[Article kindly provided by the China Golf Association]

In September, two highly anticipated GolfSixes League tournaments concluded successfully in Tianjin and Beijing respectively, bringing a series of spectacular sports feasts to golf lovers across the country.

Tianjin Stop: 72 Players Gather to Compete on the Green

On September 13th, the first Golfsixes tournament officially kicked off at Tianjin 27 Golf Club. On that day, 72 golfers from all over China, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Hainan, gathered here. Among them were both experienced senior golfers and energetic new-generation enthusiasts, all competing fiercely for their golf dreams.

Tianjin 27 Golf Club provided an excellent competitive environment for the tournament with its high-quality venue conditions and complete supporting facilities. During the competition, the players were in high spirits—every swing was accurate and powerful, and every putt was focused. On the green, white golf balls traced beautiful arcs in the air, and the players’ figures looked particularly vigorous under the sun. Whether it was a precise chip shot or a long-distance drive, all demonstrated the players’ superb skills and good psychological quality. After several rounds of intense competition, the players’ scores were neck and neck, pushing the on-site atmosphere to a climax time and again.

Beijing Stop: 40 Players Compete on the Same Stage, Continuing the Tournament’s Splendor

One week later, on September 20th, the excitement of the Golfsixs tournament spread to Beijing Jingshanhu Golf Club. Although there were 40 participants in the Beijing stop, the players’ enthusiasm showed no sign of abating, and the intensity of the competition was equally amazing. Players from all over the country, filled with love for golf and desire for victory, launched a new round of competition on this scenic course.

The unique terrain and well-designed fairways of Beijing Jingshanhu Golf Club posed no small challenge to the players, but also stimulated their stronger competitive potential. During the game, the players gave full play to their technical advantages, flexibly responding to various complex situations, and every swing embodied wisdom and strength. The audience on the sidelines constantly cheered for the players’ wonderful performances, with applause and cheers rising one after another, becoming a beautiful scene on the field.

Glory Moment: Top Three Winners Emerge from Each Stop, Exclusive Honors Salute Dedication

After several rounds of intense competition, the top three players of each stop were determined respectively in Tianjin and Beijing.

At the award ceremony of the Tianjin stop, when the host announced the list of winners, the three award-winning players had bright eyes filled with excitement and proud smiles on their faces. On the green of Tianjin 27 Golf Club, they won the unanimous recognition of the on-site audience and opponents with their outstanding skills, tenacious fighting spirit, and good sportsmanship.

In Beijing, the three outstanding players also gained their own moment of glory. From accurately tackling the complex fairways of Jingshanhu Golf Club to overcoming pressure to complete crucial putts, every moment of their performance left a deep impression on the onlookers. The cheers when the results were announced even resounded across the course.

Subsequently, the award guests of the two stops presented custom-made medals and exclusive trophies to the winning players respectively. These honors are not only a recognition of the players’ strength, but also the best reward for their continuous efforts to break through themselves on the road of golf. Many award-winning players said after the tournament: “We not only won honors in this competition, but also met many golf lovers from all over the country. We exchanged skills and shared our passion together, and the atmosphere was really great. We will continue to polish our skills in the future and strive to show a better version of ourselves in more tournaments.”

The successful holding of the two GolfSixes tournaments not only provided a platform for golf enthusiasts across the country to communicate and compete, but also further promoted the popularisation and development of golf in China. Let us look forward to more wonderful golf tournaments in the future and witness more golf lovers shining on the green!

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GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

Developed in collaboration with golf survey and insights specialists, Players 1st, as well as the Golf Club Managers Association (GCMA), CMAE Scotland, CMAI, UK Golf Federation and Golf Club Secretary, the guide provides a practical roadmap for assessing, selecting and implementing software across all areas of club operations.

Drawing on findings from the 2025 Golf Club Software Technology Report, which revealed that two-thirds of clubs are considering changing software providers and more than half are seeking external guidance, the 32-page framework enables club leaders to approach change with structure and clarity.

The white paper outlines a four-step process – Investigation, Tender, Decision and Implementation – each supported by practical tools including a Software Audit Tool, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator, Request for Proposal (RFP) Template and Supplier Evaluation Matrix. Together, these resources help managers assess the effectiveness of their current systems, benchmark supplier performance, and calculate long-term value beyond headline costs.

Craig Higgs, Managing Director of Golf Genius – International, commented: “Software has become a strategic asset, not just an operational tool. This framework was created to support club managers who want to make objective, informed decisions in an increasingly complex software landscape.”

The publication reflects Golf Genius’s broader commitment to strengthening the industry’s digital confidence through education and collaboration. It builds on the company’s Digital Playbook, which sets out how Golf Genius partners with golf associations, PGAs and clubs worldwide to deliver integrated technology that improves operational efficiency and enhances the golfer experience.

Jakob Buksted, Director of Research at Players 1st, added: “The more knowledge we can provide to clubs, the better equipped they are to select technology that fits their unique needs. This project gives decision makers the structure and insight they need to plan change responsibly and effectively.”

Golf Genius’s growing suite of technology solutions and supporting resources reflects its ongoing role as a trusted digital partner to golf organisations across more than 60 countries. From WHS Handicapping and Tournament Management to coaching and community engagement platforms, the company drives the game’s transition into the digital era through collaboration, integration and innovation.

To download Navigating Golf Club Software – A Framework for Golf Club Managers and Decision Makers, click here.

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Contact our team to find out more: international@golfgenius.com

Since joining Viya Golf in 2023, she has helped lead the group’s creative strategy, driving campaigns that not only showcase world-class golf facilities but also celebrate Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global golf destination.

Originally from Scotland, Heather brings a fresh perspective and a creative energy to her role — combining her background in marketing, business development, and brand growth with a deep passion for storytelling. Whether coordinating international campaigns, supporting flagship events such as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, or building the region’s growing community of women golfers, she is helping to shape the next chapter of golf’s evolution in the UAE.

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Q: You play a key role in supporting the team across three of the UAE’s leading courses: Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach and Yas Acres. How does it feel to be part of such a high-profile portfolio, and what aspects of your work give you the most satisfaction?

Heather: It’s really special to work for these clubs in Abu Dhabi, especially as they continue to grow and have such an impact on the golf scene in the UAE. Of course, being part of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship hosted at Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a huge highlight of the job, seeing the club on a global stage and the best players in the world walking our fairways.

However, for me, seeing our campaigns come to life is always the most satisfying aspect of the job. We spend weeks and months planning content, everything from concept development right through to publishing it across all of our channels, and seeing it go from a storyboard to stunning visuals and storytelling is amazing!

Q: Your role touches on many different areas of marketing and communications. What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you balance working across multiple clubs and projects at once?

Heather: I think most people who work in MarComms would say that there is no such thing as a typical day – which people either love or hate! I like the fact there is always a new campaign to work on, or an announcement from the clubs that we have to communicate.

Due to the seasonal nature of golf, I can plan ahead and know what projects or campaigns need to be running at certain stages of the year, so I can work on the bigger projects in advance and make sure we’re on track for launching them, then that means when new tasks, or photoshoots, or projects with our stakeholders pop up, I can focus on them knowing our core campaigns are organised. I’ve found this the best way to stay on top of things!

Q: Moving from Scotland to the UAE is a big step, both in life and career. What motivated you to take on this challenge, and what have been the biggest highlights of your experience so far?

Heather: It was a huge change, especially the climate!! But I’ve loved every second so far in the UAE, and especially Abu Dhabi. It surprised me how quickly I settled into life here. Working in golf in the UAE is a fantastic way to meet people and such a fun industry to be part of, so I’m glad I made the move.

There are endless highlights of my time here so far, but one thing I really appreciate, and think is unique to working in this part of the world, is how fast-paced everything is. It’s a completely different work environment. People are so passionate and continuously want to do better and be better, and just surrounding myself with this environment pushes me to do the same. Especially at a relatively early stage of my career, I couldn’t be in a better place to learn and grow, on an international scale.

Q: Golf is often seen as male-dominated industry, yet you’ve already made a strong impression early in your career. How have you found this environment, and what advice would you give to other women looking to grow in the industry?

Heather: The golf industry has historically been male-dominated, but I’m encouraged to see real progress in recent years, with more women building successful careers across the sector.

The Viya Golf clubs also have a strong ladies membership and have grown the ladies development programmes at the academy massively over the last few years. This has been a key goal as part of my role, to work on building the women’s golf community through the events at our clubs, and something I’m really proud of.

My advice to women looking to enter or progress in this industry is the same advice I’d give for any career: believe in your skills, trust your knowledge, and don’t hesitate to speak up and contribute your ideas. I’ve often been the only woman in the room, but rather than seeing that as a disadvantage, I’ve found it to be an empowering opportunity to stand out and make an impact.

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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

PORTO CARRAS GRAND RESORT, GREECE
11-14 OCT 2025

The Royal PGA of Belgium claimed ITC victory for the first time in the 2025 CPG International Team Championship [ITC], producing a stellar team performance at the Festival of Golf hosted at Porto Carras Grand Resort, Greece.

The Belgian trio of Christopher Mivis, Olivier Withofs and Laurent Richard combined for a superb 43-under-par total (389) across the 54-hole championship, holding off strong final-day challenges from Slovakia and Poland, and claiming the first ITC win for Belgium in the championship’s 36-year history.

Just two strokes behind, PGA of Slovakia — represented by Michal Brezovsky, Adam Puchmelter, and Juraj Zvarik — secured the runner-up spot with an impressive -41, while PGA of Poland’s team of Oskar Zaborowski, Alejandro Pedryc, and Marcin Bogusz rounded out the podium at -39.

The Championship – the longest-running event on the CPG schedule – brings together PGA Professional teams from across the CPG Member Countries to compete in a combined strokeplay format and took place at Porto Carras Golf Club for the first time.

Another first for the Championship saw the inclusion of Pro-Am rounds across Rounds 01 and 02 where Festival Delegates including representatives from Member Countries and Partner organisations.

Slovakia’s Adam Puchmelter and PGA of Romania representative, Dan-Sebastian Grecu, won day one’s event with a betterball 49 points, whilst another Slovakian, Juraj Zvarik, and PGA of Serbia General Secretary, Nebojsa Lazic, won day two with 48 points.

The CPG International Team Championship and Festival of Golf were made possible thanks to the support of Porto Carras Golf, AEGEAN Airlines, Real Greek Dairies, Domaine Porto Carras, and Souroti — whose partnership helped deliver a memorable week of golf, learning, and celebration on the shores of Halkidiki.

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