Le Golf National’s highlights of contributions for nature and people:

• 40 hectares – 30% of the site – are dedicated to grassland habitat and the area of unmaintained rough has increased to improve habitat connection.
• Significant reduction in maintained turfgrass areas to enhance shrubs, wetlands, and other natural areas critical to wildlife protection
• More than 50 beehives surrounded by planted wildflower areas
• Biological pest control and compost teas used on fairways
• Investment in water efficiency with new storage reservoir, irrigation system and sustainable drainage installation over the next two years
• Strong, mutually beneficial community links including long-term local business relationships
• A free practice facility for school students available during parts of the day
• Winners of the first Generali Trophees du Sport Responsable in the golf category of 2012
• Inclusive golf atmosphere that promotes golf for a wide range of players through a diverse offering of golf courses

Click here to view Le Golf National’s full GEO Certified® Report

Growing the sport of golf in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable way, aligns with, and contributes to, realising Europe’s 2020 Vision that enables us to influence government and EU policies and create more positive perceptions of our sport.

More people playing more golf more often has a positive impact on its economic contribution, a healthier population, and as long as this is done in an environmentally-friendly manner, then it is easy to promote golf’s benefit to society.

Here are just a few figures from various sources that highlight these positives:

• Golf’s economic contribution to Europe is €15.1 billion
• The sport employs approximately 400,000 people across Europe
• There are proven health benefits such as golfers burning up to 800 calories per round, a reportedly 40% lower mortality rate and up to a five-year increase in life expectancy
• Up to 70% of a well managed golf course can be used as habitat creation for wildlife
• Golf courses, new or old, can enhance the local biodiversity of an area by providing a greater variety of habitats than intensively managed agricultural areas

There are a number of recent initiatives, such as Golf Europe’s ‘GoGolf!’ and the European Week of Sport, which are both about increasing participation in sport, and promoting the benefits of getting involved.

Further examples of the proactive steps being taken by golf can be seen through the work of GEO and the recent report on Ryder Cup’s Green Drive and how it has become one of the world’s leading sustainable events through a variety of activities that will really set the standards for events of any scale in the future.

The BMW PGA Championship is always a highlight on the European golf calendar and their environmental off-course work was hugely strong with their re-use initiative and the donation of materials to various projects and charities.

The PGA Championship week at Wentworth was also special for the Confederation of Professional Golf as we began the celebrations of our 25^th Anniversary year with a Business Club where we brought our Corporate Partners together under one roof. We take great pride in the longevity of many of our Partnerships and the loyalty that exists on both sides – a slightly different take on the word sustainable!

Maintaining social, economic and environmental sustainability in golf and in golf’s businesses is something that should be high on everyone’s priority list and it is important that we promote its understanding and impact as much as we can! We would be delighted to hear of any examples of sustainability – feel free to email them to aw@CPG.com.

This article originally featured in International Golf Pro News. Visit the IGPN Page to find out more and subscribe for free.

Golf Europe, a group of European golf’s major stakeholders, will aim to progress golf’s contribution to European society and the focus it receives within the community. The Europe 2020 strategy, which outlines the European Union’s vision for the 21st century, included sustainability as a key driver for economic growth and resource efficiency.

In this context, Golf Europe’s activities of growing the sport of golf in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable way are in line and contribute to realising Europe’s 2020 vision.

Golf Commits to European Week of Sport – September 7-13

The stakeholders of Golf Europe united at the Annual European Union Sports Forum to sign a letter of intent with the European Commission committing their support for the 2015 European Week of Sport.

Golf Europe will promote the #BeActive campaign and participate by collectively mobilising the golf community network (governing bodies, national federations, clubs, coaches, sponsors, professional players and media) to raise awareness of the societal benefits of golf participation through a range of activities including:

• Implementing golf development initiatives across several Member States with structured coaching being delivered by PGA Professionals;
• Showcasing golf’s European youth engagement strategy while simultaneously promoting sport’s value for health and wellbeing;
• Utilising the inspirational role of professional golfers – notably the team captains of both the Solheim Cup and the Ryder Cup – to communicate to young people and to support the delivery of the European Week of Sport objectives; and
• Developing and implementing legacy and outreach programmes, aligned with social and environmental policy agendas, enabled by the success of major golf events in Europe.

GoGolf!

A Collaborative Project on Sport, Health & Participation Achieves European Commission Erasmus+ Award.

Under Erasmus+, the EU programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport for 2014-2020, the European Commission has awarded funding to the GoGolf! project, which be focused on sport, health and participation with transnational collaboration and two high-level aims:

• Increasing the evidence base for the health benefits of golf for the European citizen
• Driving increased participation in the sport at a pan- European level

In the context of EU policy, the project aims to target the recently published Eurobarometer report on Sport and Physical Activity, which found that:

• 59% of EU citizens never or seldom exercise or play sport at least once a week
• Almost three-quarters of EU citizens (74%) say that they are not members of any sports club, a 67% increase since 2009.

With golf functioning as a major participation sport across Europe, the GoGolf! project will seek to identify how the European golf community can come together to address some of these impending health challenges for the European Community.

A key aim of GoGolf! is to compose a multi-national, multi- stakeholder planning and delivery team which can bring a diverse set of skills, perspectives and resources to the work being undertaken.

GoGolf! Project Hosts First Expert Advisory Board Meeting in Paris

The first Expert Advisory Board (EAB) meeting of the GoGolf Europe project was hosted by the French Golf Federation on 13th of May 2015 at Le Golf National in Paris, venue of the 2018 Ryder Cup.

The meeting gathered a broad group of representatives from the golf sector, with the project lead, the European Golf Association (EGA), being joined by The R&A, the French Golf Federation, the European Tour and the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA). Expert contributors from outside the golf sector were also present, including the Gender Hub, Think Young, The Association For International Sport for All (TAFISA) and the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE).

Following a welcoming message given by the EAB Chairman, Antti Peltoniemi, Past President of the EGA, clarifying the objectives of the meeting and the role of the EAB, an introduction was given to all of the participating organisations and their specific areas of contribution to the project.

A detailed presentation of the GoGolf Europe initiative, along with its objectives and planned outcomes, was subsequently delivered.  The discussions emphasised the importance of working towards making golf an enjoyable, accessible, inclusive and beneficial sport for youth across Europe.

As the organiser of the international golf trade fair GOLF EUROPE, Messe Augsburg has decided to move the trade fair to next year. Despite the extensive interest displayed by both exhibitors and partners, the latest developments in the golf industry necessitate a review of the future organisation of this event.

In the past few years, GOLF EUROPE has successfully established itself as a business platform for the entire European golf industry. The high quality standards and attentiveness of the trade fair team and the choice of Augsburg as a trade fair location as it is centrally situated in a charming region and has excellent transport links have won unanimous praise.

The exhibitors from the various industry sectors nevertheless seem very heterogeneous, especially as far as the ideal timeframe for the trade fair is concerned. It has therefore been decided that the industry meeting’s profile needs to be defined in more detail for the relevant target groups in consultation with the partners in order to find a date that is as convenient as possible for all participants.

It is hoped that this will boost the level of interest ready for the new trade fair date in 2016, which will be announced in due time.

You will find further information on GOLF EUROPE on the following pages or contact us personally – we shall be pleased to help you!

For more information on GOLF EUROPE visit www.GOLF-EUROPE.com, follow @golfeuropemesse on Twitter, like the GOLF EUROPE’s Facebook Page, and follow Golf Europe on Google+.

After a stringent tender process the PGA of South Africa has awarded the championship to Zimbali Country Club, Durban Country Club, Prince’s Grant Golf Estate and Cotswold Downs Golf Estate.

“We are pleased to announce that the entries for the third World Club ProAm are now officially open and teams who have been waiting have been quick to secure their spots for 2016. This tournament, the only Club ProAm of its kind in the world, has come a long way since we announced the inaugural event at the 2012 Confederation of Professional Golf Annual Congress in Portugal, and we are proud to say that it just keeps getting better and better,” said Ivano Ficalbi, Chief Executive of the PGA of SA.

Moving into the third year, the tournament is set to achieve even greater hype and interest on the European golf platform with the announcement by the Confederation of Professional Golf that they will be sanctioning the World Club ProAm as a premier tournament on their 2016 calendar.  With this recognition, world-class courses, fantastic playing conditions of 90 holes across four championship courses and payouts up to 60th place, more PGA Professionals are looking to etch their name on the individual trophy and fill the shelf at their club with the team silverware.

Chief Executive of the Confederation of Professional Golf, Ian Randell, adds, “A proactive marketing campaign has been introduced which will reach in the region of 21,000 PGA Professionals from 36 PGAs. This will be achieved through a variety of influential communication platforms such as the Confederation of Professional Golf’s website, cpg.golf, our International Golf Pro News digital magazine and various social media channels”.

With the title, trophy and a lucrative prize fund back on the table, PGA Professionals and their amateurs around the world are preparing themselves for another fiercely competitive tournament.

The PGA Professionals will battle it out in the Individual Stableford to claim the US$33,000 cash 1st prize and title, while the teams compete in a ProAm 4-ball alliance for the prestigious team trophy. A total prize purse of US$210,000 will be paid out that includes cash for the professionals and cutting-edge golf apparel for the daily amateur prizewinners.

“All registered PGA Professionals are invited by the PGA of South Africa to enter online at www.worldclubproam.com and identify three amateur golfers, with official handicaps, to make up the entry as prescribed for their region. The entry includes a full golfing package of 5 days of competitive golf across 90-holes of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier courses, plus seven nights minimum 4-star accommodation sharing, meals and 5-star gala events,” concludes Beverley Theron, Event Director.

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

Find out more about the event here: WorldClubProAm.com.

(left to right) Arthur Mzimela (World Golf Events SA) and Ivano Ficalbi (Chief Executive of the PGA of SA) holding the Professional Trophy with Beverley Theron (Event Director) and Toy Mzimela (World Golf Events SA) holding the Team Trophy

Having won the Challenge Tour’s ‘Aegean Airlines Challenge Tour by Hartl Resort’ event in July 2014, Roos made it a double Aegean win with victory at the 10th anniversary of the popular pro-am event.

After a birdie on the 18th hole, Roos tied with playing partner, Nicolo Gaggero (PGA of Italy), at eight-under (205) to force a playoff.  But it only took a single repeat of the Dunes course’s 18th hole for the winner to be decided after which Roos’ was surrounded by Costa Navarino’s very own Junior Golf Academy members that had come to watch the event’s culmination for autographs and pictures.

“It feels brilliant to be the winner of this prestigious event,” explained Roos.  “I am very chuffed to have won it in the end – it was a very up and down day, but I feel blessed to come out on top.

“It’s a massive tournament with 64 teams – I thought the event was exceptional and I’d love to be back in the future.  I’d certainly encourage players to come to the event because it’s got world-class entertainment and 5* resorts, it’s a great experience.  Both golf courses are extremely strong and for a coastal course the greens are quick, quality surfaces and are really true.”

For full final Individual Professional & Team Pro-Am results visit: http://eur.pe/2015Aegean

Having begun the day one ahead of the PGA of Italy’s Nicolo Gaggero, Roos immediately acted with a birdie at three to push further ahead of the pack but Gaggero held on to close the first nine again one behind Roos.

After both players moved back and forth with birdies and bogeys it was Gaggero who had the opportunity to take victory needing to hole an eight-foot putt for birdie for the win.  After the Italian’s putt slid by, Roos converted his birdie opportunity finishing with a level par 71 forcing the pair into a playoff.

Back on the 18th tee Gaggero played first but put his drive left of the fairway in scrubland and after two penalty drops he eventually had a putt for a seven.  But Roos had already made the green in regulation and after just missing a putt for a birdie, Gaggero conceded the hole.

“I feel sorry for Nicolo, he was right there and unfortunately he hit a bad tee-shot in the playoff, but I’m happy to come out on top in the end,” added Roos.

“Nicolo was leading with three to go so I was trying to put some pressure on him…then it was tight up the last.  I hit a really good bunker shot that lipped out for eagle and he had about an eight-footer for the win and unfortunately he hit it a little bit firm.”

Third place in the Individual Professional tournament went to the PGA of Germany’s, Sebastian Buhl, whose tied low score of the day of 70 allowed him to end at five-under par (208).

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

Find out more about the Aegean Airlines Pro-Am and Aegean Airlines by visiting www.aegeanproam.com.

MAIN IMAGE: 2015 Aegean Airlines Pro-Am Individual Professional Winner, Jake Roos [centre], receiving his winner’s cheque from Chairman of Aegean Airlines S.A. & President of the Organising Committee of the 10th Aegean Airlines Pro- Am, Theodore Vassilakis, (left) and Chairman & CEO of TEMES S.A., Achilles V. Constantakopoulos (right) [Credit: www.papadakispress.gr]

Whilst Roos’ second round may not have had the same explosive outcome as the previous day, it was by no means less interesting.  Opening birdies at holes two, three and five saw him make the turn at ten-under with a comfortable lead on his fellow competitors.

However, as conditions continued to become ever more drier and faster in the Mediterranean heat, the South African’s lead diminished after bogeys at Costa Navarino Dunes’ tenth, 11th and 13th.  A single birdie at hole 16 got him back to red numbers for the day, closing with a one-shot advantage on the field.

Lying in second place just behind Roos is the PGA of Italy’s Nicolo Gaggero, a three-time Aegean Airlines Pro-Am Champion.

Having won all three of his Pro-Ams at Costa Navarino, Gaggero was always going to be a strong favourite.  A steady yet meaningful first round 68 at the Bay Course placed him well to capitalise further on day two – six birdies and two bogeys later he ended on 67 and a tournament total of seven-under par (135).

In Round 3 Gaggero will seek a fourth Pro-Am win and his third in a row, whilst Roos’ will look for a maiden Aegean Airlines Pro-Am and Confederation of Professional Golf event win.  But both will also be in good company in the final group as PGA of Norway Professional and 2009 Aegean Airlines Pro-Am winner, Paul Nilbrink, will join them as he looks to build on his four-under total (138).

Alongside Nilbrink on the leaderboard at -4 but heading up the penultimate grouping is the PGA of Germany’s, Sebastian Buhl.  Buhl will be joined by the PGA of Greece’s Panos Karantzias (-3) and PGA of Italy Professional and 2013 UniCredit PGA Professional Champion of Europe, Federico Elli (-3).

The Team Pro-Am competition culminated after Round 2 and results in the Team competition will be revealed at the end of the final day’s play.

Round 3 of the Individual Professional tournament gets underway at 07:30am EEST at Costa Navarino’s Dunes Course.

For full Round 01 results visit: http://eur.pe/2015Aegean

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

Find out more about the Aegean Airlines Pro-Am and Aegean Airlines by visiting www.aegeanproam.com.

Roos, winner of the Challenge Tour’s ‘Aegean Airlines Challenge Tour by Hartl Resort’ event in July 2014, got the 10th anniversary edition of the tournament underway in style with his seven-under par 64 that came during his first ever round at the course:

“I really enjoyed it out there – I didn’t play a practice round so it was the first time I saw it today and I liked the setup and the quick-fast, undulating greens,” explained Roos.  “The greens were very challenging in terms of the slopes – it’s not the longest course but is quite fun.  I made some nice putts so yeah I’m happy with today.”

A two-under par opening nine holes of 34 was only blemished by a single bogey on Roos’ third hole, however a five-under par 30 back nine with no dropped shots ensured a two shot lead heading into the second round of the Individual Professional competition.

In second place is local Costa Navarino-based PGA of Greece Member Professional, Adam Kritikos.  Again playing at the Bay Course, Kritikos completed his first round in 66 shots (-5) aided by no less than two eagles at the 7th and 18th holes.

Tied at third place are 2009 Aegean Airlines Pro-Am Champion, Paul Nilbrink (PGA of Norway), and three-time defending Champion, Nicolo Gaggero (PGA of Italy), each three-under par after both their 68s at the Bay and Dunes Courses respectively kept them well and truly in the mix.

In the Team Pro-Am competition, the lead is held by another local Costa Navarino favourite and PGA of Greece Member, Themis Ginis, and his team of John Paraschis, Yannis Criticos, and Nikos Koulis.

Their opening 88 points (-16) at the Bay Course edged them one point ahead of second place Itamar Cohen, and his amateurs, Guy Benhamou, Hezi Magan, and Yehudah Levy with 87 points (-15).

For full Round 01 results visit: http://eur.pe/2015Aegean

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

Find out more about the Aegean Airlines Pro-Am and Aegean Airlines by visiting www.aegeanproam.com.

Up to 20 teams will have the opportunity to compete at courses in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including the site of Søren Kjeldsen’s victory in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation, Royal County Down.

Kjeldsen had begun the day two strokes ahead of the field but tentatively secured his place in a playoff after shooting a final round 76.

The 40 year old, who had not won since the 2009 Open de Andalucía de Golf, held his nerve when it counted up the 18th for a second time as he saw his birdie putt rattle around the cup before falling in.

Carr Golf Links Pro-Am Competitors will also play former Irish Open and Walker Cup venue, Portmarnock Golf Club, along with future Open Championship venue, Royal Portrush.

PACKAGE INFORMATION

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

• 4 rounds of Championship golf
• $10,000 prize fund for PGA Professionals (based on 20 participating teams)
• 5 nights’ accommodation
• 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 additional options for teams to play Royal Dublin Golf Club before the tournament gets underway.

For more information download the entry form here: http://eur.pe/1IPApyt, and visit the Tournament Hub Page here: http://eur.pe/2015CarrGolf.

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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 ‘#CarrGolfProAm’, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

Visit the Tournament Hub Page – http://eur.pe/2015CarrGolf

For years, South Africa’s elite amateurs have considered a college scholarship in America as the only viable stepping stone to an eventual professional career in the game.

But the PGA of South Africa’s Diploma in Club Professional Golfing and elite coaching at an academy is fast becoming a viable alternative to this approach.

“This is important because it allows these students to remain amateur golfers for longer while focusing on improving their games. So we’re seeing a lot of top amateurs now staying in South Africa instead of heading off to American Colleges. The result is that not only is the quality of our amateur golf so much higher, but we can also offer our golfers a real education in the game, in addition to the traditional method of qualifying as a PGA member through the three-year apprenticeship programme,” says Andrew Gunn, the Education and Training Manager for the PGA of South Africa (pictured below).

“The PGA is now recognised as the leader of golf education in not only South Africa but Africa.”

The PGA World Alliance has now given the PGA of South Africa the mandate for the entire Sub-Saharan Africa in this regard, which Gunn says is helping to raise the standard of golf education in the rest of Africa.

“We have had apprentices from Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Nigeria who have been through the three-year programme and qualified as full members of the PGA of SA. There are currently four fully qualified PGA of SA members working in Mauritius. We have four Mauritians doing their apprenticeship and a further four Mauritian students at The Golf School of Excellence in South Africa.

“The PGA of SA will also be managing a Level 1 coaching course in Kenya at the end of June for 22 Kenyan coaches, many of whom are looking to start their apprenticeship with the aim of qualifying as PGA of SA members.”

The PGA also has a mandate through the Confederation of Professional Golf and the R&A to assist with projects in Botswana and Madagascar. Through this, Botswana has eight fully qualified PGA members at present and Madagascar will require the establishment of golfing structures and Level 1 coaches.

“In addition, the PGA of SA has adapted its constitution to allow members from all African countries to become members of the PGA of SA.”

The PGA of SA will also be hosting an international golf coaching conference in June, with the R&A sponsoring 15 African coaches from Sub-Saharan Africa to attend

“It’s all great recognition that what we’re doing in South Africa is impacting the rest of Africa as well and helping to develop the game throughout the continent.”

This article original appeared at http://eur.pe/1QHGpMz.

The three-round Pro-Am tournament takes in three courses on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline in the form of Gary Payer Signature Design courses BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas and Thracian Cliffs Golf Course, as well as the Ian Woosnam-designed Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort.

PGA Professionals will compete for a prize fund of €25.000 (based on 25 teams) whilst also having the opportunity to win a BMW Hole-in-One prize supported by Varna Cars.

Package Information

Beginning at €969 for non-members, and along with an exceptional après-golf offering (details here: http://eur.pe/1EuskS2), packages include:

• 5 nights accommodation and complimentary airport transfer to/from Varna Airport
• Daily Lavish Buffet Breakfast
• Coffee, Tea and Water in the Villas, Limited Mini-bar
• 1 practice day green fee at BlackSeaRama
• 3 tournament rounds at Lighthouse, Thracian Cliffs and BlackSeaRama (transfers included)
• 3 half-way snacks
• Opening cocktail
• 2 Buffet Dinners
• Prize giving ceremony with Gala Dinner
• Free use of Fitness Center, Infrared and Finnish Sauna, Jacuzzi, Billiard, TableTennis, Pools, Steam Bath and Relax zone, Wi-Fi Internet
• Access to all functions and activities during the Pro-Am week

Download Tournament Information Sheet (http://eur.pe/1EuskS2)

Download Entry Form (http://eur.pe/1ILyxXF)

Contact blacksearama@blacksearama.com with entries and for enquiries

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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.

Visit the Tournament Hub Page – http://eur.pe/2015BlackSeaRama

Situated on a 300 meters cliff at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, with breath-taking views of the Black sea, BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas is located some 50 km north of Varna International Airport – only one and a half hours flight from Vienna and Prague or Europe’s center.

Endless sea view from the height of 200 meters towards the magnificent and extremely diverse bay from Cape Kaliakra to Cape Galata of the Black Sea – this is BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas, the first championship signature golf course in Bulgaria – 18 holes, par 72, length of 6648 meters – and the first completed project of Gary Player in Eastern Europe.

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. 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 Golf & Villas residential area consists only of one or two-story 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.

BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas offers its guests various types of accommodation to suit every taste and personal requirements. The golf complex BlackSeaRama easily avoids one of the most annoying trends in golf resorts – overbuilding. Its residential area consists only of one- or two-story villas, small villages like the one called Bell Tower and the Club Residence. This creates a cozy atmosphere with breath-taking views to the Cape Kaliakra and the golf course. All luxurious villas and suites have five-star hotel services, and the infinity swimming pools bring a delight sense of timeless relaxation.

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.

In the Clubhouse one can find the Pro Shop, the wine cellar, relaxation center with an indoor swimming pool, Finish sauna and jacuzzi, a Steak House restaurant, a bar with terraces overlooking the sea and a Bistro, dedicated to the golfer’s taste. Just in front of the Clubhouse an incredible stage hanging over the cliffs’ edge above the sea recreates an ancient open amphitheater for 150 people. It is a favorite place for prize giving, weddings and concerts.

BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas aim to cater for everyone’s taste and to offer diverse culinary experience has led to the creation of different dining locations within the resort: Steak House, Bistro, Lake Taverna and Pizzeria La Campana. Each of them with its own identity and style invites you to become part of a tasty trip around the world cuisine

BlackSeaRama also has two tennis courts, a professional gym, a therapeutic massage center, as well as unlimited opportunities for practicing various sports. The complex offers everything from cycling and table tennis to riding, hunting, diving and yachting.

PGA members in both countries to benefit from Lumine’s outstanding practice facilities and championship golf

Lumine Golf & Beach Club continues to set the benchmark in creating a welcoming environment to play the game by signing an exclusive deal with the PGA of Belgium and PGA of Holland, to become their official winter home in Spain. The partnership will also promote Lumine’s Pro Group packages to over 800 PGA Professional members in Belgium and Holland, coming on the back of rich praise from hosting winter training camps of leading National Golf Federations; Austria, Denmark and Czech Republic earlier this year.

The impressive reputation of the Troon-managed resort, which has seen Lumine selected by leading organisations for a wide variety of prestigious events, has been built on the strength of its overall golf and lifestyle offering, including pristine course conditioning; 45-holes of world-class golf; extensive practice facilities; state-of-the-art Golf Performance Centre; an amazing variety of accommodation options nearby; and accessibility from two international airports, in Barcelona and Reus.

Lumine Golf & Beach Club’s General Manager, Calle Carlsson, commented: “This partnership is just another marker of how Lumine has quickly become the destination of choice for Europe’s leading organisations and governing bodies. I honestly believe that no other resort in Southern Europe provides such an impressive offering of first-class facilities and tournament-ready course & practice conditions all-year round.”

The Chief Executive of PGA Belgium, Bernard De Bruyckere, said: “Lumine Golf & Beach Club has demonstrated its credentials as a host venue for winter training and we are delighted to begin what will hopefully be a longstanding relationship with Calle and his team. Logistically it’s perfect for our members as it’s a short flight and a simple transfer to the sunshine and impeccable golfing facilities.”

Frank Kirsten, Chief Executive of PGA Holland, added: “We are extremely impressed with the resort and the attitude across the whole team in making this partnership possible. I have no doubt it will be an amazing venue for our members to make full use of their winter training regimes.”

One of Europe’s most complete golf facilities, Lumine Golf Club offers an ideal environment for all golfers with its 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 practice facility with a leading Performance Centre, 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 designed to analyse the performance of each individual player: FlightScope, V1 video analysis and Sam Putt Lab. The facility is also home to a TaylorMade T-Fit custom fitting centre available to all of those looking to take their game to the next level.

For more information on Lumine Mediterránea Beach Club & Golf Community visit www.Lumine.com.

The interaction between a federation and their national coach is a fundamental of any success which the players will have on the course. A harmonious relationship must exist in spirit of mutual trust and respect. A thorough understanding of the selection structure, aspirations and needs of the federation is perhaps the most important first step.

Once fully understood, the relationship can develop and be hugely beneficial for all parties, federation, coach and most importantly for the players. The coach is effectively a bridge to connect the federation and players, and if the objectives of one collide with the other then it will be the coach who has to deal with the impact.  It is obvious that the coach must deliver on the federations objectives, but must also protect the interests of the players.

Coaching a group of talented athletes is always a challenge and involves some key areas that require understanding:

• Understanding of the standard of golf throughout Europe
• Understanding entry criteria into top amateur tournaments
• Understanding the development of players from good to elite players

Transparency in the structure, selection criteria and reporting is a must and should be laid out in the contract, whilst clarity in the expectations of all concerned will make things easier and as time goes on.

During the presentation I will also look at some of the concepts that I have developed which help to define my approach to coaching national teams that will act as a ‘how-to’ guide.

One of these is BTMES, which stands for Body, Technique, Mental, Emotional and Social.  Working with these five areas as key markers in your schedule and programme will help address many challenges before they become a bigger issue.

In preparation for the presentation I would encourage you to look into the structures of federations, how national teams are established, as well as the selection criteria that are commonly used for national players.

For more information on the 2015 Coaches Circle Visit the Event Hub Page: http://eur.pe/2015CoachesCircle