We share these experiences below from Canada, Denmark, Holland, Italy, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden, to provide insight into the varying challenges each organisation has faced during the pandemic.

Do not forget that the COVID-19 Resource Hub is available for all to use and access relevant support from, accessible by clicking the button below.

CLICK TO VIEW COVID-19 HUB

PGA OF CANADA

“COVID-19 struck just before the beginning of the golf season in most parts of Canada.

“The pandemic thrust our members into new territory, but I’ve been amazed by their resilience, adaptability and enthusiasm to adjust to the new normal and provide safe golf experiences for players across the country.

“From the onset, our goal as an association was to provide immediate resources and guidance backed by a wide range of industry experts. Our team sent regular communication, created a platform for members to connect, sought out strategic partnerships, embarked on an ambitious member outreach program and provided flexible financial relief for those continuing their professional development journeys.

“Collaboration, listening, and reacting to the needs of our membership continues to be the key driver of success for us. As a result, the PGA of Canada professional has continued to be the lifeblood of the game, the facility, and the safety of golf in Canada.”

Matt Allen
Chief Innovation Officer, PGA of Canada

PGA OF DENMARK

“We have worked closely with the Danish Federation during lockdown, offering advice and recommendations to enable safe coaching during COVID-19.

“Throughout this pandemic we have also supported members significantly, such as by providing advice on accessing financial support from the government, and by staging free-to-access webinars.

“Denmark began the reopening of golf courses in early April, along with retail stores and coaching academies / facilities. There has been a surge in demand ever since – facilities and courses are busier than ever, financial forecasts for PGA Member’s shops and businesses have jumped and clubs are experiencing huge interest from beginners and former players of the sport.”

Steffen Jacobsen
Chief Executive, PGA of Denmark

PGA OF HOLLAND

“As like most countries, lockdown in Holland was fast, abrupt and incomprehensible for most.

“However, the situation was the making of our members, who revitalised their businesses and through the creation of online instructional content, continued to interact with clients (who have now started to return the favour through lesson buying). We are incredibly proud with how they overcame what is a difficult situation.

“The PGA of Holland engaged in various reforms and activities to support our members. This included regular newsletter communications, a webinar-style educational series, developing a digital learning system and working closely with the Federation to filter consistent guidance to our Members for reopening etc.

“Finally, with the resumption of tournament activity beginning in early July, we will once again be able to provide competitive opportunities to our members, and are currently working with clubs to stage events successfully and safely.

“COVID-19 has strengthened the PGA of Holland as an organisation, and we feel very positive for the future.”

Frank Kirsten
Chief Executive, PGA of Holland

PGA OF ITALY

“Italy was affected by the pandemic earlier than most, with the Northern parts of Italy (where the majority of clubs and PGA Members are located) being hit the hardest in early March.

“Throughout lockdown, the PGA of Italy provided unprecedented support to members, through an extensive educational webinar series, sourcing financial help for members, delivering career advice, and working closely with the Italian Golf Federation to provide appropriate safety guidelines for golf operations and facilities.

“A gradual return of golf activity from the middle of May has meant we have now been able to resume our tournament activities, which has been welcomed greatly from across our membership as well.”

Filippo Barbé
Head of Education, PGA of Italy

PGA OF SLOVENIA

“Lockdown measures were finally eased in Slovenia on the 21st April, which was earlier than most countries in Europe. This allowed the resumption of various golf activities.

“A key part of our support throughout this whole situation, which has been highly valued by our members, has been the financial advice and legal information offered to them.

“Gradually from this initial reopening, we have then seen the reintroduction of golf lessons and competitions within the country, providing that both could be done in a safe manner.

“To support members with this, we published COVID-19 information and guidance from both the CPG and the Slovenian National Institute of Public Health to them.

Jernej Semolic
Chief Executive, PGA of Slovenia

PGA OF SPAIN

“During lockdown the PGA of Spain has been incredibly active with its membership, ensuring a continuous line of communication was kept open with them all.

“We coordinated various educational webinars, that provided all sorts of topical discussions ranging from debates about the PGA of Spain as an organisation, the future of the PGA of Spain Member, and discussions with other key stakeholders in the Spanish game including the Federation and Golf Manager’s Association.

Having support from leading and well-known Professionals such as Jon Rahm, Jose Maria Olazabal, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Adri Arnaus and Pablo Larrazabal was also an added bonus, and definitely helped unify the Professional game across Spain.

“As we exit lockdown, we will continue to focus on how as a member organisation we can best help everybody to move forward.”

José Vicente Perez
Head of Training, PGA of Spain

PGA OF SWEDEN

“Sweden addressed the epidemic in a way that made it possible to keep golf courses open throughout. As a result demand has soared, with memberships up by 28,000 (+6% from 2019), rounds played surpassing 4,000,000 (+1,000,000 from 2019), and both lesson and shop sales have increased.

“Similar to other countries, PGA of Sweden members struggled to find tournament opportunities throughout the crisis but with Professional Tours restarting their operations within the next month, this is set to change.

“From the outset, the PGA of Sweden formalised a support strategy suited to dealing with the given situation, which adjusted workflow and focused on strengthening relationships with our members and partners, as well as with other stakeholders, including the Swedish Golf Federation.

“The collaboration with the Federation has been crucial, as it has supported PGA Members and golf clubs for the current surges in demand that they are experiencing, and has also prepared them both for the anticipated increases in play in the near future.”

Johan Hampf
Chief Executive, PGA of Sweden

A group of five leading PGA Professionals are the latest to join the love.golf team, delivering group coaching experiences that takes customers straight onto the course from day one and focuses on learning through play.

The new team members are Suzanne Dickens (Thorpe Wood GC), Neil Murray (Cruden Bay GC), Gregor Monks (Dullatur GC), Molly Moore (Reigate Hill GC) and Netherlands-based Emilio Dellanzo (Golf Club Prise d’Eau).

Supported by Syngenta, love.golf is informed by proven academic and market research and designed to bring together like-minded women for shared experiences out on the golf course, hosted by a lively group of coaches spanning six countries.

Suzanne Dickens, a former Ladies European Tour player, said: “Since golf has returned, we are seeing new faces come to the club and old faces return. People want to be outdoors and this has to represent an opportunity for us.

“I have built up an academy of over 40 female golfers, and want to go even further with the introduction of love.golf.

Suzanne added: “As PGA Professionals we have a massive responsibility to introduce more women into the game.”

While some restrictions on group coaching and enclosed spaces still exist, Founder and Head Coach of love.golf, Alastair Spink, believes the program offers an ‘off the shelf’ solution coaches may be looking for: “Our new coaches have clearly understood where the opportunities as golf responds and adapts to the ‘new normal’.

“Global research shows there is a $35 billion global economic opportunity* to be realised in increased female participation. And love.golf is fortunate to offer a ready-made solution and resources to help coaches kick-start group coaching in a safe, purposeful way.”

For more information on love.golf, visit www.love.golf or email alastair@love.golf.

The brand refresh includes a short film created in-house, capturing the passion and potential of the LET players, celebrating their hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Narrated by Solheim Cup star Suzann Pettersen and with a script written by multiple LET champion Meghan MacLaren, it focuses on the hard work and determination it takes to achieve goals, inspiring women and girls to pursue their passion and realise their potential through the game of golf.

Talented writer Meghan MacLaren, who wrote the script, said: “I loved working on this project and it was great to play an active role in the new direction of our Tour. This is an exciting time for the LET and for women’s golf and to see the growth potential as we look ahead to the future for the next is very fulfilling. I’ve always worked hard to raise my game and I’m proud to be a Member of a Tour which gives us the opportunity to raise our game further.”

Meghan’s script focuses on the fierce commitment required to compete at the highest level and highlights the importance of the friends, family and wider community of tournament promoters, sponsors and media who together lay the path to drive women’s golf forward:

It starts with something we can’t define. 

It’s a dream, but we’re too young to know what it is, where it might take us.

Our family, coaches, friends… they know. On cold winter mornings and warm summer nights, they help us shape it into something we believe in.

Sometimes we lose it. Sometimes we stop believing. Sometimes we wonder if it’s all really worth it… but we don’t stop.

Because in every new city that embraces us and every new partner who invests in us, on every Monday that promises and every Thursday that threatens to take away – we have a chance to find it again. A chance to believe again. A chance to make each moment our own.

But it’s yours too, because you’re there by our side, guiding the way. You helped create it.

So it’s time to believe, in all of our dreams.

Together, let’s raise our game.

Suzann Pettersen, one of the most iconic European golfers of all time, who holed the winning putt at the 2019 Solheim Cup, said: “I wouldn’t be where I am without the LET and I’m excited about the next chapter of the Tour’s history as it looks to provide even more opportunities for women and girls in the game. I’m thrilled to narrate this inspirational video, re-branding the new LET. The future is bright for the LET and its Members.”

LET Chief Executive Alexandra Armas said: “This brand refresh expresses our excitement about the LET and its future, how passionate and proud we all are to represent this strong new brand and that we are in this journey together with our partners, determined to create greater opportunities for the women who play golf today and for the ones that will follow in the future.

“It has been an unprecedented and eventful start to the new decade. In January, we announced a record-breaking schedule and we were extremely excited about the 2020 season. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has been a challenging time for us of late, but we are now focused on the long term.

“This is not only the time to preserve tournaments in 2020 but to build the future that we’re so excited about moving forward for women’s golf. 2020 is a building block to a bigger and better 2021, 2022 and beyond. Together, let’s do all we can to raise our game.”

As PGA of Slovenia President, Primec has contributed significantly in leading the well-established CPG Member Country forward for a number of years and so brings valuable, industry knowledge and experience to the fold from a smaller, emerging golfing nation

Additionally, his expertise in various IT fields including security, system integration, communications, electronic payment and application development will be crucial in driving the organisation and its own digital technology plans forward in the future.

This also includes, most notably, over 30 years of experience in leading his own company from a mere start-up to one of the biggest five IT system integrators in Slovenia, delivering projects and solutions across the European market.

On his appointment, Primec commented: “It is a real honour for me to be joining the CPG’s Board of Directors, and I am very excited to use my own areas of knowledge and expertise in helping the CPG to achieve its mission goals, particularly in the digital world.”

“Boštjan is a welcome addition to our Board of Directors, and we look forward to him sharing his experience whilst helping to guide the organisation’s future,” commented CPG Chairman, Frank Kirsten.

“As we continue to implement various digital solutions and plans, including the Digitalisation and Collaboration Project and our education platform, Boštjan’s business and IT acumen will play an important part in the impact that they have over the coming months and years.”

That’s the view of leading environmental psychologist Professor Jenny Roe of the University of Virginia, who says golf course environments possess many of the natural features – including water, biodiversity, spatial variety and light patterns – that help reduce stress and induce calm.

In a new multimedia editorial feature from Syngenta Growing Golf, broadcast on World Environment Day, Prof. Roe is joined by Olympic golf course architect Gil Hanse, who explains how golf courses can be beneficial for the environment.

VIEW: The new value of golf’s green spaces

The comments come as many golf clubs report strong demand for play and membership following periods of course closures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And it builds on global market research from Syngenta that suggests prospective players are attracted to the game because 1) it is outdoors and 2) offers relaxation and stress relief. (Physical exercise benefits ranked fifth.)

The feature poses the question: in the new normal, post Covid-19, could golf clubs and courses reposition themselves as valuable green space destinations in an increasingly urbanized world?

Mark Birchmore, Syngenta Global Head of Marketing, Turf and Landscape, who commissioned the feature, said: “On World Environment Day, at a time when the globe continues to face the challenges of Covid-19, this is a timely exploration of the deeper value and benefits golf and its course environments offer both people and the planet.

“In a world where access to green spaces is becoming more important and more valuable than ever, this is also an opportunity for golf to reposition and make itself relevant to a larger, more diverse audience.

To read the full article and watch the interviews, click here.

“I feel privileged to lead our association during this time,” said Alderdice. “It’s been a great experience representing our members at the national level over the last six years. Finishing it off with two years as president is an absolute honour.”

A Class “A” professional since 2007, Alderdice boasts an impressive resume, holding positions at Acushnet, Devil’s Pulpit Golf Association and Muskoka Bay prior to joining Port Carling Golf & Country Club in 2019 as general manager.

He is a graduate of the Professional Golf Management program at Georgian College and was inducted into the Ontario College Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

Alderdice succeeds Mark Patterson, and will serve as president of the association until spring 2022.

“Working with the board and national staff to ensure our members continue to have resources, support, guidance and pride in our brand will be our ongoing focus,” said Alderdice.

“I want to thank Mr. Patterson for his leadership and contributions not only as president but over his decade-long tenure on the national board. He always led with a compassionate, member-forward approach, and I intend to do the same.”

Ottawa’s Gord Percy replaces Alderdice as vice-president, with Scott Kolb elected as secretary.

Jeff Chambers (Saskatchewan) and Gordon Smith (Atlantic) were also made national directors at the Annual General Meeting, joining Tiffany-Ann Gordon (Alberta); Adam Boge (Manitoba); Travis Spiess (Northern Ontario); and Rémi Bouchard (Quebec).

VISIT THE PGA OF CANADA

With a reorganisation and restructure of its Professional education programme, a continued growth of tournament opportunities and the establishment of many other key services, the association is doing its bit to grow the Professional game in Poland and in turn, grow the sport more broadly across the country.

The CPG took time to speak to PGA Polska Director of Education, Wojciech Waśniewski, to ascertain the goals of the organisation moving forward, find out a bit more about the activities it has and is engaging in right now to grow the game, and why its relationship with the CPG has been pivotal for both.

TB: Could you provide an overall picture of golf in Poland? Such as the number of courses and facilities, the key stakeholders in developing golf in Poland etc…

WW: There are roughly 6,500 registered players in Poland, which in recent years has been growing at an annual rate of between 5-10%, demonstrating the development of the sport and popularity it is being recognised with by so many. We estimate that altogether there might be around 12000 active golfers in the country.

Whilst Poland is relatively large by landmass compared to some of its neighbouring nations, there are lots of clubs and facilities located across the country. Right now, there are 19 full 18-hole golf courses, accompanied by a further 24 shorter 9-hole, 6-hole or Pitch & Putt golf courses. Considering the first golf courses were opened only in 1991, the numbers are not bad, however there are regions in the country where golf is heavily underdeveloped. Mainly on the Eastern side of Poland.

The organisational network structure in the country does follow similar patterns to most other successful countries in golf and golf development, whereby the PGA Polska manages Professional Golf, with the Polish Golf Union focusing on the Polish Amateur game and representing the game in front of the Ministry of Sport, the most important central agency driving and controlling Polish sport. There is also a Polish Greenkeepers Association, Polish Ladies Golf Association and Polish Senior Golf Association. All these organisations are members of the Polish Golf Union, including PGA. Together, these associations are credited with furthering the development of golf, and golfing participation in the country.

TB: Could you overview the PGA of Poland, including some of the goals of the association and the key activities it engages in for its members and for golf in Poland?

WW: Whilst our overarching goal is to promote PGA of Poland Professionals and the PGA Brand, we continue to focus on key activities moving forward. These include submitting our golf instructor and coach qualifications to the National Qualifications Registry, developing a sustainable model of financing the association and its work, and launching a new, modular education programme, including courses for future licensed activators, assistant instructors, instructors, coaches, managers, golf course staff as well as the amateur golfer.

Alongside providing playing and competitive opportunities for our members, through our PGA Polska Tour, we are heavily focused on developing our education services. As with most other established CPG Member Countries, we have had a three-year training programme in place for all prospective trainees to enrol in, paving the way for a future in Professional Golf in Poland. However, this will be overtaken by the new modular, flexible qualifications-focused system from this year onwards.

Further education if also vitally important, as we ensure to develop both the training and qualification levels of all our members to continue their own Professional Development and in turn, drive the game forward. Some recent CPD events have included ‘Teaching Golfers with Disabilities’ training in conjunction with the European Disabled Golfers Association [EDGA], Rules of Golf training, First Aid training and in the last months during the current COVID-19 lockdown – weekly webinars for members and trainees, with various speakers and topics presented on and discussed in smaller groups. As an example, during one of the calls we discussed and created a new programme and assessment for the PGU Green Card, focusing more on the skills of playing golf quickly and safely on the golf course, rather than on tournament rules and skills assessments, which was the case previously.

Our work also aims to bring the PGA closer to the Polish Golf Union through a number of ways. First, we are currently developing a new modular education structure together that I have mentioned above. This will enable all golf staff, both Professional and Amateur, access to first-class golf education services and training. Secondly, we are currently working on creating and supporting a new development programme for golf in Poland. This Collaborative front is hugely beneficial for golf and it will be exciting to see where it leads in the future!

TB: Could you now overview the PGA of Poland Membership? What kind of jobs and activities they work in and do to further golf?

WW: So far, we have 94 PGA Members across 4 membership types: Professional, Player, Supporting Member and Honorary Member. Most PGA Members are engaged in coaching roles as Teaching Professionals or Head Professionals but there are some in Club Management and Golf Media as well. As we continue to grow and develop our membership further, we fully expect these titles to follow suit!

What I think is really crucial and unique about our members is their role in developing amateur golf. For example, PGA of Poland Members have formed a Coaches’ Committee, which supports the Board of the Polish Golf Union in the area of junior golf development and grass roots golf. It further exemplifies the strong relationship between Professional and Amateur golf in Poland.

TB: Why do you value being a Confederation of Professional Golf Member Country PGA?

WW: Having our education programme recognised by the CPG was absolutely crucial. This placed us in a favourable and strong position to work as education partners with the Polish Golf Union moving forwards, enabling us to enact some of the key work we are doing.

The support from the CPG in various other ways has been so important and valued as well. For example, CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, and CPG Director of Development and Innovation, Martin Westphal, visited Poland last year for a series of meetings that eventually helped form a new agreement between the PGA of Poland and the Polish Golf Union. The signed agreement now ensures that the PGA stays in a leading position as education partner of the Polish Golf Union, and accelerated the process of developing the new education structure for all golf staff allowing for creation of flexible career pathways, in line with the Polish Qualifications Framework.

TB: What direction do you see the association, and golf in Poland heading in over the next few years?

WW: In line with our goals, we are planning to widen our education offer and open it up to managers, supporters, licensed instructors and coaches as well as golf facility staff and amateur golfers. Using the support of CPG, local education partners, and more experienced PGAs, we would like to develop high quality basic and further education offering for those many different groups of people working in the golf industry.

Ideally, those new groups would join our Association in some way and help national golfing Collaboration. By achieving this, we hope to use this new workforce for proactive development of the number of golfers in the country.

The ‘Jyske Bank – Danish PGA Championship‘ is to be held at Himmerland Golf, forming a new 3-day event as part of the Ecco Tour, and will feature a huge mix of entrants from a variety of tours and sources.

The field includes invitations to 8 Danish European Tour players, including Ryder Cup players (and 2018 captain) Thorbjorn Oleson and Thomas Bjorn, alongside other key names such as Lucas Bjerregard and Soren Kjeldsen.

But diversity will be at the heart of the field, as invitations have ensured to include players from across the sport. This includes two LPGA Tour players, 10 Challenge Tour players, 6 Ecco Tour players, and then further wildcard picks for various stakeholders including the PGA of Denmark (2), the Danish Golf Federation (2), Himmerland Golf (1), Ecco Tour (1), Made in Denmark (1) and Danish Legends (3).

All in all, this will bring 36 of the best Danish golfers together into one place for an event like no other, and compete as one for a single prize fund (300.000 D.KR.).

Extraordinary times have called for extraordinary measures, but this event further demonstrates the ingenuity of CPG Member Country PGAs to provide new, exciting initiatives, programmes and events to the world and to the industry, in safe, socially-distanced manner.

For example, there will be no caddies, no spectators (although the event is televised at Viasat Golf), and various other social distancing measures in and around the tournament will be enforced during the week.

These measures are the sign of the times, but golf must continue and the PGA of Denmark are truly leading the way in doing so…

VISIT THE PGA OF DENMARK

DOWNLOAD INFO PACK [DANISH]

Today marks the UN’s World Environment Day. Last year, the GEO Foundation focused on how golf courses could play an important role in Beating Air Pollution.

And whilst so much has changed in the world since then, some underlying trends and issues are as important as ever.

This year they are celebrating golf’s contribution to nature – how it helps to conserve the rare and the common, the iconic and the invisible – and how golf’s global diversity of landscapes and ecosystems (the woodlands, the wetlands, the grasslands and the dunes) all offer safe haven for our wildlife.

Of all the environmental and sustainability issues we face, perhaps no other fits so well with golf – an outdoor sport and recreation that brings people into direct contact with their local green spaces, and the species that live there.

They also highlight some of those Sustainability Champions and leaders in golf who are making sure this doesn’t just happen by accident.  Who, through careful stewardship, are ensuring their courses are as valuable to nature as possible.

There’s also a firm focus on the benefits to golf clubs and golfers. For example, how nature can create new efficiencies; provide natural solutions to course issues like flooding; add to the experience and fun golfers have; and be a point of genuine pride in the local community.

You can view more of golf’s contribution to fostering nature on the GEO Twitter feed or by browsing the growing number of grassroots highlights at OnCourse.

We hope these inspire you and your club to make time #ForNature

VISIT WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Following close consultation and review with event organisers, and following the news that Bulgaria will reopen its borders in June once again, it has been deemed safe and appropriate to continue the event.

Nonetheless, it is the continued aim of all involved to manage the event to the same level and standards that has positioned it as one of the premier golf tournaments in Eastern Europe, whilst ensuring it is done so in a safe, sustainable way that follows health and social distancing regulations and guidance.

We will therefore be publishing a ‘CPG Championships and Sanctioned Events Policy – COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and Measures‘ document, which will outline all of the recommendations and measures being taken by organisers to ensure safety of all players and staff before, during and after the event, and will circulate this information amongst all competitors before the event.

All entrants are strongly advised to read the document for their own reassurance and to understand the procedures that have been put in place before they arrive at the tournament.

To enter your team into this year’s event, please use the following links below or for other enquiries, contact Tom Bentley at tb@cpg.golf.

Professionals will compete for a prize fund of €30,000* in what has become one of the most significant and emblematic events in the BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas calendar, and the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] sanctioned event calendar.

There is no Pro-Am package fee for each participating professional bringing a team of three amateurs, and amateur packages start at €990 (special rates available for BSR Members and Homeowners), and include:

• 5-nights accommodation
• Airport transfers Varna-BlackSeaRama, BlackSeaRama-Varna
• Lavish buffet breakfast every day
• Coffee, tea and limited Mini-bar in the villa
• 1 practice round @ BlackSeaRama
• 3 tournament rounds @ BlackSeaRama, Lighthouse and Thracian Cliffs (transfers included)
• 3 Halfway snacks
• Opening Cocktail Reception, 2 Thematic Dinners, and Gala Dinner evening
• Free use of Fitness Center, Infrared and Finnish Sauna, Jacuzzi, Billiard, Table Tennis, Pools, Steam Bath and Relax zone, Wi-Fi Internet
• Access to all functions and activities during the Pro-Am week

For more information and package details and to enter, visit https://cp.golf/2020BlackSeaRama