Second edition of the international voluntary sustainability standard for golf developments demonstrates golf’s continuing proactive leadership and progress in the construction industry.

Developed through close collaboration, both within and outside the golf industry, the release of this latest edition of the Sustainable Golf Development Standard represents another major step forward in golf’s journey to becoming a leader in sustainable sport, land use and development.

Available to all new developments from September 2021, this simplified new edition raises the bar on sustainability expectations and focuses on the most relevant issues and challenges in the current climate. Renewed emphasis is placed on areas such as increased transparency, carbon impacts, flexible construction timelines, circular economy and the impacts of agronomic decision-making.

Facilitated by GEO Foundation (GEO), six months of open public consultation and dedicated work by the international expert working group for sustainable golf development has led to the release of the second edition of this credible, accessible and relevant voluntary standard for any golf development. The milestone document provides a tighter framework, which can guide the process of delivering any new golf developments and renovations, from site selection through to opening day – delivering positive social and environmental value throughout.

Sam Thomas, Director of Golf Development for GEO, the international organization dedicated to helping advance sustainability in and through golf said: “The process of working with public comments and the international expert group’s knowledge was a great insight into what we’ve seen change in the sustainability space over the past five years. There were invaluable inputs shared into the ways in which everyone felt that golf developments, done in the right way, can continue to make real positive contributions to their environment, climate and community. Going forward, we are excited to adopt this 2nd edition of the standard at all new golf development sites seeking to gain GEO Certified Development status and, over the next five years, see how we can all push on to deliver even greater positive impacts.”

The seven members of the International Expert Working Group, which helped shape this latest edition, included representatives from the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects; American Society of Golf Course Architects; The European Institutes of Golf Course Architects; Golf course builders – through Landscapes Unlimited; Australian National University, Former European Commission representatives and Wetlands International.

Richard Holland, Director, Operations and Network Development, Wetlands International commented: “Congratulations to all involved in this significant milestone for the golf development industry. The 2nd edition builds on the solid foundations of the original standard and raises the bar for new sustainable golf developments. These voluntary standards can also provide valuable guidance for policymakers and regulators in their responsibilities to deliver the best possible outcomes for the environment and local communities.”

The revision of the standard was carried out in line with ISEAL Alliance’s Code of Good Practice for Standard Setting. GEO has been part of the ISEAL Alliance since 2015 and the rigour and credibility of that code are central to the revision of the voluntary sustainability standard. These same codes of good practice are followed by other well-known sustainability bodies including Fairtrade, The Rainforest Alliance and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Tom Mackenzie, Director at Mackenzie & Ebert and Past President of European Institute of Golf Course Architects stated: “It is great to see the release of the 2nd edition of this standard. It now better represents the current sustainability issues we face as designers and I was very pleased to be able to represent the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) on the expert working group. Along with EIGCA’s Raising the Standard of Sustainable Golf Course Design educational programme, which was created with GEO, this renewed sustainability standard represents another meaningful point of connection with GEO for our members.”  

The document and further explanation can be viewed here along with information on the OnCourse Developments programme, which provides practical support to assist all types of golf developments and the GEO Certified Developments mark, which provides credible recognition to new projects.

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

PING has released details of its Spring/Summer 2022 men’s apparel range, which combines the latest premium fabrics with eye-catching and stylish designs, so that golfers can look and play their best. Due to continued demand, the collection is their largest to date and is inspired by PING’s rich heritage, with key styles paying tribute to PING’s pioneering engineering history.

Staying true to PING’s clean and timeless design ethos, the SS22 men’s collection features a key focus on ‘Elevated Geos’. The refined geometrics that feature throughout the range reinvigorate pattern and texture, which feature clean, angular, sharp and precise details. The new, innovative designs are complemented by the state-of-the-art Sensor fabric technology platform from PING, to ensure every item is specifically engineered to respond to the body’s requirements and demands whilst on the golf course. As a brand who strive for continuous improvement, PING have also introduced recycled content into a number of styles this season.

For SS22, PING have developed three brand-new energising colour palettes, with each of these boasting a technical edge that showcases PING’s forward-thinking design ethos. The ‘Daybreak’ colour story offers a refined pastel colour palette, while the ‘New Wave’ colour story embodies a more classic range, with Blue Surf and Firebrick red combining for strong looks with heritage appeal. The ‘Supercharged’ palette is a striking new colour story that sees Dragonfly green mix with softer tone, Blue Nile, whilst black and a punch of lime creates a crisp, technical edge.

One of the stand-out pieces in the collection is the 1A Putter polo, inspired by the original PING 1A putter. An innovative design that features the clean, angular shapes of the iconic putter design in a modern and timeless look.

Another signature piece in the SS22 range is the PING Geo polo, a garment that incorporates the ‘Elevated Geos’ theme through the use of a repeat hexagonal pattern and features the PING Eye Mark logo throughout, to offer an eye-catching look for all golfers.

The expanded SS22 collection also features a host of new designs, such as the Focus, Sinclair, Otto, Rae, Halcyon, Portman, Malvern and Alexander polo shirts, which are all engineered with SensorCool^® technology to provide moisture-moving comfort in all conditions.

The 1A Putter polo is one of this season’s statement garments. Available in two colours, with a contrast tipped collar, the design takes inspiration from Karsten Solheim’s original idea for the now iconic 1A Putter and features a premium graphic print of this unique sketch. Produced from recycled polyester and constructed in SensorCool^® performance fabric, with the added benefit of an antibacterial finish, this polo provides golfers with the perfect all-round garment for the golf course.

The PING Geo polo embodies the company’s brand heritage and logo and features a hexagon design throughout, which has become a recognisable shape that PING has utilised throughout its existence. The geometric repeat print creates a modern look and incorporates the Eye Mark logo within the design. The fabric utilises SensorCool^®technology and is made from recycled polyester, to keep the wearer in their comfort zone for the duration of their round.

The brand-new Otto polo is a performance garment that features an eye-catching cubic jacquard fabric throughout and comes in three contrasting colourways: Navy Multi, Black Multi and Blue Surf Multi. Engineered from SensorCool® fabric, it provides comfort in play, with moisture-movement, quick-drying and stretch properties.

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

Following the conclusion of the Ryder Cup last week, we know a lot of our clubs will be looking to host their own Ryder Cup events. In an effort to support these clubs, we have put together a Spotlight email that includes a link to some FAQs, the Ryder Cup Tutorial, and other useful information.

For many players, participating in a Ryder Cup club tournament is one of the year’s most anticipated events. Competitive spirit always runs high, and participants enjoy the camaraderie of a team format. This style event offers a memorable golf experience before the season winds down.

As much as the players look forward to this event, the golf staff takes as much pride in its preparation. Golf Genius provides the tools and features necessary to take your event to the next level and deliver that “WOW” factor you are looking to provide your players.

To assist with your preparation, here is some useful information to help ensure a successful Ryder Cup tournament.

Create a “Tour Experience”
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Immerse your players in the “Tour Experience” using the tools and features available with Golf Genius. Keep your players up to date on match results with live scoring, and even take it to the next level using walking scorers. This feature is also a great way for the entire club to follow along throughout the day. Display scores with a live leaderboard available on the mobile app, digital scoreboards in the clubhouse and an online portal keeping everyone informed up to the minute. Golf Genius live scoring has been used successfully for thousands of events, and players and fans love the feature.

Let our Tutorial guide you to the perfect setup
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When it comes to the Ryder Cup, it’s essential that everything works as expected with no surprises. Our step-by-step tutorial will help you set up a typical Ryder Cup format from start to finish. From getting teams set up, creating pairings, and making sure the leaderboard calculates team points properly, this tutorial will give you the confidence that everything will work smoothly before, during, and after the event.

To check out Golf Genius’ Ryder Cup tutorial, Click Here.

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Over the next three-days, the 43^rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits will provide fans with intense trans-Atlantic rivalries, national and continental pride and immense passion from each of the side’s 12 competing players. Behind every great Ryder Cup player is a support network that is instrumental to their success including many coaches and PGA Professionals.

Viktor Hovland is already a familiar name in golf and unusually for a Norwegian golfer so young, he is a name that is renowned on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean too. On Friday, he will stand on the first tee shoulder-to-shoulder with his playing partner and veteran Ryder Cup player, Paul Casey, to take on the American duo of Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa.

On paper, the matchup is perhaps one of the most enticing of the morning foursomes and one you cannot predict. However, having immersed himself within the U.S. College Golf system whilst at Oklahoma State University, the former U.S. Amateur Champion has amassed a run of impressive results and victories throughout his early career and as a Ryder Cup rookie, he will be no pushover.

PGA of Sweden and PGA of Norway Professional, Magnus Ohlsson is a close friend and former coach to Viktor, having worked with him throughout his junior days right up to the point he packed his bags to pursue his dream of becoming a PGA Tour player. He echoes such sentiments.

“Viktor is always very relaxed when it comes to who he will be up against. He has a sort of ‘happy-go-lucky’ kind of attitude during competition. For the Ryder Cup I think this is key for Viktor. That crowd will be hostile, but he will not care about that or who he is up against. He plays against Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa on a weekly basis. For him, his respect comes from the person rather than the golfer and all he wants to do when he plays is to win.”

For Ohlsson, who spent a large amount of time working in Sweden as a PGA Professional before moving to Norway to support the Norwegian Golf Federation, his journey as Viktor’s coach began in 2009 near Oslo and the player-coach relationship flourished almost instantly. “I coached him for many years. He was a great student who did not just listen to everything I told him but in fact challenged my solutions and then when a consensus was met, he worked and practiced very hard. He is very interested in that process of learning and for me as a coach, that is a perfect scenario. Viktor very much helped me to become a better coach as I did to help him become a better player. I was straight-talking and honest in my approach with him and this is something I think he respected most about me. From both sides, it clicked really well.”

Looking to role models in the form of Severiano Ballesteros and Greg Norman, Ohlsson began his own golfing journey at the age of 14 and was instantly hooked on the playing side but also on the teaching side, where he would support various golf classes at his golf club as a teenager. Thereafter, he would go on to complete his education with the PGA of Sweden and became a PGA Professional. Throughout the CPG’s interview with Magnus from his home on the outskirts of Oslo, it was clear to see his hunger to improve. He recognises that to develop as a coach and as a person, he must remain ahead of the curve: “It is a never-ending story for me. I prioritise my education as I feel you must continue to update yourself and sharpen each tool in your box. The day you think you know everything is the day you get left behind.

“For example, I have always been interested in technique but with the introduction of golf simulators such as Trackman, it has revolutionised the way I approach coaching the game. You then factor in the fact that Viktor was a very keen student who wanted to challenge his own learning whilst with me, it meant being able to present the numbers to him was a vital justification for the work that we did. The continuous training I had through the PGA of Sweden and PGA of Norway has been crucial to my own development and in turn, Viktor’s.”

Viktor and Magnus remain very close friends to this day and are in constant contact about his game and of course about his first appearance for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup too.

“Every time he comes home to Norway, he visits me – he is very grounded and humble. He even sends me snapchats whilst he is out practicing and playing! He has already said to me that he would like to be partnered with Rory (McIlroy) at some point during the week but his pairing with Paul Casey today is still a very strong one I think.”

When he does make his first appearance today at 07:21 local time, Viktor will be waving both the Norwegian and European flag proudly (as the first Norwegian to do so) and his home country have stood up and taken notice. In the last year alone, golf has flourished significantly in Norway, with membership numbers and golfer numbers rising.

Ohlsson partly attributes this to Hovland’s current success, which has played a part in taking golf “onto the TV, onto the radio and into the main tabloid newspapers,” adding that “the sport is now at the front of people’s minds. It is fantastic to have a Norwegian playing in the Ryder Cup and the impact is huge for Norwegian golf.”

Ryder Cup predictions are always a dangerous game to play, particularly when it comes to rookie appearances but Ohlsson’s views were very clear when asked: “That is not even a debate! There is only one team that will come out on top and if Viktor is able to play his part during the closing stages, that would be fantastic.

Magnus Ohlsson can sit proudly over this weekend when he watches his friend take on the best that the US has to offer, assured by the fact that the player and person he has coached and helped to mentor will take them on without fear or doubt, coupled with determination, grit and national Norwegian pride.

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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 fourth episode.

In episode 4, live scoring at golf events is the focus, as it explains how to create a unique user experience whilst adding a digital, contactless element to a golf tournament.

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Over the next three-days, the 43^rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits will provide fans with intense trans-Atlantic rivalries, national and continental pride and immense passion from each of the side’s 12 competing players. Behind every great Ryder Cup player is a support network that is instrumental to their success including many coaches and PGA Professionals.

As the first Austrian golfer to have ever represented Team Europe in the Ryder Cup, Bernd Wiesberger will create history for the central-European nation when he tees off at Whistling Straits this weekend. But as the first match approaches today, he and the other Ryder Cup Rookies will have to face that one challenging and probing question: “Can I handle the first tee pressure of a Ryder Cup?”. Only that player can truly know the answer to that question but through solid foundations, assured technical ability and calmness under pressure, it should (in theory) carry them through.

And it is those traits that many believe will stand Wiesberger in good stead, including his former coach and PGA of Austria Professional, Claude Grenier. “When I first started working with Bernd as a junior in the Austrian team, he struggled to control his emotions, particularly after a bad shot. Now, he is quite the opposite. He is calm under pressure and that is showing in his results.”

Under normal weekly tournament conditions nerves are not necessarily a problem for players such as Bernd, but as he settled on the camera whilst speaking with the CPG, his former coach and long-standing PGA of Austria Professional could not predict exactly how he would approach his rookie appearance “I am really curious to see how he is going to react, particularly to the American fans. I expect the occasional taunt of ‘Bernd Cheeseburger’ and other good-humoured jibes being thrown towards him but if he maintains his usual tone and demeanour as he does in regular tournament play, he will be fine. It is the act of rising to the crowds that could hamper his game. It is not his style.” Grenier said.

Claude Grenier is a man that speaks softly but with real conviction. His tone and body language indicate the wealth of experience he has in relaying knowledge to others. It is clear to see why Bernd has become the player he is today, particularly with people such as Claude helping him. Whilst working with Bernd in the Junior Austrian team, Greniercould see his potential but did not anticipate the current rise to stardom he is now seeing until much later on: “He was 14 when I started working with him as part of a small group of up-and-coming Austrian players” Grenierexplained. “Bernd was an excellent student – he practiced hard and you could see he really wanted to achieve something in the game but through my experience you know that not every player can make it. Providing he remained enthusiastic, he always stood a chance and that was a big part of my role as a national coach.”

Grenier speaks from experience. Having started playing the game since the age of eight and turning Professional in 1983, he has flirted with the playing side of the game through a number of professional tours and events himself, including three appearances representing Austria in the World Cup. “After studying my Masters, I felt the road for me was teaching and so I left Canada at the time and came to Austria, where I began coaching more and playing less. Before Bernd came on the scene, I was supporting Markus Brier in his playing journey as well as the Austrian teams and I loved it. With players such as Bernd I always accentuate the basics. At the time, there were some flaws in his swing and we certainly ironed these out but maintaining his motivation and his enthusiasm to work hard and practice was key for me. That approach started to pay dividends when he turned 16 and started appearing in things like the Eisenhower trophy. That was when I realised, he could be very good.”

The relationship that Claude forged with Wiesberger over those crucial years of his development has meant the two have remained close friends up to this day. “Bernd recognises how important the organisations and structures that are in place were to his current success. The Austrian squads, the PGA of Austria and PGA Professionals such as myself all contributed to the player that he is today.” Through additional training and education that has been provided by the PGA of Austria – a CPG Member Country – Grenier has been able to hone his craft over the years. “I am very grateful to the PGA of Austria, as they have helped shape my coaching career and supported my personal development. Not only does Bernd recognise how important institutions such as the PGA and the Federation are but so do I.”

Due to this strong and coherent golf development structure, Austria now has its first player in the Ryder Cup – a moment in time that will be hugely impactful for golf in the country. “Bernd is becoming a role model for kids across the country and his appearance this week only accelerates his status amongst Austrian golfers. Make no mistake, this is a huge moment for Austrian golf. It is going to raise the level of awareness. It is a huge boost.”

When Bernd Wiesberger does stand on that first tee in Wisconsin, he can be confident that he has been taught the necessary skills, knowledge and awareness by PGA Professionals such as Claude Grenier to cope. Whether he wins all his matches or not, it almost does not matter. The mere fact that the Austrian is stood on the first tee of a Ryder Cup, preparing to do battle against the Americans, is a monumental moment in itself.

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We are delighted to introduce to you the first edition of the CPG’s brand new business of golf publication – The Insider by CPG.

This biannual print and digital publication celebrates golf as ‘The True Sport of Business’ across 100 pages with exclusive interviews from some of the most influential names and voices in golf and business, to compliment a mix of insider insights, features and stories that are shaping the golf and commercial landscapes right here, right now.

KEY FEATURES AND INSIGHTS

THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH SETH WAUGH

Former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas and now PGA of America CEO, outlines his vision for ‘the greatest game on earth’ in conversation with CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell…

THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE 2018 RYDER CUP

“Pascal’s passion, determination and commitment were at the very core of the success of the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris”

A LEADER IN GOLF AND BUSINESS

As Ryder Cup Director and Deputy CEO & Chief Commercial Officer of the European Tour, Guy Kinnings is one of the most respected and influential figures in golf.

THE WINNING MINDSET

The similarities between sport and business are often discussed, but there are few people better placed to shed light on the subject than Sporting Edge Founder and CEO, Jeremy Snape…

To celebrate the launch of the first edition, you can access the digital version of the magazine to read for free, below.

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The 43^rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits will provide fans with three days of intense trans-Atlantic rivalries, national and continental pride and immense passion from each of the side’s 12 competing players. Behind every great Ryder Cup player is a support network that is instrumental to their success including many coaches and PGA Professionals.

For international golfing superstar, Jon Rahm, Eduardo Celles (PGA of Spain Professional) is the only person he trusts entirely with his own golf swing, development and success.

Eduardo Celles is a notable name across Spain, with strong and close ties to both golf and the PGA of Spain as an organisation. “I am a third generation PGA Professional. My Grandfather won the Spanish Open in 1925, and my Father – who is my greatest inspiration – is a fantastic golf coach and one I have spent a lot of time observing and learning from since I was a young man.”

Now, Celles runs his own successful golf academy and has done so for 25 years, helping to teach young and old the game of golf. His work ethic has only contributed to his reputation in Spain, and he is highly sought after as a PGA Professional by students of the game.

“Whilst I constantly adapt, I am keen to maintain my coaching values and principles. It has worked for many years and my students respect the way I approach teaching the game to them” Celles explains.

However, it was when he started to work with Rahm that Celles’ career as a PGA Professional changed forever. “My relationship with Jon started when his mother brought him to me at the age of 13. She was aware of who I was and wanted me to guide her son’s golf journey. At the start it was challenging as Jon is a very determined, ambitious and fiery individual who knew what he wanted. When I started to make that infamous change to the length of his backswing, he thought I was crazy. ‘You are crazy, this is going to make my game worse’ he would say.”

To counter such a determined young Spanish player in Rahm would take an equally determined and confident approach from his coach…Celles was the perfect man for the job. Vice President of the PGA of Spain, Jose Vicente Perez, knows this fact well: “Eduardo also has a strong character, so at the beginning when they started changing his swing and Jon battled his advice, Eduardo knew that a firm approach was the only way he could ensure the changes were made and his progress continued. As he made the changes, the results came and so too did the trust Jonplaced in Eduardo. His swing is Eduardo’s creation and that is why Jon has so much respect and trust in him to this day.”

Rahm is perhaps one of the most talked-about and recognisable names in golf. A multiple PGA Tour and European Tour winner, as well as being this year’s US Open Champion, he makes his second appearance for Ryder Cup Team Europe this week and he will be pivotal to the team’s togetherness and instrumental to any success that they have at Whistling Straits. “Jon is a huge fan of football and an Athletic Bilbao fun. He used to go to games when he was a kid and wanted to become a goalkeeper at first, before he found golf” Celles recalls. “He loves the team environment. When he goes to the Ryder Cup, he goes with the mentality that he is part of a team. He sets aside any individual mentality he has during the week and puts the team first. That mentality is not unseen in other Spanish players however, I see it in Sergio [Garcia] too”.

Rahm’s success during his rookie appearance at the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National meant he forged a formidable reputation for the matches which culminated in an infamous singles victory over Tiger Woods on the final day. “To see one of my students beat Tiger Woods in a Ryder Cup was like a dream. Having followed his progression since he was 13, and guided him, he has continued to get better and better and he will only continue to get better and better. The sky is the limit for Jon and that victory was a perfect example of how good he is”.

There is no doubt that Eduardo Celles has played a pivotal and central role in shaping the Spaniard into the player that he is today. That role he has played is testament to his training and education and he places so much value on the role that the PGA of Spain has had on his own development “Because of my Father’s affiliation and now mine to the PGA of Spain, being a member of the organisation means everything to me. It is part of who I am and has made me the coach that I am today. I owe my thanks to them and there is no doubt that their role has been instrumental in Jon’s success too.”

Sitting on his deckchair by his driving range and academy in Spain, Celles will be watching on comfortably this week, cheering Rahm and Team Europe on for success, knowing full well that he and his student have done all they can to prepare for an event like this. “Jon never, ever asks for anything that relates to his swing a during a tournament. I have ensured he knows his swing inside and out.” These are sentiments echoed by Vicente Perez “Eduardo takes a back seat during competition and does not interfere. He wants Jon to find his own solutions to challenges during tournaments. It has been a successful recipe so far, so he does not feel the need to change it.”

If Team Europe are to prevail this week in the Ryder Cup, Jon Rahm will be an instrumental part of their success. To lift that trophy on Sunday will mean the world to him, to Spain, and most importantly, to the man who has been there every step of the way…

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* The 45 year old Swede will take the role for the first time

* Joins Luke Donald, Robert Karlsson, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell in the role

* Five Vice Captains have 19 appearances and 40 points for Europe between them

European Captain Pádraig Harrington has announced that Henrik Stenson will be the fifth and final Vice Captain for Team Europe in the 2020 Ryder Cup, which gets underway at Whistling Straits next Friday.

The 2016 Open Champion will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Harrington’s backroom team in Wisconsin having played in five of the biennial contests against the United States (2006, 2008, 2014, 2016 and 2018); being on the winning side on three of those five occasions.

During that time, the two-time European Tour Number One amassed 11 points for Europe from 19 matches, including a 100% record of three wins out of three during his last outing at Le Golf National in 2018 where he rounded out his perfect week with a 5&4 singles victory over Bubba Watson. He also secured the winning point for Europe on his debut at The K Club, in Ireland, in 2006 where he beat Vaughn Taylor 4&3.

It will be Stenson’s first stint as Vice Captain and the 45 year old Swede will join his compatriot Robert Karlsson, Englishman Luke Donald, Germany’s Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland in the role. Between them the quintet boasts the experience of 19 Ryder Cups for Europe and 40 points scored.

Stenson said: “It’s a great honour to get the call and to be involved with Team Europe. I’ve been part of five Ryder Cup teams in the past and to be given the opportunity as a Vice Captain to help Europe’s quest to retain the Ryder Cup is exciting.

“Pádraig called me on Monday morning and it was not a long conversation. I accepted straight away and I assured him that myself, along with the other Vice Captains, are there to help and assist him and the team in any way we can.

“We have a very strong team. It’s a mix of huge experience along with three guys who will take on their first Ryder Cup – and that’s a great combination. We have strength in depth so I’m looking forward to getting out there and seeing the boys perform.

“It’s no secret that winning on away soil is always a little bit harder, but the boys are ready for that challenge. It’s all going to come down to how well we play during the week but I have every faith in our team.”

Pádraig Harrington, European Ryder Cup Captain, said: “I am delighted to add Henrik Stenson to our backroom team as a Vice Captain. Following on from Sunday when the 12 players were confirmed, we now have Team Europe complete and I could not be happier.

“Henrik will bring so much to the week in all aspects both on and off the course. His playing record speaks for itself and he has the full respect and confidence of all the players. He knows what it takes to win a Ryder Cup and that experience and knowledge will be crucial for us.

“Everyone is aware that the Ryder Cup can be a tense week at times too so Henrik’s renowned wit and sense of fun will benefit our team room immensely. It will also be helpful to have the cool head of the ‘Ice Man’ around should any stressful situation emerge.”

The 43^rd Ryder Cup will be played at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from September 24-26 where Europe will aim to retain the trophy they won 17 ½ – 10 ½ at Le Golf National in France in 2018.

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European Ryder Cup Captain Pádraig Harrington tonight selected Sergio Garcia, Shane Lowry and Ian Poulter as his three picks to complete his 12-player team for the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, in Wisconsin, from September 21-26.

The trio join the nine automatic qualifiers – Paul Casey, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Lee Westwood and Bernd Wiesberger – who earlier today confirmed their spots in the team at the conclusion of the extended qualification campaign at the BMW PGA Championship, the European Tour’s third Rolex Series event of 2021.

Garcia and Poulter have been central to Europe’s recent success in the biennial contest, with a combined total of 15 previous Ryder Cup appearances between them, collectively contributing an impressive 40½ points to the European cause. Meanwhile, Lowry, the 2019 Open Champion, will be making his Ryder Cup debut, joining Hovland and Wiesberger as the three rookies in Team Europe.

Spaniard Garcia will be hoping to extend his record as Europe’s all-time leading points scorer when he makes his tenth Ryder Cup appearance. The 2017 Masters Champion made his Ryder Cup debut in 1999 and, aside from 2010, has been a constant presence in the blue of Europe.

He claimed three points at Le Golf National, Paris, in 2018 to take his career tally to 25½ points, surpassing Sir Nick Faldo’s previous benchmark of 25.

Like Garcia, Englishman Poulter also boasts a formidable Ryder Cup record. Poulter will make his seventh Ryder Cup record appearance at Whistling Straits and he is undefeated in the Singles, having contributed 15 points overall. He was part of the European Teams which triumphed on American soil in 2004 at Oakland Hills and Medinah in 2012.

Irishman Lowry just missed out on automatic qualification at the BMW PGA Championship and will make his first appearance for Team Europe. He previously represented his continent in the 2016 EurAsia Cup, and in addition to the Claret Jug he won two years ago at Royal Portrush, his five European Tour wins include the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in America, as well as a Rolex Series event, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Harrington’s European Team travel to Whistling Straits aiming to retain the Ryder Cup which they reclaimed at Le Golf National in 2018 by a margin of 17½-10½.

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

According to new research from ESET, 80% of businesses worldwide are confident their home-working employees have the knowledge and technology needed to handle cyberthreats to company finances.

ESET surveyed the attitudes of 1200 senior managers across the UK, US, Japan and Mexico for the business segment of its global financial technology (FinTech) research, exploring their attitudes toward security and FinTech.

While many businesses expressed confidence in the face of cyberthreats, the same research also showed that nearly three-quarters (73%) of these businesses also think they are likely to be impacted by a cybersecurity incident, and half said they had experienced a cybersecurity breach in the past. Could businesses be overestimating how safe their employees are?

It is no secret that since the COVID-19 lockdowns began, we have seen a significant increase in cybercrime targeting remote workers. COVID-19 has created a range of opportunities for cybercriminals, with the panic around the coronavirus and the uncertainty caused by the rapid transition to remote work setups affording malicious actors a greater chance of success in their attacks on individuals and organisations.

As employees left the office and dispersed across various locations, devices and networks, certain deficiencies in some businesses’ security stance have likely been exposed. Many companies have had to transition from the firewall approach of the traditional office to a new distributed model. While ESET’s research shows that the majority of businesses feel that their employees are able to handle the accompanying risks, there are a series of new challenges that they may be underestimating.

The inherent risks of remote working

Working from home means employees are connecting to the internet via their personal home router, and this means that company data can be exposed to all the dangers of public networks. So when accessing corporate intranets, using a virtual private network (VPN) is vital to creating a secure, encrypted connection.

However, issues such as slow internet, domestic distractions and simple forgetfulness can cause even the most security-conscious employee to make a mistake and connect without a VPN. This has the potential to expose individuals to malicious actors looking to spy on personal and company data. Therefore, don’t allow employees to connect to your company’s internal systems without using a VPN. For extra security, require your employees to enter a one-time code (multifactor authentication) in addition to a password in order to access your intranet.

Another issue posed by home working is that it can be tempting to switch from device to device. We live in a highly connected world, and with opportunities for socialising and leisure activities limited, we are all spending more time on our personal computers and mobile devices. Using said personal devices to check work emails or do a small task here and there can be potentially dangerous, as non-work devices are less likely to have the same levels of protection that work devices often have installed.

Similarly, it is just as easy to make the same mistake the other way round, by visiting risky websites such as torrent pages or adult sites. These may expose work laptops to online threats, which is particularly dangerous when the device in question can provide hackers with access to invaluable corporate data.

Lastly, there is the ever-present threat of phishing, which has been a prominent threat through the pandemic. With the health crisis providing new hooks for creating convincing phishing emails and text messages, there is a heightened risk that employees will click on malicious links or attachments and allow themselves to be duped by social engineering attacks.

How to secure your employees and your business

Because remote working has changed the way in which we interact with our teams and our colleagues, it can be hard to keep tabs on the extent to which each employee is aware of the steps they need to take to protect themselves and the company. This is why it is important to have regular training and guidance on the importance of cyber hygiene.

It is crucial that every member of staff is proactive in making sure that their devices and files are secure, and in order for this to happen they must be made aware of the dangers that can be caused by behaviours such as using an insecure connection or device, indiscriminately clicking on links, or visiting risky websites. For some pointers on how to stay safe when working remotely, check out ESET Chief Security Evangelist Tony Anscombe’s top tips on WeLiveSecurity.

With that being said, the internet can be a dangerous place, and threats can be difficult to keep track of. No matter how much we know about cybersecurity, it is always possible that we could slip up. As a result, it is more vital than ever to have trustworthy, reliable security software to protect your business. To find out about ESET’s solutions for businesses, head over to their website for more information.

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It was in the midst of the Solheim Cup jubilation that the deep sense of European unity and team spirit shone through for all spectators and observers to see. For the European captain, Catriona Matthew, there must have been inevitable signs of relief as she lifted that crystal trophy in triumph. It was a moment to saviour and one where you could truly appreciate what she and her team of 12 had just achieved.

For the European Solheim Cup team, whilst the hard-fought 15-13 victory over the United States was just reward for three days of teamwork, intense concentration and spectacular ball striking under serious pressure, it was also a signal of something far greater for the sport.

“Irrespective of the result, I was fixated on the standard of play, the international representation on show and the sheer scale of the spectacle that had been put on for the fans and TV audiences to immerse themselves in. This year’s Solheim Cup demonstrated how strong the women’s side of the game is right now.” For the Confederation of Professional Golf’s Chief Executive, Ian Randell, who himself was Tournament Director and Chief Referee at the 2000 Solheim Cup at Loch Lomond and oversaw the success of 2003 at Barseback in Sweden as the former Ladies European Tour [LET] Chief Executive, his words will ring true for everybody who watched the events unfold in Ohio.

The very make-up of the European team demonstrated this strength impeccably. There was a breadth of international representation within that victorious side from multiple European nations including Germany, Sweden, Spain, France, Finland, Denmark, England and Ireland. Bolstering this success even further was the fact that the next generation of possible Solheim Cup players will continue to span from all four corners of the continent, as during the PING Junior Solheim Cup that took place in the days preceding, there were players within the victorious European team representing the Czech Republic and Italy, as well as from some of the aforementioned nations.

“This was what was most impressive about this year’s event. Having so many nations represented under one flag illustrates the depth of talent that is emerging from many countries that not so long ago would not have had as much representation. It is testament to organisers from the LET and LPGA, as well as the monumental and long-standing support from PING that we are where we are today with the Solheim Cup – it has truly grown to be one of the greatest events in our sport,” Randell added.

Supported by their caddies, psychologists, nutritionists, strength and conditioning coaches and PGA Professional coaches, today’s players have built a strong and elaborate system of support networks that have enabled them to shine on one of golf’s biggest stages. In respect to the latter of those supporting roles – the PGA Professional – it represents a much deeper meaning to Ian, the CPG and the 43 Member Countries that the organisation collectively represents.

“All of us involved in golf in Europe can take pride in the success of the European Team as the international makeup of the side is testament to the investment in sharing of knowledge and expertise across the continent and the hard work of National Federations and PGAs to provide opportunities, not least through expert coaching from PGA Professionals at all levels from beginner to elite player.

Supported by their national PGAs, the PGA Professional is golf’s true influencer and by providing internationally recognised standards of education, development and training, our collective of CPG Member Countries are helping to produce a highly-skilled workforce to better support the development of players such as Emily Pedersen and Matilda Castren. If there was ever a signal that the work from our PGAs, national Federations and others was paying off, this Solheim Cup and the team that was represented would be it.”

In fact, it was these two players that had the final say over last night’s result, as Matilda Castren holed a nerveless eight-foot putt to win her match on the 18th green and claim Europe’s 14th point, before Emily Pedersen made sure of the victory by winning the last match on the 18th. On her putt, emotions were clear to see on Castren’s face: “It’s just crazy, crazy, I can’t believe I made that putt.”

It sparked an outpouring of joy among the Europeans, who were considered rank outsiders in the build-up, having won just once previously in the US, but have now won four of the past six editions of the biennial event. By completing such a compelling victory, it creates an exciting narrative for the next staging in 2023 at Finca Cortesin in Spain and only furthers the reputation and impact that the biennial contest will have on growing golf.

“Using the example of the Ryder Cup, we have seen how great an impact events like the Solheim Cup have on grassroots golf,” adds Randell.  “By supporting golf development programmes and grassroots initiatives through the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, not to mention the millions of eyes who watch the spectacle every two years, the Ryder Cup has been able to help create a thriving sport across all levels. The same can be said for the Solheim Cup so this result, delivered by a diverse European team, means you can only feel excited about the future for the event and for the growth of women’s golf. Congratulations to Team Europe.”

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Engineered for golfers in search of versatility and improved shot making inside the scoring zone, PING today introduced the Glide Forged Pro wedge series. The tour-inspired, high-spinning design is offered in two grind profiles and multiple loft options to fit players who rely on precision and control to shoot lower scores.

The custom-fit, custom-built Glide Forged Pro wedges are now available for pre-order at authorised PING retailers around the world.

“When you look at the Glide Forged Pro wedge, everything about it stands out,” said John K. Solheim, PING President. “It’s a great-looking club with amazing feel that performs beautifully. It has the versatility to attract and benefit a lot of different skill levels. Our engineers focused on every design attribute. It’s slightly smaller heel-to-toe with a rounded profile to allow players the ability to control the club and play any shot with precision. We’ve also applied a new face blast to improve friction for increased spin and trajectory control.”

Tour-Inspired Compact Shape

In consultation with its Tour staff and brand ambassadors, PING’s engineers designed the Glide Forged Pro for golfers who focus on saving shots into and around the green. The smaller heel-to-toe head, which is forged from 8620 carbon steel, creates a captured look at address, giving players the confidence to manipulate the head to help execute any shot they are facing.

“We know golfers are very particular about the look of their wedges. That first impression when they look down at it is vitally important to whether it makes it into their bag,” said Solheim. “The feedback from our players and coaches really helped guide the design of the Glide Forged Pro. It sets up perfectly behind the ball, giving you the confidence to pull off almost any shot. It has the all-around performance that will lead to lower scores for a lot of different type of players.”

Friction Face with Emery Blast

In combination with the precision-milled face and grooves, the new Emery face blast adds more texture to the hitting surface, creating higher friction and more interaction between the club and ball for more spin and lower launch. The 50º and 52º lofts feature wheel-cut grooves with a 20º sidewall to optimise performance on full shots. The 54º to 62º options are milled with a 28º sidewall and tighter radius for more spin and precision on finesse shots around the green and from the sand. The hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish adds to the higher spin and lower launch, especially from wet and rough conditions.

“As great as these clubs look, it comes down to performance off the face,” said Solheim. “The new Emery blast makes a huge difference. The added spin and lower launch overall give shot makers the control they need to play at the pin on full shots or take on the tough shots around the green.”

Expanded Lofts and Grinds

Two grind options in multiple lofts expand the offerings to ensure a wedge choice to match a golfer’s playing conditions and angle of attack. In the “S” grind, moderate bounce and a rounded lead edge combine to produce an option that fits most golfers. It comes in seven loft/bounce configurations. The “T” Grind has a narrower sole with approximately 3º less bounce than the “S” to make it more versatile and precise around the green. It’s available in three lofts, including a 62º, which offers low bounce and high loft for the most greenside versatility and will be a popular choice on tour when matching course conditions. Golfers can also choose from eight custom grinds through PING Wrx, the company’s facility that custom builds the majority of its tour and college equipment.

59º EYE2 Toe Option

The PING EYE2 wedge face profile inspired the “S” grind 59º option, which is distinguished by the high-toe design made popular by Karsten Solheim’s iconic sand wedge developed in the early 1980s. It features a blended hosel and a more traditional sole design than the original with approximately 1.5º less bounce than the other “S” grind lofts.

“I may be a little biased since my swimming pool as a kid was shaped like a PING EYE2 wedge, but I love the high-toe option in this line,” said Solheim. “It gives me the confidence and versatility to play high and low shots with a lot of spin without being intimidated. It’s especially good out of the bunker.”

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It was Christine Wong’s week at Oshawa Golf and Curling Club, as the PGA of Canada member from University Golf Club in Vancouver, British Columbia shot 70-69, the two low rounds of the tournament, to capture the 34th DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada by five strokes.

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With the five-stroke victory, Wong becomes the first player to capture the newly named Lorie Kane Trophy.

“It feels amazing, honestly I didn’t think I would be where I am now after those two rounds of golf because it wasn’t my best ball striking week, but I got the ball in the hole as efficiently as I could,” said the 29-year-old. “Lorie Kane is a Canadian golf legend, so to be on the trophy her name is on is spectacular.”

Much like Monday, Wong got off to a slow start, making a bogey on her second hole of the day before immediately rebounding with a birdie on the par-3 third.

Making the turn in 35 strokes, Wong cruised the rest of the way. Tournament officials moved up the tees on the par-4 14th hole, making it play just shy of 250 yards. Wong took advantage, driving the green with a 3-wood and two putting her way to birdie and a four-stroke lead.

“My putter saved me again,” said Wong, who was the only player in the field to break 70 this week. “Without my putter I wouldn’t be here. I made a lot of 10-footers just to save par, so I’m happy with the way it ended.”

Wong extended her lead to five with a birdie on the 15th – which was the margin of victory an hour later when she tapped in for par on the 36th hole.

Wong joins a list of event champions that includes the likes of Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp and Lorie Kane.

“As I reflect on just how far our game in this country has come since I stepped on the scene and played in my first DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada, we should all be immensely proud,” said Kane. “A big thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, the PGA of Canada, and everyone else who make this great event possible.”

“DCM’s support is what makes women’s golf in Canada possible,” said Wong following her victory. “Golf is growing but still isn’t huge among women, so to have their support and to see them helping get more women out playing golf is amazing, that’s what gets us going and competing.”

Finishing in second place was amateur Victoria Zheng, who finished her round on Tuesday with 13-consecutive pars to shoot 74. Meanwhile Katy Rutherford, playing in her first professional event, chipped in for birdie on the 36th hole to finish alone in third place.

PGA of Canada officials were perplexed early in the round on Tuesday as they figured there must have been a scoring mistake as online scoring displayed two hole-in-ones being made within a 45-minute span on the third hole.

This was no mistake. Playing in her first professional event, Katy Johnston made her first career ace on the third hole just four groups before Valerie Tanguay managed the same feat.

The next PGA of Canada event on tap is the PGA of Canada Assistants’ Championship, which Wong is registered for, taking place September 12-15 at the Winston Golf Club in Calgary, AB.

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