Ridley, who started the day three shots adrift of first round leader Filip Eriksson (PGA of Sweden), continued his excellent form from yesterday and is the only player in the field to shoot under par for both the first two rounds.

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“It all went a bit better than yesterday… I was much more solid and holed a few more putts then I did yesterday,” said Ridley.  “I holed a nice one on a par-five for an eagle so that was nice bonus!

“I’m feeling fine – bring it on… it will be great to just go out tomorrow and do my best, and hopefully hang on.”

The highlight of Ridley’s round was undoubtedly the eagle he made on the par-five 7th. Two more birdies on the front nine meant he reached the turn in a four-under 31.

After seven pars in a row on the back nine, Ridley capped off his superb day with a birdie on each of the last two holes, leaving him on a total of 131 (-9) for the tournament.

In second place is overnight leader Eriksson who found it considerably harder to score than yesterday and shot a two-over round of 72, giving him a total of 136 (-4).

He is joined in second place by Alex Wrigley of the PGA of GB&I. Wrigley shot a bogey-free round of 66 (-4), making birdies on holes, four, five, 11 and 17 for the second lowest round of the day.

Just behind the top three are Darren Bragg (PGA of GB&I – 137), Nicolo Gaggero (PGA of Italy – 138) and Johanna Gustavsson (PGA of Sweden – 139) who are all under par, but are a long way back of the leader Ridley.

Leading in the Team Pro-Am Competition are Christos Nikopoulas of the PGA of Greece and his team consisting of amateurs Nikos Valsamidis, Sungjin Hwang and Moonwon Jo, who scored an impressive 89 points (-19) to give them a two round total of 175 points (-33).

However, they are hotly pursued by Team Bragg (174), Team Ridley (173) and Team Nesbit (172) who are all within 4 points of the leaders, setting up an intriguing Round 03 in Al Ain.

For Full Round 02 Scores Visit: http://eur.pe/2017MercInt

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

To find out more about Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club visit www.aesgc.ae.

The President’s Award for Golf Development acknowledges the work of an individual or specific project that has excelled in developing golf. Gregorič’s efforts in ensuring Slovenian Professionals are expertly trained and are developing the sport effectively, along with his own golf development activities as a coach for the Slovenian and Serbian national teams and at his own academy, exemplify this.

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Thanks to the work of Gregorič, the PGA of Slovenia’s Professional education programme gained ‘PGA Coach’ level status in the Confederation of Professional Golf’s European Education Level System (EELS) that is used to mark the required programme standards in Member Country PGAs.

The PGA of Slovenia is the first emerging country of its size to achieve this recognition and, with the key input of Gregorič, have created a sustainable programme that will continue to advance in the coming years, whilst also providing a fantastic example to other emerging countries about what is achievable and how.

For More Information On All of 2016’s Award Winners Visit http://eur.pe/2016AnnualCongress

“Thank you for the great recognition,” said Gregorič after receiving the award at Gloria Hotels & Resorts in Turkey. “It has been great achieving the award, the goals of the PGA of Slovenia, and getting recognised for the development in our country.

“The knowledge of our Professionals will move the PGA, and golf, forward. I do a lot of education for myself, but I also want to deliver it to the other pros who do not travel that much and do not have the opportunity to go abroad…I think that the better the system, the better the coaches and the better the players.”

Gregorič was appointed as Head of Education of the Golf Association of Slovenia in 2005 and latterly Head of Education for the PGA of Slovenia. Since then has been primarily responsible for substantial advancements made in the sport’s education.

“We’ve been working for quite some time to get this [EELS] recognition and I am very proud of all of the tutors who have done a great job at putting the programmes together,” Gregorič added.

Before Gregorič’s appointment as Head of Education, the existing systems in place had fairly simplistic guidelines and lacked depth. However, by 2006, the education system had been extended to a thorough three-level program, designed by Gregorič, and was recognised for the first time by the Slovenian Ministry of Sports and Education.

He was rewarded for his efforts in developing the education system and was made Vice President of the PGA of Slovenia in 2013 and later on named Head of Education specifically for the PGA. There he has made it his priority to further improve the education of the PGA members and ensure the game continues to grow in the country.

“In the future, I am going to stay involved in education definitely and we might extend the programme to the top level hopefully in the near future – I haven’t told that to Boris [Kosuta, President of the PGA of Slovenia] yet! But I want to improve players in Slovenia so we have male and female players on the European and PGA Tours; that’s our goal.”

Gregorič‘s interests lie not only in the administrative arena as well – as a player he was a Slovenian amateur team member, then turning Professional in 2004, and as a coach he founded the ‘Golf Academy Diners Club Ljubljana’ and has worked as Head Coach for the Slovenian national team and is also an advisor to the Serbian national teams.

Eriksson shot a blemish-free round of 64 (-6) and was one of only two players to finish under par for the day.

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“It was a great day for me,” said Eriksson. “I actually worked here for three months last year so I know parts pretty well.  I had a good round [in practice] yesterday, and then today was very solid… plus I had a fun group to play with so that helps.

“The new front nine is tougher than last year and much better.  I managed to make two long putts so that was pretty good.  I know the back nine really well having had around 100 rounds here last year!”

The Swede was quickly into his stride, birdieing two of the first four holes, and then going on to birdie the par-three 8th, reaching the turn in a three-under 32.

He began the back nine in the same tantalising form, making birdie at both the par-five 10th and the par-four 14th, before securing his final birdie on the 17th. Eriksson’s superb round leaves him three shots clear of his nearest challenger and gives him a nice buffer over the rest of the 28 Professional-strong field.

His closest pursuer, and the only other player to score under par for the day, is Mark Ridley of the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland who is three shots back.

Unlike Eriksson, Ridley got his round off to a slow start, bogeying the par-four 2nd. However, he soon got back on track and birdied the 4th, 5th and 7th to finish the front nine in 33 (-2). Ridley’s back nine consisted of two birdies and one bogey to complete his round on a three-under par 67.

There is a four-way tie for third as Nicolo Gaggero (PGA of Italy), Alex Wrigley (PGA of GB&I), Steven Munro (PGA of UAE) and Darren Bragg (PGA of GB&I) all shot rounds of even par (70).

The Team Pro-Am Competition is a much more closely fought contest as the first three teams are separated by only three points. Team Munro, made up of Professional Steven Munro and amateurs Robert Horridge, Hye Sook Jee and Sukura Kawakami, have a slender advantage after finishing the day with 90 points (-20), however, hot on their heels are team Bragg (89 points) and team Nesbit (88 points).

For More Information Visit: http://eur.pe/2017MercInt

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

To find out more about Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club visit www.aesgc.ae.

Walker was nominated by the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland and acknowledged with the accolade due to being seen as one of the world’s leading coaches having brought success to over 40 European Tour players over the past 10 years.

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“I feel very humbled and very proud – especially with John Jacobs linked to my roots at Hallamshire and Lindrick Golf Clubs at different stages,” said Walker. “One of my players, Matt Fitzpatrick, originates from Hallamshire, and my first proper golf lesson was at Lindrick with Pete Cowen so it seems quite fitting.

“I am extremely honoured to be associated with such a household name, especially with his recent passing. My condolences go to his family and friends and I hope they know how much this means to me.”

The John Jacobs Award is the Confederation of Professional Golf’s highest coaching accolade and is presented to a PGA Professional who has excelled as a golf coach at all levels of the game, be it with elite or beginner players alike across a number of years.

Previous winners of the award have included Shane Lowry’s coach, Neil Manchip, along with Michael Bannon, coach of Rory McIlroy and Salvador Luna, coach of Sergio Garcia.

“I know it’s a cliché but everybody values being acknowledged by their peers,” added Walker. “Obviously you just try to go to work everyday and do your best…if things like this happen then it gives you a boost of confidence that you must be doing something right, and it’s really pleasing and satisfying.”

Having turned professional in 2003, Walker established himself as a coach at the Pete Cowen Golf Academy in Rotherham, England. There he has assisted Cowen with some of his top players, whilst also taking players on in his own right from 2010.

Walker currently coaches the likes of Danny Willett, US Amateur, British Masters, Nordea Masters and DP World Tour Championship winner, Mathew Fitzpatrick, and 2016 BMW PGA Championship Winner, Chris Wood, and spends the majority of his time travelling with his players on the European and PGA Tours.

“What has driven me forward in coaching is an obsession for golf technique – being brutally honest it’s for selfish reasons to begin with, but then when you don’t manage it yourself [as a player] the people you are actually teaching become the vehicle to do the same thing – it’s really just an obsession with the topic.”

For More Information On All of 2016’s Award Winners Visit http://eur.pe/2016AnnualCongress

His players have achieved over 20 tournament victories between them and he has worked with seven Ryder Cup players in total and in Willett, Fitzpatrick and Wood, coached 3 of the players on the European team in the 2016 Ryder Cup.

Along with his Ryder Cup team members, 2016 was particularly successful for Walker, most notably with Danny Willett winning his first major championship, becoming the first British player to win at Augusta National for 20 years.

Walker has worked with Mathew Fitzpatrick from an early age, during which time he has gone on to become World Amateur number one and graduated on to the Professional ranks where he continues to make waves.

Much of Walker’s success can be attributed to the mentorship and help of Pete Cowen, who began by coaching Walker during his playing career but latterly was the catalyst for sending him down a coaching path:

“I was extremely privileged to work with Pete – I had one of the best coaches in the world on tap. I wouldn’t be receiving this award if it wasn’t for Pete – it’s that simple, I owe him a lot.

“A lot of coaches keep their cards to their chest but Pete keeps renewing your interest. What I most enjoy is talking technique and hitting balls with him, comparing ideas, seeing what players do with him, and with me, what works, and what doesn’t – it’s constantly stimulating your interest and it’s a fortunate position to be in.”

The event takes place over 5 days and consists of a practice round, a three-round team event, and on the final day an individual amateur competition while the Professionals play together to complete their 72 hole total and decide their winner.

“We are very excited to be collaborating with the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club for the fourth year in a row to sponsor the Mercedes-Benz International Pro-Am”, Mohammed AL Momani – General Manager, Eastern Motors, commented. “As the dealership of Mercedes-Benz in Al Ain and automotive member of Al Fahim Group, at Eastern Motors we put our corporate social responsibility at the forefront by being actively present in social and athletic events that are in line with our elite brand. We also take it as an opportunity to get to know our customer’s hobbies and interests to further enhance our relationship with them. Good luck to all the players and we look forward to welcoming you all to this exquisite event!”

“The Confederation of Professional Golf are looking forward to returning to Al Ain for the fourth edition of the Pro-Am,” said Confederation of Professional Golf Chief Executive, Ian Randell.  “Gavin Chappell and his team at Al Ain always put on a fantastic week for PGA Professionals and their amateur competitors and I am sure this year will be no exception – especially after the recent changes to the course that we are sure will make for a highly competitive event.”

“We are really pleased to see another full field for the event, and I am sure that the quality of the golf on display over the week will be to the same high standards we have seen in the previous years. The course is in excellent condition thanks to Peter Forrester and his team and I know that the players who are returning to Al Ain cannot wait to play the new front 9”, said AESGC’s Golf Manager, Gavin Chappell. “It is also a privileged to have such great and continued support again for this year’s event, with Eastern Motors and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, along with the event again being sanctioned by the Confederation of Professional Golf.”

This year will see 27 teams competing for the title with Professionals from 11 different countries taking part in their own individual event as well. 2016 professional winner George Schultes unfortunately will not be returning to defend his title that he won in the dramatic play off last year, along with the winners of the 2014 and 2015 events so a new professional champion is guaranteed for 2017.

For More Information Visit: http://eur.pe/2017MercInt

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

To find out more about Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club visit www.aesgc.ae.

O’Grady will take up the prestigious role after over 40 years in golf, bringing a vast array of experience and knowledge with him that will help support the Confederation of Professional Golf in its mission to advance golf, golfers and the golf profession.

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“It’s a great privilege to be the next Honorary President of the Confederation of Professional Golf following such a great list of former Presidents,” said O’Grady at the 2016 Annual Congress where the Presidency was formally handed over.

“I would hope that the relationships I have forged throughout the world, and in particular with PGAs in so many countries, will see the current structure of the Professional game enhanced to reflect the formidable position the game of golf is in and the success it is currently enjoying.

“We’re in a time in golf’s development, building on the Olympic experience, that really means it’s an exciting time with all bodies pulling in the same direction.”

Having joined the European Tour as a Tournament Administrator in 1974, O’Grady played a key role in the growth of the Tour and the Ryder Cup, initially under the leadership of the late-great John Jacobs OBE and then Ken Schofield CBE.

He held the positions of Chief Referee at The Ryder Cup in 1977 and Staging Director for The Ryder Cup in 1981, 1985 and 1989, and was also instrumental in the development of the European Tour’s commercial arm where, together with Schofield, he developed what eventually became European Tour Productions.

In 2005 he formally took over from Schofield at the helm of the Tour and oversaw vast expansion with activities such as the creation of The Race to Dubai in 2009 and The Final Series in 2013.

In August 2015, he stepped aside from the position of Chief Executive and assumed the President of International Relations role for the Tour, where his prime focus was helping the successful delivery of golf back into the Olympic Games in Rio 2016.

“The Confederation of Professional Golf have been blessed with many significant and influential ambassadors accepting the role of Honorary President throughout our history,” said Ian Randell [pictured above right], Confederation of Professional Golf Chief Executive. “There is no doubt that George, just like Pierre Bechmann [pictured above left] before him, is respected across the golfing and corporate community.

“As Honorary President George will play a key ambassadorial part in continuing to promote the important role that the Confederation of Professional Golf, our Member PGAs and PGA Professionals play across the continent and beyond.

“George has a wealth of knowledge, experience, and relationships throughout golf and, having played such a prominent role in the development of the Tour and recently golf’s return to the Olympics, he will be a fantastic asset to the Association and its strategy for the future.”

O’Grady will follow in the footsteps of some of golf’s most influential figures such as his aforementioned predecessors at the European Tour, John Jacobs, and Confederation of Professional Golf Board Director, Ken Schofield, as well as Jean-Etienne Lafitte, Donato Di Ponziano, Sir Michael Bonallack OBE, Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, Manuel Agrellos, Heinz Fehring and Christer Lindberg.

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

Both the PGA of Germany and Scotland teams had gone into the fourth negotiation of the New Course at Gloria Golf Club in the Turkish resort of Belek locked on 18-under-par.

And with Teams England and Ireland a stroke adrift of the leading pair, a tension-filled chase to claim the trophy and €6,000.00 first prize looked likely.

However, in the manner in which their nation’s footballers more often than not hold their nerve to prevail in penalty shoot-outs, Team Germany’s trio of Dennis Küpper, Christopher Godson and Florian Jahn strolled rather than scrambled to victory.

“This is what it is all about,” said Küpper. “We won the trophy and the European Championship and I love it! Gloria Hotels & Resorts, BMW and the Confederation of Professional Golf gave us a very nice week and we really enjoyed it.”

“We started with three German Professionals for the first time this year and it’s a good victory for the PGA of Germany and we are very proud,” said Jahn.

Godson added: “I felt some pressure when we started but I knew we could improve every day – I really had a good time and Dennis did a great job.”

Once again Küpper played a pivotal role. Having gone into the final 18 holes on 13-under for the tournament, the 31-year-old from Krefeld maintained his position as the event’s leading individual with a final round of five-under (67).

Add to that Godson replicating his third round of four-under and Team Germany’s final return of nine-under gave them a final score of 27-under (549) and victory by three strokes.

All of which looked the probable outcome when both teams reached the turn. At that stage they had opened up a three-stroke advantage over Team Scotland and were two clear of Teams England and Ireland.

Scotland, with Greig Hutcheon posting four-under and Greg McBain completing his round in two-under and an overall total of -24 (552), rallied on the back nine but birdies from Küpper and Godson on the par five 18th averted any 11th hour dramas or the need for a play-off.

Whereas Team Scotland threatened to interrupt or even ruin Germany’s potential victory both England and Ireland faded after promising play earlier in the Championship.

The former finished on four-under for the day, six adrift of the winners in third place on 21-under (555), and Ireland were a shot further back in fourth after a final round of three-under.

The International Team Shield event, in which PGAs with 100 members or fewer were eligible, was successfully defended by inaugural winners, the PGA of Turkey.

PGA Professionals Gencer Özcan, Ulas Karatas and Hakan Yamaç represented the host nation finishing in tie-seventh in the overall Championship but topping the Shield leaderboard for the second year in a row.

“It’s an emotional thing for us,” said Özcan. “Because me and my friends don’t have a lot of chances to play in these kind of events, so it’s really good. We want to thank the Confederation of Professional Golf for hosting these kind of events in our country – it’s a great feeling for us.”

Yamaç added: “I feel perfect and it’s unbelievable – everybody did something in the event and everybody tried their hardest and we are so happy to win it again.”

“We also gained a lot of shots compared to last year, the team is getting stronger and hopefully we will make it another win again next year,” said Karatas.

LEADING SCORES

PGA of Germany (-27); PGA in Scotland (-24); PGA in England (-21); PGA in Ireland (-20); PGA in Wales (-19); PGA of Holland (-8); PGA of Turkey, PGA of Italy (-1)

For full Final Round scores and more visit http://eur.pe/ITC-2016

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For more information on the Confederation of Professional Golf visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/ITC-2016), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter search the Hashtag ‘#ITC’, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

This partnership is a natural and exciting development for young golfers throughout Europe. U.S. Kids Golf offers nine sizes and three models of clubs, all specifically engineered to provide optimal golf swings for every player and ability level. Furthermore, players are fit by height instead of age, designed to provide a wide range of lightweight clubs that are fit for each player based on their swing. The clubs are up to 30 percent lighter than adult clubs with shaft flexes built for the specific club lengths, and grips made to fit players’ hands.

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This wide range of products offers fantastic options for young players and can develop a young player from beginner all the way until they are ready for full-size equipment designed for adults.

The significance of the U.S. Kids Golf model is that young players continually keep equipment properly fit for them as they grow, making swing development and game improvement easier and more lasting.

The Confederation of Professional Golf’s unique position in providing expertise in golf development around the globe, through the Ryder Cup European Development Trust and The R&A’s ‘Working for Golf’ Programme, means that the Association’s other Golf Development Partners are able to assist various programmes, projects and initiatives to grow the sport.

“Our plan for the partnership is to spread the word, especially in emerging markets,” said Lars-Hendrik Pirck [pictured left], Managing Director of ORGAHEAD Consulting Trading GmbH, the distributor for U.S. Kids Golf in much of Europe.

“We want to make it clear to people that kids should be playing with the right equipment so they can be successful, enjoy themselves and ultimately stay in the game. The Confederation of Professional Golf Golf Development Partnership gives us the vehicle to do this throughout Europe and further afield.”

Confederation of Professional Golf Chief Executive, Ian Randell [pictured right], added: “This partnership with U.S. Kids Golf further strengthens our golf development strategy and our role within the development of the sport around the world.

“There are a variety of development initiatives and activities that we are working on at the moment, including conducting pan-European research into successful programmes, alongside other stakeholders in Golf Europe and a golf development toolkit. This partnership provides a market-leading junior equipment supplier to recommend where appropriate. This in turn will ensure young players use appropriate and effective equipment to further their enjoyment and love for golf.”

For More Information on U.S. Kids Golf Visit www.USKidsGolf.com

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.

Jacob’s influence on the sport was widespread across his native United Kingdom, but also across the whole of Europe, particularly in the advancement of the education programmes that PGA Professionals undertake in their own countries.

Initially playing and teaching as a PGA Professional, Jacobs retired from competitive golf in the early 60s, turning his focus squarely towards the technicalities and intricacies of the swing and technique. His coaching prowess earned him the nickname ‘Dr. Golf’, and it was not long before he was viewed as a modern-day icon of golf coaching.

This high level of expertise and, perhaps more importantly, vision as to how the profession could evolve, made him world-renowned and a key figure in the development of a formalised training manual for the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland.

Many of the principles he instilled in those manuals still exist today and formed the blueprints of each and every PGA’s professional training programme. His involvement with the Confederation of Professional Golf and his work in various continental European countries helped spread this ethos and expertise to wider climes such as France, Belgium, and in particular Spain where he shared his technical knowledge and worked with the likes of Jose Maria Olazabal.

This international and forward-thinking approach ultimately means that Jacobs has positively impacted upon the development of every single PGA Professional in the past 40-50 years across the Confederation of Professional Golf’s Member Country PGAs and more.

“It was always about teaching people; it was always about the flight of the ball; it was always about realising that the only function of the golf swing is to deliver the club head…”

John Jacobs

Confederation of Professional Golf Chairman, Sandy Jones, added: “John’s role in the development of golf across continental Europe cannot be understated. He was a natural choice to follow Christer Lindberg as our second Honorary President in 1999-2000, recognising his position as a key figurehead of not only professional golf but also golf as a whole through the huge number of coaches he has influenced.

“Jacobs’ legacy will live on in the Confederation of Professional Golf history books as each year a PGA Professional who, like Jacobs, has excelled as a coach of any level of golfer is recognised by the Association with ‘The John Jacobs Award for Teaching & Coaching’ – the highest European coaching accolade for a PGA Professional.”

Previous winners of the Award have included Michael Bannon, Dominique Larretche, Lee Scarbrow, Salvador Luna and Neil Manchip, showing the high calibre of PGA Professionals that have been acknowledged in his name. The award will continue in Jacobs’ name as a marker of his enduring legacy in coaching and sport of golf.

Jacobs took up the role of ‘Tournament Director-General’ of the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland on the 1^st October 1971, effectively marking the birth of the PGA European Tour. With a small team and a big task ahead of him, Jacobs established the inclusion of prize money and points from European events within the overall tournament Order of Merit and very quickly began to build a schedule that has ultimately grown to be a global heavyweight of Professional golf.

This involvement with the tournament side of golf that included two spells as Ryder Cup Captain in 1979 and 1981 when the first continental European players competed, along with the creation of international competitive opportunities for professional golfers, has resulted in the exposure and subsequent development of golf in countries where otherwise it may never have ventured.

Board Director of the Confederation of Professional Golf and Jacobs’ successor at the European Tour, Ken Schofield, describes Jacobs as “…Quite simply, a great man – a giant in the game of golf. Champion player – Ryder Cup international in his own right – but will be defined as one of THE great sport coaches of our time – through his teaching of the game at all levels and in all corners of the globe. We will miss him – but his indelible link will remain large.”

“It would be perfectly valid to compile a list of the Five Most Influential People Behind the Rise of European Golf, but in practice it would be no fun. It would have to read: (1) John Jacobs, (2) John Jacobs, (3) John Jacobs, (4) John Jacobs, (5) John Jacobs.”

Peter Dobereiner, Golf Digest 1994

Germany and Scotland go into it locked on 18-under (414), just one stroke clear of Teams England and Ireland after the third negotiation of the New Course at Gloria Golf Club in the Turkish resort of Belek.

Such a bunched leaderboard is at odds with the scenario at the start of play when the gap between Germany in pole position and Scotland in fourth was five strokes 

But Scotland, runners up in 2015 and winners 12 months earlier, showed all their experience in reducing the deficit. 

Greig Hutcheon and Greg McBain proved their men for the occasion with rounds of six (66) and four-under (68) respectively while the third member of the team, Graham Fox, had a rare off day. 

“I was exceptionally poor today,” he admitted. “I decided to get rid of the bad stuff and save the best for tomorrow!”

Fox was a member of Team Scotland that lost to France in a play-off last year and was victorious in 2014. Despite those experiences, however, the Scots will go into the final round without a specific game plan.

“There are three very good golfers in our team,” he added. “So there’s no need to change anything. We’ll just go out and try our best – what will be will be.”

Team Germany are adopting a similar line as Dennis Küpper [pictured below, left] explained: “There’s been no plan so far so we’ll keep it like that.

“It’s a great golf course in great condition. You need to be a good player to score here – so if you win here you deserve it.”

Thus far Küpper has scored well here – his 13-under-par return makes him the tournament’s leading individual.

However, as its title suggests, the International Team Championship is a team event.  So, with Küpper’s return of one-under representing his least influential score in the tournament, it fell to Christopher Godson [picture below, middle, alongside Florian Jahn, right] to step up to the plate.

And he did so in fine style, weighing in with a round of four-under, the highlight of which was an eagle at the par five 18^th.

Teams England and Ireland also made up ground on Germany after beginning the tournament’s penultimate round four and three strokes adrift respectively.

Paul Hendriksen proved England’s ace in the pack with a round of six-under and Michael McDermott (four-under) followed suit for the Irish.

At first sight, the battle to be crowned champions looks a four-cornered one but, with the best two scores from three counting, Team Wales is very much in the shake up.

After a round in which Liam Bond posted a score of five-under and Garry Houston weighed in with a two-under-par return, they are on 13-under for the tournament.

That leaves them just five shots shy of the lead and Team Scotland’s achievement in reducing Germany’s overnight advantage will not have gone unnoticed by Bond, Houston and Stuart Runcie.

In addition to the quartet of challengers for the trophy, The PGA of Holland (six-under), Turkey (two-under) and Finland (one-under) are all under par for the tournament. 

In Turkey’s case that means they are well on course to retain the International Shield in the tournament within a tournament. 

The competition is for teams representing a PGA with 100 members or fewer and Turkey go into the final round cushioned by a 14-shot advantage over the PGA of Russia. 

The in-form player, Ulas Karatas, is five-under after three rounds and just one of 13 players under-par for the event.

LEADING SCORES

PGA of Germany, PGA in Scotland (-18); PGA in Ireland, PGA in England (-17); PGA in Wales (-13); PGA of Holland (-6); PGA of Turkey (-2); PGA of Finland (-1)

For Full Round 03 Scores visit http://eur.pe/ITC-2016

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For more information on the Confederation of Professional Golf visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/ITC-2016), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter search the Hashtag ‘#ITC’, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

Having begun the second round at Gloria Golf Club in the Turkish resort of Belek four shots off the pace, the German trio had turned the leaderboard on its head by the end of the day, largely due to a tour de force display by Dennis Küpper.

While his team-mates Florian Jahn and Christopher Godson posted scores of level par (72) and one-over respectively, Küpper took Gloria’s New Course to task.

Küpper had served notice on day one that he was in good form with a three-under-par round of 69.

What followed, however, suggested he was only warming up. The 31-year-old from Krefeld arrived at the par-five 18^th hole on seven-under and then signed off with an eagle for a bogey-free round of 63 (-9).

Reflecting on his round, Küpper said: “I haven’t shot that low in a very long time. I don’t know how that happened – I holed a lot of putts and the greens are perfect. Scores like this happen somehow!”

All of which meant Team Germany ended the day on 13-under (275) with overnight leaders Ireland on 10-under and charged with playing catch-up.

Not that a three-stroke deficit is impossible, especially at the halfway point of a tournament in which the best two scores from the three count.

“I’m dead pleased,” said Team Ireland’s Damian Mooney, who followed up his opening round of five-under with one of two-under.

“As a team we’re having fun and are in the top five, so we’ve done a job so far and are happy.”

Michael McDermott also contributed to Team Ireland’s score with a round of one-under while Eamonn Brady, the third member of the trio, joked: “The plan this week was the other two lads to play really well.  It’s working out so far so good. I’m happy with the plan so far.”

Ireland lie a shot clear of England after Paul Hendriksen and former European Tour player, Andrew Raitt, posted scores of four and three-under respectively to account for the trio’s second round return of seven-under.

Whilst Germany have secured top spot on the leaderboard, the four Great Britain & Ireland teams represented at the Championship have made their cases for the title chase.

Scotland are on eight-under (280) and Wales, for whom Stuart Runcie posted the day’s second best round of five-under (67), are a shot behind.

The PGA of Holland and PGA of Finland, meanwhile, are the only other trios under par, while defending champions Turkey are on track to retain the International Shield in the tournament within a tournament.

The Shield event is for teams representing a PGA with 100 members or fewer and Turkey, having begun the day two shots shy of the PGA of Russia, have established a seven stroke advantage. Poland, nine shots further back, lie third.

LEADING SCORES

PGA of Germany (-13); PGA in Ireland (-10); PGA in England (-9); PGA in Scotland (-8); PGA in Wales (-6); PGA of Holland (-2); PGA of Finland (-1)

For full Round 02 scores visit http://eur.pe/ITC-2016

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For more information on the Confederation of Professional Golf visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/ITC-2016), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter search the Hashtag ‘#ITC’, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

For more information on Gloria Hotels & Resorts visit Gloria.com.tr.

Damian Mooney of Ireland and Scotland’s Greig Hutcheon made light of the damp conditions to each post five-under-par rounds of 67 (-5). With each team comprising three members and the best two scores counting, Ireland go into day two with a slender advantage at the head of the field on seven-under (137) as they attempt to win the trophy for the first time since 2008.

Eamonn Brady, who was a member of that winning ‘08 line-up at Roda in Spain, was in action again at the tournament’s current home, Gloria Golf Club in the Turkish resort of Belek.

He weighed in with a round of one-under (71) while teammate Michael McDermott negotiated the New Course in two-under (70). However, both were upstaged by Mooney.

His round comprised six birdies and one bogey as Ireland opened up with a round of seven-under to lead Team Scotland by a stroke.

And just as Mooney inspired the Irish, the Scots had their own talisman in Greig Hutcheon. He also finished on five-under after a round that, like Mooney, featured six birdies and a solitary bogey.

Greg McBain also registered for the Scots with a round of one-under while Graham Fox, a member of the trio that lost in a play-off to France in 2015 and won the event in 2014, was level par.

Just three strokes behind second on three-under (141) are the teams of Germany and the Netherlands, whilst England lie in fifth on a two-under (142) total, having squandered a promising start.

Team Germany were inspired by Dennis Küpper, whose round of three-under (69) was the second best individual performance of the day, and Joost Steenkamer followed suit for the PGA of Holland, posting a round of two-under (70).

Team Finland and Team Wales share sixth pace on a one-under par total (143).

Not far behind on one-over (145) lie the PGA of Russia, the early leaders in the chase to be the second winners of the International Team Shield.

The Shield will be awarded to the team representing a PGA with 100 members or fewer and defending champions Turkey are two shots further back on three-over. 

LEADING SCORES

PGA in Ireland (-7); PGA in Scotland (-6); PGA of Germany, PGA of Holland (-3); PGA in England (-2); PGA of Finland, PGA in Wales (-1)

For full Final Round scores and more visit http://eur.pe/ITC-2016

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For more information on the Confederation of Professional Golf visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/ITC-2016), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter search the Hashtag ‘#ITC’, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

For more information on Gloria Hotels & Resorts visit Gloria.com.tr.

The PGA of Sweden invite all PGA Professional Members to their PGA Summit from 8-10 March at Hotel Tylösand in Halmstad, Sweden.

The theme for the day is “The Leading Edge” and refers partly to the blade, technology and leadership. You will be able to meet a number of interesting speakers who will share their knowledge in a variety of areas that you find useful in your professional role.

Speakers include:

• Cameron McCormick
• Anna Wilson
• Christer Olsson
• Maria Möller
• Anna Iwarsson
• Viktor Gustavsson

The course fee for the PGA’s Summit 2150SEK +VAT and includes lunch on Wednesday – Friday and Annual Meeting Dinner.

The price is valid until February 8. Thereafter, the fee is 2500SEK +VAT. The PGA Summit is open only for PGA members and specially invited guests.

Click here to find out more and register your place: http://eur.pe/2h7cLtW

PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY

Thursday

Friday

Click here to find out more and register your place: http://eur.pe/2h7cLtW

His legacy is that of a true sporting visionary – a player, a teacher, an innovator, all born out of a passion for golf that consumed his life. To this day, his influence can be felt in every aspect of the sport and across the globe.

From beginners picking up a club for the very first time to the stars of the European and US PGA tours, few golfers have not been touched by Jacobs’ genius and his overwhelming desire to ensure everyone loved the game and had as much fun playing it as he did.

A tour player of note who competed in the 1955 Ryder Cup in California, Jacobs would later captain the side twice – most fittingly in 1979 when European players competed for the very first time.

However, it was on the practice ground and in the game’s corridors of power where Jacobs had the biggest impact with his innovative thinking.

As a coach he transformed the fundamentals of how you teach the game with his revolutionary philosophies based on ball flight, club face alignment and swing path.

Through coaching schools, best-selling books, videos and television series his methods were known in the UK, across America and around the world.

Everyone, from the best to the worst could understand his teaching.

“Make it do-able,” he insisted. “Keep it simple.”

He wrote the PGA’s first training manual and decades later his principles are still at the core of every professional’s education.

For more than 20 years he was also the driving force behind the development of the European Tour, fighting to expand the season of events beyond Britain.

Within a matter of months of taking control he had increased events and doubled the prize money on offer.

In doing so, he laid the foundations for one of the most successful organisations in sport.

Jacobs was also the visionary behind the growth of driving ranges, realising their value for both professionals and students who wanted learn and improve day or night, all year round.

“Golf can be an expensive sport,” he reasoned. “Golf ranges were an inexpensive way to get more people playing the game and enjoying it.”

All from the mind of one man – who loved golf. But home for Jacobs was the practice ground – particularly his golf schools where every day there were new faces, new challenges and different people to help, improve and make happy.

Jacobs was a friendly face for pros on tour, who would queue up for his advice, and, thanks to his books, videos, clinics and television appearances, he was a household name on both sides of the Atlantic.

All of which is a long way from his early years growing up at Lindrick Golf Club in Yorkshire where his father was the professional and understanding the swing was simply to “stop myself hooking into the gorse on the left”.

From everyday people to princes and kings, from beginners to tour players – Jacobs taught everyone. He touched lives, changed golf, innovated teaching, made the European Tour thrive – but most importantly he ensured people of all ages and all abilities enjoyed swinging a club.

“Playing golf is simple – it’s two turns and a swish.”

PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones paid this tribute: “John Jacobs will be fondly remembered by those of us who were privileged to know him. Quite simply he was a legend of the game and his name will sit at the top table with all the golfing greats.”

Dr Kyle Phillpots, The PGA’s Executive Director – Education and Global Development, added: “John’s legacy to golf is well documented.  In addition to his accomplishments as a player, coach and administrator,  he is the person who made the European Tour happen and he is widely acknowledged  as the father of modern golf coaching.

“When I started at The PGA, although not a golfer, I had certainly heard of John Jacobs and he lived up to his reputation in terms of not only his knowledge and huge understanding of the golf swing, but also his strength of character.

“However, more than that he was a real gentleman.  He was very kind to me and was always a great source of support to me and the Training Academy.

“The other thing that stands out is his love of life – he took pleasure from so many things, whether it was golf, playing it, coaching it or talking about it.  He enjoyed fishing and also the simple pleasures of eating and drinking fine wine  and just being with people.

“I will miss him and his great stories about his amazing life in golf.”

Golf’s biggest names share memories of John Jacobs

Words: PGA of Great Britain & Ireland/Vince Ellis

The Annual Congress is the Association’s yearly opportunity to bring together representatives from its 36 Member Country PGAs all under one roof to meet with each other to discuss and share ideas, progress and various ways to advance their organisations and golf in general.

The ITC tournament then runs alongside the Congress in which teams from across the Confederation of Professional Golf’s Member Countries battle it out over 72 holes on Gloria Golf Club’s New Course, with the best two individual scores each day from the team of three counting towards the overall team score.

The tournament is split into the main Championship field and a secondary event in which small and emerging Member PGAs compete for the ITC Shield.

“Gloria has been an excellent host for our Annual Congress and ITC,” said Confederation of Professional Golf Chief Executive, Ian Randell.  “This is the third year that they have hosted our flagship event and it will no doubt be another successful year.

“The facilities on offer at Gloria are second-to-none and our delegates and ITC competitors always have a great experience and enjoy visiting the resort.  We are also looking forward to making use of the remarkable Gloria Sports Arena facility that we know has hosted medal-winning Olympians and various different successful sporting teams since it opened.”

With Gloria’s fantastic Serenity Resort acting as the base for both events, along with Gloria Golf Club and Gloria Sports Arena, the week will conclude with the Gala Awards Dinner supported by Rolex, bringing Congress delegates and ITC competitors together in celebration of the annual award winners and the ITC Champions.

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For updates, information and news visit the Annual Congress Hub Page (http://eur.pe/2016AnnualCongress), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter (http://bit.ly/Pojrwy) and search the hashtag ‘#AnnualCongress’ (http://eur.pe/VeVIGc) or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page (http://on.fb.me/RnDfEc).

For more information on the 2016 International Team Championship, visit the ITC Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/ITC-2016).