A key feature of the partnership is access to MTP’s Affiliate Programme, which allows coaches to introduce their students to the platform while earning incentives and embedding structured mental skills training into their coaching programmes.

While MTP is built with golf performance in mind, its impact often extends far beyond the course. By helping individuals build focus, emotional control, and resilience under pressure, the programme not only supports better play – but also promotes stronger mental health in day-to-day life. As conversations around wellbeing grow across sport and society, this partnership reinforces the CPG’s commitment to supporting PGA Members and their communities in all aspects of personal and professional development.

As part of the collaboration, the Affiliate Programme will be made available through the CPG Learning Institute Hub, providing PGA Members and their students across the CPG’s global network with opportunities to access proven tools for developing focus, confidence, and resilience.

“We created the Mental Toughness Programme to make high-quality mental training accessible to every golfer and every coach,” said van der Moolen.

“By partnering with the CPG, we can now support PGA Members across borders – helping more professionals embed mental skills development into their everyday coaching and supporting their business and revenue generation capabilities at the same time.”

The partnership will also see future collaboration on learning content and activities, supporting CPG Member Countries and their professionals with resources and insights tailored to both coaches and players.

To learn more and become an MTP Affiliate, visit cp.golf/mtp.

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For more information on the CPG Learning Institute, visit cpg.golf/cpg-learning-institute or get in touch via info@cpg.golf.

It will be the centenary staging of the biennial contest

Ryder Cup returns to Ireland for the first time since 2006

The 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, will take place from September 13-19, 2027.

The dates for the 100th anniversary of the biennial contest, announced by Ryder Cup Europe today, include four build-up days, Monday September 13 – Thursday September 16, followed by three days of competition between Europe and the United States, from Friday September 17 – Sunday September 19, 2027.

Following the conclusion of this year’s contest which takes place at Bethpage Black in New York in September, Adare Manor will officially become the next host venue of the Ryder Cup.

It will be the second time Ireland has hosted the Ryder Cup, having previously done so in 2006 when Team Europe, under the captaincy of Ian Woosnam, defeated the United States by a record margin of 18½ – 9½ at The K Club.

Details of how to apply for tickets to the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor will be announced in 2026. To register your interest, please click here.

Selected premium experience products will be available to purchase later this year, and you can register your interest by clicking here.

There will also be opportunities to volunteer to be part of the 2027 Ryder Cup, details of which will also be announced towards the end of this year.

Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive of the European Tour Group, said: “The official announcement of the dates is always a significant milestone in the Ryder Cup journey for a country and a venue, and we’re delighted to today confirm details for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor.

“Rory McIlroy’s victory in the Masters last month to complete the career Grand Slam, combined with anticipation of July’s Open Championship, has already heightened the buzz around golf on the island of Ireland. This announcement will add to that excitement as Ireland continues its preparation to host golf’s greatest team competition for the second time in 2027 when the Ryder Cup celebrates its 100th anniversary.

“Hosting a Ryder Cup is a huge collective effort and our thanks therefore go to the Government of Ireland, to JP McManus and the team at Adare Manor and to Limerick City and County Council for their continued support over the next two-and-a-half years.”

Patrick O’Donovan T.D., Ireland’s Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, welcomed today’s announcement of dates for the 2027 Ryder Cup and highlighted the level of Government support for the event.

Minister O’Donovan said: “I am very pleased that Ryder Cup Europe has announced the dates for the Ryder Cup in Adare, Co. Limerick in 2027, the next European destination for this prestigious tournament. We have adopted a whole of Government approach to ensure that Ireland successfully hosts the event in 2027, showcasing the many valuable benefits the island of Ireland has as a tourism and golfing destination, and ensure the legacy participation benefit for the sport.

“The passion of Irish people for golf makes Ireland really stand out internationally as a golfing venue. For Ryder Cup week, the eyes of the sporting world will be on the beautiful village of Adare, and I am confident that the local community of Adare and the people of Limerick and Ireland generally, will ensure that this event is a wonderful success and that all who attend will want to return to visit Ireland again.”

Charlie McConalogue T.D., Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, said: “I am delighted to welcome the announcement of the dates of the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare, County Limerick.

“Major sporting events such as these help drive participation in sport. They contribute to trade, tourism, business, community engagement and economic growth. The Ryder Cup is a very important part of the golf calendar and as this will be the centenary event for the Ryder Cup, it will be highly anticipated. Ireland is a superb golfing destination and is well-equipped for all golfing visitors.

“The world class venue in Adare will present a superb opportunity for many of the great players from Europe and America to perform in front of a capacity crowd, including thousands of overseas visitors and millions of television viewers across the globe. This event and spectacular venue provide the perfect showcase for the world class golf that can be found throughout Ireland, where over 400 courses are dotted throughout our scenic landscape.”

JP McManus, owner of Adare Manor, said: “We are honoured to be hosting one of global sports biggest events at Adare Manor. Now the dates have been announced, the anticipation for the 2027 Ryder Cup will continue to grow as we countdown to becoming the next host venue.

“Hosting golf’s greatest team contest will provide many economic benefits to the Irish economy and the south west community in particular, with thousands of people travelling to be part of the Ryder Cup’s 100th anniversary.

“We look forward to welcoming the many international visitors to Ireland, Limerick and Adare in two years’ time and to showcasing our island to a global audience.”

Designed by Tom Fazio, the Golf Course at Adare Manor is located along the banks of the River Maigue. Extensively renovated in 2017, Adare Manor hosted the Irish Open in 2007, a tournament won by Pádraig Harrington two months before he went on to clinch the first of his two successive Open Championship titles at Carnoustie. The Irish Open was staged again at Adare Manor the following year in 2008 when Englishman Richard Finch triumphed.

The venue has also hosted the JP McManus Pro-Am in 2005, 2010 and 2022, where star-studded fields from the worlds of sport and entertainment have come together to help raise millions of euros for a wide range of charitable initiatives.

Visit RyderCup.com

This new chapter sees the introduction of two cutting-edge swing studios with high-spec simulators, a dedicated indoor putting studio, and climate-controlled indoor teaching spaces – allowing for uninterrupted, year-round coaching and player development on all areas of the game, even during the hot summer months.

A key highlight of the upgrade is a new partnership with PLATFORM Golf, a global leader in immersive, performance-driven technology. Yas Links becomes the first academy in the region to feature PLATFORM Golf’s groundbreaking technology, fully integrating real-world slope, lie, and putting conditions into the simulator golf experience. Trusted by top coaches and elite programmes worldwide, PLATFORM Golf’s integration marks a significant step in elevating year-round training, coaching, and player development at Yas Links.

Additionally, integrated Swing Catalyst pressure plates measure balance and movement during the swing, giving coaches and players access to real-time performance data. Each studio is equipped with best-in-class training tools including Trackman launch monitors, Swing Catalyst systems, video analysis technology, and full simulator capability – enabling both serious coaching and engaging practice experiences.

The new putting studio also introduces Sam PuttLab, one of the most advanced putting analysis systems on the market, supporting the launch of a brand-new putting lesson programme at the academy.

The relaunch is part of a broader investment plan at Yas Links to elevate the standard of coaching and player experience. The academy will also introduce new premium lesson packages tailored to experienced golfers and those seeking a high-performance environment, as well as those looking to try the game for the first time in a comfortable space.

Marc Arnold, Director of Instruction at Viya Golf (operators of Yas Links), commented:

“This investment marks a huge step forward, not just for Yas Links, but for golf development in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. These new facilities allow us to offer the kind of world-class training environment only seen at the very best coaching facilities around the world. Whether it’s elite-level coaching, engaging junior programmes, or simply providing players with the tools to improve, we’re proud to be setting a new standard here at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi.”

The relaunch comes as Yas Links expands its coaching team – the largest in the club’s history – with five golf professionals, including four full-time. Participation is already on the rise, with more than 140 different juniors having taken part in Par 3 competitions already this year and new ladies’ social sessions helping to grow the game at community level.

This latest chapter cements Yas Links Golf Academy’s position as a regional leader in innovation, coaching, and year-round player development. The launch of the new academy also comes at a time of exceptional momentum for Yas Links, with the club not only achieving strong commercial growth, but also playing a leading role in increasing participation in the game. It also marks the first stage in a wider series of upgrades, as Viya Golf Academies relaunch under the new Viya Golf Performance Institute – a refreshed identity focused on delivering world-class instruction and performance-driven programming.

In 2024, the club recorded a 49% year-on-year increase in memberships, a 101% rise in coaching lessons delivered, and a 26% uplift in rounds played – reflecting both the growing appetite for golf in the region and Yas Links’ reputation as one of the UAE’s most dynamic golf destinations.

To find out more about the facilities at Yas Links, including the new Golf Academy, the 18-hole championship course and the par-3 course, visit: viyagolf.com/yaslinks

The UK study found that most (72%) of coaches, teachers, and outdoor leaders are not properly trained on sun or heat protection, and 43% feel unsupported in protecting the young people they work with. Rising temperatures and increasing UV risks should raise concern and require action.

The Melanoma Fund conducted the research to mark Sun Awareness Week, 12th – 18th May 2025, and increase understanding of the challenges coaches, leaders, and teachers face around sun safety for the children in their care.

Key findings include:

• 72% of coaches, leaders, and teachers have never received any training on sun or heat protection
• Only 16% of organisations have a separate sun protection policy
• 43% of those working with children outdoors say they feel unsupported or poorly supported by their organisation
• Just 4% believe all the children they work with truly understand sun safety
• 80% of respondents would like access to free or discounted sunscreen
• Over two-thirds reported sun or heat-related incidents, including cancelled sessions, sunburned children, and heat exhaustion

“These findings are concerning, but unfortunately, not surprising. They highlight why we support this sector with free, practical sun safety resources. Although so many leaders are on the case and proactive, these findings are a wake-up call for everyone, including parents who entrust their children to organised outdoor activities,” says Michelle Baker, CEO of the Melanoma Fund.

“With over two-thirds of respondents reporting sun or heat-related incidents – including cancelled sessions, sunburned children, and heat exhaustion—it’s obvious that action is needed,” adds Michelle Baker. “We provide clear, practical solutions that can help address this issue, and ultimately, protect the next generation from skin cancer.”

Sun safety habits begin in childhood, as does melanoma. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of skin cancer later in life. Melanoma is the most common cancer in young adults, which makes it even more crucial that we protect children from harmful UV exposure.

Parents also play a vital role in setting a good example for sun safety. By showing children how to properly apply sunscreen, rather than just smearing it on their faces, they help teach kids how to protect themselves effectively. This is crucial when children participate in outdoor activities.

Outdoor coaches and leaders are uniquely positioned to lead by example and instil sun-safe habits early on. But this new data shows that only 11% of coaches regularly apply sunscreen in front of children, and just 19% wear a sun hat consistently.

To help organisations and individuals address gaps in education, awareness, and support, the Melanoma Fund offers two key resources:

• Sunguarding Course: A free online course that offers accreditation and 3 CIMSPA CPD points, designed to help anyone working outdoors understand and manage the risks of UV exposure.
• Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code: Aimed at empowering organisations to create and implement sun safety policies specifically for children in outdoor sports and activities, educating both adults and children.

Sport England is focused on increasing participation in youth sports and physical activity, with great success. However, UV risks in outdoor activities remain largely unaddressed. Backed by hundreds of national governing bodies of sport, the Melanoma Fund is pushing for more awareness and action, protecting young participants from these risks to prevent skin cancer in the next generation.

FIND OUT MORE AT MELANOMA-FUND.CO.UK

Held from 21–25 April at Ada Golf Club in Belgrade, the five-day programme marked the start of structured, professional coach education for five Serbian candidates: Aleksandar Flanđunis, Mihailo Dimitrijević, Branimir Gudelj, Lazar Pantelić and Puniša Plazina.

The camp was the in-person delivery activity for the CPG Apprentice Professional Course formerly Initial Professional Education – IPE], a comprehensive coaching-focused programme delivered in partnership with PGA Member Countries to prepare aspiring coaches with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours  to get them on the pathway needed for a successful career in golf.

The delivery was organised in collaboration with the PGA of Serbia, the Golf Association of Serbia, and Ada Golf Club, and led by CPG Tutor and Head of Education for the PGA of Holland, Jim van Heuven van Staereling.

“The candidates in Serbia have shown a strong foundation and motivation, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they develop professionally,” said van Heuven van Staereling.

PGA of Serbia General Secretary, Nebojša Lazic, added: “The week was a big success for the students, but also provided a chance to have constructive conversations with Jim with a shared vision of supporting each other to bringing value to the sport.

“We talked about further development of current market trends in Serbia and how this could help focus coaches’ education on certain parts of the game, audience or groups, along with organising tournaments where we pair young players with the best amateurs and other ways to mix players to increase the quality and balance of knowledge and experience.”

Over the course of the week, participants engaged in both theoretical and practical sessions, including topics such as ball flight analysis, junior coaching, and group lesson delivery.

The live camp also marked the beginning of an extended, blended-learning journey, with participants now set to complete webinars, elearning, coursework, and practical assignments before final assessments later in the year – all delivered and administered via the CPG Learning Institute Hub Learning Management System [LMS].

The CPG extends its thanks to the PGA of Serbia, Golf Association of Serbia, and Ada Golf Club for their support in hosting and promoting the camp. The success of this delivery highlights the power of partnership in building sustainable, local pathways for professional golf development.

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For more information the CPG Apprentice Professional Course and the CPG Learning Institute, visit cpg.golf/cpg-learning-institute or get in touch via info@cpg.golf.