GolPhin is a CPG Business Partner and member of the Business Club by CPG – Find out more here

The Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] is delighted to be partnering with GolPhin to promote and introduce its range of specialist junior golf clubs, equipment and highly successful youth development programmes across schools and golf clubs throughout its 42 Member Countries.

CPG is committed to collaborating across golf to improve diversity and inclusion by promoting and delivering the sport to individuals across the spectrums of gender, race, ability, social demographic and age and enriching lives through golf. In partnering with GolPhin, CPG will focus on the latter two of these areas by promoting and increasing use of GolPhin equipment amongst younger people and by providing further golfing opportunities to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, said: “CPG is widely recognised as a leader in the provision of international golf development expertise and this exciting new partnership with GolPhin will make innovative junior equipment and opportunities available to young people across our member countries, many of whom would not otherwise have had the chance.

“Golf is a life-enhancing sport in so many ways and GolPhin share our passion to spread this message and in turn further progress accessibility of the sport to new and wider audiences.”

Alongside its range of specialist junior golf clubs, GolPhin provides and delivers a range of comprehensive educational development programmes and school curriculum courses that have already gained significant traction across many countries, including Germany, Saudi Arabia and the UK.

GolPhin places the PGA Professional at the centre of its delivery strategy by training them to connect local schools to their golf facility and deliver its youth programmes to pupils.

Managing Director of GolPhin, Calum McPherson, commented: “GolPhin has benefitted thousands of young people by fostering positive development of their emotional intelligence and by providing them with guidance and education on becoming better citizens, all through the medium of golf.

“By partnering with the CPG, we will look to continue the success that we have had by introducing our equipment and programmes to its 42 Member Countries. By doing so, we will help thousands more children and young people to flourish as individuals through golf, which is an incredibly exciting prospect.”

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Once Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino calmed his nerves to lace the opening drive down the fairway shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time, focus turned to his fellow playing competitors, Sepp Straka of Austria and Thomas Pieters of Belgium, as they made quick work of the ideal scoring conditions. Quite literally.

By the time Straka set an East Course record and matched the 2016 Olympic men’s record of 8-under-par 63, and Pieters shot his own 65, they were nearly three full holes ahead of the next grouping. Straka’s two-stroke lead eventually would dwindle to one after Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, who was 6-under through 15 when an afternoon thunderstorm delayed play for over two hours, came back to birdie the final hole for a 64.

Pieters, who overcame a rough day on Wednesday with a slight fever and headache, was matched by Carlos Ortiz of Mexico, while Joachim Hansen of Denmark and Jhonattan Vegas of Venezuela shot 66. The top of the leaderboard was decidedly international, with 17 countries represented among the top 20, which excluded notable names such as the host country’s main hope, Hideki Matsuyama (69), Collin Morikawa (69) and Justin Thomas (71 with 18 pars) of USA, and Rory McIlroy of Ireland (69), to name a few.

Straka, who lived in Austria until age 14 before his family moved to the U.S., obviously was comfortable in the lead-off position and with the pairing he had. “We had a really good group, had some good mojo going in the group and first off was great,” he said. “We didn’t have to wait on anybody and we played quickly, but we didn’t feel rushed because we had some pretty good space between us and the group behind us, so that was really key.”

On the surface, Straka seemingly had no reason to expect a round that matched the 63s recorded at the 2016 Rio Olympics by Australia’s Marcus Fraser (first round) and bronze medalist Matt Kuchar of the USA (final round). In his last seven starts on the PGA TOUR, Straka had six missed cuts sandwiched around one bright spot of a T10 at the Travelers Championship. But he saw promise.

“I felt like my game was in a pretty good spot,” said Straka, who has the added support this week of twin brother Sam serving as his caddie. “Those first few weeks before Travelers when I missed the cut my irons were bad, but my short game was really good. So I worked on my irons a lot and then my short game got bad. So that’s when I missed the last couple cuts. But yeah, I just changed my putting routine up a little bit and it worked really well and my irons have been pretty good the last few weeks, so I felt pretty good about my game.”

Straka was steady throughout, giving himself good scoring opportunities with fairways hit and strong iron play to finish with eight birdies.

Janewattananond, meanwhile, checked his initial nerves to finish the day with an unblemished card that included seven birdies. “I feel very good to be representing Thailand,” he said. “Playing golf is a different mindset when you’re not playing for yourself, but you’re playing for your country and a medal. I’ve played every major. I got very nervous at the Masters, but this was more nervous than that.”

Pieters, on the other hand, didn’t know what to expect as he entered the day, physically drained from the fever and headache that still had a lingering effect when he woke up Thursday. “I felt horrible this morning even when I woke up, but maybe it’s just because I wasn’t thinking about bad shots or places not to hit it,” he said. “My caddie (Adam Marrow) told me hit it there and I did it … I kept it simple.”

Pieters was only able to practice on the front nine, which he played Thursday in 1-under par. Then he made the turn and relying on his caddie, holed out for an eagle-2 on No. 11 and added birdies on 13, 17 and 18. “Adam did a great job,” Pieters said. “I didn’t play my way out of the tournament the first day, so that’s good.”

Which leaves him in a position to contend again for a medal. Pieters is the highest returning finisher from Rio, where he finished fourth despite a third-round 77 that sidetracked his otherwise stellar play with rounds of 67, 66 and 65.

Ortiz, who also finished his round before the storm hit, made seven birdies and a lone bogey on No. 9.

“It’s a great round, I’m really happy the way I played,” he said. “Everything wasn’t perfect from the beginning, I had to figure it out a little bit. I couldn’t hit the fairways and this golf course is pretty tough from the rough. So, once I got in a rhythm and started hitting fairways it became a little bit more easy and opened up the golf course. And obviously you guys have seen these greens are perfect, so if you start to roll the ball great you can make a lot of putts.”

It’s something that translates easily into all golf languages.

Other Quotes

Hideki Matsuyama on representing the host country: “This experience could be the first and last that I ever get to do to play the Olympics in my home country, but hopefully tomorrow I’ll be able to put together a better round. If I say there’s no pressure I’ll be lying, so hopefully I’ll be able to embrace the pressure and that’s upon me and just try to put together a nice tournament here.”

Justin Thomas, who made 18 straight pars, on his putting: “It’s really hard. I would love to have some kind of old useless club that I could break over my knee right now. I mean, I’m going to be honest. But you got to stay patient and trust the process, I guess could you say, but it obviously is annoying when I’m not really seeing the results and things that I feel like the work I’m putting in. But I’m getting closer, like I said, it’s just so — I never had so many putts, like especially at The Open Championship and had some again here, where I feel like I’m hitting good putts, feel like it’s good speed and they’re just lipping out instead of lipping in. You get on those runs sometimes and it sucks so bad when it’s doing that. But sooner or later maybe it will just take one day and they will fall in for me and I’ll get hot. But it doesn’t feel as far off as it looks.”

Paul Casey, who shot 67, on his opening drive: “So cool that was. Not an ounce of nerves, a hundred percent excitement, which is really, really cool. Yeah, just really proud, to be honest. I think that’s sort of the coolest thing because I thought about it for so long, to actually — because to me you can’t class yourself an Olympian until you’ve actually started your competition. Especially with the COVID tests going on, to get through every single COVID test, come on, cross the fingers. Yeah, it was just brilliant. And then it’s just down to business.”

Jhonattan Vegas on whether being a 2-time Olympian make this even more special: “It does, I mean it does, especially as golf grows and as golf grows in the Olympics and just to put your name in the history like that it’s always cool, it’s always fun, especially like I said, on an event bigger than golf and yourself, this is what sport is all about. It’s just fun being, putting your name in that.”

Sepp Straka of Austria on when the Olympics got on his radar: “When they had them in Brazil I was watching, I wasn’t close to qualifying back then but I was watching and it was seemed like a cool event and everybody that I knew that went over there and played just raved about it. So I knew at that point that that was going to be on my radar and definitely wanted to play well so I could play my way in.”

Corey Conners of Canada on competing as an Olympian without fans: “Yeah it’s definitely a bit strange with no fans but you still feel the prestige of the event and how special it is. It was cool getting announced on the first tee and really proud and honored to represent Canada and heart was beating a little faster than normal on the first tee, but yeah, it’s a cool experience. It would be a lot better if there was fans out here, but we have had to deal with that a little bit on the (PGA) TOUR.”

Adri Arnaus of Spain on the Olympic experience: “I don’t think it gets much better than being mixed with all the athletes and getting to meet some of the Spanish icons from the sport, it’s been really, really cool and, yeah, it’s been awesome.”

Sebastian Munoz of Colombia on his experience so far: “Really good. A lot of firsts for me. Just humbled, humbled by a lot of different athletes, a lot of different guys. The best athletes in the world are here, it’s fun to be in the village, it’s fun to see them do their thing, talk to them, knowing people, it’s definitely something, so really thankful that I’m here and really excited to pursue this tournament and many others.”

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Images courtesy of IGF Golf

Much of this success is undoubtedly connected to his 11-year partnership with PGA Professional, Matt Tipper, who spent eight years living and working in Poland as the development of the sport continued to accelerate.

What does @pgapolska Member, @adrianmeronk, competing in the Men’s @OlympicGolf mean to Polish golf, and what pressure might it bring…? Adrian’s PGA Pro Coach, Matt Tipper (@academy_toya) explains more…

Find out more @ https://t.co/bJ49Nklgct #olympicgolf pic.twitter.com/HDupeBwypA

— Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] (@cpg_golf) July 30, 2021

“Adrian was a junior member at Toya Golf and Country Club where I had started working – I saw him hit balls and it was like ‘ok, this kid is good – proper good’,” explains the Brit.

“We started working together – first, we built a programme, then the plan had to be an accelerant to bring him up as he was already 16 or 17 at this time, and then we needed to get him competition. The most important thing for me was that I didn’t screw him up in the process of doing this!

“We had PGA of Poland Board Member, Filip Naglak, who did a great job on the fitness side of things, and then we said ok, he really needs to go to college in America. We called in a few favours and he ended up getting a scholarship to East Tennessee State University. We sent him for his four years of college and I coached him the whole time, mainly online back and forth.”

Meronk is already a widely recognisable face in Polish golf – his continued rise has led to more national coverage and awareness. The Olympics is an even greater springboard for awareness of the sport amongst the general population in Poland.

“All the golfers in Poland are very, very proud of him,” adds Tipper. “He is out there on his own a little at the moment – although Mateusz Gradecki out on the Challenge Tour will no doubt be joining him soon.

“Golf is still very young in Poland but even from the time when I first arrived there to now it has changed dramatically. There are so many more kids playing and the sport is much more accessible than it was. Adrian competing in the Olympics, and then continuing to get better, will only highlight this more.”

When it comes to this week’s Olympic experience, Coach Tipper is confident that Meronk is not just there for show:

“I honestly believe that, on his day, I’d put him up against anyone in the world and I would fancy his chances. Ultimately, we’re going to be excited when we step on the tee on Thursday morning. We prepared well, we’ve got here in plenty of time. He is hitting it great. We cannot do anymore, really. It is up to him now – this is the worst time for me as there is not a lot more I can do!”

Whilst the competition is the number one priority, the opportunity to be part of the Polish Olympic Team, both for player and for coach, has been an experience of its own:

“You know we’ve all watched many Olympics on TV and the one thing that most people say is amazing about the Olympics is the village…and everything they say is absolutely right. So many countries in one place and everyone is working as one…it’s fantastic.

“The gym is phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal. We went in there once and once is the only time I’ll be going in – there was this guy who must have been squatting 200kg and he looked and me and I just thought ‘ok I need to leave’.

“Adrian had the chance to mix with other athletes a little bit and I did with other coaches as well, and that really makes us feel like a part of the Polish team family. I am lucky to be in an apartment with a couple of judo coaches and a couple of tennis coaches who coach amazing people, so it is great that we can actually sit down and talk about each other’s sports and discuss how and what they do with their athletes.”

Navigating the schedule and COVID-19-related arrangements and measures has made for a unique and challenging experience but equally has allowed the pair to arrive a little earlier than usual and ensure the prep work is done…

“The golf course this week is magnificent – there are no excuses. It is right in front of you. There are no hidden little things the greens are the best greens I’ve seen all year and they are absolutely phenomenal. The green complexes themselves are quite slopey and things like that. So, firing at the flag is not necessarily the best thing to do.

“His desire is to go out there every week and win – but of course if he doesn’t, all we can ask is that we give 100%. Although if he does win, I might have to change my flight on Monday morning…”

But, regardless of the result, Meronk is setting the bar for those from Poland, and the region:

“Adrian is a wonderful ambassador for Eastern European golf – and we are both proud to be here to wear the team colours and wave the flag for Poland.”

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Old Tom Gin is a CPG Business Partner and member of the Business Club by CPG – Find out more here

Following Old Tom Gin 1821’s official launch last week and subsequent announcement of its involvement with the 2023 Ryder Cup as an Official Supplier and Licensee, the new and exclusive luxury brand joins the CPG as its ‘Official Gin’ and a Business partner.

The seven-year partnership will see CPG introducing and promoting Old Tom Gin 1821 to its membership and enjoying its products across a range of CPG events, as Old Tom Gin 1821 build up to the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, Italy, and beyond.

CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, commented: “As a shareholder in Ryder Cup Europe through the vehicle of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, we are extremely excited to be partnering with Old Tom Gin 1821, and it is fitting that they have chosen CPG to help raise awareness and support for their superb products through our 42 Member Countries and wider networks, adding to their recent announcement for the 2023 Ryder Cup.

“This partnership also emphasises the growing strength of the CPG’s commercial programme, which continues to welcome a suite of exciting brands to its family of partners and we look forward to showcasing and sampling their products at our own golf events, including the CPG Centurion Club Invitational Pro-Am in October and Annual Congress in November.”

Founded by entrepreneurial father and son duo, Giorgio and Gino Cozzolino, and created in St. Andrews, the recognised ‘Home of Golf’, Old Tom Gin 1821 is distilled using the finest Sicilian oranges with hints of ginger, juniper and cardamom, and symbolises a harmonious marriage between Giorgio’s Italian homeland and his love for the Scottish town, where he has resided for the last six years.

Giorgio Cozzolino said: “We are extremely delighted to become the ‘Official Gin’ of CPG – one of golf’s leading international organisations – especially one which embodies our same values of credibility and quality, so early on in our journey.

“This relationship presents Old Tom Gin 1821 with the opportunity to attain credibility within the professional golf industry and drive availability as we embark on our long-term goal to become the premium drinks brand of choice at sporting events worldwide.

“We look forward to introducing our brand-new cosmopolitan, indulgent drinks product at a variety of CPG’s prestigious international events – all of which aim to attract and indulge the premium demographic.”

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For PGA Professionals and other individuals working in the industry, #CompCamp provides useful tips and advice on delivering successful golf tournaments and events.

Click the image below to watch the second episode.

In episode 2, the focus is on event communication, showing how seamless and efficient event communication can be made using the Golf Genius software.

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Words by GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf

Ben Hogan once famously said: “As you walk down the fairway of life, you must take time to smell the roses, for you only get one round”.

That sentiment has arguably never had more meaning nor more relevance to golf – perhaps also to wider society.

We all know that the pressures on the natural world have never been greater. There has never been a more important time to stop and think about the value we derive from the ecosystems around us – that we gain so much from – that, in fact, we depend upon.

For hundreds of millions of players, the wonders of the natural world are literally right in front of us, around us and under our feet.

We escape into greenspaces. We immerse ourselves in grasslands, forests, wetlands and coastlines. We expose ourselves to the elements on hillsides and clifftops. We socialise. We laugh. We breathe deeply. We strengthen our bodies and replenish our minds.

The product and experience we enjoy so much is determined by the climate, the availability of natural resources, the health of the soil – often more than golfers ever know, but facts that are not lost on those that manage our courses.

Our great sport also advertises versions of nature. Hundreds of televised events are beamed out through sports media outlets to hundreds of millions of fans. Top athletes stand in front of stunning landscapes on different continents. Landscapes that have provided the backdrop to the drama, the spectacle and the revenue.

We gain so much, and we can give so much.

Golf is better with nature

Isn’t it interesting that so often we celebrate the most natural courses as amongst the best courses. They are the ones we talk about, most want to play, remember most vividly.  That narrow tee shot through the trees, the iron that flies the wetland onto the green, the par three with the sand dune and ocean backdrop?

Nature gives us the richest stage.  It can give us focus, thrill and reward.

Texture, shape, character, atmosphere – the sense of time and place – are all enhanced by each course’s unique combination of plants and habitats. These being the things that transform a bland, homogeneous landscape into a unique and vibrant place with an abundance of life. So often an oasis of biodiversity in a wider context of intensive agriculture; residential and industrial estates; and rapid tourism development.

Communities are better with nature

So as golf embraces nature, and golfers enjoy a better experience as a result, wider communities also benefit.  Clean air, clean water, carbon storage, more pollinators, more birds, urban cooling, flood alleviation. If golf is an ecosystem, then it delivers ecosystem services to everyone. If courses also allow or provide some other forms of recreational function, then the benefits are even more direct and profound. This is golf as a force for good, spreading wider benefits to local people and families.

Time to reflect, time to do more

It’s not always understood just how much of golf already embraces nature and delivers this value to players and communities. Look more closely and you will see thousands and thousands of examples of how golf is already actively protecting and restoring ecological spaces. Add to that the growing movement in direct species conservation – whether it be birds, bats, mammals, amphibians, insects and pollinators – and the contribution of the existing 34,000 golf courses on an area roughly the size of Belgium is already pretty large.

However, the world is changing, we all need to do more, and if we’re honest in golf – we don’t always get it right.

Golfer’s demands often lead to manicured landscapes, pushing nature out and building resource consumption in. Like the slow creep into a diet with too much salt and sugar, our tastes have changed over recent decades and not necessarily for the better.

Think of the landscape, think of your surroundings, think of your watersheds. Think what you can do, this time, to capitalise on nature. Let it come in and add value and interest to the wonderful experience you offer. Let it push out costly maintenance and resource use. Let it even cut to the heart of your brand, marketing and customer satisfaction.

As we all need to do as much as we can to heal our one planet, let’s proudly demonstrate how your business, course and golf club stepped up and played its part.

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Words by GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf

The pressures on the natural world have never been greater. There has never been a more important time to stop and think about the value derived from the ecosystems around us – that we gain so much from – that, in fact, we depend upon.

For golf, this sentiment runs deep and true. In fact, for the game’s ongoing growth and success it is now, more than ever, a crucial consideration requiring significant action from all parties.

So how and why is environmental sustainability important to golf, and who are some of the kay actors that can drive significant change moving forwards?

Experience

There are countless reasons why golf is such a special, unique and cherished sport. As golfers, we are fortunate enough to understand and experience these on an almost daily basis as we play and practice.

4-5 Hours of fresh air; exercise; prolonged social interaction all bring about an abundance of health benefits that continue to shine a light on the sport and demonstrate why it really is, and can be, a sport for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.

But it also brings everybody closer to nature. It strengthens that connection between us and the outdoors – the wildlife, the plants and the trees.

Inevitably however, the product and experience we enjoy so much is determined by the climate, the availability of natural resources, the health of the soil and the landscapes – from mountains, grasslands, forests, wetlands, sand dunes and coastlines. Each depend on it.

Golf is better with nature. So often the most natural courses are celebrated as amongst the best courses. They are the ones we talk about, most want to play, remember most vividly.

Nature gives us the richest stage.

Texture, shape, character, atmosphere – the sense of time and place – are all enhanced by each course’s unique combination of plants and habitats. These can transform a bland, homogenous landscape into a unique and vibrant place with an abundance of life, an oasis of biodiversity.

To drive sustainability in the sport and reduce the use of natural and harmful resource that facilities often depend upon, we will actually create a more valuable and cherished experience for everybody.

As golf embraces nature, and golfers enjoy a better experience as a result, wider communities also benefit.  Clean air, clean water, carbon storage, more pollinators, more birds, urban cooling, flood alleviation, spreading wider benefits to local people and families.

It’s not always understood just how much of golf already embraces nature and delivers this value to players and communities.  Look closely and you will see thousands of examples of how golf is already actively protecting and restoring ecological spaces. Add the growing movement in species conservation – whether it be birds, bats, mammals, amphibians, insects and pollinators – and the contribution of the existing 34,000 golf courses is significant.

PGAs and PGA Professionals

Inducing change is never easy. No matter what the challenge (or opportunity) is. It requires concerted action from a significant majority that are each pulling in the same direction.

To create a more environmentally-friendly sport, this principle doesn’t change. Golf’s workforce are the people on the ground who can make a difference. In fact, they have to be the one who make the difference. Club managers, driving range attendants, senior executives, food & beverage managers, head agronomists, directors, volunteers and golfers. They all will make the difference.

As spearheads for education in golf, national PGAs are at the forefront of developing the workforce for the game. They continue to be the organisations educating, championing and shaping the modern PGA Professional. It is those PGA Professionals, who number in their tens of thousands across the planet that we are looking to protect, that can be at the centre of inducing real and positive change.

The PGA Professional so often finds themselves at the epicentre of their facility or golf club, helping to shape the future direction of each respectively. They are golf’s key influencers – influencing golfers and colleagues. We are already seeing this with new and ambitious campaigns such as #CaringForCourses. As gatekeepers of the sport, their position is enviable yet crucial.

By informing, educating, supporting and leading, PGAs can shape a PGA Professional that continues to be considered the expert in the game and an influential figure at their facility, whilst also being more environmentally-conscious and increasingly sensitive to the impact that golf has on the ground and surrounds in which we grace.

GEO Foundation

GEO Foundation is the international not-for-profit dedicated to accelerating sustainability in and through golf. The organisation delivers programmes that help people on the ground to evaluate, improve and credibly communicate their work of fostering nature, conserving resources, strengthening communities and taking climate action.

GEO delivers practical guidance, tools and solutions through its OnCourse programmes for developments, golf clubs and facilities and tournaments all around the world, backed up with credible certification.

GEO Foundation is certainly the driving force behind change in this area. The organisation reaches millions of people and has the opportunity to be a catalyst by raising sustainability awareness and leading by example.

Concluding Remarks

Creating a sustainable sport is perhaps golf’s greatest challenge yet at the same time, its greatest opportunity. As universal attitudes and public perceptions shift towards creating and needing an environment that is better looked after, golf cannot afford to be left behind.

In fact, golf has the opportunity to shine. It has the opportunity to lead from the front. COVID-19 showed to the masses what the sport can bring to the table as a health benefactor, it should now be able to demonstrate to the masses why it is an activity leading the charge to create a sustainable future.

Like with COVID-19, the impact of creating such a positive perception and backing it up with action will create knock-on effects through increased demand and participation. People want to associate and identify with entities and activities that are doing their bit.

Throughout this vital Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, launched by the UN on World Environment Day in June, as we all need to do as much as we can to heal our one planet, let’s proudly demonstrate golf stepped up and played its part.

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Despite taking the first-round lead, Murray found himself behind and needing a strong finish on the final day to overcome a number of experienced players including Henrik Engdahl (PGA of Greece), Federico Elli (PGA of Italy) and British Professional, Liam Bond.

With strong winds and firm and fast greens, the conditions suited Murray’s natural low-ball flight, as he went on to card a final round 69 (-3) to finish on 211 (-4) for the tournament, two strokes ahead of second place, Guillaume Watremez (PGA of Belgium).

On his performance, Murray said: “I played fantastic today. I probably left a few shots out there on the greens but I hit an enormous drive on 17 to set up birdie, which then gave me enough breathing space to negotiate the difficult 18th hole, which so often trips players up.”

In the Pro-Am team event, team Watremez (with amateurs Martin Favert, Barbara Deronchene and Benoit Pierlot) took first-place honours through a scintillating final round points score of 94, taking their total for the three days to 266 points (-50).

The BlackSeaRama Pro-Am is a 54-hole Pro-Am event sanctioned by the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], in which over 30 PGA Professionals and teams play rounds at Lighthouse Golf Resort, Thracian Cliffs and BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas.

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FULL SCORES

ESET is a CPG Business Partner and member of the Business Club by CPG – Find out more here

Have you ever wondered how a cyberattack takes place? Many people question it, but few think it would actually happen to them. However, the simplest of cyberattacks target the human aspect, which can be easily manipulated with the right knowledge and tools – and the outcome of a successful cyberattack can be catastrophic.

I’ve not played golf in a few years but back in my uni days, I spent a good number of weekends with a tee time booked, hacking up the course with my 7-iron. However, more recently, I have turned to a different kind of hacking which is far more fun and much less ego-bruising for me.

I have 14 years’ experience in the cybercrime and digital forensics unit in my local police force and now work as a Cybersecurity Specialist for internet security firm ESET, where I hunt and analyse potential cyber threats facing businesses. Being able to understand criminal hackers often means becoming one (ethically of course), revealing insights which can help potential victims better protect their security.

I was recently asked to investigate the security of an independent UK golf club and like with any good heist, research is vital. Although I am familiar with the surroundings, lingo and attire of a quality golf club, I needed to learn everything I could about the staff and specific club in question; and this is where Google is your best friend. Armed with my online findings and a couple of quality techniques in my back pocket, I was pretty confident I could have some fun with my target golf establishment.

Firstly, I need to add a little disclaimer. Before I embarked on my escapade, I was granted full access and permission by the owner of the club to go wherever I wanted and to do whatever I desired – within reason, of course!

I decided to pose as an ITV employee, enquiring to do a reconnaissance for a new commercial and requesting to take some photos to report back to my producer. I rang the club up a week in advance and gave them my pre-context story. The business development manager answered and (naturally) loved the idea, inviting me to visit the club the following week.

I arrived at the course one sunny morning and headed straight to their reception shortly after 9am, equipped with my laptop, USB, DSLR camera and a trusty hi vis jacket. Once I had met with the business development manager who I’d previously spoken to, I walked off for an hour with my camera and pretended to take some photos of the course. On return, I showed him the photos and asked if I could use the private WiFi, requesting the password which was happily given to me. I then mentioned that I’d forgotten some paperwork, so I asked him if I could pop my USB in his machine to print off a release form. He obliged and even said, “I probably shouldn’t let someone I don’t know do this.”

It was then that I witnessed the true horror show which I did not ever expect – they were still using Windows XP! Support for this operating system was ceased in 2014 and it is highly dangerous when connected to the internet. To make matters worse, XP was running on the machine in the shop with the point of sale software on! With all the financial and sensitive data being run through this device, it would make for a very dangerous outcome if it were targeted.

Once I had pretended that the document I needed to print was missing from my USB, I sent a fake pre-release form via Google Forms in order to obtain some additional personal information from him, along with one of his passwords. He clicked on this link immediately and filled it out. In fact, he then took a call and left me with full access to two further machines with no one looking.

Of course I didn’t actually exploit the network at this golf club, but the lessons learnt were vital. The simplicity of hacking anywhere is eye-opening impressive and relatively easy: a quality backstory, a touch of charm and a spot of luck will get you into most areas all fit enough to exploit. A high vis jacket just helps to seal the deal.

On report to the golf club’s owner, he was somewhat shocked yet equally unsurprised. He thought it may have been easy and said himself that he never thought anyone would ever hack his business. The truth is, however, every business is a potential target and whilst they remain so easily penetrable, they will remain potential victims.

So here’s how to keep a golf club secure:

1. Install the latest, most up-to-date operating system on all computers
2. Implement a guest WiFi and never allow anyone other than staff access to the main WiFi connected to the network
3. Never assume anyone is who they say they are when they request to use a club computer or desire access into rooms unsupervised
4. Keep all passwords away from prying eyes and never write them down
5. Educate your staff on phishing emails and ensure policies are in place should staff need to report something.
6. Encrypt any sensitive data and never leave computers unlocked
7. Never click on unsolicited links or attachments
8. Use a robust antivirus product on all computers

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