Schofield was revealed to be included in the 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees list back in December, alongside fellow countrymen Colin Montgomerie and Willie Park Jnr., and Americans, Fred Couples and Ken Venturi.

“For me it is quite unexpected and I am both delighted and humbled that I should be given a place…in the company of so many great names who have together contributed to making the game of golf so special in our lives,” Schofield explained.

At the Induction ceremony that took place at the World Golf Hall of Fame headquarters in St. Augustine, Florida, USA, Schofield accepted the honour and was also presented with a handwritten letter from retiring Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

“This is a proud and very humbling evening. This is the proudest moment of my professional career”, Schofield said during his acceptance speech. “My thanks go out to everyone for this rare and privileged honour.”

“We are all very aware of the incredible impact Ken has had on the game across the continent,” said Confederation of Professional Golf Chief Executive, Ian Randell. “So to see him join the World Golf Hall of Fame and be recognised for his achievements and dedication is wonderful.”

“Ken is a good friend and asset to the Confederation of Professional Golf Board of Directors and we are honoured to have him continue to help us and our 39 national PGAs grow and develop.”

Schofield succeeded fellow ‘Hall of Famer’, John Jacobs, as Executive Director of the European Tour in 1975, after which he grew the organisation from a 17 event, £427,917 total purse tour to a portfolio of three tours – the Challenge, European and Seniors Tours – with a total of 96 events and combined purse money of £85.3 million when he retired in 2004.

He has been a previous Honorary President of the Confederation of Professional Golf in 2007 and 2008, and continues to serve on the Confederation of Professional Golf Board of Directors.

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For more information on the World Golf Hall of Fame visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org, and watch highlights of Ken’s and the other inductees’ acceptance speeches on PGATour.com here: http://bit.ly/ZF6y4H.

For more information on the Confederation of Professional Golf visit the CPG.com, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

St Andrews, Scotland and Far Hills, NJ, USA (21 May 2013): The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), golf’s governing bodies, today announced the adoption of Rule 14-1b of the Rules of Golf that prohibits anchoring the club in making a stroke. The new Rule will take effect on 1 January 2016 in accordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf.

Rule 14-1b, which was proposed on 28 November 2012, has now been given final approval by The R&A and the USGA following an extensive review by both organisations. The decision to adopt the new Rule came after a comprehensive process in which comments and suggestions from across the golf community were collected and thoroughly considered.

The R&A and the USGA have prepared a detailed report to explain the reasons for the decision to adopt Rule 14-1b. The report explains the principles on which the Rules of Golf are founded, why freely swinging the entire club is the essence of the traditional method of stroke, and why anchoring is a substantially different form of stroke that may alter and diminish the fundamental challenges of the game. It points out that the Rule will still allow the use of belly-length and long putters and that a wide variety of types of strokes remain for players to use. The report concludes that the new Rule should not adversely affect participation in the game, that it is not too late or unfair to require players to comply with it and that it will remove concerns about any potential advantage that anchoring provides. It also makes clear that one set of Rules is essential to the future health of the game. The report, entitled Explanation of Decision to Adopt Rule 14-1b of the Rules of Golf, can be found at www.RandA.org/anchoring or at www.usga.org/anchoring.

Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A said: “We took a great deal of time to consider this issue and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organisations at all levels of the game. The report published today gives a comprehensive account of the reasons for taking the decision to adopt the new Rule and addresses the concerns that have been raised. We recognise this has been a divisive issue but after thorough consideration we remain convinced that this is the right decision for golf.”

“Having considered all of the input that we received, both before and after the proposed Rule was announced, our best judgment is that Rule 14-1b is necessary to preserve one of the important traditions and challenges of the game – that the player freely swing the entire club,” said USGA President Glen D. Nager. “The new Rule upholds the essential nature of the traditional method of stroke and eliminates the possible advantage that anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all skill levels face the same challenge inherent in the game of golf.”

The current Rule 14-1 of the Rules of Golf will be re-numbered as Rule 14-1a, and new Rule 14-1b will be established as follows:

14-1b Anchoring the Club

In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.”

Note 1: The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Note 2: An “anchor point” exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

Rule 14-1b will not alter current equipment rules and allows for the continued use of all conforming golf clubs, including belly-length and long putters, provided such clubs are not anchored during a stroke. The new Rule narrowly targets only a few types of strokes, while preserving a golfer’s ability to play a wide variety of strokes in his or her individual style.

The 1 January 2016 timetable for implementation also provides an extended period in which golfers may, if necessary, adapt their method of stroke to the requirements of the new Rule.

David Rickman, Executive Director of Rules and Equipment Standards at The R&A, said: “This Rule change addresses the future and not the past. Everyone who has used an anchored stroke in the past, or who does so between now and 1 January 2016, will have played entirely within the Rules and their achievements will in no way be diminished.”

“The discussion around the Rule has been very helpful, and we appreciate that so many different perspectives were offered,” said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. “We know that not everyone will agree with the new Rule, but it is our hope that all golfers will accept that this decision is reasoned and motivated by our best judgment in defining the sport and serving the best interests of the game.”

For more information about the adopted Rule, including a demonstration video, photos, infographics, and a Guidance Document for Players and Officials, visit www.RandA.org/anchoring and www.usga.org/anchoring.

Recognised as the global industry benchmark for golf club managers, the CCM requires a comprehensive knowledge of 10 core club management competencies, including club governance, food and beverage management, accounting and financial management, and membership and marketing.

By attaining the certification, the club manager at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, general managers at Hoebridge Golf Centre in Surrey and Rathfarnham Golf Club in Dublin, plus the director of golf at Club de Golf Oliva Nova in Valencia, join an elite group of 24 colleagues across EMEA.

Seen as the definitive qualification for experienced managers who aim to develop their career and become the best in their business, the final assessment for the CCM is a challenging seven-hour exam.

Focussing on the CMAE’s 10 core club management competencies, the exam goes into fine detail of each subject, from alcohol regulation to strategic club planning, and budgeting to media relations and in-house publications.

Becoming just the second CCM in the United Arab Emirates, Andrew Whitelaw (Pictured), Club Manager at Emirates Golf Club commented: ?The knowledge required to be able to take this exam furnishes you with a breadth of information that is gained by going through the variety of educational activities made available by the CMAE.

“Any Club Manager wanting to advance their career and business network should have attaining the CCM designation on top of their list of personal development goals.”

Daniel Asis Boyer, the Director Campo de Golf at Club de Golf Oliva Nova in Madrid joins Andrew among just six to have achieved CMAE’s top qualification outside the UK and Ireland.

He said: “I have been fortunate enough to combine my experience of 14 years at different clubs with the time to organise and attend conferences and seminars around Europe, and in doing so improve my knowledge and skills to achieve CCM.

“I am certain that most of my colleagues will soon complete the process to take the exam and achieve CCM status. When that happens club owners and presidents will also rely more heavily in the advanced professional qualities of their managers, and the golf industry as a whole will take a huge step forward.”

Founded 12 years ago with the support of the Club Managers? Association of America, the CMAE’s principal qualification, the CCM is a quality assured recognition of professionalism in club management.

Mike O’Connell, Hoebridge Golf Centre Senior General Manager, has also achieved CCM status recently. He said: “Having always admired and respected fellow managers within the CMAE, working towards CCM status was a clear goal of mine, the support network offered by CMAE whilst working towards the exam was tremendous, and without doubt helped me in my journey.”

Ireland now boasts nine CCMs as John Lawler, General Manager of Rathfarnham Golf Club, Dublin, also passed the final exam to attain his accreditation: “I have found the whole process of preparing for the CCM exams thoroughly invigorating and of huge benefit to me in the day to day running of my Club.

“The wide focus of the exams accurately reflects the different challenges we face daily as managers. The qualification of Certified Club Manager provides me with the confidence and motivation to continue my development as a club manager.”

Jerry Kilby, CMAE Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’d like to congratulate the four new CCMs on achieving this important benchmark for their careers.

“I hope their example prompts other club managers to start down the route to CCM, as not only is it hugely rewarding professionally, but also personally as well.”

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For more information about the CCM, to download the registration form or to find out more about the CMAE, visit: www.cmaeurope.org.

The exhibition, which brought the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup trophies together in celebrating the success of the European teams in their respective matches against the United States at Medinah last year and Killeen Castle in 2011, highlighted the environmental, social and economic impact of golf across Europe.

Organised under the patronage of the European Parliamentarians Golfing Society by the European Golf Association Golf Course Committee (EGAGCC), the ground-breaking exhibition was officially opened by Doris Pack MEP, Chair of the Culture and Education Committee at the European Parliament following a welcome from James Elles MEP, Chair of the European Parliamentarians Golfing Society.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the European Parliament, Doris Pack MEP said: “Golf is truly a European success. It is not often you see the European flag being waved proudly and passionately, but at the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cups we had thousands of Europeans doing exactly that and what a remarkable sight it was. That European success is an inspiration for other sports.

“The popularity of the sport is growing across Europe and the world, including being reinstated for the 2016 summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Under the patronage of the European Parliamentarians Golfing Society this exhibition highlights golf’s contribution to Europe in economic, social, environmental and sporting terms. It is the first time we have seen anything like this in the Parliament so this is a big moment for golf.”

Some 100 delegates from across the European golf industry came together for the exhibition and a series of break-out sessions exploring the challenges and opportunities for golf throughout the Europe.

Significantly the exhibition offered a platform for members of the EGAGCC – a partnership of bodies including the European Golf Association, The R&A, The European Tour, European Golf Course Owners Association, Confederation of Professional Golf, European Institute of Golf Course Architects, Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations, Club Managers Association of Europe – to liaise and interact with European Parliamentarians and Commissioners on matters of sustainability and golf.

“Golf is a major European success with contributions to make to European policy objectives to sustainability, social cohesion, healthy living and economic growth and jobs, and on top of that Europe’s professional golfers from across our continent continue to give us reason to take pride in their accomplishments,” said James Elles MEP.

Highlighting the sport’s impact across Europe, the exhibition underlined golf’s importance from an economic perspective with the industry contributing €15billion to the European economy annually; from a social perspective with 7.9 million Europeans playing golf annually; and environmentally with more than 6000 courses in Europe, up to 70% of the area of which can be used for habitat creation.

Break-out sessions were chaired by Santiago Fisas MEP, European Parliament Rapporteur for EU Sports Policy; Toine Manders MEP, Member of the European Parliamentarians Golfing Society; and James Elles MEP with guest speakers including Sophie Anconie MEP Environment Committee and Vice-Chair European Parliament Friends of Sport; Pedro Velazquez, Head of Unity (acting) for Sport, European Commission; Tavish Scott, Member Scottish Parliament for Shetland as well as Alison Nicholas, European Solheim Cup Captain.

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For more information visit www.EuropeanGolf.eu, visit CPG.com, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

After the success of the fourth BlackSeaRama Pro-Am in 2012, won by Austria-based, Australia-born Shane McHenry after a playoff with Gary Birch Jnr., the tournament returns to both BlackSeaRama and the neighbouring Lighthouse courses, and promises to be an exciting challenge on the cliffs of the Black Sea.

Pro-Am packages include:

• 5 nights Accommodation and complimentary airport transfer from / to Varna Airport
• Every day Lavish Buffet Breakfast included; Coffee, tea and Water in the Villas, Limited Mini-bar
• 1 practice day green fee @ BlackSeaRama
• Opening Hot&Cold Cocktail at BSR Club House
• 3 tournament days green fees @ BlackSeaRama and Lighthouse (transfers included)
• 3 half-ways (2 at competition days at BSR and 1 at the LH tournament day)
• 2 Buffet Dinners: La Campana & Lake Taverna
• 1 prize giving ceremony with Gala Dinner
• Free use of Fitness Center, Infrared and Finnish Sauna, Jacuzzi, Billiard, Table Tennis, Pools, Steam Bath and Relax zone, Wi-Fi Internet

For package prices view the information sheet here.

The tournament will be played over 54 holes, with 36 at the Gary Player-designed BlackSeaRama course and 18 at the Ian Woosnam-designed Lighthouse golf courses, with the PGA Professionals battling it out for a prize-fund of €20,000 (based on 20 teams competing).

Competitors also have the opportunity to play an optional challenge day will be available at Thracian Cliffs (a Gary Player Signature design course and host of the 2013 Volvo World Match Play) at preferential green fee rates.

For more details download the information sheet here, or to register download the entry form here.

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For more information on the Confederation of Professional Golf visit the CPG.com, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

For more information on BlackSeaRama Golf Club visit www.BlackSeaRama.com.

The manufacturer and supplier of golf’s most popular and recognisable grips take the agreement which was first reached as long ago as 1998, into its sixth three-year term, to continue at least until 2015.

Their solid foundations within the professional game come from their on-going support of the PGA Professional through their club fitting and repairs endeavours, and that, combined with their continued advancement in design and innovation, have ensured they remain at the forefront of the industry.

“We’re really excited to have established a further three-year term with Golf Pride,” said Ian Randell, Chief Executive of The Confederation of Professional Golf. “Our relationship will now span the best part of two decades and its longevity is testament to how both our brands compliment each other.”

“Golf Pride are leaders in innovation and quality standards and we, at the Confederation of Professional Golf, are setting and advancing similar standards and values across our National PGAs and their PGA members. Our communication platforms continue to improve and evolve and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Golf Pride in using these to meet their objectives of engaging and assisting National PGAs and the PGA Professional”.

“Golf Pride are delighted to continue the relationship with the Confederation of Professional Golf,” said Conor Dillon, Regional Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Golf Pride. “We consider the Confederation of Professional Golf an important and strategic partner for our brand and, operationally, we have always appreciated the fantastic co-operation we have received from their team. We look forward to developing the next stage in our relationship with great enthusiasm.”

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For more information on the Confederation of Professional Golf visit the CPG.com, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

For more information on Golf Pride visit www.GolfPride.com, Like the Golf Pride Facebook Page, and Follow @GolfPrideGrips on Twitter.

Lumine played host for the second time to the elite squad’s annual Winter Training camp earlier this month, welcoming Austria’s leading male and female amateurs, who spent one week at the Spanish resort taking advantage of the state-of-the-art Golf Performance Centre and 45-holes of championship golf.

Fredrik Jendelid head coach for the Austrian Golf Federation, said: “This is our second year at LUMINE Golf Club and we continue to be extremely impressed with the whole resort for its golf courses and practise facilities. Logistically, Lumine Golf Club was a great choice for us as it was a short flight and simple transfer to the sunshine. Our hosts took care of all our needs – making us feel very welcome and keeping us well fuelled in the clubhouse. We certainly hope to return in future years.”

General Manager, Calle Carlsson added: “It is a pleasure for us to host elite players at Lumine Golf Club. Our facilities are ideally set up for training breaks, with a large practice ground and great short game and putting arenas. We expect tuition breaks to continue to grow and the praise we have received from this recent visit is further validation our product is striking the right chord.”

One of Europe’s most complete golf facilities, the club features 45 holes, 27 of which have been designed by Australian legend, Greg Norman. Located just one hour south of Barcelona, Lumine Golf Club features an expansive practise ground with a leading Performance Centre, immaculate grass teeing ground and a state-of-the-art short game area and putting green. For ease of access and organisation, a host of nearby accommodation options exist to suit a range of budgets.

Lead by head professional Andy Gordon, the Lumine Golf Performance Centre incorporates three major technologies: the FlightScope, V1 video analysis and Sam Putt Lab designed to analyse the performance of each individual player. The facility is also home to a TalorMade T-Fit custom fitting centre available to all those looking to take their game to the next level.

Visitors to Lumine are spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of golf on offer. Winding its way around the picturesque Sèquia Major wetlands, the Greg Norman designed, Lakes course bears all the hallmarks of the Great White Shark and is undoubtedly the most testing of the resorts three courses. A links-style championship layout, it features several water hazards and tests all aspects of the game.

Located within 170 acres, Lumine Golf Club also includes the more traditional Hills Course, a second 18-hole championship course that runs through pine and olive trees with spectacular views of the nearby coastline. The aptly named 9-hole Ruins Course, another Norman design, weaves its way through Roman archaeological remains from the second century and completes a diverse 45-hole offering of immaculately presented golf that caters for golfers of all ages and abilities.

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For more information on Lumine Mediterránea Beach & Golf Community please visit: www.lumine.com.