International Golf Pro News (IGPN) is now available to download free as a native smartphone application on Apple’s iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and Google’s Android devices (Android 2.3 and up) direct from the relevant app stores.

IGPN is now in its 14th edition and has continued to grow to become a key resource for the 36 Confederation of Professional Golf Member Countries and their individual members.

To reflect the constantly changing nature of how media and content are consumed, IGPN has taken an upgrade to become available as a native smartphone application that ensures a reader’s experience and interaction with the magazine is as streamlined and relevant for their use.

The addition of a native application also optimises their experience on the devices used by the reader, and, together with the still responsive web version, ensures that no matter what device a reader is using, the magazine will render itself in the best way possible for the screen size and internet connectivity.

The success of the magazine comes down to its continuous remit to provide useful, interesting and actionable content relevant to PGAs and their Professionals, whilst also looking to incorporate the huge wealth of experience that PGA Professionals and those involved in the game have. Huge thanks goes to all of those that have contributed so far to the success of the magazine.

Click here to ready the latest Issue of IGPN: www.InternationalGolfProNews.com

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

Here IGPN takes a look at some of these PGA Professionals that all touch the Confederation of Professional Golf in some way to give an insight into some of the varied roles that they play, and find out more about their industry and see what tips they can pass on to other Professionals looking to enter their respective fields of work…

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THE TEACHER

Kevin Flynn – Head professional at Tournerbury Golf Centre; Confederation of Professional Golf Golf Development Professional

Q. What does your current role involve?

As a PGA professional you have to firstly be very versatile. The areas of work my current position demands is coach, presenter, designer of development programs, rules advisor, competition organiser and handicap secretary, shop manager, club manager, developing golf in other countries, and educating golf coaches on new technology and swing theories.  Being in the position of Head Professional you have to lead by example and support your staff while making sure that all things golf are catered for at the club.

Q. What was your reason for going into your area of the industry?

The reason for going into the industry was originally to play on tour, however I soon realised i did not have the desire or commitment to practice the game at the level needed to achieve at the highest level.  Meeting John Jacobs gave me the desire and inspiration to better myself as a coach and I feel as though I am continually getting better through my own self-motivation to become the best I can be.   I hear the words “those that cant play teach” an awful lot but in my own personal experience I get greater satisfaction from seeing others improve than actually improving as a player myself.

Q. What are the main obstacles you face in your position?

I have found it difficult to find staff that are as passionate towards the game of golf as I am.  I think a lot of youngsters who embark on a career in golf do so because it is an easy route into a profession, however I think this is changing with the introduction of new education programs and the criteria needed to be accepted into the PGA.  It is also frustrating to see how many outstanding golf professionals are struggling to establish themselves as Head professionals.  The PGA are doing a fantastic job in raising the standards of our professionals however I feel that golf clubs in the UK need to be better informed as to how the PGA professional is evolving.

Q. What are the main pieces of advice you would give to a PGA Pro looking to move into your area of the industry?

My advice to an aspiring PGA trainee would be to remain passionate about the game of golf.  We are so lucky to be involved in the game of golf and what better way to spend your life, teaching golf, living in an environment where you meet new people everyday and enjoy walking in some of the most beautiful places on the planet.  Embrace the game of golf and never stop learning.

Q. Is there one key thing that you have learnt in your area of expertise that could be applied to all areas and if so what is it?

The greatest thing I have learnt and try to use as a reminder to myself is this quote by John Wooden: “It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts”.

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THE MANAGER

Gavin Chappell – Golf Manager, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi

Q. What does your current role involve?

I am lucky that I have a great team working with me in the golf department here in Al Ain which makes it easier for me to oversee that the club is moving in the right direction. Managing that team to ensure that we are giving our members and guest the best experience possible when they visit the club and at the same time continually looking to promote the resort to both new members and guests. The standards of clubs in the region are so high, so unless we are constantly looking to improve on how our club is run then we would be left behind.

Q. What was your reason for going into your area of the industry?

I had the opportunity to move in to my current role at the start of this year and I felt it was something that I wanted to do to further my career and also the additional role and responsibilities it presented. I have been in the golf industry for the last 18 years with various roles which I have all enjoyed but I feel that most people want to continue to grow in whatever field they are in and I am certainly no different.

Q. What were your reasons for going to work in that particular location?

I have been lucky since leaving the UK in the opportunities that I have been given and the different places I have worked.  My first role in Cairo led to a new challenge in Ras Al Khaimah which is the most northern Emirate in the UAE, which in turn presented a move to Al Ain, part of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. I have been in the UAE for almost 9 years now and in that relatively short period of time I have seen great growth in the game of golf which has been fantastic as both local and international rounds continue to raise, for these points and also the fact of the quality of our golf facility go together as main reasons in why I am here in the UAE.

Q. What are the main obstacles you face in your position?

Again I am lucky in the team I have in Al Ain which makes a lot of the potential obstacles you could face not being a problem. One challenge we face in Al Ain is with our location, being over an hour from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We not only have to compete with the more well known clubs in the region we have to do it from where we are situated. This has its obvious  problems in encouraging visitors from either inside or outside of the UAE to visit us but again I feel what we have to offer at the resort goes a long way to counter act this.

Q. What are the main pieces of advice you would give to a PGA Pro looking to move into your area of the industry?

Even though your roles and responsibilities would change from your previous position, a lot of what you had been involved in previously will hold you in good stead. I feel that is the case for myself as I try to use my experiences from past roles while at the same time trying to look for ways in moving forward. Each club or resort will vary in terms of what they are looking to achieve and what is the vision of their owners or management, but by understanding those and continuing to do the basics well and being pro active in moving forward to grow the club and the services you offer would in my opinion be important traits.

Q. Is there one key thing that you have learnt in your area of expertise that could be applied to all areas and if so what is it?

I feel having good interpersonal relationship is certainly a major point and one that is necessary in the role. From having a team that you oversee as well as being responsible in reporting to and meeting with superiors, and at the same time dealing with golfers be it members or visitors to the club. All of the 3 different points do take different forms but all of them are crucial in having a successful club.

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THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

Robert Moss – PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Advanced Golf Professional, Mendip Spring Golf & Country Club; Confederation of Professional Golf Tournament Director; PGA Rules Referee  

Q. What does your current role involve?

I am the club Professional at Mendip Spring and spend most of my time coaching individuals, groups as well as going in to the local schools to develop a local schools/club link.  I’m also involved with the Somerset Golf Partnership taking golf to the community and encouraging more participation.   I am a member of the PGA Rules panel, refereeing at tournaments for the PGA, European Tour and the LET.   I’m also the Tournament Director for the Confederation of Professional Golf’s tournaments.  This involves making sure the tournament runs smoothly from start to finish from meeting with the host venue/sponsor, course set up and marking the course to ensure the fair and strict applications of the rules of golf, producing local rules, identifying tee and pin positions to use during the week and locating areas of the course for referees to cover during tournament days. I MC prize presentations and follow up with correspondence with all personnel attached to the event to maintain relationships.

Q. What was your reason for going into your area of the industry?

I have been on the PGA Rules Panel for 12/13 years and it all started with one of my members always coming into the pro shop asking ‘worst-case scenario’ rules questions, which I struggled to answer!  I saw the PGA had a CPD Rules course, which I attended and did reasonably well in the exam and was invited to join the panel.

Q. What are the main obstacles you face in your position?

The biggest problem is slow play!!  Pros are playing for a lot of money and understandably don’t want to rush shots and the amateurs pay a lot of money to play so also want to take their time and enjoy the day.  Our job is to ensure a sensible pace of play is maintained for the enjoyment of everyone.  I also think as coaches we have an obligation to the game to work on set-up routines with our pupils that is an acceptable time whilst still getting them prepared for the shot.  There’s nothing worse as a referee than having to put a player on the clock and increasing the pressure on him when he is playing for his living!

Q. What are the main pieces of advice you would give to a PGA Pro looking to move into your area of the industry?

Learn the rules and in particular the ‘Definitions’ as they are the foundations of which the rule book is written.  Once you are comfortable navigating the rule book, contact your PGA or federation to find out about any refereeing opportunities.  Whilst the days on the course can be long, I have been very fortunate to go to some fantastic venues around the world for tournaments.

Q. Is there one key thing that you have learnt in your area of expertise that could be applied to all areas and if so what is it?

I would say take your time and gather all the facts/information before giving an answer.  The last thing you want to do is dive straight in and answer and then find out material facts that would have changed the outcome!  It is better to take your time and give the correct answer rather than rush and give a wrong answer.  Also never be afraid to call for a second opinion, that is a strength rather than a weakness.  The same can be applied to coaching as well, I like to take my time to fully assess the situation before delivering my verdict and I am never afraid to seek a second pair of eyes or opinion if needed.

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THE PLAYER

Henrik Engdahl – Head Professional, The Crete Golf Club Greece

Q. What does your current role involve?

At the moment I run the club’s academies, coach the Greek national team, give lessons and then play in Pro-Ams with members and clients.

Q. What was your reason for going into your area of the industry?

As a fully qualified PGA Professional I find it important to offer a full service in many areas to all my members and guests.  That’s why I try to have a broad variety of services and expertise under my belt.

Q. What were your reasons for going to work in that particular location?

Leaving Sweden as a very mature market and going to Greece where golf is a lot newer was quite a challenge, but I wanted to help build and support Greek Golf.  Now there are a few new developments happening and I think we’re on the right track.

Q. What are the main obstacles you face in your position?

I would say only language really, many of our guests are coming from Russian speaking countries and my knowledge in Russian is very limited but luckily I have a Russian-speaking assistant this year.

Q. What are the main pieces of advice you would give to a PGA Pro looking to move into your area of the industry?

Build a good foundation based on education/experience, be open-minded and accept that you are in a different culture.

Q. Is there one key thing that you have learnt in your area of expertise that could be applied to all areas and if so what is it?

Work on your social skills and be a good listener and last but not least, make sure you are educated a proper education can get you everywhere.

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THE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Michael Braidwood – PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Advanced Fellow Professional; Operations Director, Braemar Golf  

Q. What does your current role involve?

I am the Operations Director for Braemar Golf Developments who are a golf management company.  My role is to oversee any project we have from a Golf Operations standpoint of view, however I do get involved in Human resources and Sales, Marketing and PR related issues.   I have for the past 2 seasons been on secondment to a Russian developer called Millhouse (owned by Roman Abramovich) who have developed a golf course on the outskirts of Moscow.  Skolkovo Golf Club is unique in many ways, however with its location so close to the centre of Moscow it is fast becoming the most desired club in Russia.   My role here is actually closer to General Management and Director of Golf and it very much at the coal face meeting prospective clients, selling memberships, organising the golf operations and events.

Q. What was your reason for going into your area of the industry?

I moved to Braemar Golf in 2010 after spending 12 years in Bahrain as the General Manager of Riffa then the Royal Golf Club.  During my time in Bahrain I got involved with Braemar Golf on a couple of projects and we jointly did the pre- and post- opening of the Sahara Golf and Country Club in Kuwait.  The progression from running one facility in Bahrain to running multiple facilities on behalf of Braemar Golf seemed a natural one and one that I find interesting as it poses many interesting challenges.

Q. What are the main obstacles you face in your position?

The main obstacles I come across are –   1. Vision – many of our clients don’t really understand golf and don’t have a clear vision from their project!  This leaves me trying to tease out of them what they really want!   2. Communication – In some of the locations we work English is not widely spoken and the language of golf is almost non-existent! (Golf is very alien to many people we deal with). This means we have to be very, very clear in how we communicate. I am currently trying to learn Russian – My Russian language handicap must be around 34!!   3. Procurement – in some parts of the world you just cannot get some things you would expect to have to run a successful golf operations, or it takes a very long time to get it. Procurement internationally is really planning and planning so far ahead.  In the UK now we are spoilt, we want something today and it is delivered tomorrow, this is not the case in Russia and other parts of the world!

Q. What are the main pieces of advice you would give to a PGA Pro looking to move into your area of the industry?

Learn every aspect of the golf club operation plus a few things more!  I could not do my role if I did not understand the structure of a good human resources framework, understand the sales, marketing and PR process, have a good insight into F&B operations etc.  You also need to be good and efficient at writing reports, as that‘s what our clients like.   I was lucky early in my career to work at Gleneagles and they were very progressive with training and cross-training.  I volunteered to spend time with the housekeeping department so I could understand how the process of cleaning rooms worked.  I also went on the Hotel Duty Manager rota, which gave me an insight into how the hotel operated.   Signing up for the PGA Director of Golf Program is also a good way of ensuring that you have competency and knowledge across all of the disciplines required.

Q. Is there one key thing that you have learnt in your area of expertise that could be applied to all areas and if so what is it?

There are 2 key ones really – planning in detail and communication. You can’t do enough of both.

The trio of Scotland’s finest sportsmen and coaches will be present on Day Two of the TCC in September at the beginning of Ryder Cup week for the ‘Elite Performance’ sessions and will be drawing upon their experiences on the front-line of coaching and being coached.

The Q&A-style session will give each a chance to explain how the role of the coach influenced their own playing careers as successful international sportsmen, whilst also looking at the overall coaching landscape and how they each now act as, or are still touched by, coaches.

Bernard Gallacher is renowned across the world as a Ryder Cup legend having captained the European Ryder Cup Team 3 times and played 8 times.

Gallacher recently experienced a sudden cardiac arrest and it was only thanks to the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED), along with early-response CPR treatment, that Gallacher was able to regain consciousness and head towards a full recovery.

Gallacher then took steps to address the lack of availability of AED machines at golf facilities in the United Kingdom by launching a campaign early this year.  With Gallacher’s 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.

Glasgow-born Alex McLeish has had an illustrious career as an international football player with 77 caps for Scotland across 13 years as well as over 400 appearances for Aberdeen, but it is perhaps his leadership that is most well known.

After managerial spells at Motherwell, Hibernian, and most notably Rangers with two Scottish Premier League titles, two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups, McLeish took charge of the Scottish National team before moving to Birmingham City.  His time at the club was hugely successful helping them to finish runners-up in the Football League Championship in 2008/09 and winning Football League Cup in 2010/11.  Since then he has held managerial positions at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Gavin Hastings is best known as a former international rugby player in which he had 61 caps at full back for Scotland, 20 of them as Captain.  He captained the British Lions on the 1993 tour to New Zealand and has scored 700 points in test rugby, 12^th in the all-time scoring international rugby players.

Most recently Gavin assisted the Golf Foundation at The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, UK, alongside other HSBC Ambassadors, to help raise the profile of the charity’s HSBC Golf Roots programme.

TCC Delegates are also offered the opportunity to attend the Junior Ryder Cup at Blairgowrie Golf Club on Tuesday 23^rd and the Tuesday 23^rd and Wednesday 24^th Practice Days at The 2014 Ryder Cup.

Ticket registration is now live at http://eur.pe/europeanTCC on a first-come, first-served basis.

Further speaker and schedule information will be revealed across the coming weeks, and more information can be found at http://eur.pe/europeanTCC.

For more information about the Confederation of Professional Golf, visit cpg.golf, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the Hashtag #EuropeanTCC, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

Amateur Champion Bradley Neil to play at his home club Blairgowrie

Three players to represent Europe for the second time

Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Suzann Pettersen all former Junior Ryder Cup players

The European team for the Junior Ryder Cup was announced today as Captain Stuart Wilson revealed the names of the 12 young amateur stars to take on the USA at The Blairgowrie Golf Club from September 22-23.

Wilson announced his selection at the conclusion of the European Golf Association’s European Young Masters at Hamburger Golf Club in Germany, with the team comprised of four boys under the age of 18, four girls under the age of 18 as well as two under-16 boys and two under-16 girls.

Amateur Champion Bradley Neil will lead the line for the European team after the young Scot was the first name to be announced, in what is a huge boost for the event which takes place at his home club in the Perthshire town of Blairgowrie.
The 18 year old, who last month became the first Scot to win the Amateur Championship since European team Captain Wilson claimed the title in 2004, will be joined in the team by the Ladies British Open Amateur Champion, Denmark’s Emily Pedersen.

Pedersen plays in her second successive Junior Ryder Cup having represented Europe at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois, where the USA retained the title after a 14½-9½ victory.

Another player returning to the Junior Ryder Cup fold is promising young Italian Renato Paratore, who has been making a name for himself on The European Tour in 2014.

A close friend of Matteo Manassero, Paratore created a stir at least year’s Italian Open when he made the cut, while he continued to defy his amateur status by making it to the weekend at the Open de España last May.

The 17 year old also continued his progress in the non-paid ranks with victory at this year’s Portuguese Amateur Championship followed by the Italian Amateur Stroke Play Championship.

Linnea Strom is the third and final player making a second appearance at the Junior Ryder Cup, having earned her place as a 16 year old at the 2012 edition, and she continues to show signs of being a star in the making, this year, winning the Spanish Ladies Amateur in March while last year making the cut at the Ladies European Tour’s Helsingborg Open.

Markus Kinhult is another future star who has been turning heads at the highest levels of the professional game, having followed up top five finishes at the Portuguese Amateur Championship and the Lytham Trophy with a tied 21st place finish at the Nordea Masters on The European Tour.

Ivan Cantero was also selected after an extremely consistent season in which he won the strokeplay qualifier for the European Boys’ Team Championship before helping Spain to a fifth place finish, while also earning top five finishes at the Spanish Amateur Championship and the Portuguese Amateur Championship.

The other two to make up the under-18 girls are German Girls Open Champion Virginia Elena Carta of Italy and 2014 Curtis Cup player and recently-crowned Helen Holm Scottish Open Strokeplay Champion Annabel Dimmock of England.

Germany had a great week in Hamburg having both winners of the European Young Masters who earned their place on the team, making up two of the four under-16 players to represent Europe in September, with Alexandra Försterling triumphing in the girls’ tournament and Max Schmitt winning the boys’.

Danish International Strokeplay and English U16 (McGregor Trophy) champion John Axelsen of Denmark was the other boy to make it as one of the under 16 selections while France’s Mathilda Cappeliez, who finished as the highest amateur at this year’s Turkish Airlines Open on the Ladies European Tour at the age of 15, was the other under-16 girl to be chosen.

Junior Ryder Cup Captain, Stuart Wilson said: “It is fantastic to have both Men’s & ladies Amateur Champions playing along with other inform players that have been collecting experience at the highest level in both the amateur and professional ranks.
“Although they all have match play experience it is nice having returning players to the team. Having personally experienced the Junior Ryder Cup in Chicago two years ago I know that they will have an unforgettable week made up with great golf, lots of memories and new friendships. Hopefully their selection will be a stepping stone to further success in their golfing careers.”

The Junior Ryder Cup is a biennial contest between Europe and America, and the teams consist of boys and girls under the age of 18. The USA retained the trophy in 2012, winning at Olympia Fields in Chicago, and the Americans are aiming for four wins in a row this year.

Fredrik Lindgren, Director of The Junior Ryder Cup, added: “The Junior Ryder Cup is always a thrilling event which showcases some of the best up and coming international talent. It is a fantastic way to get involved in the whole ethos of sporting excellence and camaraderie that The Ryder Cup represents and we are looking forward to a superb event at Blairgowrie.”

The event is an international showcase of golf’s next generation, and is designed to continue to build international friendships between top junior golfers in the United States and Europe. Notable past players include Rory McIlroy, Matteo Manassero, Suzann Pettersen, Carlota Ciganda and Hunter Mahan.

2014 European Junior Ryder Cup Team:

• Mathilda Cappeliez (France)
• Alexandra Försterling (Germany)
• Virginia Carta (Italy)
• Annabel Dimmock (England)
• Emily Pedersen (Denmark)
• Linea Strom (Sweden)
• John Axelsen (Denmark)
• Max Schmitt (Germany)
• Ivan Cantero (Spain)
• Marcus Kinhult (Sweden)
• Bradley Neil (Scotland)
• Renato Paratore (Italy)

More information on The Junior Ryder Cup can be found here. Alternatively, follow online via social media @juniorrydercup or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/JuniorRyderCup.

 PGA Professionals and their amateur team members will have the opportunity to play former Irish Open and Walker Cup venue, Portmarnock Golf Club, multiple amateur and professional championship host venue, including most recently the 2007 Walker Cup, Royal County Down, as well as the venue recently invited to host an Open Championship by the R&A, Royal Portrush.

 Whilst also getting the opportunity to compete across three of Golf Digest’s Top-13 golf courses in the world outside of the United States, Professionals will be playing for a prize fund of $10,000 based on 20 participating teams.

 “We are very pleased to be adding this Pro-Am with Carr Golf Travel to our Sanctioned Event schedule,” said Chief Executive of the Confederation of Professional Golf, Ian Randell. “Our schedule is renowned as having a great variety of courses in some incredible locations and, with such a high level of golf course in this event, it is surely going to be something that will stand out on the calendar.”

 Chief Executive of the Carr Group, Marty Carr, said, “QUOTE.”

 Carr Golf Invitational Links Pro-Am packages are free for Professionals and start at £2,095 per amateur and include:

• PGA Professionals travel for free
• 5 rounds of Championship golf
• $10,000 prize fund for PGA Professionals*
• 5 nights’ accommodation the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links and The Europa Hotel – Belfast
• $1,000 credit towards flights for PGA Professionals
• Amateur prizes
• Full Irish breakfast and lunch each day
• Gala dinner
• Tournament gift
• Transport in the form of coach & driver
• Tournament concierge with Carr Golf representatives on 
site throughout

 There are also options for teams to play Royal Dublin Golf Club before the tournament gets underway

 For more information and to enter download the Application Form here: xxxxxxxx.

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 For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page (xxxxxxxxxx), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter (http://bit.ly/Pojrwy) and search the hashtag ‘#CarrGolfProAm (xxxxxxx), or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page (http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc).

 To find out more about Carr Golf Travel visit www.carrgolf.com.

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 Image Caption: xxxxxxxxxxx

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 Notes to Editors:

 An Association of 36 National PGAs (31 European and 5 international) with a collective membership in excess of 21,000 golf professionals, the Confederation of Professional Golf is committed to the advancement of golf, golfers and the golf profession across Europe.

 The Association is also a partner in Ryder Cup Europe as the sole member of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, and is widely acknowledged as a lead body in the delivery of golf development expertise on a global basis through its collaboration with The R&A in its “Working for Golf” programme.

Grogan began the tournament with a one-under par 71 at Thracian Cliffs, but then pushed ahead after Round 2 with a four-under par 67 at Lighthouse Golf Resort & Spa, entering the final round on five-under par (138).

But the Final Round at BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas was far from easy for Grogan. Coming out with guns blazing, Grogan made birdies at one, three and six to go out in one-under par. A small blip bogey on 10 was soon counteracted by four more birdies on the spin, but again bogeys at 15 and 16 reduced the lead just slightly.

A birdie on hole 17 left him with a hefty nine shot advantage over the chasers, but a five-over par 8 on the par-3 18th hole reduced that lead back to his starting point for the day and an overall level-par 72 and five-under par three round total (210).

“Every day just got a little bit better and better, it was quite steady,” said Grogan. “Getting used to the greens was a little bit tricky so after two days I finally got used to it and played quite well.”

“I’ll hopefully be coming back in the next couple of months to do a training week. It’s a fantastic resort, the golf courses are great and you can learn to play in the wind and on fast greens. It’s a fantastic place and I’ll definitely be back.”

Second place in the Individual Professional competition was shared between two players – the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland’s Benn Barham and the PGA of France’s Benjamin Nicolay.

Barham spent the week working his way up the leaderboard which culminated in a two-under par 70 in the final round – the low round of the day and only player under par – to get back to a lever-par total of 215.

Nicolay remained in the second place position after a one-over par 73 in the final round brought him back to level par for the tournament as well, giving him a share of the second place prize money and a cheque for €2,150.

Fourth place went to the PGA of Slovenia’s Damjan Murgelj after a final three-over 75 halted his challenge on the tournament, finishing at five-over par (220) and taking home a cheque for €1,300.

Grogan’s success was also not limited to the individual event – his team, made up of Ole Smidt, Megan Kelly and Michael Crsutke [pictured right], continued their fine form with a final round 93 points (-21) adding to Round 1’s 89 points and Round 2’s 90 points to end on a total of 272 points, a staggering 56-under par.

Second place in the teams went to local Professional, Richard Lane (also the Chairman of the PGA of Bulgaria), and his team of Liubomir Minchev, Ilia Ei Feleki and Andon Tushev, with rounds of 83, 85 and a final round 89 points ending on 257 points (-41).

For full final scores for the 2014 BlackSeaRama Pro-Am visit http://eur.pe/ODZ032.

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For more information on the Confederation of Professional Golf visit the Tournament Hub Page, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter search the Hashtag ‘#BlackSeaRama’, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

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

 An uneventful one-under par front nine at the par 71 course that neighbours BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas was steady enough but it was the back nine where Grogan came into his own with five birdies in the last seven holes, only marred by bogeys at holes 14 and 16.

 Grogan’s overnight co-leader, Benjamin Nicolay (PGA of France), remained steady throughout with a level par front and back nine for his 71, remaining at one-under par (143) and four shots off the pace.

 In tied-third place sits Danmjan Murgelj (PGA of Slovenia) with an up and down one-over opening nine, but a three-under attack on the second nine got him back to a two-under par for the day (69), which, together with his first round 76, leaves him two-over for the tournament (145).

 Advancing by a place up the leaderboard and sitting as the other tie for third at two-over is the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland’s Benn Barham with a set of one-under and level par nines for a 70 to tally with his opening 75.

 The Team Pro-Am competition continues to be lead by individual leader Grogan after a second round 90 points (-18) was added to the first round 89 points totaling 179 points (-35) for the tournament and a seven point lead.

 Final Round play gets underway at 09:00am (EEST) at BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas. For full scores visit http://eur.pe/ODZ032.

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 For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/ODZ032), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter (http://bit.ly/Pojrwy) and search the hashtag ‘#BlackSeaRama’ (http://eur.pe/13Dp6Hg), or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page (http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc).

 To find out more about BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas visit www.BlackSeaRama.com.

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 IMAGE: xxxx

IMAGE CAPTION: 2014 BlackSeaRama Pro-Am Leaders Jonathan Grogan [left] and Benjamin Nicolay [right] (-1)

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 Notes to Editors:

 An Association of 36 National PGAs (31 European and 5 international) with a collective membership in excess of 21,000 golf professionals, the Confederation of Professional Golf is committed to the advancement of golf, golfers and the golf profession across Europe.

 The Association is also a partner in Ryder Cup Europe as the sole member of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, and is widely acknowledged as a lead body in the delivery of golf development expertise on a global basis through its collaboration with The R&A in its “Working for Golf” programme.

 BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas

 “BlackSeaRama is a special golf course – you have to see it to believe it”! – Gary Player

BlackSeaRama is a classic links golf course with remarkable views of the sea – the similarity with Scotland is obvious, with the only difference being that Bulgaria is the newest golf destination in Europe, while Scotland – the oldest. But the real difference is the climate – the sunny days in BlackSeaRama are more than 260, which makes around 10 perfect months of golf on the Black sea coast. Situated some 50km away from Varna-only one and a half hours flight from Vienna and Prague or Europe’s centre. BlackSeaRama offers the very best of Gary Players’ style, says the US Masters champion Angel Cabrera, a little after he played all 18 of the great championship holes.

BlackSeaRama residential area consists only of one or two-storey villas. This creates a cozy atmosphere with breath-taking views to the Cape Kaliakra and the golf course. All hundred luxurious villas have five-star hotel services, and the infinity swimming pools bring a delight sense of timeless relaxation.

The bistro and the Gourmet restaurant in the clubhouse are the home of the famous East European chef Kirin.

BlackSeaRama golf academy disposes of latest golf simulator equipment, which facilitates training all year round, both indoors and outdoors. Besides, BlackSeaRama has two tennis courts, a professional gym, a therapeutic massage centre, as well as unlimited opportunities for practicing various sports. The complex offers everything from cycling and table tennis to riding, hunting, diving and yachting.

The philosophy of BlackSeaRama is maximum self-sufficiency, absolute peace and an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Own labels of red and white wine are produced from the vineyards grown aside the fairways available only for its members and guests. The fruits and vegetables are also organically produced on site.

BlackSeaRama – the golf course named by “Golf Inc”, “Best new course in the world 2009”, which has a Bentley prize, and a clubhouse titled “Building of the year 2008”.

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 Both Professionals had relatively steady rounds, with Grogan heading out in one-under and back in level, and Nicolay mirroring Grogan’s two birdies and two bogeys in the last seven holes to both end on 71 (-1) as well.

 The pair lead by one over the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland’s Craig Phillips, a former BlackSeaRama Pro-Am Champion having won the tournament back in 2011. Phillips’ card was only slightly more up-and-down with nines of one-over and one-under par giving a level-par 72 finish.

 In fourth place, three shots back from Phillips, lies fellow PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Professional, Benn Barham, after a round that looked to be on track for the lead, but was thwarted with triple bogeys at holes 15 and 17 to end on three-over par (75).

 Germany’s Grogan also leads the team event with amateurs Ole Smidt, Megan Kelly and Michael Crsutke carding an opening tally of 89 points (-17), followed up by German, Peter Schmidtner’s, team with 86 points (-14), and the teams of Murgelj (PGA of Slovenia), GB&I’s Barham, Lane (PGA of Bulgaria), and France’s Nicolay, each on 83 points (-11).

 Round 2’s play gets underway at 09:00am (EEST) at Lighthouse Golf Resort & Spa. For full scores visit http://eur.pe/ODZ032.

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 For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/ODZ032), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter (http://bit.ly/Pojrwy) and search the hashtag ‘#BlackSeaRama’ (http://eur.pe/13Dp6Hg), or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page (http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc).

 To find out more about BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas visit www.BlackSeaRama.com.

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 IMAGE: Confederation of Professional Golf – BlackSeaRama_R1 – Grogan Nicolay.jpg

IMAGE CAPTION: 2014 BlackSeaRama Pro-Am Leaders Jonathan Grogan [left] and Benjamin Nicolay [right] (-1)

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 Notes to Editors:

 An Association of 36 National PGAs (31 European and 5 international) with a collective membership in excess of 21,000 golf professionals, the Confederation of Professional Golf is committed to the advancement of golf, golfers and the golf profession across Europe.

 The Association is also a partner in Ryder Cup Europe as the sole member of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, and is widely acknowledged as a lead body in the delivery of golf development expertise on a global basis through its collaboration with The R&A in its “Working for Golf” programme.

 BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas

 “BlackSeaRama is a special golf course – you have to see it to believe it”! – Gary Player

BlackSeaRama is a classic links golf course with remarkable views of the sea – the similarity with Scotland is obvious, with the only difference being that Bulgaria is the newest golf destination in Europe, while Scotland – the oldest. But the real difference is the climate – the sunny days in BlackSeaRama are more than 260, which makes around 10 perfect months of golf on the Black sea coast. Situated some 50km away from Varna-only one and a half hours flight from Vienna and Prague or Europe’s centre. BlackSeaRama offers the very best of Gary Players’ style, says the US Masters champion Angel Cabrera, a little after he played all 18 of the great championship holes.

BlackSeaRama residential area consists only of one or two-storey villas. This creates a cozy atmosphere with breath-taking views to the Cape Kaliakra and the golf course. All hundred luxurious villas have five-star hotel services, and the infinity swimming pools bring a delight sense of timeless relaxation.

The bistro and the Gourmet restaurant in the clubhouse are the home of the famous East European chef Kirin.

BlackSeaRama golf academy disposes of latest golf simulator equipment, which facilitates training all year round, both indoors and outdoors. Besides, BlackSeaRama has two tennis courts, a professional gym, a therapeutic massage centre, as well as unlimited opportunities for practicing various sports. The complex offers everything from cycling and table tennis to riding, hunting, diving and yachting.

The philosophy of BlackSeaRama is maximum self-sufficiency, absolute peace and an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Own labels of red and white wine are produced from the vineyards grown aside the fairways available only for its members and guests. The fruits and vegetables are also organically produced on site.

BlackSeaRama – the golf course named by “Golf Inc”, “Best new course in the world 2009”, which has a Bentley prize, and a clubhouse titled “Building of the year 2008”.

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As outlined by IGF President Peter Dawson, Vice President Ty Votaw and Executive Director Antony Scanlon, the following will apply:

In both the women’s and men’s events a field of 60 players will compete in a 72-hole stroke play format competition for the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The 60 positions available in each event will be allocated through an Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) list published on the IGF website, based on the player’s respective official world golf ranking as follows:

Players within the top-15 on the respective women’s and men’s official world golf rankings as of 11 July 2016 will be eligible, except that there will be no more than four players from any one country eligible within the top-15. The balance of the field will be selected in order from 16th place onwards on the respective women’s and men’s official world golf rankings as of as of 11 July 2016, up to a maximum of 2 players per country for those countries not already having more than 2 players within the top-15.

A provision has been included for the host country, Brazil, which will guarantee that at least one Brazilian female and male golfer will compete in the Games if not otherwise eligible, based on position within the respective official world golf rankings. Another provision has also been included that each of the five continents of the Olympic Movement (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania) will be guaranteed at least one athlete in each of the men’s and women’s events, if not otherwise eligible, based on position within the respective official world golf rankings. These provisions will not increase the field size beyond 60 athletes in each of the women’s and men’s competitions.

The two-year qualification period for the Olympic Golf Ranking will run from 14 July 2014 to 11 July 2016. Throughout that time, an OGR list will be published each week using the current women’s and men’s official world golf rankings at internationalgolffederation.org (showing the mock field for the event as if played that week using the rankings system). The IGF will publish the final OGR list as of 11 July 2016 following the conclusion of all eligible events.

“This is an important milestone on the road to golf’s return to the Olympic Games in 2016,” Dawson said. “We are pleased to confirm the eligibility criteria and to give the athletes, National Olympic Committees and National Federations clarity on the qualification process. The world’s best players now know what they must achieve to be part of golf’s historic return to the Games in Rio de Janeiro.”

For more information visit internationalgolffederation.org.

 Karatas is one of three family members playing in the Pro-Am but faired best of the bunch started with three birdies in the first four holes, followed by a bogey at six and a double at 9, but then when on to make an incredible six birdies across his back-nine.

 Fellow countryman Hakan Yamac also filled his card with bogeys and birdies and with five birdies on his back-nine finisnehd at five-under par after Round 1, whilst PGA of Germany Profesisonal, Jason Evans, kept things a little simpler with 14 regulation pars and four bidies to end up two shots off the pace at four-under par (68).

 Tie-fourth M Haremza started a little shaky but birdies holes six to eleven and then the 18^th to end up on three-under par (69), algonside the PGA of Poland’s Max Saluda, who carded the low round on the PGA Sultan course with his 69.

 The Team competition is led by Bulent Karatas’ team along with Itamar Cohen’s team both with 89 points a piece. Round 2 sees the final day of the Pro-Am Team tournament, after which the Professionals will play together for their final round and the amateurs will play a single round amateur-only tournament.

 For live scores visit http://eur.pe/2014kempinski.

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 For more information on Antalya Golf Club visit www.agc.com.tr, and for the Kempinski “The Dome” Hotel visit www.kempinski.com/en/belek.

 For more information about the Confederation of Professional Golf, visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/1dZqE22), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search #KempinskiDome, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.