* Joins 2018 winning European Captain Thomas Bjørn in Henrik Stenson’s backroom team

* The Italian will also provide statistical support to Captain Stenson

Henrik Stenson has named Italian Edoardo Molinari as his second Vice Captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup which will be played at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 – October 1, 2023.

Molinari, alongside his brother Francesco, was part of the victorious European Team in the 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. He has also won three times on the DP World Tour, previously known as the European Tour, and has made 356 Tour appearances to date.

The 41-year-old is Stenson’s second Vice Captaincy appointment, following the announcement earlier this month of Dane Thomas Bjørn, the successful 2018 European Captain.

Molinari will undoubtedly be a popular addition to Team Europe amongst the home support when Italy hosts the biennial contest for the first time next year.

He said: “It is fantastic. I played the Ryder Cup in 2010 and to be able to be a Vice Captain in this one is a dream come true. It was a very unexpected call from Henrik. We had chatted a few times about stats and what I could do to help the team, but I never expected this.

“Knowing Henrik, he will leave no stone unturned. He will do everything he can to win the Ryder Cup back. It will be a lot of fun for all the guys playing for him too. He has always been a very friendly guy, and is always smiling, so I think it will be a fantastic atmosphere in the team room.

“The Italian fans will be loud and passionate at Marco Simone. For the players, it will be a lot of fun to play in front of such supportive crowds. Rome is a fantastic city, one of my favourites in the world. It is going to be a great week overall and I am very happy that the players will get to experience Rome.”

Stenson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Edoardo to the 2023 European Ryder Cup team as a Vice Captain. I’ve known him for a long time and he is obviously a Ryder Cup player himself. He is really into stats and he works with a few of the players who will potentially be on my team.

“I asked him if he would do me the honour of joining the team and he was delighted to. I’m very happy to have him on board and I’m very much looking forward to his input and to lean on his experience. With him being Italian, it is going to be an extra special week for him.

“I envisage Thomas and Edoardo as the working group that I will lean on for the foreseeable future. There will be a lot of healthy discussion and input between us. I’m delighted to have both of them as part of Team Europe.”

Molinari and his brother Francesco followed compatriot Costantino Rocca into Ryder Cup folklore when they represented Europe in the Ryder Cup in 2010 at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

The Molinaris became the first brothers to compete against the United States since Bernard and Geoffrey Hunt played in the 1963 Great Britain & Ireland team, when they played in the 2010 contest at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. They halved their fourball match against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar, while Edoardo contributed another crucial half point in his singles match against Rickie Fowler as Europe triumphed 14½-13½.

In addition to his three victories on the DP World Tour, Molinari was also the Challenge Tour Number One in 2009 and was, for a number of years, a respected member of the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee.

Before turning professional Molinari won the 2005 US Amateur Championship and alongside Francesco, claimed the World Cup of Golf for Italy in 2009 at Mission Hills in China.

About Ryder Cup Europe

Ryder Cup Europe – which comprises representatives of the European Tour group (60%), of the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland (20%) and the Confederation of Professional Golf through the vehicle of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT) (20%) – owns the rights of the Ryder Cup when the competition is held in Europe.

The European Tour group is the Managing Partner and has prime responsibility for all matters concerning the European Team; the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland is the Founding Partner; and the Confederation of Professional Golf is responsible for the management of the Trust, which is the Development Partner.

Our Worldwide Partners for the 2023 Ryder Cup are Aon, BMW, Capgemini and Rolex.

Official European Ryder Cup Shop

The Official European Ryder Cup Shop offers fans the chance to purchase Official Ryder Cup merchandise from top brands including New Era, Footjoy, Titleist and more. Browse the store today.

The 36-hole EDGA event will be integrated into the 54-hole LET event to be played at Skaftö Golf Club.

Following two practise rounds, the first 18 holes of the new EDGA tournament will tee off just after the LET professionals on Saturday, August 27.

The final 18-holes, to take place on Sunday, August 28, will be integrated into the last round of the LET event, with the competitors teeing off at intervals of every five to six matches.

The field for the inaugural EDGA event, played by eight golfers with a disability (four male and four female) will see four sponsor invitations joined by four players who qualify from their position in the World Rankings. The players will be fully integrated into the event and enjoy the full experience as will every LET player on site at the Skaftö Open, and they will enjoy the thrill of being cheered along by the gallery as part of the final day action.

Golf is unique in that all ages, genders and abilities can compete together, and this tournament will further support one of EDGA’s primary missions, which is to help individuals with impairment to start, stay, succeed and enjoy golf. Together the LET and EDGA are dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals to get involved with golf and give new competitive pathways for golfers.

The LET and the organisers of the Skaftö Open are committed to making golf more inclusive with a shared desire to create a closer connection to golfers with a disability.

Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour, said: “As an organisation, we are passionate about making golf more diverse – in the broadest sense. Along with our partners, our goal is to change the face of golf and make the sport we love more accessible and inclusive. We are committed to raising our game for everyone and this is just the start. We will build more involvement and diversity into our tournaments in the future.”

Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, said, “The Skaftö Open has a history of breaking new ground. The collaboration between the promoters of the Skaftö Open, the Ladies European Tour and EDGA demonstrates that golf is moving to greater inclusivity and illustrates golf’s commitment to a more diverse demographic in the sport.

“Women are currently underrepresented in golf, but this is changing, and this visionary initiative will help bring greater awareness of golf to women with a range of disabilities and is yet another example of the willingness of all parties to push the boundaries.”

LET player Alice Hewson said: “It’s really exciting that we will have an EDGA tournament alongside an LET tournament at the Skaftö Open. It’ll be fantastic for the LET girls to see players with impairments playing golf, and proving that golf is a sport for everyone.”

“We are so much looking forward to host an EDGA tournament together with our LET event Skaftö Open later this summer. The EDGA golf players are so impressive and it’s truly inspiring to watch them play golf. We would like to acknowledge these amazing golf players and give them a chance to show what they can do in a bigger arena,” said Reine Patriksson, Promoter Skaftö Open.

About EDGA
EDGA is a not-for-profit volunteer-based association of the National Golf Federations from 34 countries worldwide. EDGA focuses on boosting awareness of the inclusive nature of golf, developing capacity within the golf industry, and providing opportunities for golfers with a disability throughout the player pathway. Please find more information at: https://edgagolf.com/

About the LET
The LET inspires women and girls to pursue their passion and realise their potential through the game of golf.
At our core, we aim to build and deliver an extensive competitive schedule of events to enable our strong, energetic, proud, and confident players to compete at the highest level, pursue their dreams and lead by example.

Our diverse and multicultural membership of 362 professional golfers represents as many as 36 countries. We are a global tour with roots in Europe.

We aim to entertain and excite, but also to enhance health and quality of life, as a responsible, committed and respectful partner.
Inspiring – our players are inspiring role models to follow and encourage others to pursue their own dreams.
Passionate – we are driven by a passion to perform to our full potential and get better every day. It’s not just about the money or the glory, but a true love for the game.

Committed – we are fiercely committed to continuous improvement and recognise the grit that it takes to achieve long-term goals.

2022 marks the 44th season of golf tournaments since the professional tour was founded in 1978 and the third edition of the Race to Costa Del Sol. This year’s schedule includes 34 events in 22 different countries and a record-breaking prize fund of €30.7 million.

The LET Access Series is the official development tour of the LET, formed to give players an opportunity to compete and progress onto the LET and achieve their dreams in professional golf.

Follow the LET
Ladieseuropeantour.com
Facebook: LadiesEuropeanTour
Instagram: LETgolf
Twitter: LETgolf
YouTube: LadiesEuropeanTour
Flickr: Flickr.com/photos/ LadiesEuropeanTour
#RaiseOurGame

At a time when record numbers are now playing golf worldwide, ‘Iona Investigates’ is a three-part series where Stephen learns how people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are reaping the rewards of playing the sport.

Stephen speaks with famous faces from other sports – including former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland footballer Jason McAteer and ex-England cricket international James Taylor – leading medical professionals, fitness instructors and club golfers to understand how golf improves general fitness, eases stress and anxiety, and offers social interaction.

The first episode covers mental health and well-being, the second on physical health, and a final show on strength and balance.

“Working on this series has been a hugely rewarding experience,” said Stephen. “I’ve discovered more about golf’s wonderful health benefits and helped to highlight them by speaking to people from many different backgrounds.

“When I’m playing golf I feel uncomplicated, it’s like your mind is focusing on one objective – to get the ball from A to B. That focus brings you into a place of mindfulness and flow, where there isn’t space for the complications and pressures in our daily lives.

“Golf is for people who are busy working, who have young children, and for those who have retired with more time on their hands. Golf is for absolutely everyone, young and old, and wherever they are from and whatever they do.”

Former footballer McAteer has been instrumental in talking about mental health, especially for young people, and he outlines how he has used golf for his own benefit in recovering from depression.

McAteer, who has been playing golf for around 12 years, says, “Golf has been amazing, certainly from a mental health aspect. I was probably in a bad place when I finished playing football. It left a massive void and my mental health spiraled out of control. I was having a difficult time and I found golf. Golf probably saved my life.”

Taylor’s thriving cricket career was sadly cut short by a life-changing heart condition aged just 26 in 2016, but he also reveals how golf has since benefitted his physical and mental health.

“To have to retire when you are at the top of the game was incredibly hard to take – my life changed forever,” he admits. “The doctor in hospital told me I couldn’t exercise like I used to, but I could play golf. As soon as I took it up I was hooked, what a sport it is. Golf from then changed my life. It gave me a purpose, a technical challenge, the mental stimulation, the exercise and allows me to be competitive.”

St Andrews-based Stephen also tells her own story of coming late into golf and how the sport started to have a positive impact on her life after discovering Ranfurly Castle Golf Club when a student at The University of Glasgow.

In recent years, The R&A has strived to communicate golf’s health benefits to a global audience and underline the role the sport plays in health and social well-being.

Working with organisations such as the World Health Organization, the DP World Tour, other golf bodies and respected medical professionals such as Dr Andrew Murray, The R&A has been involved in various scientific research studies to make the sport more appealing to all.

Research has revealed that, on average, golfers live five years longer than non-golfers while golf, as a physical activity, can help prevent and treat 40 major chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, breast and colon cancer, depression and dementia.

View episode one of ‘Iona Investigates’ here.

During a recent training event at Nurmijärvi Golf, PGA of Finland Trainee Professionals raised over €4,000 to support children in Ukraine.

They raised the funds by organising a clinic for 30 of the golf club’s members, giving lessons in putting, chipping, bunker play, and full swing, along with offering a club-fitting session and playing holes on the golf course as well.

The event created a win-win scenario for all involved, with club members learning something and developing their games, Trainee PGA Members completing their assessments as part of the training developing their organisation and communication skills, whilst being able to raise funds for a worth cause.

Click for more about the PGA of Finland

Today, Gord Percy was named the 49th president of the PGA of Canada at the association’s Annual General Meeting. The PGA of Canada, first established in 1911 is the second oldest and third largest professional golf association in the world.

Percy is an esteemed community member, golf professional, and golf industry leader. I would also say he is the best father in the world. He once said in an article about his career that his primary motivation is his children, so it feels only fitting that his daughter is the one to introduce him as the new President of the PGA of Canada.

I was lucky enough to work for my dad for many years at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club as a back shop and pro shop employee (since then, my dad has moved to become the Head Professional and General Manager at Smiths Falls Golf Club).

One of my favourite parts of working for him was our drives to and from work. Sometimes during those drives, we would listen to the news or music, but more often than not we would talk about golf – not just about how he was playing, but about growing the game, changes in the industry, and memories over his lifetime. These conversations brought up industry challenges, dreams of what golf could be in the future, and a lot of nostalgia.

My favourite stories my dad tells are often about his adventures and experiences as a young golfer in his hometown of Verona, Ontario. He was first introduced to golf, not at a course, but at home, by his babysitter while his parents were at work. He transitioned from playing golf around the house to Rivendell Golf Course (although he certainly still plays a lot of golf around the house, even today).

He still holds the course record of an 11-under par, 60 at Rivendell!

Growing up, I often heard stories about him giving golf lessons to senior members, setting course records, and making shots he sometimes still considers his best.

Although an injury changed his career trajectory, he still aspired to work in the golf industry and ended up getting a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from Queens University and a Professional Golf Management Graduate Certificate from Humber College.

His ability to change direction, persevere and still follow his passions are the same qualities he has instilled in my brother and me. He has always emphasized the importance of pursuing education, whether formal or informal, which the PGA of Canada has further supported through their Ian Webb scholarship program for members’ spouses, children, and grandchildren.

At home and at work, supporting education and professional development is a top priority for my dad.

“I think the big things for me are finding ways to get pros into jobs where they can have successful careers and can stay with it,” he says. “You used to hear stories about pros working a ton, not making a lot of money, and not having that work-life balance. I think we’re moving in the right direction but there is still some work to do. The education, continuing being innovative with it, and getting more people interested and using that platform – that is all very important to me.”

It’s clear that growing the game of golf has always been a passion for my dad. This is particularly evident when he runs junior golf camps or gives junior lessons. During these camps I got to watch so many young people become passionate about golf through his teaching. His ability to inspire and teach is a talent he’s had since the beginning of his career.

I’m so proud that to him growing the game isn’t just about getting more people to play. Rather, it is about making sure that as the game of golf grows in an inclusive way. Whether it is attending events for military veterans golfing, working with organizations to provide youth memberships, or prioritizing growing the game for women, he works to make sure golf grows inclusively.

He was instrumental in having Brooke and Brittney Henderson both join the PGA of Canada and is proud he was part of naming our Female Player of the Year award after Brooke. Having known the family since his early days of being a professional he is proud to have fit Brittney for her first set of Ping Clubs that would later become Brooke’s. Brooke went on to use an old 46 inch extra stiff driver with his name imprinted on it that she had much amateur success with. He jokes its his fault she chokes up on her clubs.

The PGA of Canada has also taken this up through their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, which he was involved with and personally invested in. This extends his commitment to making sure that golf takes care of its professionals. He says priority for him going into his presidency is ensuring golf professionals across Canada have access to support, such as through the Members Assistance Program, the mentorship program, and the Benevolent Fund.

“Another thing that really is important to me; I’d like to find a way to help our members more – in sync with the Benevolent Fund – whether it is getting them more benefits from being a golf professional, or more value added so that we can help everybody out,” he says.

Over the last several years, it’s been so exciting to watch my dad take on his board leadership roles, first with the PGA of Ottawa, and most recently with the PGA of Canada. I’ve seen him work with people across the country and globally, making sure the golf industry is not only innovative, but fun. I most recently witnessed this during the 2021 RBC PGA Scramble, which brought professional and amateur golfers from across Canada together in Cape Breton. The event highlighted how golf experiences can change people’s lives and bring people together, something my dad truly appreciates and emphasizes in his work.

The 2021 season marked his 25th season as a PGA professional. During his career he has won numerous tournaments and has received accolades such as Ottawa Zone Teacher of the Year, Assistant of the Year, and Golf Professional of the Year. Although he has amassed many trophies and awards over the years, he always says he’s most proud of being a father. Likewise, as he becomes President of the PGA of Canada, I am still most proud along with my brother Ethan that he is our father.

Percy succeeds Teejay Alderdice as President, while Scott Kolb becomes Vice-President of the Association. In addition, Tiffany Gordon becomes the first female Secretary of the Association.

The full list of Directors of the Association includes:

For 3 years
Alberta – Mrs. Tiffany Gordon
Ontario – Mr. Simon Bevan
Québec – Mr. Rémi Bouchard

For 2 Years
Northern Ontario – Mr. Travis Spiess
Manitoba – Mr. Adam Boge
Ottawa – Mr. Gordon Percy

For 1 Year
British Columbia – Mr. Scott Kolb
Saskatchewan – Mr. Jeff Chambers
Atlantic – Mr. Gordon Smith

* Dane joins Team Europe for 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy

* Bjørn led Europe to victory in Paris in 2018

* He also played in three Ryder Cups and was previously Vice Captain on four occasions

Henrik Stenson has named Thomas Bjørn as his first Vice Captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup which will be played at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 – October 1, 2023.

Dane Bjørn will bring a wealth of experience to the role having been part of Team Europe in eight previous editions of the biennial contest – three as a player, four as a Vice Captain and as victorious Captain in the last ‘home’ Ryder Cup in Paris in 2018.

Stenson was one of Bjørn’s 12 players in that successful team at Le Golf National and the Swede has now confirmed his fellow Scandinavian as his first official appointment since he was unveiled as European Captain on March 15.

“I have known Thomas for my whole career,” said Stenson. “I trust him implicitly and I know any advice he will give me will be honest and direct. He will not simply tell me what he thinks I want to hear and that will be important, so I’m delighted to have him as my first Vice Captain for Rome.

“Since the match itself is still over a year away, I know I am going to have a lot of conversations with him about all elements of the Ryder Cup from his experience, both as a Vice Captain on previous occasions but also, obviously, as the Captain in 2018 when we had a great result. I will be depending on him a lot and I’m really looking forward to those chats.

“He was very happy when I asked him. He was very honoured to be asked and happy to be part of Team Europe again and part of the journey with the players.”

Bjørn said: “I’m delighted to be part of the whole Ryder Cup experience once again. I probably thought that after 2018 that was it for me, but Henrik called me to talk about Captaincy in general and that led into him asking me if I wanted to do another stint as Vice Captain, which I agreed to. I’m excited to work with him.

“I think I can help Henrik outline what he wants to do with his Captaincy going forwards. I can keep asking him the right questions and reminding him of things that are going to come his way that he might not have thought about. I will help him prepare in the best possible way and as we get closer to the match, to be an additional support to the players.

“I think Henrik will be a fantastic Captain. He is so well respected by players and by everyone in the game. He is a very hard-working golfer and somebody who is true to himself, and his team will represent that. He has a great sense of humour that the players will take to, and he is very well liked across the whole Tour, not just the top where he has played his golf for so many years.”

Bjørn’s Ryder Cup career began under Seve Ballesteros in 1997 when he became the first Dane to represent Europe and Valderrama became the first course in continental Europe to host the contest. He won one-and-a-half points from his two matches in Spain, partnering Ian Woosnam to defeat Justin Leonard and Brad Faxon in the fourballs, and then halving with Leonard in the singles.

He then contributed two points from his four matches at The Belfry in 2002, teaming up with Darren Clarke to defeat Tiger Woods and Paul Azinger in the fourballs, and beating Stewart Cink 2&1 in the singles.

His third appearance as a player came 12 years later when he qualified for Paul McGinley’s team at Gleneagles in 2014, where he partnered Martin Kaymer to earn half a point against Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker in the Friday fourballs.

Bjørn was also part of Team Europe’s backroom team on three occasions in between those playing appearances, firstly as Vice Captain to Bernhard Langer at Oakland Hills in 2004, then Colin Montgomerie at The Celtic Manor Resort in 2010 and José María Olazábal at Medinah in 2012.

After playing in the 2014 victory in Gleneagles, he then returned to the role of Vice Captain under Darren Clarke in 2016, experiencing his only defeat to date in the Ryder Cup arena at Hazeltine National.

Bjørn, who has won 15 times on the DP World Tour to date, was then selected as the European Captain in 2018 as Le Golf National, in Paris, became the second venue in continental Europe to host the Ryder Cup.

He oversaw a comprehensive 17½-10½ victory in France, with Stenson’s contributing three points from his three matches as Europe extended its unbeaten home record to six consecutive editions dating back to Bjørn’s debut in 1997.

Bjørn will now be part of Captain Stenson’s support team at Marco Simone when Italy hosts the Ryder Cup for the first time.

Team Europe will be seeking to regain the Ryder Cup against the United States team which will be led by Zach Johnson, who has named Steve Stricker, the victorious 2020 US Captain, as his own first Vice Captain.

About Ryder Cup Europe

Ryder Cup Europe – which comprises representatives of the European Tour group (60%), of the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland (20%) and the Confederation of Professional Golf through the vehicle of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT) (20%) – owns the rights of the Ryder Cup when the competition is held in Europe.

The European Tour group is the Managing Partner and has prime responsibility for all matters concerning the European Team; the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland is the Founding Partner; and the Confederation of Professional Golf is responsible for the management of the Trust, which is the Development Partner.

Our Worldwide Partners for the 2023 Ryder Cup are Aon, BMW, Capgemini and Rolex.

Official European Ryder Cup Shop

The Official European Ryder Cup Shop offers fans the chance to purchase Official Ryder Cup merchandise from top brands including New Era, Footjoy, Titleist and more. Browse the store today.

We are delighted to share the latest issue of The Insider by CPG with you, a travel edition of our biannual publication celebrating golf as the true sport of business.

The PGA Professional is the beating heart of the golf travel business; being true influencers within the industry, whether playing in Pro Ams, taking coaching trips or just adding that little bit of personal expertise to help maximise golfers’ travel experiences around the globe. This travel edition highlights the importance of the golf travel business to our National PGAs, PGA Professionals, and the huge impact that they have on this significant part of the travel industry. By collaborating with Sports Travel Group and Visit Scotland, we can provide you with exclusive insight into the opportunities that the international business of golf can offer through travel.

KEY FEATURES AND INSIGHTS

THE VERY BEST OF SCOTTISH GOLF

Scotland, the home of golf, has a summer ahead like no other and this issue highlights just some of the fantastic array of golfing experiences that Scotland has to offer both on and off the course…

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

As the great Ben Hogan once said: “I have found the game, in all factualness, a universal language wherever I travelled at home or abroad”. We delve deeper into why PGAs and Golf Travel truly are a match made in heaven…

SPHERES OF INFLUENCE

Got a question about golf? Want to know about the latest gear, find out how to cure your hook, or where the best place is to go on a golf holiday? Well, more often than not, your answer will lie in the hands of the PGA Professional…

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, managed to catch up with Catriona Matthew OBE to talk about her life in golf as a player, a leader and a passionate Scot…

You can read the digital version of The Insider 2 – Travel Special by CPG, through the link below

The PGA and PGA Member community, and wider golf network, will be leveraged to generate support and mobilise the strong bonds and collaborative connection that all PGA Members share, regardless of geography.

The campaign will drive donations via a GoFundMe campaign – https://rctru.st/ukraine – to a ring-fenced fund, with 100% of donations after processing fees being made available.

In addition to the RCEDT supporting the #GolfersForUkraine activity, the campaign provides the opportunity to facilitate targeted financial support to those PGA of Ukraine Members, staff, representatives and their families that require it.

Meanwhile, accommodation and employment support will be sourced throughout the international network of PGAs and PGA Members for those that have left Ukraine and are now positioned in unfamiliar countries with requirements for work, shelter and income generation. All offers of support are welcomed so if you, your organisation, or facility are able to offer support of any kind then please visit https://cp.golf/3Dpvms4.

Support is required for essential items and costs such as relocation and accommodation, transport, medical supplies, communications, food and clothing for those who have left Ukraine and those that are still in the country. The campaign is also looking ahead to providing long-term support to help these Ukrainians rebuild their lives once it is safe to return to their homes.

PGA of Ukraine Members that are now part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces – Sergiy Eremenko [left], Serhii Draha [center-left], Ukraine Golf Federation Referee, Mykola Proskurko [center-right], & Denys Riabtsev [right]

The campaign continues to be significantly supported by Jose Maria Olazabal’s golf course design company, Olazabal Design:

“I fully support the Ryder Cup European Development Trust and the CPG in their campaign to help PGA of Ukraine Members,“ said Olazabal. “This is the time to stand together.”

A support request system has been created with the PGA of Ukraine allowing applications for support to be verified and assessed by the CPG and RCEDT and funds distributed as quickly as possible with a desire to assist with immediate needs.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE FUND

CLICK HERE TO OFFER SUPPORT