Confederation of Professional GolfDecember 2013 – Confederation of Professional Golf

Solheim Cup Legend Alison Nicholas Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Josh Budz — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:24:09 +0000

Six-time Solheim Cup player, two-time Solheim Cup Captain, major champion, and PGA Professional, Alison Nicholas MBE, has been honoured by the Confederation of Professional Golf with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding achievements and contribution to the game.

The Award signifies the outstanding performances, leadership and representation of the game that the victorious 2011 Solheim Cup captain has shown across her career and the contributions she has made to the women’s game.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Nicholas during the Confederation of Professional Golf Annual Congress Gala Awards Dinner at Hotel Vila Galé Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve, where she received a standing ovation from the watching Annual Congress delegates and International Team Championship Competitors.

Nicholas follows in the footsteps of previous winners Seve Ballesteros, who was awarded the honour posthumously in 2011, and Tony Jacklin, who received his award on the same stage in Portugal in 2012.

“I’m overwhelmed to be honest, I certainly didn’t expect it, but I’m honoured and humbled to received it,” explained Nicholas. “It blows me away to think my name is amongst those previous recipients.

“Seve Ballesteros was my hero, when you saw him play, his tenacity and sheer charisma was something that we all looked up to and aspired to, so to receive an award he’s also received is incredible.

“Jacklin obviously pioneered the modern Ryder Cup era and taught Europe to win and believe in themselves – I took all those things on board when I took on the Solheim Cup captaincy and wanted to aspire to do the same as him. Both these winners were an inspiration to me so to receive the award after them is unreal, I can’t get my head around it to be honest.”

Chief Executive of the Confederation of Professional Golf, Ian Randell, presented Nicholas with her award alongside Confederation of Professional Golf Chairman, Sandy Jones, after a special message of congratulations from a fellow player and friend with whom she had formed a formidable Solheim Cup partnership with in her playing days, Laura Davies.

“What I’ve done in the game and my contribution to the Solheim Cup has only come because I’ve had the support and help from other people,” said Nicholas. “I hand this award to my family and my friends and to professionals that have helped me achieve all I’ve done.”

Nicholas’ playing career began when she turned professional in 1984 and joined the Ladies European Tour where she went on to take 18 professional wins, including the 1997 US Women’s Open at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Oregon, US.

Her determination, drive and playing record caused her to become a stalwart member of the LET and a respected regular in six Solheim Cup matches from 1990-2000, notably on the winning side in the ’92 and ’00 matches.

In 2003 and 2005 Nicholas was a non-playing assistant captain for Sweden’s Catrin Nilsmark, but returned to the tournament in 2009 as the Captain for the matches taking place at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois, US, where only two wins from the European side in the final day’s singles allowed the US team to retain the trophy.

But things were destined to change at Kileen Castle, Ireland, in 2011 when Nicholas showed her distinctive mettle and determination to pick her and her team up to come out on top by 15 points to the USA team’s 13.

“The last 20 minutes were just so tight – it looked like the Americans were going to win it and then suddenly the last three matches turned around. It was just amazing. I’ve talked about it with many people and lots have said it was the most exciting Solheim Cup they’ve ever seen. The most important thing for me was to keep calm, keep that belief…it was a sensational victory and the players were incredible.”

Since then Nicholas has retired from her playing and captaincy roles and is now a PGA Professional coach in the outskirts of Birmingham, UK, looking to develop the future stars of the game and pass on the lessons she has learned from an outstanding career at the forefront of the women’s game in Europe.

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For updates, information and news from the Annual Congress 2013, visit the Annual Congress Hub Page (http://eur.pe/11EGYgM), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the Hashtag #AnnualCongress, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

For more information on the 2013 International Team Championship, visit the ITC Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/11EBSkF).

The 2013 Annual Congress & ITC are supported by Glenmuir, the Associação Turismo do Algarve, Hotel Vila Galé Lagos, Onyria Palmares Beach and Golf Resort, and the European Ryder Cup Development Trust. For more information on our partners, visit http://eur.pe/1aaFFgx.

Former PGA of America CEO, Joe Steranka, Recognised with Top European Award

Josh Budz — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:20:57 +0000

The second person to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of America, Joe Steranka, received one of the most coveted Confederation of Professional Golf Awards at the 2013 Annual Gala Awards Dinner, as he became the latest recipient of the Christer Lindberg Bowl.

Steranka (pictured centre) received his award at the Gala Awards Dinner supported by Rolex and hosted at Hotel Vila Galé Lagos, in Portugal’s Algarve region. The Gala Awards capped off the week long Annual Congress that was supported by Glenmuir and the Associação Turismo do Algarve, and ran alongside the International Team Championship at Onyria Palmares.

The Christer Lindberg Bowl is one of the Association’s most prized awards and recognises the outstanding contribution of an individual to the world of golf in the name of the first Chairman of the Confederation of Professional Golf, Christer Lindberg.

“To think that there are [previous winners] like Ken Schofield, Annika Sorenstam, the Solheim family, George O’Grady and Peter Dawson – people that I know and that I call friends – makes me very proud to receive it and it’s humbling to get an award like this,” explained Steranka during his acceptance speech.

“You don’t set out in your career to win awards – you do it to because you love what you do and I’ve been the luckiest man in the world because I’ve never worked a day in my life. I was fortunate as an avid sportsman to get paid to go work in sports and I’ve never looked back.”

“Each of the past winners that have been honoured has contributed something to golf because we love the game and we consider it the greatest game of all, and we do it selflessly.”

Receiving his award from the Chairman of the Confederation of Professional Golf, Sandy Jones (picture above right), alongside Confederation of Professional Golf Chief Executive, Ian Randell (picutred above left), Steranka was able to reminisce about his effect on golf during his time at the helm of the largest PGA in the world that spans further than just the United States:

“Golf is global and as we work in our respected positions taking care of the members that we serve etc., we’re often at times focused locally. But there are a few times where we get a chance to have some slight influence on the game overseas, which is part of the tradition of PGAs. But as you’re working then you don’t expect to see recognition come and it has a special meaning when you’re recognised by bodies outside the country that you’re primarily focused on.”

Steranka began his journey to the top of golf at West Virginia University in the United States where he studied Journalism. A passion for the communications side of sport placed him within his first marketing position at NBA Team, the Washington Bullets, where he sold season tickets and group outings. It wasn’t long before he moved up a gear to Director of Public Relations at the Cleveland Cavaliers at just 23 years old.

Two years with the Cavaliers led him to ProServ, one of the world’s largest sports management and marketing agencies, where he resided as Vice-President for Public Relations working with stars such as Michael Jordan and Jimmy Connors.

But in 1988 Steranka made the move to the PGA of America where he joined as Director of Communications and soon moved up to Senior Director of Communications and Marketing until 2005. During this time he led the creation and expansion of the PGA of America’s broadcast properties, merchandising, and licensing, amongst other things, helping to make the Associtaion the media giant that it is today.

“To think that as I graduated University and went to work for some of the pro basketball teams and the later on for ProServ, to somehow have the responsibility of first communicating the PGA of America’s message and the message about golf, and then eventually leading the administration as Chief Executive – it was a dream come true.”

With his promotion in 2005 he became only the second Chief Executive Officer in the Association’s history. Here he had a great effect on the leadership of the 27,000 PGA Professional members within the PGA of America, and helped to further expand the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup amongst many other activities. He was also a major influence in the development of the PGA World Alliance, an entity that represents over 55,000 PGA Professionals in all corners of the globe.

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For more information on the 2013 International Team Championship, visit the ITC Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/11EBSkF).

International Team Championship goes Dutch and ends drought

Josh Budz — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:18:24 +0000

Holland held their nerve on Portugal’s Algarve to win The Confederation of Professional Golf International Team Championship and end a 22-year ITC drought.

In doing so, and having finished joint second last year, the Dutch trio of Ralph Miller, Robin Swane and Nicolas Nube turned the tables on Scotland at the Onyria Palmares Beach and Golf Resort.

Twelve months ago Holland had trailed the Scots by nine strokes – this time they finished two ahead of them to claim the €6,000 first prize.

But, as that victory margin suggests, it was a close run thing. And not just the battle between them.

With three strokes spanning the top five teams, the result remained in doubt until Swane negotiated the par four final hole of the Alvor course in regulation to clinch victory and ensure his nation’s name was inscribed on the trophy for the first time since 1991.

For Swane, the Dutch captain, and his teammates this triumph was a first, however. Furthermore it reflected the growing standard of golf among his compatriots.

“The three members of the team are all Dutch-born players,” he said. “That wasn’t the case before when we were represented by overseas players.”

All three players performed well but it was Miller that was Holland’s ace in the pack. Having broken the course record in the third round by posting an eight-under-par 64, the Dutch pro, who has an American father and Dutch mother, followed up with a three-under-par 69.

That coupled with Swane’s two-over was sufficient for the Dutch to maintain the two-stroke lead they held at the start of the final round of the tournament which was supported by Glenmuir, the Associaçäo Turismo do Algarve and Ryder Cup European Development Trust.

Miller’s round also ensured he finished level with Scotland’s Graham Fox as the tournament’s leading individual on two-under-par for the four rounds.

Completing the trio of players from the 26 teams who were under par for the tournament was Sweden’s Magnus Atlevi who signed off with a 69 to finish on one-under.

For others, however, the event was very much a case of what might have been, especially the Irish.

Needing to par the last to force a play-off, Brendan McGovern posted a triple bogey seven. Even more punitive was the 10 John Kelly racked up at the fifth en route to a one-over-par 73. For once the luck of the Irish was conspicuous by its absence.

Leading scores (after fourth and final round): Holland +3; Scotland +5; Denmark, Wales and Ireland +6; Italy +9; Sweden +11.

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For updates, information and news from the 2013 International Team Championship, visit the ITC Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/11EBSkF).

Bernard Gallacher launches Defibrillator Campaign to ‘Help Save Lives’

Josh Budz — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:15:55 +0000

Former European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher today launched a nationwide campaign which could potentially help to save the lives of golfers of all abilities and ages.

Drawing on his own personal experience of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest on August 28, the 1995 winning captain was joined by a gallery of friends and colleagues from the world of sport and show business at Wentworth Club to activate the Bernard Gallacher Defibrillator Campaign 2014.

It was only thanks to the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) following his collapse during a dinner reception in Aberdeen, along with early-response CPR treatment at the venue, that Gallacher was able to regain consciousness and take steps towards a full recovery.

However, that close brush with death inspired Bernard and his wife, Lesley, to announce plans to lead a campaign for AEDs to be widely available in every single golf club and driving range in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

With the Gallachers’ profile and encouragement, allied to a fundraising campaign being run concurrently with the PGA and Arrhythmia Alliance – the Heart Rhythm Charity – an estimated 2600 golfing venues and around 4,000,000 club golfers could benefit from the Campaign.

Gallacher, who was speaking at the Campaign launch in the Ballroom of the clubhouse where he spent over 20 years as a Club Professional, said: “I consider myself incredibly fortunate that a defibrillator was on hand in Aberdeen to resuscitate me following my sudden cardiac arrest. But for that AED and the quick-thinking, expertise and life-saving skills of the medical personnel in the room that night, I wouldn’t be here today.

“Without early intervention, an individual has just a 5% chance of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest, so Lesley and I felt it appropriate to try to ensure others are equally fortunate should they collapse in or around a golfing venue in future.

“Currently, just 30% of golf clubs have a defibrillator and our stated aim is to try to raise awareness of the importance of having an AED close by in case of emergency, and to increase that figure considerably by encouraging every club or driving range in the UK and Ireland to have at least one public-access defibrillator by the end of 2014.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, and possibly on the golf course. We want to do whatever it takes to raise the level of awareness of defibrillators and to get them into more clubs around the country.”

Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder and CEO of Arrhythmia Alliance, said: “Bernard’s experience has shown the life-saving difference of early CPR and use of a defibrillator. We are delighted to join him and the PGA in this campaign for every golf club in the UK and Ireland to have their own device.

“An estimated 100,000 people in the UK die each year from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It kills more people than AIDS, breast cancer and lung cancer combined. Golf clubs nationally serve more than four million people each year, but only a third currently have a defibrillator. Our aim is for every club to have one by the end of 2014.”

Sandy Jones, Chief Executive of the PGA, added: “The PGA is delighted to join with Bernard in this campaign to install defibrillators in every golf club in Great Britain and Ireland. It has been a long standing ambition of my own and the PGA that this should happen, and as we have seen through the near tragic experience of Bernard, it is vital that such equipment is available at the time of need.

“Defibrillators in golf clubs, without doubt, will save lives and we thank Bernard and Lesley for allowing us to join with them in this campaign.”

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of the European Tour, commented: “Bernard is one of our great champions and it came as a huge shock to hear what happened to him, but also a massive relief to then learn of the importance of the emergency procedures which helped to save his life.

“All of us at the European Tour are fully supportive of Bernard and Lesley’s campaign to get AEDs into every golfing facility in the UK and Ireland and we will provide all possible assistance to ensure the Bernard Gallacher Defibrillator Campaign achieves its ultimate goal.”

Julian Small, Chief Executive of Wentworth Club, said: “We would encourage all golf clubs to get defibrillators. At Wentworth we have four – in the clubhouse, the two refreshment huts on the courses and in the Tennis and Health Club. The training given to our staff was well received and they are confident that, should an unfortunate incident occur, they can respond quickly and make a difference.”

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Testimonials:

Dr Edward Rowland MD FRCP FACC FESC , Consultant Cardiologist, UCLH (The Heart Hospital)

“I would be delighted to help in what I believe is an important and valuable endeavour. Bernard’s experience shows what can be achieved in saving lives if all the elements of life support are in place.”

Dr Andrew D Stewart MBChB(Hons) PhD, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

“An excellent way to raise awareness of the need for urgent recognition and treatment of patients with cardiac arrest, and I am sure will help prevent deaths from this condition.”

Robert R Jeffrey FRCSEd, FRCPEd, FETCS,Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

“I would be absolutely delighted to have my name associated with this campaign. Your campaign has my unreserved support.”

Dr Roger Hawkes MB Ch Dip. Sports Med. FFSEM(UK)

“As Chief Medical Officer of the European Tour and as a member of the Medical Commission of the IGF, I would like to offer my support.”

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Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

SCA happens because of a problem in the heart’s electrical system, caused by an abnormal heart rhythm; or cardiac arrhythmia. The most common arrhythmia that leads to SCA is called ventricular fibrillation (VF).

A person’s heart will stop beating without warning when they suffer SCA, they will collapse, lose consciousness and look extremely pale. SCA strikes without warning, regardless of age, killing 100,000 people in the UK every year. It requires immediate treatment to keep blood pumping and to restart the heart to prevent brain damage and death, therefore immediate defibrillation is critical.

CPR alone will not restart a heart following SCA but can keep the victim alive until an ambulance crew arrives – which in the UK is usually within eight minutes of a call to 999.

CPR alone saves 9% of victims
Immediate CPR and defibrillation with an AED increases chance of survival to 50%
Survival rates drop 7-10% every minute without defibrillation. Quick action can make the difference between life and death.

For more information visit www.europeantour.com or www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk.

ITC 2013

Josh Budz — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:22:32 +0000

December 10-13, Onyria Palmares Beach and Golf Resort, Portugal

The Confederation of Professional Golf 2013 International Team Championship with play host to teams from all across Europe in what should be a stunning test of golf at the Alvor course at Onyria Palmares Beach and Golf Resort, in the Western part of Portugal’s Algarve region.

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