. Others are in the process of so doing and their qualifying events will be named in newsletters in the next month or two.  Some member countries have not, however, indicated their intentions yet and are urged to do so as soon as they can.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Ideally every PGA professional who includes tournament competition in their list of career intentions should get the opportunity to attempt to qualify for this highly prestigious championship,” said Confederation of Professional Golf chief executive Ian Randell.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“When Hugo Santos (pictured), the pro at Vila Sol in Portugal, won the inaugural championship in 2011 it put an achievement on his cv that, I’m sure, he will always cherish. PGA Professional Champion of Europe…who wouldn’t be proud of such a title?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Jonathan Pendry, Golf Courses Director of Braemar Golf commented, &#8220;Braemar Golf and RIU Pravets Resort are delighted to be hosting once again the UNICREDIT PGA Professional Championship of Europe. The event last year was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed some great golf and socialising as well with the professionals. We look forward to meeting with old friends and making new ones and wish the qualifiers the very best of luck!! &#8220;</p>
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                        <title>UniCredit 2012 PGA Professional Championship of Europe Round Three – Cupillard Goes Low, But Galdos Leads Again</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/unicredit-2012-pga-professional-championship-of-europe-round-three-cupillard-goes-low-but-galdos-leads-again/</link>
                        <pubDate>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:39:13 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8234</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[A fog-delayed beginning to the day was not the ideal way to begin the third round of this year’s UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe.]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A fog-delayed beginning to the day was not the ideal way to begin the third round of this year’s UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe, but it was also indicative of the approach of a beautiful, warm day at host venue Pravets Golf and Spa Resort, Bulgaria.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Early moves in their rounds from defending champion Hugo Santos (Portugal), round one leader Mikel Galdos (Spain), and the hot starter with a fantastic four birdies in six holes, Lee Rooke (Wales), ensured a similar pack stayed at the top of the leaderboard early on.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After his 64 in round-two, Benjamin Nicolay (France) initially fell back two shots to seven-under-par, but nonetheless remained solid through the middle of his round, and two birdies on the back nine ensured his share of second place overnight with 2011 champion Santos.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Chasing Nicolay’s low-round score was fellow countryman Frederic Cupillard, posting a seven-under-par 65 to leave him within three shots of the lead.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Cupillard said of his resurgence up the leaderboard, “I was pretty happy to come back close to the lead and I will try to keep the same game and find the rhythm too with my putting tomorrow, it could be ok. I didn’t miss a lot of shots so we will see.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sub-par rounds at the top of the pack ensured this group were all still in with a chance at taking the title in tomorrow’s final round, but Galdos came out on top for Round Three with a bogey-less six-under 66 giving him a two-shot advantage over the chasers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Glados described his open-minded view on the final round awaiting him, “I played very well today, and I hope tomorrow I will play well…tomorrow I’ll try to play like I did today and if it’s good it’s good, bad it’s bad &#8211; no problem.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another day of drama and quality play awaits the fourth and final round of the championship tomorrow, and with the top 7 competitors within 6 shots of each other, it is sure to be an exciting finish to this year’s challenge.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the full leaderboard and live scoring visit <a href="http://bit.ly/Qf5P60" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/Qf5P60</a>, and for more live updates head to the <a href="http://bit.ly/Pojrwy" target="_blank">Confederation of Professional Golf Twitter account, @PGAsofEurope</a>, or the <a href="http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc" target="_blank">Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook page</a>.</p>
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                        <title>UniCredit 2012 PGA Professional Championship of Europe Round Two &#8211; Nicolay Leads With Birdie Spree</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/unicredit-2012-pga-professional-championship-of-europe-round-two-nicolay-leads-with-birdie-spree/</link>
                        <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 10:35:55 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8232</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[The big story of Round Two of the UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe is certainly not in contention ]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The big story of Round Two of the UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe is certainly not in contention – honours go to French PGA member Benjamin Nicolay, having stormed the golf course to card an eight-under-par round of 64 taking him to nine-under-par for the tournament.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Having started par –bogey, Nicolay ensured he kept control making three birdies before the turn, and then beginning a serious run of four consecutive birdies, with another two in the final five holes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I managed to keep the ball in play all day and was able to hit a lot of good shots close to the pin and today compared to yesterday I made the putts” said Benjamin upon completion, “I just want to have a chance to be in contention coming into the last day, there’s still two rounds to be played and we’ll see”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile the rest of the field continued to take advantage of the ever-improving conditions with just under half the field sub-par for the tournament. Overnight leader, Spaniard Mikel Galdos, remains in the hunt having made a solid one-under-par 71 today, keeping him tied second, with the rest of yesterday’s four all in the top-5 places on the leaderboard as we reach the halfway stage. So whilst Nicolay stole the show with his stunning 64, the remaining players are only three-shots off, and will no doubt be keeping a close check on his progress going into the third round.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the full leaderboard and live scoring visit <a title="CPG.com | UniCredit 2012 PGA Professional Championship of Europe Live Scoring" href="http://bit.ly/Qf5P60" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/Qf5P60</a>, and for more live updates head to the Confederation of Professional Golf Twitter account, <a title="Twitter.com | @PGAsofEurope" href="http://bit.ly/Pojrwy" target="_blank">@PGAsofEurope</a>, or the <a title="Facebook.com | Confederation of Professional Golf" href="http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc" target="_blank">Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook page</a>.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">For more information on host venue Pravets Golf and Spa Resort, visit <a title="Pravets-GolfClub.com | Home" href="http://bit.ly/Oas6pL" target="_blank">www.pravets-golfclub.com</a>.</p>
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                        <title>UniCredit 2012 PGA Professional Championship of Europe &#8211; Round One</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/unicredit-2012-pga-professional-championship-of-europe-round-one/</link>
                        <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 10:31:47 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8227</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[The leaderboard after Day One of the 2012 UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe is filled with a solid mixture of scores, as the wet weather from Su]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The leaderboard after Day One of the 2012 UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe is filled with a solid mixture of scores, as the wet weather from Sunday subsided a little to ease in the players in the first day of the tournament.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Championship leader after the first round, Mikel Galdos from Spain, carded a five-under 67 around the championship course at Pravets Golf and Spa Resort in Bulgaria.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Galdos is followed by a tightly packed groups of four players at four-under par, including the reigning champion Hugo Santos of Portugal, who took home the trophy in 2011.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Two players at three-under, three at two-under, and no less than seven of the field at one-under par, means there&#8217;s plenty of competitors poised to make their move going into the second day of the championship.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Play was pretty much standard procedure for most of the field, however, shot of the day will be going to Swedish PGA member Tomas Setterhill, for holing out from a fairway bunker on the 11th hole for an eagle two (having already narrowly missed out on doing the same on the 1st hole earlier in the day!).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With weather conditions slowly improving, and the course holding up well considering the watering it has had during the previous few days, play should continue well with more sub-par rounds no doubt being out there.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>PGA Champs &#8211; Top-10 Round One Leadboard</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1 Mikel Galdos Spain -5 67</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T2 Simon Edwards Wales -4 68</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T2 Tomas Setterhill Sweden -4 68</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T2 Hugo Santos Portugal &#8211; 4 68</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T5 Arnaud Beaubain Belgium -3 69</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T5 Sakari Aho Finland -3 69</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T7 Fredrik Almskoug Sweden -2 70</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T7 Ben Collier Netherlands -2 70</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T7 Peter Grimfjord Sweden -2 70</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T10 Benjamin Nicolay France -1 71</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T10 Steve Parry England -1 71</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T10 Steve Waltman Austria -1 71</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T10 Andrea Pesce Italy -1 71</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T10 Danny Kraljic Slovenia -1 71</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T10 Lee Rooke Wales -1 71</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">T10 Luis Franco Portugal -1 71</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the full leaderboard and live scoring visit <a title="CPG.com | UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe Round One Leaderboard" href="http://bit.ly/Qf5P60" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/Qf5P60</a>, and for more live updates head to the Confederation of Professional Golf Twitter account, <a title="Twitter.com | @PGAsOfEurope" href="http://bit.ly/Pojrwy" target="_blank">@PGAsofEurope</a>, or the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook page.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For more information on host venue Pravets Golf and Spa Resort, visit <a title="Pravets-GolfClub.com | Home" href="http://bit.ly/Oas6pL">www.pravets-golfclub.com</a>.</p>
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                        <title>Second SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. golf day brings industry players together at top venue</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/second-sports-marketing-surveys-inc-golf-day-brings-industry-players-together-at-top-venue/</link>
                        <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 10:25:30 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8219</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. held a successful golf day to thank key clients, at Worplesdon Golf Club, Surrey, on Monday (10 September).]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. held a successful golf day to thank key clients, at Worplesdon Golf Club, Surrey, on Monday (10 September).</strong></p>
<p>SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. is an experienced and focused sports research business servicing the sports facility, equipment and sports’ goods industry.</p>
<p>The quality of venue at Worplesdon and the relaxed nature of the day enabled members of some of golf’s leading companies and organisations to discuss issues affecting the industry in a relaxed atmosphere.</p>
<p>Eight fourballs, each containing a SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. representative, took part in a team Stableford competition on the famed Worplesdon course. The rolling and beguiling FJ Abercromby designed course caught out many of the players with its wild heather, tricky bunkers and lightning fast greens.</p>
<p>After completing this challenge, competitors took part in a special ‘charity putting competition’, with all money raised being donated to leading golf charity, the Golf Foundation. A total of £250 was collected.</p>
<p>SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. Managing Director John Bushell said: “This was our second annual golf day and we were delighted that all present seemed to enjoy the experience. We pride ourselves on being an appreciative team and the day is designed as a thank you for clients who have shown their support for our work in specialist sports research. The event does have a second purpose in allowing talented people to get together to share their ideas and views about the wider golf industry.</p>
<p>Invited guests from brands including Cleveland, Srixon, Callaway, Odyssey, Titleist, FootJoy, Cobra, Puma, Mizuno, Galvin Green, PowaKaddy, Eaton Golf Pride and Golfbreaks.com, as well as representatives from the Confederation of Professional Golf, England Golf, the Golf Foundation, UKGCOA, OGRO, Crown Golf and BGL Golf, and golf magazines Golf Monthly and Golf Business Development (GBD), all enjoyed their golfing challenge in pleasant late summer conditions.</p>
<p>The winning team contained Jon Parsons of Srixon and Cleveland, Mike Harris, Editor of Golf Monthly, John Whyte of SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. and home PGA professional Alex Nicolson.</p>
<p>The charity putting competition was won by Alex Nicolson (local knowledge!) after a three-way ‘scissor-paper-stone’ playoff, also involving Richard Flint of England Golf and Ben Evans of GBD magazine.</p>
<p>Stephen Proctor, Chairman of SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC., said: “We were very grateful that everyone could play today despite their busy diaries and we hope that this event will thrive now as an annual golf day. Great thanks must also go to Club Secretary Chris Lomas and his team at Worplesdon Golf Club for helping to make this such a special occasion.”</p>
<p>*Contact SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. on +44 (0) 1932 345 539, <a title="Contact Sports Markering Surveys Inc." href="mailto:%20info@sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com" target="_self">info@sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com</a>, and see also <a title="Sports Marketing Surveys | Home" href="http://www.sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com" target="_blank">www.sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com</a>.</p>
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                        <title>Pravets Golf Club plays host to 2012 UniCredit Confederation of Professional Golf Championships For Second Year</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/pravets-golf-club-plays-host-to-2012-unicredit-pgas-of-europe-championships-for-second-year/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:23:32 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8217</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[Europe’s top professional golfers and amateurs took part in the 2012 UniCredit Confederation of Professional Golf Pro-Am on Sunday 16th 2012. The Pro-Am precedes the UniCredit PGAs]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Europe’s top professional golfers and amateurs took part in the 2012 UniCredit Confederation of Professional Golf Pro-Am on Sunday 16th 2012. The Pro-Am precedes the UniCredit Confederation of Professional Golf Championship in which the top professionals will compete over four rounds of golf for a 60,000 Euro prize fund.</strong></p>
<p>The professionals include defending champion Hugo Santos (representing the UniCredit Team in the Pro-Am in 2012) who defeated Ben Collier in a thrilling play-off in 2011.</p>
<p>The Pro-Am, in which the top professionals are partnered by three amateurs to make up a team, included top local golfers amongst whom was one of Bulgaria’s burgeoning talents, Lubo Kostov playing for the team of Mazda in the Pro-Am. The young golfer will soon be part of the Bulgarian National Team representing Bulgaria in the World Amateur Golf Team Tournament to be played in Turkey.</p>
<p>The Pro-Am teams had to battle the elements to get around and card their scores, but the team headed up by Professional Oren Geri, came out on top, leading by two-shots over the tied for second Fredrik Almskoug-led team and the Lukas Lizanek-led team (click here to view the full Pro-Am leaderboard). Prizes for the Pro-Am were handed out within the welcome ceremony and were donated by Mazda, Glenfiddich, RIU and Domaine Boyar.</p>
<p>Confederation of Professional Golf CEO Ian Randell congratulated the 80 children from the local schools taking part in the Pravets Golf Club Junior Programme funded by the Confederation of Professional Golf at a Mini-Pro Am held for the youngsters at the Pravets Golf Academy. Volleyball legend Lubo Ganev handed out certificates to the children who had completed the programme.</p>
<p>The Opening Ceremony was presided over by Minister of Sports Svilen Neikov, Confederation of Professional Golf CEO Ian Randell and UniCredit Bulbank CEO Levon Hampartsumian and Vasil Zlatev Manager of Terra Tour Service owner of the Resort and Golf Course who were introduced by CEO of Terra Tour Service, Lachezar Todorov.</p>
<p>This event is of inestimable value to growing and developing the sport of golf on an international level and showcasing Bulgaria on a global scale as one of the newest golfing destinations in Europe. The fact that Bulgaria was presented with the Undiscovered Golf Destination award in 2011 by IAGTO was no coincidence with the number of excellent courses in the country and certainly the RIU Pravets Resort and Pravets Golf Club are amongst the best in the country.</p>
<p>The Pravets Golf Club, managed by Braemar Golf, was presented in a perfect condition for the professionals who were vocal in their praise for the course, the resort and the development of golf in Bulgaria.</p>
<p>Full Pro-Am results can be found here: <a href="http://bit.ly/PHQb5Y" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/PHQb5Y</a>, with the live  Day-1 leaderboard for the main Championship here: <a href="http://bit.ly/Qf5P60" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/Qf5P60.</a></p>
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                        <title>Golf Europe 2012 – Day 1 Gets the Show Off to a Great Start</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/golf-europe-2012-day-1-gets-the-show-off-to-a-great-start/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:18:51 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8213</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[Golf Europe 2012 got well and truly underway yesterday with the first of the show days at Messe Augsburg, the new host centre for Golf Europe ]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Golf Europe 2012 got well and truly underway yesterday with the first of the show days at Messe Augsburg, the new host centre for Golf Europe having moved from it’s previous home in Munich.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Doors opened at 9:00am with Professionals from Germany as well as further afield coming in to sample what the show had to offer. With two exhibition halls packed full of the latest and greatest in club technology, accessories, holiday destinations, and ventures into the golf industry, there was always going to be something for everyone throughout the show.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Also partnering The Confederation of Professional Golf at the show, is the PGA of Germany, who together have set up the Teaching and Coaching Seminar Forum located in Hall 2 of the Messe Augsburg exhibition halls. Speakers from all over Europe will be passing on their knowledge to Professionals this week and today’s experts got this off to a great start.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">First up for the day was Andreas Gross, a German-native marketing and management consultant, invited by the PGAs of Germany to discuss his thoughts on marketing manager for golf professionals.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Following on from Andreas, was guest of The Confederation of Professional Golf Matias Lopes, Founder and Southern Europe Managing Director of Multi Mall Management, passing on his thoughts new retail opportunities and threats, such as the ever-increasing usage of smartphones and the influence that ‘Generation-Y’ are having on the retail industry and how best to hone and cultivate those individuals.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After a short break, David Colclough, Head of Member Education for The PGA of Great Britain &amp; Ireland, began his seminar on the development of expertise in coaching, looking into what it is that characterises an ‘expert coach’, as well investigating how experts themselves learn.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I think the concept of the show is fantastic,” said David, “we’ve got some great speakers here this week, so it’s a great chance to come and learn about some of the new products that are here at the show, but also take in some education from some really good speakers”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The last of the day’s seminars was conducted by European Senior Director of Instruction for David Leadbetter Golf Academies Germany, Paul Dyer, discussing the focus that should be placed on the short game and scoring within a coaching environment. Dyer looked specifically at short game training, the role putter fitting can play in the act of coaching, as well as wedge play strategies, all with ` focus on how professionals should be taking the factors into account.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Follow more of the action live from Golf Europe over on the <a href="http://bit.ly/Pojrwy" target="_blank">@PGAsofEurope Twitter Account</a>.</p>
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                        <title>Big Guns in Shoot-out for Hugo Santos&#8217;s Euro-Crown</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/big-guns-in-shoot-out-for-hugo-santoss-euro-crown/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sun, 16 Sep 2012 10:14:52 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8211</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[PGA professionals, representing some 30 countries, who collectively serve the community in clubs, resorts and academies across the continent and beyond, are pre]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>PGA professionals, representing some 30 countries, who collectively serve the community in clubs, resorts and academies across the continent and beyond, are preparing for a shoot-out this month to decide who will be the PGA of Europe&#8217;s best-of-the-best for 2012.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The UNICREDIT PGA Professional Championship of Europe, at Pravets Golf and Spa Resort on September 17-20, is effectively a champion-of-champions tournament, featuring national title winners who have qualified from the elite events staged in the country where they work.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Since its inaugural staging last year under a new sponsor and at a location that earned glowing and sincere praise from all who attended, the urge to metaphorically wear that European No.1 crown won by Portugal&#8217;s Hugo Santos, has increased and spread among member countries to become firmly established  as a ‘must play’ event.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Santos, brother of Ricardo (winner of the Madeira Island Open in the European Challenge Tour last May)  won in a sudden-death play-off against Holland-based Scot Ben Collier and he will be back to defend the title that he was visibly proud to have won&#8230;though the opposition will be even tougher second time around.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Collier will be there again striving to go one better this time but the competition will be increased by the presence of Simon Edwards who has qualified through the PGA of Wales route along with Lee Rooke.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Edwards will be not only one of the most experienced and battle-hardened pros in the field but also will be fired by a deep desire to win the European No.1 trophy. This ambition stretches back more than a decade to when the championship was staged at Pevero, Sardinia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Though the PGA Cup player and former Glenmuir British Club champion, was a year-by-year challenger, he never quite managed to keep his nose in front to claim the title he so coveted. He will regard this latest chance to realise the ambition as too good to miss.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Unlike Edwards, many of the qualifiers will be involved in the most prestigious tournament of their careers while leaving behind, for a few heady days, those pro shop, academy or resort duties.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Politically and publicly the UNICREDIT PGA Professional Championship of Europe has created massive and wide-ranging interest in Bulgaria, a comparatively new golfing nation with a seemingly insatiable appetite to grow a golfing culture.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To this end a significant legacy is already being forged by a comprehensive junior programme introduced by Pravets, on the back of the main, annual event to enable schoolchildren whose interest has been stirred, to be coached and to take up the sport for themselves, along with their parents wherever possible.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>UNICREDIT PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP of EUROPE</strong><br />
(Qualifers to date)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">DEFENDING CHAMPION: Hugo Santos (Portugal)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">AUSTRIA: Chrisotpher Bausek, Stephanus Waltman<br />
BELGIUM: Gilles Monville, Arnaud Beaubain<br />
BULGARIA: William Dow<br />
CROATIA: Darko Ljubanovic<br />
CZECH REPUBLIC: Lukas Lizanek, Jakub Janda<br />
ENGLAND: Craig Shave, Steve Parry, Stuart Little<br />
FINLAND: Sakari Aho, Joonas Paananen<br />
FRANCE: Frederic Cuppliard, Benjamin Nicolay<br />
GERMANY: Simon Brown, Mark Stevenson, Dennis Lohrmann<br />
GREECE: George Diakou<br />
HOLLAND: Rene Nijhuis, Ben Collier, Ralph Miller<br />
HUNGARY: Roland Hahn<br />
ISRAEL: Oren Geri<br />
ITALY: Fernando Pasqualucci, Mattia Ratti, Andrea Pesce<br />
NORWAY: Thomas Hansen<br />
POLAND: Jan Lubieniecki<br />
PORTUGAL: Antonio Rosado, Luis Franco<br />
RUSSIA: Victor Ostankov<br />
SCOTLAND: Ian Taylor<br />
SLOVAKIA: Peter Bucko<br />
SLOVENIA: Janez Grilc<br />
SPAIN: Mikel Galdos, Juan Angel Rosillo, Inaki Alustiza<br />
SWEDEN: Peter Grimjford, Frederic Almskoug, Tomas Setterhill<br />
SWITZERLAND: James Johnson, Marcus Knight<br />
WALES: Lee Rooke, Simon Edwards</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">INVITES: Danny Kraljic (Slovenia), Albert MacKenzie (Scotland)</p>
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                        <title>Golf Europe 2012 – Demo Day</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/golf-europe-2012-demo-day/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sun, 16 Sep 2012 10:12:39 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8209</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[Golf Europe 2012, this year hosted in Augsburg, Germany, got underway today with a new starting format - Demo Day at Golfrange Augsburg only a short bus journey]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Golf Europe 2012, this year hosted in Augsburg, Germany, got underway today with a new starting format &#8211; Demo Day at Golfrange Augsburg only a short bus journey away. </strong></p>
<p>Exhibitors from multiple countries lined up alongside each other in the Bavarian countryside, able to show off their latest products and ventures in the exact environment intended for their use.</p>
<p>Split into two sections, the driving range gave show-goers and exhibitors themselves the chance to have a hands-on experience with products ranging from new club model releases, to the latest training aids and coaching solutions. As anyone in golf knows, it&#8217;s all about being able to see products in action and for people to be able to try them for themselves, and this element to the show is fantastic at facilitating those experiences.</p>
<p>In the show-goers section, products and their teams were able to show everyone what they could do, whilst over in the exhibitors and trade section of the range, industry professionals had the chance to talk business with each other, providing a fantastic platform for the sharing of ideas, brokering of deals, and networking of individuals.</p>
<p>Terry Anton, creator of SNAG Golf, exhibiting at Golf Europe this week, said &#8220;We were hoping people would come by and see the simplicity of our programming, and see how easy it is for people to utilise the equipment to get a better feel for golf for the first time. I think we accomplished that; the kids had a great time, the adults had a great time, and so overall it was a great success and I thought it was well presented out there today.&#8221;</p>
<p>With Demo Day drawing to a close, exhibitors ensured everyone was able to get as up close and personal and interactive as possible before the show gets fully underway on the 16th for the first day of the show in Messe Augsburg.</p>
<p>Follow more of the action live from Golf Europe over on the <a href="http://bit.ly/Pojrwy" target="_blank">@PGAsofEurope</a> Twitter Account.</p>
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                        <title>Aegean Airlines Mini Tour 2012 – 8th Elounda Pro-Am and Cup</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/aegean-airlines-mini-tour-2012-8th-elounda-pro-am-and-cup/</link>
                        <pubDate>Fri, 14 Sep 2012 10:10:47 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8207</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[The porto elounda GOLF CLUB and the porto elounda DE LUXE RESORT are pleased to announce the eighth “8th porto elounda Autumn Pro-Am & Cup 2012]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The porto elounda GOLF CLUB and the porto elounda DE LUXE RESORT are pleased to announce the eighth “8th porto elounda Autumn Pro-Am &amp; Cup 2012 &#8211; Aegean Mini Tour”, taking place from October 4th to October 7th, 2012 at the porto elounda GOLF CLUB and the Crete Golf Club in Hersonissos.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The course at the Crete Golf Club, venue of the Aegean Airlines Pro-Am in 2006-2008, is an 18-hole course with a total length of 6015 meters; here players will be allowed their full official club handicap as certified by their home club.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">An individual Professional Strokeplay competition will take place on the 4th of October with a separate prize fund (1st – 800€, 2nd – 400€, 3rd &#8211; 200€). The Pro-Am competition will then take place across the 5th and 6th and will include separate competitions for ladies and gentlemen with handicap limit of 36 in for Amateurs, and a separate Professional Competition with a prize fund of 500€ for the 2-day participation (Club handicap certificates will be requested for Amateurs).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The format of the “Porto Elounda Autumn Cup &amp; Pro-Am” will be a Net Stableford competition for all Amateur categories and the Pro-Am, Residents of any of the Elounda SA Hotels &amp; Resorts, (elounda mare hotel, the porto elounda DE LUXE RESORT and the peninsula ALL SUITE HOTEL) will have the chance to win special Elounda SA prizes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">More information can be found here:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a title="Confederation of Professional Golf - Aegean Air Pro-Am Information" href="http://CPG-data.avccafe.com/uploads/documents/porto_elounda_proam_2012_poster_pros_package.pdf" target="_blank">Aegean Air Mini Tour Pro-Am Information</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a title="Confederation of Professional Golf - porto elounda DE LUXE RESORT 3-night Package" href="http://CPG-data.avccafe.com/uploads/documents/2012_golf_package_3_nights_gb.pdf" target="_blank">porto elounda DE LUXE RESORT 3-night Package</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a title="Confederation of Professional Golf - porto elounda DE LUXE RESORT 7-night Package" href="http://CPG-data.avccafe.com/uploads/documents/2012_golf_package_7_nights_gb.pdf" target="_blank">porto elounda DE LUXE RESORT 7-night Package</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For more information, or for entry enquiries, contact <a title="Contact Greek PGA" href="mailto:info@greekpga.gr" target="_self">info@greekpga.gr</a> or <a title="Contact " href="mailto:info@diakou.gr" target="_self">info@diakou.gr</a>.</p>
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                        <title>PGA World Alliance Discuss Future for Golf</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/olympics/pga-world-alliance-discuss-future-for-golf/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 16:14:40 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Confederation of Professional Golf</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=5725</guid>
                        
                                                	                        	                                                
                                                	<description><![CDATA[<img width="485" height="300" src="https://cpg.golf/wp-content/uploads/PGA-World-Alliance_02.jpg" alt="PGA World Alliance Discuss Future for Golf" />Golf in the Olympics and how to promote PGA members were among subjects discussed at a recent PGA World Alliance...]]></description>
                                                <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Golf in the Olympics and how to promote PGA members were among subjects discussed at a recent PGA World Alliance gathering.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The PGA of Great Britain &amp; Ireland hosted the meeting at PGA national headquarters at The Belfry on the eve of the Open Championship.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-5726 size-full" src="https://cpg.golf/wp-content/uploads/PGA-World-Alliance_01.jpg" alt="PGA World Alliance_01" width="250" height="385" />Among the PGAs represented were those of America, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Sweden, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the Confederation of Professional Golf who between them cover an area where the economic impact of golf is worth in excess of $120billion and where millions of people are employed at 35,000 plus golf facilities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Other issues discussed by the 27 representatives included initiatives to grow the game of golf, the social, environmental and economic impacts of golf around the globe and ideas of best practice in junior golf.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: &#8220;The PGA World Alliance meeting gave a wonderful opportunity for ten of the leading PGAs in the world to discuss the challenges that the game of golf faces in all parts of the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;It was amazing to hear from all the delegates the very positive initiatives that are happening everywhere that golf is played to ensure healthy growth at all levels in the game.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;Importantly it was also very evident that all PGAs are acutely aware of their responsibility to the game and their memberships and are constantly striving to improve the already high standard of expertise of the many PGA members around the globe who are vital to the well being and success of the future of golf.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;There was a strong feeling of unified purpose and vision amongst all those present and there was no doubt at the conclusion of the meeting that all PGAs wherever they are in the world will continue to play a leading role in the industry of golf.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The PGA World Alliance is dedicated to the betterment of the profession, the game and the business of golf worldwide. The three day event was hosted by the PGA and follows on from previous events hosted in America and Australia. This is the second time the PGA has hosted the PGA World Alliance Conference, the previous occasion being in 2006.</p>
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                        <title>Swiss PGA Learning Summit 2012</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/swiss-pga-learning-summit-2012/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 10:02:32 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8200</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[<img width="485" height="300" src="https://cpg.golf/wp-content/uploads/PGA-World-Alliance_02.jpg" alt="PGA World Alliance Discuss Future for Golf" />Confederation of Professional Golf member, The Swiss PGA is pleased to open up registration to their latest Further Education Days (FED) event to all PGA Members.]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Confederation of Professional Golf member, The Swiss PGA is pleased to open up registration to their latest Further Education Days (FED) event to all PGA Members.</strong></p>
<p>Interested Members are invited to spend those 3 days (29th &#8211; 31st October 2012) together with Swiss PGA Members to exchange knowledge and learn from our speakers. For more details click on the links below to view the information sheets and timetable.</p>
<p><a href="http://CPG-data.avccafe.com/uploads/documents/CPG_swisspga_learning_summit_2012_information.pdf" target="_blank">Swiss PGA Learning Summit 2012 &#8211; Information</a></p>
<p><a href="http://CPG-data.avccafe.com/uploads/documents/CPG_swisspga_learning_summit_2012_programme.pdf" target="_blank">Swiss PGA Learning Summit 2012 &#8211; Programme</a></p>
<p>To register, or for further information, contact the Swiss PGA directly on +41 (0)71 277 17 17 or e-mail to: info@swisspga.ch.</p>
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                        <title>Confederation of Professional Golf Appoint New Communications Manager</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/pgas-of-europe-appoint-new-communications-manager/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 10:00:35 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Confederation of Professional Golf</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8198</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[<img width="485" height="300" src="https://cpg.golf/wp-content/uploads/PGA-World-Alliance_02.jpg" alt="PGA World Alliance Discuss Future for Golf" />The Confederation of Professional Golf are excited to announce the appointment of Aston Ward to the newly created role of Communications Manager.]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Confederation of Professional Golf are excited to announce the appointment of Aston Ward to the newly created role of Communications Manager.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Aston joins The Confederation of Professional Golf charged with the task of overseeing all of the Association’s communication media; creating new, relevant and interesting content for the member associations and their members, as well as ensuring the Confederation of Professional Golf 38 member organisations are communicating as effectively and efficiently as possible between each other.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Prior to joining the Confederation of Professional Golf, Aston was Marketing Manager for leading Custom Fitters and Club Builders, Precision Golf, based in Surrey, having also previously worked as a Junior Planner for Social Media Agency Jam, working on the News International account.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Previous to this, Aston has worked at the Le Meridien Vilnius resort in Vilnius, Lithuania, taking charge of Golf Sales &amp; Marketing, introducing golf to brand new players in the country’s developing golf sector, as well as helping to organise the inaugural Baltic Golf Summit, in which the governing bodies and clubs from the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined forces to discuss the on-going development of the game.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Aston is also a product of the PGA of GB&amp;I affiliated Applied Golf Management Studies course based at the University of Birmingham, graduating from the course with a BA Hons as well as gaining PGA Assistant Status.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Confederation of Professional Golf Chief Executive, Ian Randell, said: “Aston is a fantastic addition to our team, providing us with an individual who during his short career thus far has gained an understanding of marketing, utilising social media, working in an emerging golfing territory and most of all the needs and interests of the PGA Professional. I am looking forward to working with Aston to drive forward all forms of our communication with a view to benefiting our 38 Member PGAs and the 21,000 PGA Professionals that they represent.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I’m absolutely delighted to be starting with the Confederation of Professional Golf and can’t wait to get going with everything,” says Aston, “The chance to mix my passions for golf and digital media is very exciting and I look forward to making a positive impact to the development of the Association.  I’ve always been a strong proponent of the PGA ideals and to finally be able to work with all the member PGAs within the Confederation of Professional Golf on such a grand scale is a great honour and a fantastic challenge as well!”</p>
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                        <title>Annual Review&#8217;s Upbeat Look at European Golf</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/annual-reviews-upbeat-look-at-european-golf/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 09:58:58 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8196</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[<img width="485" height="300" src="https://cpg.golf/wp-content/uploads/PGA-World-Alliance_02.jpg" alt="PGA World Alliance Discuss Future for Golf" />The 2011-12 Confederation of Professional Golf ANNUAL REVIEW, a stylish, well illustrated publication that takes a comprehensive look back at the activities and events that have fi]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>&#8216;An inspirational experience for all concerned&#8217;</em> &#8211; Ian Randell</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The 2011-12 Confederation of Professional Golf ANNUAL REVIEW, a stylish, well illustrated publication that takes a comprehensive look back at the activities and events that have filled the association&#8217;s calendar in the last 12 months and more, will be published shortly.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Although concentrating on the core subjects such as Education, Development, Membership matters, tournaments and the like, the 2012 Annual Review is a &#8216;must have&#8217;, attractively-produced publication for all PGA professional and industry representatives to acquire, browse, read and retain.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As chief executive Ian Randell reminisces in an upbeat scene-setting opening article covering the sport on its widest horizons: &#8220;&#8230;events since autumn 2010, have been, perhaps the most successful period ever for European Golf.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;Trophy after trophy has been won. Ryder Cup &#8230;Solheim Cup&#8230; Open Championship&#8230; US Open&#8230; USPGA, and more. Truly thoroughbred young tournament players have emerged from a number of different countries and, though it&#8217;s been tough, the industry is largely surviving the world&#8217;s economic pressures.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;&#8230; European golf has been enjoying a period punctuated by more triumphs than ever before and, in a similar timescale the internal affairs of the Confederation of Professional Golf, have progressed to what might be regarded in some ways as the pinnacle of its 22-year history.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;Here I make no apologies for inter-twining golf at the elite end of tournament play with the responsibilities of our association. The respective fortunes are inextricably linked because, while it is the elite tour professionals who perform their magnificent feats in Ryder Cups and major championships, they have each been coached at some stage by a club or academy-based PGA professional&#8230;possibly throughout their careers from the first swing of a golf club.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;This is one crucial way in which we play our part and it is an inspirational experience for all concerned.&#8221;</p>
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                        <title>LUMINE Mediterránea Beach &#038; Golf Club continues to drive golf tourism on Spain’s Costa Dorada</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/lumine-mediterranea-beach-golf-club-continues-to-drive-golf-tourism-on-spains-costa-dorada/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 09:53:47 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8194</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[<img width="485" height="300" src="https://cpg.golf/wp-content/uploads/PGA-World-Alliance_02.jpg" alt="PGA World Alliance Discuss Future for Golf" />Located on Spain’s stunning Costa Daurada in La Pineda platja, between the towns of Vila-seca and Salou, LUMINE Mediterránea Beach & Golf Club is a state-of-the]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Located on Spain’s stunning Costa Daurada in La Pineda platja, between the towns of Vila-seca and Salou, LUMINE Mediterránea Beach &amp; Golf Club is a state-of-the-art golf and leisure facility that is fast gaining a reputation for being one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A mere 40 minutes south of Barcelona, LUMINE is blessed with 45-holes of championship golf, numerous hotel options to suit all budgets, a first-class events and conference centre, restaurants serving modern Mediterranean cuisine and a magnificent Beach Club all in close proximity to a wealth of leisure and cultural attractions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Under the management of the world’s leading management company, Troon Golf, this all-encompassing resort is leading the golf tourism drive on the Costa Daurada and is fully equipped to welcome golfing groups, families and business travellers. With two international airports, Reus (10 min drive) and Barcelona, LUMINE can be easily accessed from anywhere in Europe and further afield.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>45-HOLES OF GOLFING PARADISE</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">LUMINE’ 45-holes of championship golf offers a wide-variety of challenges for players of all skill levels and with international management specialists, Troon Golf at the helm alongside a team of dedicated staff, guests are guaranteed a warm welcome and pristine course conditioning with smooth and fast greens. The three courses are also the first in Spain to be awarded the Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary Certificate, regarded worldwide as the kite mark for the most environmentally aware leisure developments.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Greg Norman designed Lakes Course unfolds over the colourful network of water hazards that wind around the Sèquia Major wetlands and can rightly be regarded as LUMINE’s flagship layout. Opened in 2008, this testing layout bears all the hall marks of the Great White Shark and its reputation has seen it chosen to be the home of both the Confederation of Professional Golf 4-ball Championship and Second Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">LUMINE’s second championship course, The Hills is topographically very different to its sister  course. Designed by Spanish course architect, Alfonso Vidaor this undulating layout weaves its way through picturesque pine woodlands, olive groves, natural quarries and rocky outcrops, and puts a precedent on shot shaping and course management. Those who choose to play this enthralling layout will also be treated to incredible views over the Mediterranean Sea.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Completing the golfing experience at LUMINE is another Greg Norman designed course. The Ruins would arguably fit comfortably into a ranking of the Continent’s top nine-hole layouts and is appropriately named after the traces of Roman archaeology that form some of the defining features on the layout.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>APRÈS GOLF</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Once you step off the final green a wealth of world-class facilities, including two fully-equipped clubhouses and the luxurious LUMINE Beach Club lie in wait. Situated on one kilometer of golden Spanish beach and set seductively in the pine-clad hillsides above the sweeping bay of Tarragona’s Playa Del Llarga, it offers the perfect mix of style, relaxation, excitement and fine dining. With nine swimming pools laid out on a series of terraces with luxury beds and loungers, this has become a fashionable venue for a trendy young crowd as well as families and couples. The Beach Club also provides the location for the award-winning LUMINE Restaurant. Offering superb Mediterranean cuisine, head chef Eduardo Cuesta has already become somewhat of legend in the area.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>MEETINGS AND EVENTS</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">LUMINE also boast one of the largest Conventon Centres in Europe, which provides the perfect location for meetings or events.  The facility has five main rooms which can be divided into as many as 18 multi-function spaces and hold up to 4,000 people.  Fully equipped with the latest audio and visual technology, it has all that is required for business meetings.  This was reflected when the Confederation of Professional Golf opted to hold its annual Heads of Training Summit &amp; Coaching Seminar there earlier this year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>THE SURROUNDING COSTA DORADA REGION</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Beyond the serenity of the resort, the Costa Daurada region – which translates to ‘Golden Coast’ – has 92 kilometers of stunning coastline and is rich in leisure, cultural and historic attractions.  The wide areas between the coast and mountain range are dotted with cheerful towns, olive groves and farmlands.  To the east the capital, Tarragona, has a population of 140,000 and is home to the Tarraco Archaeological Site, awarded the World Heritage destination by UNESCO.  With 2,200 years of history and a Roman heritage preserved in dozens of monuments and architectural remains, the town has a wealth of culture.  The essential Roman highlights include the amphitheater, the Circus depicting the route of early chariot racing, a one-kilometre stretch of original walls and fortifications from the 2nd Century BC, and a temple with its surviving portico.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A TASTE OF THE COSTA DAURADA</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Uncover the abundance of quality cuisine in the region which is founded upon the traditional ingredients of the Mediterranean diet, including; olive oil, seafood, vegetables, game and nuts.  The coastal resort and historical fishing village of Cambrils is renowned for its fantastic seafood gastronomy where traditional dishes such as paella, fish suquets, seafood puddings and romesco (seafood in a local recipe) are whipped up by local chefs using recipes passed down through the generations.  Further inland typical Catalan dishes – pig’s trotters, snails and calcots – offer new textures and aromas to be savoured.  The people of the Costa Daurada region are a festive type and often the best way to appreciate the best local cuisine is at one of the many town festivals which run throughout the year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>THE WINE CULTURE OF THE COSTA DAURADA</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Home to some of Spain’s finest wines, the Costa Daurada area is often defined by the beautiful vineyards littered throughout the hillsides.  There are many vineyards to explore including two family run traditional wine cellars – the Clos Barenys Cellar and the Vinyes del Terrer in Vila-seca both of which offer guided tours and tastings.  The Priorat wine region lies further inland and is the birthplace of exquisite reds that many wine writers and collectors consider to be Spain’s most elite.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RELAXING ON THE COSTA DAURADA</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">An array of health and wellness facilities in the area accommodates those in search of a peaceful retreat.  Specialising in the restorative qualities of water from natural springs or the sea, Costa Daurada’s spas and hotels provide the setting for ultimate relaxation.  Two of the newest spas in La Pineda platja, Vila-seca are Aquum Spa &amp; Wellness in the Estival Park hotel complex and Spalas Spa &amp; Wellness, located in the five-star Hotel Gran Palas.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Collectively, the two spas have over 12,000 square meters of state-of-the-art spa facilities including thermal treatments, massages, beauty treatments, Turkish baths…</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For further information on LUMINE Mediterránea Beach &amp; Golf Club and the surrounding Costa Daurada region please visit:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lumine Mediterránea Beach &amp; Golf Club<br />
Tel:  +34 977 129 070<br />
golf@lumine.com<br />
<a href="http://www.lumine.com/" target="_blank">www.lumine.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Tarragona Provincial                  or               Vila-seca, La Pineda Platja<br />
Tourism Board                                                Tourism Board<br />
Tel. +34 977 230 312                                      Tel. +34 977 390 362<br />
costadaurada@altanet.org                             turisme@lapinedaplatja.info<br />
<a href="http://www.costadaurada.info/" target="_blank">www.costadaurada.info</a>                                 <a href="http://www.lapinedaplatja.info/" target="_blank">www.lapinedaplatja.info  </a></p>
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                        <title>PGA World Alliance Discuss Future for Golf</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/pga-world-alliance-discuss-future-for-golf-2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 09:51:34 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8191</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[<img width="485" height="300" src="https://cpg.golf/wp-content/uploads/PGA-World-Alliance_02.jpg" alt="PGA World Alliance Discuss Future for Golf" />Golf in the Olympics and how to promote PGA members were among subjects discussed at a recent PGA World Alliance gathering.]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Golf in the Olympics and how to promote PGA members were among subjects discussed at a recent PGA World Alliance gathering.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The PGA of Great Britain &amp; Ireland hosted the meeting at PGA national headquarters at The Belfry on the eve of the Open Championship.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Among the PGAs represented were those of America, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Sweden, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the Confederation of Professional Golf who between them cover an area where the economic impact of golf is worth in excess of $120billion and where millions of people are employed at 35,000 plus golf facilities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Other issues discussed by the 27 representatives included initiatives to grow the game of golf, the social, environmental and economic impacts of golf around the globe and ideas of best practice in junior golf.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: &#8220;The PGA World Alliance meeting gave a wonderful opportunity for ten of the leading PGAs in the world to discuss the challenges that the game of golf faces in all parts of the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;It was amazing to hear from all the delegates the very positive initiatives that are happening everywhere that golf is played to ensure healthy growth at all levels in the game.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;Importantly it was also very evident that all PGAs are acutely aware of their responsibility to the game and their memberships and are constantly striving to improve the already high standard of expertise of the many PGA members around the globe who are vital to the well being and success of the future of golf.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;There was a strong feeling of unified purpose and vision amongst all those present and there was no doubt at the conclusion of the meeting that all PGAs wherever they are in the world will continue to play a leading role in the industry of golf.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The PGA World Alliance is dedicated to the betterment of the profession, the game and the business of golf worldwide. The three day event was hosted by the PGA and follows on from previous events hosted in America and Australia. This is the second time the PGA has hosted the PGA World Alliance Conference, the previous occasion being in 2006.</p>
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                        <title>Preparations for GOLF EUROPE 2012 Running at Full Speed</title>
                        <link>https://cpg.golf/news/preparations-for-golf-europe-2012-running-at-full-speed/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 09:46:20 +0000</pubDate>
                        <dc:creator>Josh Budz</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://cpg.golf/?p=8189</guid>
                        
                                                
                                					<description><![CDATA[<img width="485" height="300" src="https://cpg.golf/wp-content/uploads/PGA-World-Alliance_02.jpg" alt="PGA World Alliance Discuss Future for Golf" />DEMO Day / AUGSBURGER GOLFTAG - get a feel for the GOLF EUROPE spirit]]></description>
    					                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Extensive kick-off programme on 15 September at GolfRange Augsburg and from 16 – 18 September GOLF EUROPE hits Messe Augsburg.</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>DEMO Day / AUGSBURGER GOLFTAG &#8211; get a feel for the GOLF EUROPE spirit</strong></p>
<p>One day before the trade fair begins, on 15 September, a DEMO Day will be held for trade visitors together with the AUGSBURGER GOLFTAG for the golfing public. This multifaceted and informative day is for exhibitors and visitors to get a feel for the GOLF EUROPE spirit. In both the expert zone, which is accessible to trade visitors only, and the public zone, the latest products of the golf industry can be tested in an enjoyable atmosphere at GolfRange Augsburg. As part of the event, a charity campaign for the benefit of Clean Winners e.V. will take place. This association supports young people and children that are living in dysfunctional families. Bobsleigh world champion Susi Erdmann and golf pro Felix Lubenau will spend this day together with you at GolfRange Augsburg.</p>
<p><strong>Win a stay at La Manga Club</strong></p>
<p>The five-star sport resort La Manga Club was repeatedly recognised as the leading golf resort in Europe. Due to its three 18-hole championship courses it already hosted several international PGA tournaments. In the context of the GOLF EUROPE PRODUCT AWARD, a trip to the golf and spa resort La Manga Club in Spain will be raffled among the winners (www.lamangaclub.de).</p>
<p>The GOLF EUROPE PRODUCT AWARD honours very innovative products from the golf industry. Entries will be accepted until 6 September 2012! The winning products will be shown at the PRODUCT AWARD presentation area during the entire duration of the fair. The official award ceremony will take place at the exhibitors’ get-together on 16 September.</p>
<p><strong>Test innovations at the FIRST DRIVE Area</strong></p>
<p>Visit our FIRST DRIVE Area in hall 1! Here you will find exhibitors who present their products for the first time at Golf Europe. You will find the following companies on the FIRST DRIVE Area: Master Caddie, Replan UK, Zweirad und Gartengeräteservice KRUSE and Royal &amp; Awesome.</p>
<p><strong>Comprehensive supporting programme</strong></p>
<p>At the Teaching &amp; Coaching Programme, organized by the Confederation of Professional Golf and the PGA of Germany, you can get tips and insight from experts for free. What’s more, PGA pros can earn CPD points, making the show visit even more beneficial. Further highlights include the two indoor putting greens and the indoor driving range: Check out new products on-site and test their quality yourself.</p>
<p>Mark your calendar: The date for the following GOLF EUROPE is already set – next year the fair will take place from 29 September to 1 October 2013.</p>
<p>You can find more up-to-date information on our website: <a href="http://www.golf-europe.com/" target="_blank">www.golf-europe.com</a> and in the GOLF EUROPE APP which you can download on your mobile from: <a href="http://27366.mailings.kaltnermedia.de/c/8232567/044b429a2061" target="_blank">http://apps.oyaloo.com/golfeurope</a><br />
Our partners and we are looking forward to welcoming you soon to the new home of GOLF EUROPE in Augsburg.</p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="http://27366.mailings.kaltnermedia.de/c/8232568/044b429a2061" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/GOLFEUROPE2012</a></p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="http://27366.mailings.kaltnermedia.de/c/8232569/044b429a2061" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/GOLFEUROPE2012</a></p>
<p>Good luck for the game and best regards!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gerhard Reiter      Melanie Söhnel                        Philip Häußler<br />
CEO                    Exhibition Manager                   Exhibition Assistant</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Messe Augsburg l ASMV GmbH<br />
Am Messezentrum 5 l 86159 Augsburg<br />
Tel.: 0049 821 2572-106<br />
Fax: 0049 821 2572-277</p>
<p>Email: info@golf-europe.com</p>
<p>Internet: <a href="http://www.messeaugsburg.de/" target="_blank">www.messeaugsburg.de</a>, <a href="http://www.golf-europe.de/" target="_blank">www.golf-europe.de</a></p>
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