Despite best efforts from both the CPG and the organisers from Troon Abu Dhabi to continue with the announced February 2021 dates, it was deemed that the situation surrounding COVID-19 and the resultant travel restrictions that this has created was untenable.

Troon Abu Dhabi Tournament Coordinator, Barry Barnard, said: “It is with deep regret that we have made the hard decision to postpone our 2021 Troon Abu Dhabi Pro-Am from February to November next year.

“Our goal still remains to deliver one of the best International Pro-Am’s in the world and therefore we would like to make sure you can all join us when it is safe to do so.”

CPG Communications and Event Manager, Tom Bentley, commented: “Whilst we are disappointed that we cannot stage the event in February, this decision will allow the Troon Abu Dhabi Pro-Am to continue to maintain its international feel by being staged at a time that is safe to do so. This will provide teams with greater certainty to travel and enjoy the amazing hospitality provided during the event week”.

Further details of the rescheduled November 2021 dates, alongside packages, event information and entries will be circulated over the next few weeks. All questions should be forwarded to Tom Bentley at tb@cpg.golf.

REGISTER INTEREST

Originally beginning his career as a playing professional, Tony has gone on to carve out a distinguished career that spans five decades in golf, which has covered many facets of the game and had long-lasting impacts.

His diverse and far-reaching resumé includes roles as a club professional, golf course owner, National Coach [with winners on both the European Tour and Ladies European Tour], Director of Education and Membership for the PGAs of Europe, and now Head of Disability and Inclusion for the International Golf Federation [IGF] – his current role. This all sits alongside his leadership of the European Disabled Golf Association [EDGA], as its President.

“It is very humbling to be granted such an award, especially when you see the previous list of winners. I have been very fortunate to have spent a lifetime in golf and there are a lot of people who have helped me on this journey”, commented Bennett.

Tony has received recognition for his work, including the Order of Merit medal from the former President of the Republic for Portugal, Dr. Jorge Sampaio, for his contribution to sport, being awarded the title of ‘PGA Master Professional’ in 2007, and being recently granted honorary membership of the PGA of GB&I in 2020.

“Outstanding is the only word to describe Tony’s list of achievements and contribution to the golf industry” commented CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell.

“Tony’s impact on the game and CPG have been guided by his determination to truly make a difference. He has been part of our Association as both a volunteer and a member of staff for several decades, where his vision and expertise has been pivotal in shaping our education framework, not least through the European Education Level System (EELS), as well as guiding our membership and helping to elevate our position as leaders in the provision of golf development expertise around the globe. We are delighted to be able to thank him with this award as he continues to drive progress in our sport.”

Receive Future CPG News & Updates

Visit the Annual Congress Hub Page

Receive Future CPG News & Updates

Visit the Annual Congress Hub Page

The award, which recognises individual PGA Members for their outstanding achievements and contributions across the golf industry, was received by Marcus during this year’s Annual Awards, a presentation that formed a part of the CPG’s Virtual Annual Congress.

Brown has played a core role in evolving the PGA of Denmark into a strong, sustainable association for its members over the 17-year period of his involvement, a time which also saw him oversee the development and delivery of the association’s education programmes, and with it, responsibility for the training of countless numbers of PGA of Denmark members.

Aside from his involvement with the PGA of Denmark, Marcus has been Head Golf Professional for Aalborg Golf Klub for 25 years, playing a big part in developing the club into an integral part of Danish Golf.

During his time as Head Pro, the club has won 10 Danish Team Championships, 2 European Team Championships, several individual Danish Championships, amongst other accolades. Further development of the club was also seen under his leadership, including the construction of an extra 9-hole course, a state-of-the-art coaching studio and range, and brand-new practice facilities.

On his recognition, Brown said: “I’d like to thank the CPG for this award, and my colleagues from the PGA of Denmark for the nomination. I feel very humbled and honoured.”

“Marcus is a very worthy recipient of this award, having made a significant contribution to the success both on and off the course at his club, Aalborg, and furthermore, driving so much of the development of the PGA of Denmark” commented CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell.

“He is a great example of a PGA Professional who has given back to the game and the PGA by volunteering his time to ensure that PGA of Denmark members, present and future, can enjoy the benefits of a strong organisation with an excellent education programme.”

Receive Future CPG News & Updates

Visit the Annual Congress Hub Page

Receive Future CPG News & Updates

Visit the Annual Congress Hub Page

Delegates from Member Country PGAs, Federations, Unions, Governing Bodies, Professional Tours together with PGA Professionals joined CPG representatives to focus on increased collaboration across all aspects of golf and discuss ways to advance the development of the game in the key areas of teaching, coaching, increased participation, and diversity and inclusion.

Attendees from around the globe were treated to live contributions from two legends of the game in Jack Nicklaus and Colin Montgomerie and heard a panel discussion on the Future of Golf with European Tour CEO, Keith Pelley, Ladies European Tour CEO, Alexandra Armas, International Golf Federation [IGF] CEO, Anthony Scanlon, and CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell.

The CPG Chief Executive also hosted a session on Diversity & Inclusion with PGA of America Honorary President, Suzy Whaley, Assistant Director – Golf Development at The R&A, Jackie Davidson, CEO of the PGA of Canada, Kevin Thistle and President of EDGA and Head of Diversity & Inclusion for the IGF, Tony Bennett.

Elsewhere under discussion across the three-day event were a range of topics including the CPG’s strategic vision, CPG Thrive, short-form golf formats, the CPG’s own Parents in Golf and Activator Programmes, the Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], and presentations and breakout groups focused on membership, commercial and communications, and education.

The event was rounded off with the CPG’s Annual Awards Supported By Rolex, recognising those members and associates for their contributions to the sport, including the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Colin Montgomerie, in recognition of his phenomenal career. Monty joined Ian Randell for an in-depth chat about his career highlights, commenting that he was “extremely honoured and proud” to receive the award.

The undoubted highlight of the week came on the final day, as Jack Nicklaus – the Golden Bear – tuned in from his Florida base to join Randell in a fascinating discussion. Amongst the range of topics covered were his exciting new short-form initiative Doubles Golf® and his enthusiasm for helping grow the sport.

2020 has been a year of unexpected challenges in which the sport of golf has thrived, seeing increased participation. It also marks the first anniversary of a new direction for CPG, formerly the PGAs of Europe, and this year’s congress has demonstrated it has been much more than just a name change, with the arrival of a new era of greater collaboration between the Member Countries of the CPG, which continues to grow its influence, and the influence of its members, across the sport, demonstrated by the record attendance and the profile of the panellists at the 2020 congress.

RECEIVE FUTURE CPG NEWS

VISIT 2020 CPG ANNUAL CONGRESS

Following an established playing career that saw him become the leading amateur for Sweden, Sorling has played an integral role in the development of golf both in his native Sweden and internationally as well.

One of his most significant achievements-the signing of a ground-breaking collaborative agreement between the PGA of Sweden and the Swedish Golf Federation (one of the first of its kind at that time), led to Mikael’s subsequent appointment as Chief Executive of the PGA of Sweden, where he served for 22 years until his retirement in 2019.

This meant thatat the time -along with holding board member positions with the PGAs of Europe and Ryder Cup Europe -he was playing a significant role in shaping the international landscape for Professional golf.

“As a trainee, Christer Lindberg took me under his wing, guided me and taught me so much. To be nominated for this award, that is named after my predecessor is wonderful”commented Sorling.

Chief Executive of the CPG, Ian Randell, commented: “Mikael has been a great ambassador for our sport and can be so proud of the impact that he has had on the development of golf, both domestically in Sweden and internationally through his leadership within the PGAs of Europe and involvement for many years with Ryder Cup Europe. In 2011 his achievements as a PGA Professionalwere recognised with the 5-Star Professional Award and it is fitting that we should now also celebrate his significant contributionswiththis prestigious award.”

For more details of the Annual Congress, including programme schedule, speakers and award winners, visit cp.golf/2020AnnualCongress.

Receive Future CPG News & Updates

Visit the Annual Congress Hub Page

The Award, introduced in 2011, recognises the greats within European Golf and wider afield, with a roll of honour to have received the accolade previously that includes Severiano Ballesteros, Tony Jacklin, Alison Nicholas, Bernard Gallacher, Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo, José María Olazábal and last year’s recipient, Robert Karlsson.

Spanning multiple decades, Montgomerie’s career has seen him claim over 50 worldwide wins, a record eight European Tour Order of Merit titles – which included a streak of seven consecutive Order of Merit titles from 1993 to 1999 – and he currently sits fourth on the European Tour’s list of players with the most victories.

On his recognition, Montgomerie commented: “I just want to thank the CPG for honouring me in this way. At 57, a Lifetime Achievement Award means a lot and this is something I will treasure.”

“We are delighted to be able to recognise Colin’s achievements and contributions with this year’s CPG Lifetime Achievement Award – the successes that he has had during his career and his impact on, and leadership of, Team Europe in the Ryder Cup has placed him firmly amongst golf’s elite”, commented CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell.

Colin’s accomplishments stretch further than individual golf, as he is regarded as one of the greatest Ryder Cup players in the history of the biennial event. With eight appearances representing Team Europe, he has never lost a singles match and holds an exemplary match record of 20-9-7 across his Ryder Cup career. This was topped in 2010 however, when he captained Team Europe to victory against Team USA at Celtic Manor, as Europe prevailed with a winning score of 14.5 – 13.5 points.

Colin now enjoys an established playing career on the Senior’s Champions Tour, having already claimed seven Senior’s Tour events, including three Major Championships – two Senior PGA Championships and one US Senior Open victory.

Receive Future CPG News & Updates

Visit the Annual Congress Hub Page

Whilst performing for United States military veterans, Keirstead realised that with each shot he was hitting was in fact inadvertently altering their mindsets from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’. Todd was showing these amazing military individuals how golf could be played in an adaptive way.

 Shortly after Todd has created his own Adaptive Golf Initiative, becoming one of the leaders in promoting and empowering individuals of all abilities to get involved in the game of golf. Keirstead has enlightened thousands with his vision that anyone can play golf, no matter what their circumstance. “My vision is to ignite the passion in individuals and to transcend personal boundaries both on and off the fairway”.

 In this podcast, Todd will utilise a business case study on the financial impact of adaptive golf and how it can influence your business moving forwards. This should provide a better understanding of:

– The importance of inclusion and diversity

– The benefits that can be achieved by your business through increased inclusion

– A better acceptance that golf can and should reflect the community of which your business is in.

The CPG Podcast brings the latest features, news and in-depth interviews from the world of professional golf, PGAs and PGA Professionals.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CPG PODCAST MAILING LIST

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON GOOGLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON ANCHOR

CPG Golf Development Team member and Transition and Performance Coach, Ian Peek, is heavily involved in researching the sociological and psychological elements of golf and coaching performance.

In part two of this podcast special, Ian continues the challenge for you to first of all identify your Professional ‘why’ [your passions, your inspirations and your motivations], and then provides a clear and easy-to-follow framework for helping you to then achieve your professional ‘why’.

The CPG Podcast brings the latest features, news and in-depth interviews from the world of professional golf, PGAs and PGA Professionals.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CPG PODCAST MAILING LIST

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON GOOGLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON ANCHOR

We are pleased to confirm that the inaugural 2021 Troon Royal Greens Pro-Am will take place between the 16-18 February 2021, with Visitor Visas being issued for all international competitors.

With limited spaces left, professionals and their teams are urged to register their team entries as soon as possible to ensure their place is confirmed. To do this, please follow the process below.

1) Click this link or the button below: https://cp.golf/3c2GLAx
2) Complete the ‘Register Interest Form’  and press ‘Submit’. You will be automatically taken to the PDF entry form.
3) Download the PDF entry form and complete all required fields.
4) Return the PDF Entry form to Ben Stimson (BStimson@RoyalGreens.net)

Ben will arrange Visitor Visas for all teams directly, once entry has been confirmed.

For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page https://cp.golf/2021RoyalGreens. For more information on the CPG visit cpg.golf, or find the CPG on Twitter (@cpg_golf), Facebook (@cpg.golf), LinkedIn, Instagram (@cpg_golf) and Anchor.fm.

Visit Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (royalgreens.net).

VISIT TOURNAMENT HUB PAGE

REGISTER INTEREST & ENTER HERE

RECEIVE FUTURE CPG NEWS

VISIT 2020 CPG ANNUAL CONGRESS

Brian Hemmings Ph.D has over 25 years of experience in sport psychology consultancy. He was the lead psychologist to the England golf team for 16 years (1997-2013) delivering high performance strategies with European and World Championship-winning teams and individuals at men’s, youth and junior level.

He is the author of the CD ‘In the Zone: Simple Mental Skills to Improve Your Golf’ and four books, including the best-seller ‘Mental Toughness for Golf: The Minds of Winners’. Brian also developed the online Golf Psychology Coaching Certificate, an approved education programme of the PGAs of Canada, Switzerland, GB&I and New Zealand.

In this podcast, Brian aims to equip PGA Members with 2 core psychological techniques to teach players – A simple breathing technique, and a ‘grounding’ method will be explained, with the aim of improving your psychological understanding and in turn, aid both your coaching practice and future coaching sessions.

The CPG Podcast brings the latest features, news and in-depth interviews from the world of professional golf, PGAs and PGA Professionals.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CPG PODCAST MAILING LIST

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON GOOGLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON ANCHOR

Alliss, who is well known globally for his witty commentary across golf channels, and his ability to deliver the right words at the right time, has entertained generations of golf fans across television for decades.

But his commentary came after an established and successful career in professional golf, claiming 21 victories and representing Team GB&I in the Ryder Cup (before the establishment of Team Europe) on eight separate occasions.

A legend in his own right, Alliss will go down as one of the most memorable names and voices in golf – both on and off the golf course – and was recognised in 2004 with the Christer Lindberg Bowl (pictured receiving the award above, with then PGAs of Europe President, Sir Michael Bonallock), during the 2004 Annual Awards ceremony.

The CPG offer its thoughts and condolences to Alliss’ family at this time.

The 2020 Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] Annual Congress is set to provide a menu of entertaining and unique experiences for attendees, as a number of online sessions with renowned golfing names from on and off the course, has been announced.

To follow earlier sessions on Short Form Team Golf and The Ryder Cup European Development Trust, and conclude the 3-day virtual conference with a flourish, two panel sessions – entitled ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ and ‘Future of Golf’ – will host leaders from prominent Bodies, Associations and Tours to debate and discuss current progress, challenges and future directions and collaborations within golf, offering attendees insight into the leadership and development of the sport.

During the ‘Diversity & Inclusion Panel’, host and Chief Executive of the CPG, Ian Randell, will be joined by Honorary President of the PGA of America, Suzy Whaley, CEO of the PGA of Canada, Kevin Thistle, The R&A’s Assistant Director – Golf Development, Jackie Davidson, and President of the European Disabled Golfer’s Association [EDGA], Tony Bennett, to discuss current and future steps when advancing opportunities across underrepresented demographics.

Following this, Ian Randell will be joined by Keith Pelley (Chief Executive, European Tour), Alexandra Armas (Chief Executive, Ladies European Tour), and Anthony Scanlon (Executive Director, IGF) to focus on increased collaboration across golf, including the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the opportunities that have arisen as a result, and the future direction each will take with their respective organisations.

Followed shortly after this will be the 2020 CPG Annual Awards Presented by Rolex, which will once again honour individuals and influential organisations for their contributions to golf. Amongst these is eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner and former Ryder Cup Team Europe Captain, Colin Montgomerie, who upon receiving his award will draw the congress to a close with what is sure to be a fascinating a 30-minute Q&A session with CPG Board Director and fellow World Golf Hall of Fame member, Ken Schofield.

“Following two days of workshops with our Member PGAs and many national golf federations, we are delighted to be announcing that day 3 sessions will not only be open as usual to our PGA representatives, golfing bodies and organisations, industry leaders but also due to the nature of this virtual event – an extended audience of PGA Members from across our network, enabling a more open-feel to the events during this year’s Annual Congress”, commented Ian Randell.

“The CPG Annual Congress continues to grow from strength to strength each year and the 2021 edition, despite being held on a virtual basis due to COVID-19, will once again continue that trend. I look forward to welcoming speakers and attendees to what, as always, will provide a great opportunity to share knowledge and information from across a fantastic international community.”

For the first time in the history of the Annual Congress, these open-access style sessions will be available exclusively and free-of-charge to a widened-audience of invited parties that now includes PGA Members from CPG Member Countries. PGA Members are invited to register for the final day through their respective PGA Associations.

RECEIVE FUTURE CPG NEWS

VISIT 2020 CPG ANNUAL CONGRESS