Women in Coaching 2026 is a new development programme created to support and advance women golf coaches through leadership growth, mentorship, and practical application.

The programme is delivered by COACH+, in collaboration with the PGA of Holland, and supported by the CPG as part of its wider commitment to inclusive development and leadership within the global golf workforce.

Designed for women working across coaching, development, and performance environments, the programme brings together an international cohort of coaches for a structured learning journey that builds confidence, strengthens impact, and supports long-term career progression.

Click here to Download the Information Sheet

…………….

WHY TAKE PART??

Women in Coaching 2026 is designed for women coaches who want to:

• Develop greater confidence and clarity in their leadership approach
• Strengthen their coaching impact on and off the course
• Learn through mentorship, collaboration, and real-world application
• Build an international peer network supported by leading golf organisations

By investing in their own development, participants also contribute to strengthening coaching capacity and leadership pathways within the wider golf ecosystem.

…………….

📍 HOW THE PROGRAMME WORKS

The Women in Coaching programme runs from March to January, with a blend of virtual and in-person sessions designed to provide meaningful support without adding strain to coaches’ existing work and coaching commitments.

• Virtual sessions
• In-person 3-day gathering in the Netherlands
• Mentorship
• Live learning at the Solheim Cup
• Ongoing communication and support

Expect an average of 4–6 hours/month, with additional time during in-person events. Coaches are encouraged to apply what they’re learning in real contexts between sessions

…………….

👩‍🏫 EXPERT MENTORSHIP TEAM

• Megan Cundari – COACH+ Educator and Women in Coaching leader
• Glenn Cundari – Founder of COACH+, with international experience in 27 countries across 19 sports
• Beth Barz – Award-winning global leader in Women’s Coach Development
• Jim van Heuven van Staereling – Head of Education for the PGA of Holland & CPG Lead Tutor

……………

SECURE YOUR PLACE

What’s Included:

• Participation in all virtual and in-person sessions
• 1-on-1 mentorship
• Ongoing support and resources from COACH+ and partner organizations
• Access to a pan-European network of women coaches and leaders
• Programme materials, facilitation, and group coaching
• Meals
• Note: Accommodation during in-person sessions is not included. Travel subsidies may be available based on funding

Total Cost: € 3500.

📩 For more information, please contact glenn@improveyourcoaching.ca

Click here to Download the Information Sheet

Click Here to Express Your Interest and Find Out more

………………

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

Developed around the principle: “your club, your app”, the latest release gives every golf club the flexibility to shape its own digital environment. The fully white-labelled structure allows each club to connect the systems and features that matter most to them, whilst also tailoring the navigation and visual experience for members with their branding and chosen menu items.

From tournament management and competition tee-time bookings to websites, club diaries and member documents, the app’s configurable menu can link directly to third-party platforms, creating a single, central hub for communication and activity. This allows members to find everything they need in one place while giving clubs the flexibility to integrate their preferred systems and partners. It also supports Golf Genius’ ‘best-in-breed’ philosophy, which encourages clubs to choose the right software for each area of their operation while maintaining complete control over their digital presence.

“We’ve listened closely to our customers, and their input has been central to this release,” said Craig Higgs, Managing Director, Golf Genius – International. “Every club operates differently, and the new Club App gives them the freedom to design an experience that reflects their individual identity and priorities whilst remaining clean, reliable and distraction-free for members to enjoy a focused and seamless digital experience.”

The new design focuses on simplicity, speed and usability, introducing clean layouts and smoother navigation across devices. The update also refines the member experience, helping golfers move quickly between competitions, leaderboards, results, news and other services, while keeping club information instantly accessible.

Feedback from club managers and members played a key role throughout development. Clubs asked for more flexibility in how menus, pages and links are structured, together with faster access to the features most frequently used by members. These insights guided the redesign and helped ensure the app remains both powerful and easy to use.

“Our goal has always been to empower clubs with technology that supports how they want to work,” added Higgs. “This release reflects that philosophy by putting design, functionality and control directly in the club’s hands, helping them deliver a digital experience that feels genuinely their own.”

Golf Genius will showcase the new Club App at the GCMA Conference (16–18 November), where the team will demonstrate how clubs can use the platform to unify their digital services and strengthen member engagement. Delegates will have the opportunity to explore the latest functionality, see live demonstrations and discuss how the app can be adapted to meet the needs of their own clubs.

……………………………..

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

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.

……………………………..

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

The PGA of Holland, in collaboration with the Dutch Golf Federation and delivered by Coach+, is proud to launch a groundbreaking Women in Coaching | Strategic Coach Education Program — a unique, multi-phase initiative designed to accelerate the growth, leadership, and impact of women coaches in golf.

Inspired by the success of the Canadian Women in Coaching program, this is a rare opportunity to engage in a structured development journey that combines leadership training, mentorship, and strategic dialogue with national and international experts.

WHY JOIN?

This program is designed for ambitious women coaches who want to:

• Strengthen their leadership skills and coaching identity
• Gain access to world-class mentorship and learning resources
• Build a supportive international network of peers and role models
• Be part of a programme aligned with the prestige of the 2025 & 2026 Solheim Cup

By investing in yourself through this program, you will not only elevate your own career but also help strengthen national coaching capacity and support the long-term growth of women in golf.

…………….

📍 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Phase 1: In-Person Education (Papendal, Netherlands | Dec 5-7, 2025)

• Establish trust and shared vision
• Define personal coaching philosophies
• Explore leadership aspirations
• Strategic dialogue with PGA & Federation leaders

Phase 2: Virtual Learning (Dec 2025 – Summer 2026)

• Monthly mentorship and targeted learning sessions
• Peer reflection and practical tools
• Topics: Coaching culture, feedback strategies, leadership identity

Phase 3: Solheim Cup Activation (Spain | Sept 4 – 6, 2026)

• On-site leadership workshop at the Solheim Cup
• Showcase of participant impact
• Strategic discussions on equity and retention in coaching

…………….

👩‍🏫 EXPERT MENTORSHIP TEAM

• Megan Cundari – COACH+ Educator and Women in Coaching leader
• Glenn Cundari – Founder of COACH+, with international experience in 27 countries across 19 sports
• Beth Barz – Award-winning global leader in Women’s Coach Development

……………

💰 INVESTMENT

• €3500 (excluding accommodation), including:
  • 6 in-person training days
  • Course materials, lunches & dinners during sessions
  • 10 months of structured virtual mentorship and support

Accommodation: €130/night at Papendal (optional)

…………….

SECURE YOUR PLACE

To run the program, a minimum of 11 participants is required. A final decision will be made on October 13th.

📩 For more information, please contact PGA Holland at jh@pgaholland.nl

Click Here to Register Now

Image used courtesy of Yas Links Abu Dhabi

………………

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

From the unique demands of Royal Portrush to the mental routines that keep a two-time major champion sharp, Ivar shares the behind-the-scenes lessons and practical insights that coaches can take straight to their own players.

………………..

When you think of the absolute pinnacle of professional golf, the name Collin Morikawa is impossible to ignore. Winner of both the PGA Championship and The Open, Morikawa is the epitome of modern professional golf: technically refined, mentally strong, and leaving nothing to chance.

But how does such a top player actually prepare for a major like The Open, with all the unique conditions that a links course like Royal Portrush entails?

Thanks to the special collaboration between Ivar van der Moolen and Rick Sessinghaus, he was given an exclusive glimpse into Morikawa’s preparation.

Sessinghaus, Morikawa’s PGA coach for over twenty years and director of FlowCode Golf, and Van der Moolen, PGA of Holland Member and mental performance coach since 1993 and developer of MTP, have been joining forces for the past year and a half. Together, they share a deep passion: helping golfers of all levels perform better and with more enjoyment on the golf course by strengthening the mental aspect of the game.

The Collaboration: A Mental Masterclass

When Ivar van der Moolen joined Rick Sessinghaus’ coaching team 1,5 year ago, a fruitful collaboration emerged, focused on knowledge exchange and development. This resulted in a unique opportunity: experiencing Morikawa’s preparation for The Open at Royal Portrush up close.

“A fantastic experience,” said Van der Moolen. “It’s impressive to see how a player of Morikawa’s caliber prepares for a tournament of this magnitude down to the smallest details.”

For Coaches: the key takeaway is that mental readiness is not an add-on to technical training — it’s embedded into every decision, drill, and discussion.

Adapting the Game to Royal Portrush

Royal Portrush is not just any golf course. The wind, the rugged terrain, the thick rough, and the changeable weather make it a world-class challenge. For a player who has mainly experience on the American tour, that means serious adjustments.

• Morikawa paid close attention to studying the grass types around the greens — which are significantly different in Northern Ireland than on American courses.
• Putting on slower greens compared to the PGA tour also required adjustment, as did the choice of landing spots from the tee in relation to the bunkers.
• During the practice rounds, Sessinghaus and Morikawa closely examined the influence of the weather and the layout of the course. Nothing was left to chance. Every shot, every lie was evaluated with a view to the most likely conditions during the tournament.

For Coaches: Build adaptability into practice. Create sessions that expose players to variable conditions and require decision-making, not just repetition.

Mental Focus in a Busy Week

In addition to the technical adjustments, there is the mental aspect – perhaps the most important part of preparing for a major. “What struck me,” says Van der Moolen, “is how well Collin sets his mental goals, even during practice rounds. He’s not just hitting balls; everything is done with a clear plan.”

The public wanting autographs, journalists requesting interviews between training sessions, and the constant pressure of being a multiple major winner – these are all elements that can disrupt mental balance. Sessinghaus acts as an anchor in all of this. He ensures that Morikawa stays in his own “bubble” and maintains his focus.

For Coaches: Encourage players to set clear mental and technical goals for every round and training session. This instils intent and keeps practice purposeful.

Details Make the Difference

Nothing in Morikawa’s preparation is left to chance:

• During short game training, specific club choices were discussed and adapted to the circumstances.
• Putting was where the finishing touches were made: how hard should a ball be rolled on greens that are slightly slower than normal? How does the break change in combination with the wind?
• “Even the lesser shots during the practice rounds are analysed and evaluated,” says Van der Moolen. “Not with frustration, but with curiosity. What can we learn from this? How do we ensure that this does not happen during the tournament, and when it does happen, how do we deal with it?

For Coaches: Model this mindset with your students. Review both good and bad shots in training, focusing on “what can we learn?” rather than blame.

Dealing with Expectations

An important part of preparation is dealing with the expectations of others – the public, the media, and even your own team. For a player like Morikawa, with two majors already under his belt, expectations are high.

Rick Sessinghaus helps Morikawa turn that pressure into focus.

• Instead of thinking about winning, the emphasis is on the process and what you as a player and team have 100% control over: preparing optimally, making the right choices, maintaining mental calm, and remaining flexible under changing circumstances. The result is what ultimately matters.
• The process is a prerequisite for achieving the optimal result. And is therefore sacred.

For Coaches: Teach athletes to separate controllables from uncontrollables. Build routines that anchor them in the present task, especially under pressure.

How Coaches Can Apply These Insights

While your players might not be walking the fairways of Royal Portrush under TV cameras, the principles are universal:

• Plan with purpose — give every session a clear focus.
• Train for adaptability — change variables, conditions, and challenges.
• Build mental routines — protect focus in high-distraction environments.
• Normalise reflection — treat every shot as a learning opportunity.
• Focus on process — results follow from great preparation.

These approaches not only improve performance but also deepen player engagement and trust in your coaching.

From Tour Insights to Your Coaching Business

The methods used with Morikawa are scalable for all levels — from juniors to elite amateurs — and can be integrated into your own coaching with the right tools and frameworks.

The Mental Toughness Programme was built for exactly this purpose: giving coaches practical, ready-to-use mental skills resources that help players focus better, stay resilient, and perform with more confidence — while also creating new business opportunities through structured delivery.

………………………..

Utilise the Mental Toughness Programme With Your Students and Become an Affiliate Partner

Pay a one time €49,00 for your own lifetime membership, and when one of your students buys the program with your unique code, they will receive a one time €10,00 discount for their year licence and the Affiliate receives a one time €20,00 for every sale!

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

In the 2025 Golf Club Software Technology Report released by Golf Genius, Players 1st and several trade associations, a significant truth was uncovered: 66% of golf clubs surveyed in the UK & Ireland would consider switching software providers. So, what are the reasons for this and how could they impact a golf club when planning out future software requirements?

In short, product quality played a much bigger role than product cost. In fact, only 10% of golf clubs identified cost as a factor for considering moving away from their current supplier.

48% of respondents identified ‘Product does not meet their requirement’ as a reason for their consideration to switch. In other words, whether software fulfils their needs or not was at the core of this concern, and highlights the importance of continuous product development to meet club expectations.

“The underlying problem that our industry faces is that it is hard for one supplier to have expertise across all these fields, to do everything really well,” Mike Zisman, Golf Genius Founder and Executive Chairman.

Product development was also a key factor towards a golf club’s consideration to switch, with one in four clubs expressing a desire for more innovation in their software tools. As golf clubs navigate increasing expectations from members, tighter financial constraints, and more complex operations, standing still is no longer acceptable – products must be constantly improved, updated and streamlined.

Interestingly, only 13% of golf clubs cited ‘Supplier support’ as a contributing factor. This suggests that while help desks may be reachable, the systems themselves aren’t evolving or aligning with club needs—higher levels of support can be linked to the introduction of new products, features and capabilities (because customers need more help using them), and so support levels are often a strong indicator as to whether suppliers are developing their products or not.

With two-thirds of golf clubs considering a software switch, this report has unearthed a growing problem in the market that to this point, has not been highlighted: many golf clubs feel stuck but find the process of change daunting. Nevertheless, there is a strong interest in exploring better-supported, more innovative alternatives—indicating a clear demand for solutions that are forward-thinking and responsive to the unique needs of today’s golf clubs.

As the number of ‘best-in-breed’ providers in the market grows – specialising in Tee Sheets, PoS, Membership solutions and more—the opportunity to address club manager’s appetites for alternative solutions is being realised. Golf Genius has built over 100 integrations with other specialist providers such as BRS, Lightspeed and Golf Manager – supporting the development principle that innovation comes from working with the best suppliers in their respective areas of expertise.

This signals a moment of opportunity. Golf clubs that take the time to assess their systems and seek solutions that align with their specific operations will benefit from greater levels of efficiency, staff wellbeing and golfer satisfaction.

……………………………..

Key Takeaway

Golf clubs are not necessarily looking for cheaper software. They want software that works for them. Fit and function are the true priorities.

Real-World Application: Review Golf Club Software Every Quarter

Schedule a quarterly systems review with key members of your team. This can include your Head Professional, Operations Manager, Assistant Manager…even members of your board or committee who have specialist technology experience or backgrounds.

Ask: “Is our software helping or holding us back?” If you find gaps, start researching alternative vendors. Better yet, seek help from specialists—there are various levels of resources and support available from Golf Genius that can help you take the next steps.

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

As the conversation around physical and mental wellbeing gains traction, golf’s health benefits are more than just an added bonus; they’re a strategic advantage.

Here’s how you, as a golf coach, can harness the power of Golf & Health messaging to support your business goals, generate new revenue, and connect with wider audiences.

……………….

1. Reach New Audiences with Purposeful Health Messaging

Golf is no longer just for the seasoned swing enthusiast. Its combination of low-impact exercise, outdoor exposure, and social interaction makes it ideal for:

• Older adults seeking an active lifestyle that supports joint health and mobility
• Beginners who may find traditional gyms intimidating or repetitive
• Health-conscious individuals looking for new ways to stay active and mindful

By positioning your coaching services as a gateway to these benefits, you open the door to new customer segments – many of whom may not have previously considered golf.

🟢 Try this: Create a “Health & Golf Taster Session” aimed at beginners or older adults. Promote it through local wellbeing groups, walking clubs, or even local GP surgeries.

……………….

2. Add Depth to Your Marketing and Communications

Yes, golf improves your swing – but it also improves your sleep, lowers stress, boosts brain function, and supports heart health. Those are benefits worth talking about.

Integrating these themes into your website, social media, and email campaigns can help:

• Tell a more holistic, values-driven story
• Differentiate your coaching business from others
• Encourage emotional connections with your audience

🟢 Try this: Share testimonials or short stories from clients who have experienced health benefits through golf, especially those who started for health reasons rather than competition.

……………….

3. Align with Public Health Partners and Unlock New Funding Streams

Many local authorities and charities are looking for partners who can help deliver on community health and wellbeing targets. Golf – especially when led by qualified professionals – ticks a lot of boxes.

By aligning your programmes with these goals, you may unlock:

• New funding streams for health or physical activity initiatives
• Referrals from healthcare providers or local wellness campaigns
• Media opportunities showcasing your work within the community

🟢 Try this: Develop a short proposal outlining how your sessions support mental and physical wellbeing, and share it with local councils, Active Partnerships, or health charities.

……………….

4. Position Yourself as a Wellness Professional, Not Just a Swing Coach

Incorporating Golf & Health messaging into your coaching doesn’t mean changing everything you do – it means reframing the value you already offer. You’re not just improving someone’s backswing; you’re supporting their overall quality of life.

That kind of impact builds stronger client relationships, long-term loyalty, and referrals that go far beyond the first tee.

……………….

Final Thought

As a golf coach, you’re uniquely placed at the intersection of sport and wellbeing. By integrating Golf & Health messaging into your approach, you’re not just helping people play better – you’re helping them live better. And in doing so, you’re building a business that’s more resilient, more relevant, and more rewarding.

……………….

Useful Links:

GOLF & HEALTH RESOURCE HUB

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.

………………

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

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.

………………

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.

Central to this collaboration is Sweetspot’s innovative Academy product, designed to put golf professionals at the heart of the business, supplanting their existing driving range, golf club and simulator offerings.

Through online booking and purchasing functions, data-driven insights, and next-level course management tools, Sweetspot’s Academy suite makes it easier than ever to grow academies and support their students.

Under the new partnership, CPG’s network of golf professionals can access Sweetspot’s Academy product at an exclusive discount – helping them streamline operations, reduce administrative tasks, save money and foster sustained growth.

“We are very pleased to be bringing Sweetspot into our partner family at this exciting time for the organisation,” said Ian Randell, CPG Chief Executive. “Their fresh approach to golf commerce and academy management aligns perfectly with our mission to support professionals and facilities in achieving sustainable business success.

“The collaboration not only brings direct benefit to our Member Countries and their individual Members, but by also harnessing the power of the data generated by the Sweetspot user base, helping to facilitate a more data-driven approach to help develop our activities and products moving forward, whilst also raising standards throughout the golf community. This partnership again supports our goal to provide valuable opportunities across the CPG network.”

Sweetspot’s CEO and Founder, Henrik Ahlin, shares in the excitement, stating, “We are proud to partner with CPG to help golf professionals and facilities take their businesses to the next level.

“With our Academy product, we are providing a seamless way for professionals to manage lessons, bookings, and customer engagement, while also opening new doors for data-driven growth. Together with CPG, its Member Countries and the individual Members in the network, we aim to redefine how golf academies operate and help the industry thrive.”

In addition to exclusive offers, this partnership will also see Sweetspot and CPG working together to further refine solutions for golf professionals and their business needs. The business data and analytics at the core of Sweetspot’s platform will be shared with CPG Member Countries, equipping golf facilities with the insights required to optimise their services and create stronger player experiences across the board.

This partnership is another in a recent run of new additions to the partner family, but in particular marks another milestone in CPG’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, providing tangible value to its Member Countries, and enhancing opportunities for golf professionals worldwide.

By combining Sweetspot’s technological expertise with CPG’s extensive network and dedication to professional development, the partnership paves the way for a more streamlined, insightful, and profitable future for golf academies and facilities.

For more information about the partnership and to take advantage of the benefits offered, visit cp.golf/sweetspot.

“Event Dashboard+ is the culmination of many months’ worth of customer research, development and testing to create a solution that delivers huge amounts of time-saving benefits to our customers”, comments Craig Higgs, Managing Director of Golf Genius International.

“From full-time Golf Professionals to club volunteers with more limited technical ability, any Golf Genius customer can set-up a golf competition from start-to-finish in 7 simple steps via this single dashboard.”

The latest product update consolidates Golf Genius’ deep product and market-leading functionality into one place: allowing easy location, selection and setup of processes across the entire tournament management system.

Colin Millar, Club Member and Volunteer at Carus Green Golf Club, commented: “We’ve been one of the earliest users of Event Dashboard+ and it has been game changing for our tournament process. It continues to deliver all the features from within Golf Genius Tournament Management, but in a way that’s easy to find, select and use.”

Event Dashboard+ is one of multiple new features released by Golf Genius in recent weeks as part of its latest bimonthly product development cycle. Other releases include scorecard label printing, a new competition tee booking interface, and hole-by-hole results input for matchplay competitions.

…………………………

To find out more about Golf Genius Tournament Management and its Event Dashboard+ feature, please contact intlsales@golfgenius.com.

Some of the UK’s best-ran open events are facilities that have been able to offer a unique and immersive experience – from promotion through to the event itself.

Here are five Golf Genius customers that have excelled in this endeavour and as a result, have been able to attract large numbers of golfers to their opens each year.

Carnoustie Golf Links

A renowned and respected club on the Open rota, Carnoustie Golf Links also runs one of the most popular open events for amateur golfers too: the Craws Nest Tassie. Amongst local, UK and international participants, the event has been known to sell out in under 25 minutes!

Event registration is aided through a bespoke competition portal that is set-up in Golf Genius. This portal also enables Carnoustie to highlight key information, take payment, build waitlists, and allow the booking of practice rounds.

Hollinwell

By running stand out open events every year, Hollinwell has been able to attract large numbers of visiting golfers that are looking for a great course, value for money and an engaging event experience.

For each of their Open events, such as the Hollinwell Trophy and Autumn Am/Am, the club creates bespoke portals that are accessible via Golf Hub to promote each event. One the day of the competition, Hollinwell uses live leaderboards and creates personalised scorecards to deliver a digitally enhanced event experience. The Result? Highly engaged golfers who come back year after year.

“By consolidating the promotion of our Open events, Golf Hub has enabled us to easily advertise through our website and Social Media. Users are directed to a single place where they can find the information they are looking for and enter easily” – David Holmes, General Manager, Hollinwell

Chesterfield Golf Club

Chesterfield have utilised a host of Tournament Management features to ensure golfers are getting the most out of their visit to the club when playing in an open.

Running junior and men’s opens, as well as the Broom Trophy, the club have successfully incorporated technology into their operation whilst maintaining their traditions.

The club has added the ability to book into their open events directly via the BRS tee sheet, resulting in a more seamless registration process without the worry of entry forms and processing payments, which has encouraged more golfers to register for each event.

Southport & Ainsdale

As an England Golf Championships venue and previous host of The R&A Amateur Championship and Ryder Cup, Southport & Ainsdale are no strangers when it comes to delivering large scale and successful events.

From the S&A Bowl to their junior and mixed pairs opens, the club has sought different ways to offer every type of golfer a unique event experience, each powered by Golf Genius.

For their opens, they take registration online via Golf Hub, allowing golfers to access event information such as format, prices and open tee times with ease.

Lee Valley Scratch Cup

Providing an alternate angle to the traditional Open competition, but nonetheless as interesting as the rest, is the Lee Valley Scratch Cup.

Popular across Ireland, Scratch Cups combine the concept of a Club Championship with an Open competition, and the Lee Valley Scratch Cup is a standout example.

Delivered through Golf Genius Tournament Management, hundreds of golfers travel across the country to play in the event – partly because of its status as a WAGR competition, and partly because of the tour-level experience it provides them with.

“We chose Golf Genius Tournament Management due to its ability to plug into the Golf Ireland handicapping database. Whilst this was incredibly useful and time-saving, we were equally blown away by the system’s many other features and were able to run a really efficient and seamless Scratch Cup which gained really impressive feedback from golfers.”
Vincent Drinan, Tournament Director, Lee Valley Scratch Cup.

However, the story doesn’t stop at these five facilities – there are hundreds of golf clubs across Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland that are finding innovative ways to deliver a great open event experience. Through Golf Genius Tournament Management, they can create an unrivalled end-to-end golfer experience that delivers increased participation and revenue.

…………………………

To find out how Golf Genius can help elevate your opens in 2024, book a free product demonstration here

The company has recently announced a collaboration with Cactus, a bespoke energy design service, that assisted with the installation of this exciting new project. The panels will produce an incredible 250,000Kwh of energy per year of which 71.5% will be consumed first hand by the business within day-to-day operations.

This will have a significant impact on PING’s energy consumption and result in the organisation being 41.5% self-sufficient in terms of energy use. Any energy not used will be put back into the grid to ensure there is no waste from the solar panels.

Lisa Lovatt, Managing Director of PING Europe, said “We are very excited about the installation of our solar panels, and the impact they will have on our energy consumption and overall sustainability as a company.

“We are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and with this new renewable energy source we are working towards completely clean energy use. It’s a bonus that the panels are in the shape of the PING logo!”

Cactus Energy specialise in making renewable energy accessible for all. From the bespoke design to the hands-on support throughout the process, the company understands the needs of its clients, helping PING to take the next step towards more sustainable energy use.

FIND OUT MORE AT EU.PING.COM

We also get updates from across our Member Countries, find the perfect way to set up a golf event with Golf Genius, reveal the latest in the 2023 CPG event schedule, and much more.

THE VALUE OF THE PGA: TO MEMBERS AND GOLF

EXPANDED GOLFSIXES INSPIRES MORE YOUNG PEOPLE IN EUROPE INTO PLAYING GOLF

SPHERES OF INFLUENCE: WHY PGA PROFESSIONALS ARE THE GO-TOS FOR GOLF TRAVEL

CPG MEMBER COUNTRY UPDATES

RYDER CUP: YEAR TO GO CELEBRATIONS

THE CPG VIRTUAL SERIES POWERED BY TRACKMAN RETURNS THIS WINTER

5 KEY BENEFITS OF THE EDUGOLF PROJECT FOR PGAS & PROS

WHY BALLMARK REPAIR SHOULD BE TOP OF YOUR AGENDA WITH PITCHFIX

WHAT’S ON YOUR JUNIOR GOLF COACHING & DEVELOPMENT MENU WITH GOLPHIN

GOLF SHOP BY GOLF GENIUS – WIN A 6-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION

#IGPN 68 is live and delves deeper in to the value of PGAs to Members and all of golf, the role of the PGA Pro as golf’s ultimate influencer, what the #EDUGOLF Project means for PGAs, and features from @PINGTourEurope, @GolphinForKids, @PitchfixUSA, @golfgenius_emea & much more!

— Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] (@cpg_golf) November 22, 2022

READ IGPN 68

Following on from the success of its launch in 2017 in the UK by the Golf Foundation, GolfSixes League, backed by a host of organisations including The R&A, the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], the Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour, will involve an estimated 10,000 young people across eight countries and over 950 golf clubs participating by the end of 2024.

The league provides juniors the chance to play in a competitive golf environment with other local clubs and involves playing six holes in pairs using a highly inclusive Texas Scramble format, powered by bespoke Golf Genius Software.

When it comes to a league or organisation set up, Golf Genius provides a solution to reduce administration time, whilst increasing the connection and communication that organisers can have with participants. Through interactive digital messaging, Golf Genius offers GolfSixes League a personalised and engaging way of running events to keep juniors coming back – with parents highly engaged in the process.

“GolfSixes League has gone from strength to strength across the UK over the past five years, and we are proud to have been selected to work on this initiative as it rolls out internationally. We facilitate millions of golf rounds each year across a wide variety of formats, so it is great to showcase our leagues solution with an activity committed to offering a unique experience for those just starting their golfing journey,” commented Craig Higgs, Managing Director of Golf Genius International.

Customised user forms, online training guides tailored to the League, live scoring technology and interactive communication channels are just a few of the ways that Golf Genius are providing a solution to creating a memorable junior community.

Golf Genius Partner, the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], join a leading group of bodies that are working together in this way for the first time:

Christiane Stenger, CPG’s Director – GolfSixes, Community Coaching and Tournaments; “We are pleased to be working with Golf Genius, who have created a solution that facilitates both the on-course Leagues and off-course GolfSixes Mini League. As it has launched internationally this has allowed for a smooth and efficient implementation of the GolfSixes League.”

The Golf Genius solution will be used across GolfSixes League in countries including, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

 For more information about Golf Genius, please visit GolfGenius.com/tm and get in touch at intlsales@golfgenius.com. For more information on GolfSixes League visit cp.golf/golfsixesleague or contact cs@cpg.golf.

• How do I create an event?
• What if I want to set up a league/roll-up/community?
• Is there a simple way I can communicate with the players?

The answers to these questions can be found with Golf Genius. Through their industry-leading tournament management system that is fit to all formats and event types, you can take your customer experience to the next level and deliver a fantastic golf event.

What is a tournament management system?

Tournament management systems (TMS) provide options for you to plan and set-up a golf tournament. Quite simply, these systems are where a PGA Professional or tournament director spends all their time behind the scenes getting everything ready to run a smooth and successful golf event.

Golf Genius’ tournament management system provides PGA Professionals with a complete set of tools to manage a wide variety of golf events across your busy events calendar. It saves you time, allows you to deliver a great experience and can help generate additional revenue.

What does the Golf Genius tournament management system involve?

Player Portals
For each event or league/society/roll-up, PGA Professionals can easily create a bespoke tournament portal to communicate information directly to players, including tee times, pairings, daily results and live leaderboards.

Online Registration
The Golf Genius Club Premium has one of the very few registration systems in the industry built exclusively for golf. This allows players and teams to register for an event online or on their mobile devices, in a matter of minutes.

Email and Text Messaging
When using Golf Genius’ tournament management systems, PGA Professionals can send customised email and text messages with information specific to each pairing and player.

Managing an Event
Golf Genius provides a streamlined process to handle single round events on a single course – with the quick event setup feature. It also allows each event to have any number of tournaments, multiple tournaments in a round or tournaments over multiple rounds.

Player Rosters
The Golf Genius TMS provides a Master Roster (containing all players at a particular club or facility), an Event Roster (the set of players participating in each event), and a Round Roster (the set of players participating in a particular round of a multi-round event or league).

Golf Courses
Golf Genius includes the ability to search the USGA Course Rating Directory and download courses with basic course information along with the ability to fully manage all course and tee details.

Pairings and Tee Sheets
Creating tee sheets to suit your goals. Golf Genius can satisfy virtually any scheduling objective sought by a tournament organiser.

Tournament Formats
The Golf Genius TMS can support an array of tournament formats, such as Cha Cha Cha format, Skins, Gross/Net Bias or 2×2 scramble.

The process of creating an event:

 You can make your next golf event your best yet, with support from Golf Genius. Find out more about the most widely used and fully featured Tournament Management System available today at GolfGenius.com/tm and get in touch at intlsales@golfgenius.com to get your Golf Genius account.

First off – what do we mean by personalisation?

personalisation
/pəːs(ə)n(ə)lʌɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
1. The action of designing or producing something to meet someone’s individual requirements

In our context then this basically means creating a tournament experience that is tailored to its specific requirements and as relevant to its organisers/administrators as possible – all of which results in a more valuable and tailored experience for the event’s participants as well, understanding who they are and what they want.

Every event is different – even a typical 3-round Pro-Am can have a huge number of differences to another, which is exactly why personalisation is at the heart of Golf Genius’ TMS, with the capabilities to customise any event, anywhere, at any time.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PERSONALISE THE EVENT TO THE ORGANISER’S NEEDS?

Event App
This is the participant-facing app. Golf Genius allows for this to be customised on an account-by-account basis – where the layout, design and menu can be unique to each event and its organisers [and therefore to its participants].

Event Portal
This includes a website that is generated for each event, allowing customers to create their own custom web portals. Common content you would see on here are results & live leaderboards, tee times, registration, photo galleries, news feeds and more, all of which are customised to an event’s needs.

Mobile app pages
When using live scoring, an organiser can create up to 18 different pages (adverts) that can appear once a hole is finished. It allows users to advertise promotional offers and events within their organisation, as well as on course tournaments – such as longest drives and nearest the pins. Organisers can even monetise this system by using these spaces for commercial partners’ adverts.

Scorecards
Golf Genius gives the user the flexibility to produce both physical and digital scorecards for any type of format – individual, pairs, scramble, 6/6/6 – you name it! Once a customer designs their scorecard, GG will save it in their tournament library to be used time and time again. Scorecards are a great place to add logos and colours to help brand golf events – front and back, whilst digital scorecards give participants a full, contactless, live scoring experience.

TV Leaderboards
TV Shows allow customers to upload their own content that will run parallel to their competition leaderboards that can be displayed on any internet-ready device or TV, and can include adverts, YouTube videos or pictures.

WHY IS THIS BENEFICIAL TO THE ORGANISER AND THE PARTICIPANT?

1.
Love your customers and they will love your events – A system that is personalised and relevant to your needs as an organiser will only help increase the recognition and loyalty of your participants as you can make every element perfect and relevant to them.

2.
Customers expect it – In this day and age your participants will expect to have something tailored to their needs. Increase engagement and ‘stickiness’ – the ability for organisers to tailor everything to their and their participant’s needs will help foster engagement with participants before, during and after events, plus will increase how sticky the system is – i.e. help keep them coming back for more.

3.
Create a frictionless experience – Reducing the time and effort for the participant with personalisations relevant to how they use the system will increase their satisfaction overall – in fact over 50% of consumers agree that their satisfaction improves when experiences are personalised to their needs.

4.
Increase conversions [entries] – A well designed and personalised user experience could increase conversions from purely interest to actual event entries by anything up to 200-400% helping to make your events more viable and valuable.

Find out more about the most widely used and fully featured Tournament Management System available today at GolfGenius.com/tm and get in touch at intlsales@golfgenius.com to get your Golf Genius account

With an unrivalled set of features, innovative technology, and outstanding support, Golf Genius helps organisers offer outstanding branded tournaments, while delivering the back-end functionality to dramatically reduce set-up time and laborious tasks.

Golfing Days and NGL Golf, two of the leading specialist event providers in the market, have utilised Golf Genius’ software to organise and manage their corporate events, pro-am’s and society golf events for their portfolio of clients.

Mark Hatton, Founder & CEO of Golfing Days, commented: “We offer all types of events to avid golfers, from holidays, to pro-am’s, open events, corporate golf and more. We’ve built our reputation on delivering exceptional, tailor-made golf events, here in the UK and overseas, and for us, the Golf Genius system is a game-changer.”

“In the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, we were cautious about how events would work, but with the support and innovation of Golf Genius, we were able to keep our roundage high and deliver some of our most notable events like The National Golf Club Team Championship.”

Director of NGL Golf, Rob Cooper added: “As one of the earliest adopters of technology within corporate golf events, Golf Genius has been the perfect fit for us. We were amongst the first to bring in Golf Genius and have developed a very strong relationship in the years since.

“We are passionate about creating industry-leading events for our corporate golf clients and Golf Genius supports us with our event management, registration portals, branding, scoring and our unique Electronic Scoreboard Tournament Office, which also integrates seamlessly with the software.

“There is still some hesitation in the market about returning to corporate golf, but with Golf Genius we have the offering to make it easy and deliver great experiences that keep our clients coming back.

Craig Higgs, Managing Director of Golf Genius International commented: “Running great golf events is all about delivering over and above on client expectations.

“With continual product development, we’ve been able to bring in new technology on our roadmap to digitisation and offer a product offering that can support event providers in running any type of event.”

If you are interested in finding out more about Golf Genius, contact the international team at intlsales@golfgenius.com.

Faergemann, a Danish native, brings a wealth of golfing experience to his new role with Golf Genius including 17 years at GolfBox. With his background in golf management software, he will bring expert knowledge and new ideas to the company.

“We are thrilled to welcome Christian on board our international team. Christian will bring his proven experience of the industry to Golf Genius, specifically as we look to expand our operations in EMEA and internationally,” said Craig Higgs, Managing Director for Golf Genius International.

“Our opportunity is to expand our customer base in the core products of Tournament Management System and World Handicap, as well as open new product markets internationally. We will be looking to Christian to help us do this in all of our growing international markets,” continued Higgs.

Golf Genius currently operates across 62 countries, serving private clubs, public courses, national associations, and tours worldwide. With recent product launches, such as integrated event marketing tool, Golf Hub, Golf Genius continues to push digital boundaries and leads the way in providing the most efficient solution to help run golf events.

Commenting on his new Senior Advisor role, Christian Faergemann said: “I am looking forward to joining the Golf Genius team. I have always seen software and data as one of the critical factors for growing this great game and Golf Genius has this as its core. I am excited to be a part of their continued growth.”

If you are interested in finding out more about Golf Genius, contact the international team at intlsales@golfgenius.com.

Private clubs, public courses, and resorts are now able to seamlessly create a promotional Golf Hub landing page for any competition, open event, league, or clinic, with optional online registration and payment as required.

Golf professionals and administrators can then embed these professional-looking pages into their club website, email campaigns, and social media posts to amplify promotional efforts and drive increased participation.

Golf Hub pages are customisable, allowing clubs and resorts to showcase their sponsors by embedding their logo and linking directly to their website. After an event is complete, the Golf Hub Page automatically shifts to display the tournament results and leaderboard.

“We are excited to launch Golf Hub, which can be used as a tool to support and promote any type of event,” commented Craig Higgs, Managing Director for Golf Genius International.

“While sophisticated player registration and online payments have been important features of our offering for several years, Golf Hub combines this concept with automated marketing to provide powerful promotion to our customers.”

Another feature of Golf Hub is the ability to automatically aggregate your event pages into your Club Hub, a single page that showcases the playing and learning opportunities at your facility.

Easily embedding into an existing website, Club Hub allows golfers to see all upcoming events. They can click on any individual event to visit the Golf Hub Page to see more information, register, and view tournament results.

If you are interested in finding out more about Golf Genius, contact the international team at intlsales@golfgenius.com.

CPG VIRTUAL SERIES POWERED BY TRACKMAN
28 FEBRUARY – 27 MARCH 2022

The CPG has launched its first Virtual Series of Professional events that will see PGA Professionals compete virtually around the world utilising TrackMan’s powerhouse Sim Engine, TrackMan 4.

The Series includes 4 rounds, across 4 weeks, at 4 courses – Ryder Cup host venue courses past and upcoming – with entries open to all CPG Member Country individual Members to play social yet competitive golf in the off-season, with prize fund also up for grabs*.

“The CPG Virtual Series provides a great opportunity for PGA Professionals to play social golf, indoors during the off-season months where in many countries playing opportunities are minimal before the season gets into full swing,” said CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell.

“The Virtual Series provides a great way to complement Member Countries’ event offerings for their Members when they might otherwise not be able to provide playing opportunities. When working in the industry, PGA Members often find that having time and opportunities to play themselves are limited, especially in the off-season when the days are short, and conditions are can be far from ideal.

“Through our partnership with TrackMan, the technology is now there to allow competitors to play against each other no matter the time of day or geographic location and again providing playing and earning opportunities for them just like we do with our Sanctioned Events and Championships.”

“The Professional community has always been at the core of TrackMan, as we strive to help players get better and unleash their potential,” said TrackMan’s VP of Sales, Sebastian Eldrup-Jorgensen. “This initiative is about creating a platform for all PGA Professionals to indulge in the sport they love in a way that is convenient for them.”

4 Rounds, 4 Weeks, 4 Ryder Cup Venues…

The CPG #VirtualSeries Powered By @TrackManGolf is GO! 🏆

Compete on any TrackMan 4 in the world, against PGA Professionals from around the world – all for a share of the prize fund…

Find out more & enter @ https://t.co/kiPirHptvx pic.twitter.com/sUXa9meNOw

— Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] (@cpg_golf) March 1, 2022

PGA Professionals are able to register at https://cp.golf/3JeeCpC, pay their entry fee and then, on any TrackMan simulator in the world, post up to two scores to count each week towards their Order of Merit points. Week 1 will see competitors battle it out at Le Golf National, France, followed by Medinah Country Club, USA, in week 2, Adare Manor, Ireland, in week 3 and Real Club Valderrama, Spain, in week 4.

TrackMan’s combination of radar and camera tracking has led to a paradigm-shift in the golf simulator experience that emulates down to the last detail some of the best courses in the world. TrackMan’s dedicated team uses drone mapping to render courses in extraordinary detail with incredibly high-definition graphics, providing an excellent opportunity to compete as realistically as possible.

For more information on the CPG Virtual Series visit https://cp.golf/VirtualSeries and for more on TrackMan visit TrackMan.com

* Prize fund will be determined based on number of entries with 90% of entry fees being used for the prize purse.

Within their familiar Golf Genius TM experience, golf professionals at private clubs, public courses, and resorts will be able to instantly create a promotional landing page (a “Golf Hub Page”) for any event, league, or clinic, optionally enable online registration and payments as needed on each Golf Hub Page, and automatically create aggregated pages (“Hubs”) to showcase the playing and learning opportunities at their facility. Golf professionals can then embed these Hubs into their club website, email campaigns, and social media posts to amplify promotional efforts and drive increased participation.

“Last year, over 750,000 events such as golf leagues, outings, and tournaments were managed by the Golf Genius TM user community,” stated Chris Kallmeyer, Co-CEO of Golf Genius. “We realized that in the vast majority of cases Golf Genius TM users were spending additional time to create promotional marketing materials and collect registrations by paper or phone. We’re always looking for ways to save time for golf professionals while helping them deliver a superior golfer experience. Golf Hub achieves this by automating the creation of highly professional digital marketing materials and streamlining the promotion, registration, and payment process.”

While sophisticated player registration and online payments have been important features of Golf Genius TM Club Premium and Golf Genius TM Association for several years, Golf Hub combines the concept of registration and payments with automated marketing pages and hubs to provide powerful marketing services to the entire Golf Genius TM community, which includes over 10,500 private clubs, public courses, and resorts in more than 60 countries. Golf Hub will be especially useful in promoting leagues, clinics, and outings.

“We are particularly excited about helping public golf facilities market leagues and clinics to their current and potential customers. Leagues are a key source of revenue for public facilities, and clinics are a perfect way to introduce new golfers to the game and convert them to golfers for life,” added Golf Genius Co-CEO Mike Zisman. “Today, Golf Genius services over 12,000 golf leagues around the globe, and Golf Hub will be a tool of great value to every one of these league managers by saving time and automatically generating high quality digital marketing materials.”

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR and TrackMan announced on the 2nd Feb they are expanding golf’s most advanced club and ball tracking and tracing solution. By combining TrackMan’s cutting-edge Doppler Radar and club and ball tracking technology, TOUR events will have tracing capabilities for every golf shot hit during the season. This will significantly enhance how fans experience the world’s best golfers by providing more detail for television, OTT and digital platforms.

This agreement will double previous ball-in-motion tracing capabilities on the golf course, allowing nearly every shot to be traced and automatically shared with television and OTT partners and across TOUR digital platforms such as PGATOUR.COM and the PGA TOUR app. The arrangement with TrackMan begins in 2022 for PGA TOUR LIVE and TOUR digital platforms, while the domestic television partner agreement begins in 2023. This expansion will immediately offer fan enhancements such as the visualization of ball flight paths for shots inbound to the green in TOURCast.

“We’re excited to increase the volume and depth of tracking and tracing for every shot on the PGA TOUR,” said Ken Lovell, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President Golf Technologies. “TrackMan’s sensors will substantially increase content available for analysis and initiate the development of new insights, while creating the opportunity for us to develop innovative visualizations for fans to view all the incredible shots on TOUR.”

Fans will see more information beginning in 2022 on how and why the ball moves and arrives at a certain position. This is achieved by using TrackMan technology to capture club speed, ball speed, curve, landing spin, launch angle, spin rate, spin axis, apex, carry and more. The advanced aerodynamic models can also determine the effects of wind, weather, and altitude on a shot so that fans can understand how a shot was impacted by environmental factors.

In addition to doubling the collection of radar and tracing information, the new system will substantially increase the range and sensitivity of the content that will now be layered with video for use on any TOUR media platform.

Klaus Eldrup-Jorgensen, co-founder and CEO of TrackMan, commented “We have been working closely with the PGA TOUR for more than 15 years, to accurately measure and report data on club delivery, ball launch, ball flight, and tracers for the best players in the world. We are proud to be chosen to implement our new solutions with the PGA TOUR, which will ultimately include all shots for all players. The future of golf will be told in new and innovative ways, the fan experience will elevate to a new level, and the stories about how good these guys play is just beginning.”

The club and ball tracking and tracing solution has become a valuable element to “ShotLink powered by CDW,” the TOUR’s real-time data collection and scoring system. As the TOUR and CDW continue to innovate the acclaimed scoring system that has benefited tournaments, broadcast partners, players and fans in countless ways over the years, the TrackMan system contributes to the automated data collection efforts by allowing ShotLink to auto-trigger on shots without input from a person.

The new technology being deployed expands tracking capabilities from tee boxes only to shots hit from the fairway and around the green, where the system determines the exact 3D position of the ball at any point in its flight. The TrackMan technology has the ability to lock onto a ball that starts behind the trees and only becomes visible to the radar halfway through its flight. It’s able to accurately track balls up to 400 yards in any conditions; rain, fog, sunrise, and sunset.

For a typical TOUR event, around 40 units are placed around the course to track shots with advanced radar and camera units on tee boxes and greens to capture final resting position.

TrackMan also recently developed a mobile system that will be used for the capture of radar and tracing information from the fairway and will automatically integrate into TOUR media platforms, which is aided by AWS, the TOUR’s Official Cloud Provider. There are no cables or connections with the mobile system, which adds very little weight for the operator. The TOUR is testing the mobile system for expanded future use on PGA TOUR Champions, the Korn Ferry Tour and in other executions.

The club and ball tracking and tracing system will utilize AWS Fargate, Media Services, and numerous other AWS products to process and deliver radar and tracing on every shot in nearly real-time. The full suite of AWS products will allow TrackMan to reduce their onsite footprint and allow fast and easy access to the devices and information from anywhere around the world.

ABOUT PGA TOUR

By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.

The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and PGA TOUR Canada. Members on the PGA TOUR represent the world’s best players, hailing from 28 countries and territories outside the United States (90 international members). The PGA TOUR has long-term domestic distribution partnerships for broadcast coverage on CBS, NBC and Golf Channel and video streaming service on ESPN+. Internationally, PGA TOUR coverage is available across 200+ countries and territories in 27 languages via 43 local broadcast partners, in addition to the digital streaming service platform GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving, and to date, tournaments across all Tours have generated more than $3.37 billion.

Fans can follow the PGA TOUR on PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, on the PGA TOUR app and on social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram (in English, Spanish and Korean), LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, WeChat, Weibo, Toutiao, Douyin and LINE.

ABOUT TRACKMAN

Over the past 20 years, TrackMan has, in collaboration with the best golfers, teachers, and equipment manufacturers, developed solutions that provide the most accurate, real-time data on ball collision, launch, flight, and landing. The technology has helped professionals and amateurs unleash their potential in golf and changed how golf is taught and experienced.

More than 1,000 tour players have invested in TrackMan technology for their personal use, with over 90 of the Top 100 players in the world using TrackMan for club delivery and ball flight analysis, shot testing, and optimizing their equipment.

Today, TrackMan solutions include the world’s finest launch monitor, the leading simulator and virtual golf engine, and the most accurate driving range solution. TrackMan’s 360 solution is used by many of the world’s finest golf clubs featuring TrackMan 4 for instruction and club fitting, TrackMan Range for ball flight tracking on the range, TrackMan Simulator for Indoor Golf, and Virtual Golf allowing a fully rendered version of their golf course(s) on all TrackMan platforms.

TrackMan A/S, headquartered in Vedbæk, Denmark, featuring the largest R&D team in the golf industry, is the developer and owner of TrackMan technologies, which include a comprehensive patent portfolio of granted patents and pending patent applications.

CONTACT: Mark Stevens, PGA TOUR, 904-861-5112, markstevens@pgatourhq.com

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

Developed in collaboration with a team of TrackMan experts, Titleist engineers have created a range of new Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls that incorporate Radar Capture Technology (RCT), enhancing the data capture of launch conditions in an indoor environment. Through this pioneering industry collaboration with another major manufacturing brand, TrackMan is delivering the most accurate information possible for golf.

READ ALSO: TrackMan become a Lead Partner of the CPG

The golf balls improve the TrackMan experience for dedicated indoor fitting specialists committed to a premium, precision fitting; coaches and instructors aiming to give their players even better tools to work with; and Tour professionals and golfers seeking precision data capture from their indoor practice sessions.

“We’re delighted to partner with Acushnet on the launch of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT golf balls,” said TrackMan CEO and co-founder, Klaus Eldrup-Jorgensen. “Titleist is a brand that goes to extraordinary heights to ensure the premium quality and performance of its products and that mirrors TrackMan’s approach to technology, innovation and development.”

“Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT golf balls combine the game’s greatest combination of speed, spin, and feel with new technology that more consistently captures precision performance and golf ball data from TrackMan units used in an indoor setting,” said Jeremy Stone, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “We have worked closely with TrackMan for more than two years to optimise this embedded radar reflective, patent pending technology. The result is a reliably strong ‘signal’ that enables spin capture on all shots.”

RECEIVE FUTURE CPG NEWS

VISIT TRACKMAN

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

Is your business a serial shredder, tending not to think about what personal data is thrown in the waste? Have you ever thought what a cybercriminal could do after simply going through your rubbish? Now that online ordering of golf clubs, apparel and other goods and services in golf is becoming a regular way of life, the scope to be throwing away sensitive information is massive, and criminals are well aware of this treasure trove of information right on your kerbside.

Like most people around the world, since COVID-19 I started to become very good friends with my local delivery drivers as the number of items I received in the post and by a delivery service dramatically increased. From groceries to everyday supplies, my wife and I really started to buy virtually everything online.

Online shopping has come a long way in the past few years and there isn’t much that can go wrong when using reputable websites and shops with great reviews, right? Well, I’m afraid I’m about to draw your attention to yet another potential problem you need to be aware of and remain cautious.

READ ALSO: On course for a good hacking 

Your personal data is extremely sought after by malicious actors and it needs to remain private, or at least as private as you can make it. You need to be very careful of how you dispose of any sensitive data, since you never know who might just end up looking at it, including what you’ve bought online and other details that are on the paperwork that may be cast into the recycling.

I recently received a parcel and to my absolute astonishment my phone number was on the outside of the parcel, something I hadn’t seen before. Not only might this be a data protection faux pas; I wondered if cybercriminals could take advantage of this and what they could possibly achieve by joining the dots with the criminal underworld and previous data breaches and scrapes. After all, when Facebook admitted earlier this year that 533 million phone numbers were now searchable on the internet with corresponding email addresses, I thought this was potentially rather damaging.

But what about what is inside the envelopes and parcels and what if any of these contents head to the recycling bin? Assuming intercepting items in the postal and delivery services is difficult without an insider, I fear that many people may in fact just throw away parcel notes and addresses rather than destroy them with a shredder. It is my assumption that even if some people own a shredder, they may primarily use it for financial information and other extremely important documents that are no longer required, instead of using it on envelopes too.

I even hold up my hand as I was previously only shredding apparently sensitive and private information on paper, but then at the same time folding up and placing any cardboard parcels in the recycling pile – often with my address still clearly visible – but now this could contain my phone number, or maybe even an email address?

This parcel with my phone number clearly visible on it came from an eBay seller but it got me thinking about other documents that I receive now on a daily basis. Other receipts I looked at in my house from other eBay users have sometimes included my email address. Looking at some other receipts of mine – a few, including from a few independent online shops and a major shoe company – included my email address and phone number.

None of my Amazon parcels from the Amazon warehouse have ever included any more personal information in the paperwork other than name and address but one from an Amazon seller did send my email address written on the paperwork inside the envelope.

With the agreement of my friend James, who is both a good friend and also one of the school dads, I decided to test another recycling bin to see how much information I could piece together on him and his family. James happily allowed me to pilfer through his recycling bin the day before it was left at the kerb, with two weeks’ worth of paper and card in it. In 30 minutes of rummaging I found his or his wife’s name and address 24 times, email address three times and phone number twice. I was even able to profile them and piece together what they were into purchasing – something marketeers and advertisers are really struggling with at the moment due to GDPR – but it soon dawned on me that most people’s bins still remain hackers’ treasure troves!

Trash talk

Your paper and card waste can be worth rather a lot of money to cybercriminals due to the amount of sensitive information and what they can do with further tricks into manipulating people with this information. For example, with your phone number and the receipt of what you have just bought, they could potentially call or text you with an update on the product purchased and request you to visit a website that could then entice you to hand over more information such as a password or payment card details. There is the potential of them being able to then access your shopping accounts and purchase items from any stored cards or, worse still, attempt identity theft.

How else can you stay safe when shopping online?

• Shred and destroy any personal data before you place it in the trash and don’t forget to check the envelopes/parcels.
• Use unique, complex passwords and change them if they become compromised.
• Use multi-factor authentication on all accounts.

RECEIVE FUTURE CPG NEWS

VISIT THE ESET BLOG

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”
______________________________________________

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
______________________________________________

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.

RECEIVE FUTURE CPG NEWS

VISIT GOLF GENIUS

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.

READ THE ESET BLOG

VISIT ESET

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECEIVE FUTURE CPG NEWS

VISIT ESET

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

A three-year business partnership between the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] and ESET has been announced, which will protect businesses in golf and support PGAs and PGA Professionals with crucial antivirus software and services.

As ‘Official Cyber Security Provider for the CPG’, ESET’s partnership with the CPG will involve the launch of a campaign to educate the organisation’s 42 Member Countries, their 12,500+ PGA Professionals and millions of golfers they interact with about cyber security, ensuring they are armed with the information and best-in-class solutions to protect themselves from the losses and disruption caused by growing levels of cybercrime.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the world’s reliance on digital communication and accelerated our usage of digital and cloud-based technology by as much as up to five years. As a result, vulnerability to cybercrime and the awareness of the disruption and financial loss it can cause has quickly grown too, regardless of whether somebody is at a golf club, workplace or home setting.

Chief Executive of the CPG, Ian Randell, said: “Our new partnership with ESET comes at an important time for all of us, as we are constantly reminded of the threats from online criminals and cybercrime.

“In partnership with ESET, not only are we securing our own business but we are also striving to help our members, their PGA Professionals, business partners and wider networks to future proof their own businesses through the provision of tailored cyber security solutions.”

ESET is a global provider of cyber security and antivirus software solutions to businesses and consumers across more than 200 countries and territories. Their commercial client base ranges from SMEs and sole traders through to major blue-chip organisations such as Mitsubishi, Allianz, Cannon, T-Mobile and Detron.

ESET’s UK Managing Director, Malcolm Tuck said: “As golf businesses continue to streamline their operations through new technologies and online working practices, the need for tailored and comprehensive cyber security becomes increasingly important for their own and their customers’ peace of mind. We are looking forward to working with the CPG, their Members and Business Partners to address this issue”.

RECEIVE FUTURE CPG NEWS

VISIT ESET

The Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] have activated the first step in its vision to modernise and further advance education of PGA Professionals and the workforce for golf with the imminent launch and subsequent rollout of its new online education platform.

The Learning Management System [LMS] will increase collaboration between the CPG and its Member Countries around educational activity and provide each PGA Member with a centralised digital tool that raises their learning experiences.

Chief Executive of the CPG, Ian Randell, commented: “This new platform will elevate each of our member’s education offerings irrespective of size and it reiterates our commitment to invest in technology and invest in our members to create collective benefit for them, for the CPG, and for the workforce of the game.

“The LMS launch also provides a strong proof-of-concept around our 5-year strategic plan, CPG Thrive, and the collective #oneCPG approach we have taken with our membership, as it encourages each Member Country involved with the platform to share relevant information and educational content with others.”

Following a number of pilots throughout May, official launch of the new LMS across the entire CPG Membership is imminent and will be available for Member Country PGAs to license, customise and use for their basic and on-going education programmes.

Canadian-based software company, D2L – creators of the Brightspace Learning Management Tool who already work with the PGA of Canada – are tasked with delivering the educational platform. Alan Hiddleston, Director Corporate Learning EMEA at D2L, said: “The CPG’s dedication to the continuous professional development of its membership is inspiring and we’re very pleased it has chosen Brightspace to help modernise golf education.

“Once launched, PGA Members will benefit from increased and more flexible learning opportunities that are more impactful for them as learners and more easily measurable for CPG Member Countries”.

Executive Director – Knowledge Development for the CPG, Wojciech Waśniewski, said: “The new LMS system will have significant benefits to all of our member countries and in my dual role heading up the education of both CPG and the PGA of Poland, it is evident that smaller associations such as the PGA of Poland will be able to streamline their educational delivery and tracking, as well as create access to new educational opportunities for members through use of this LMS. Investing in such a platform would be unfeasible for the vast majority of our members on their own.”

For further details about the Learning Management System and its launch, please contact Wojciech Waśniewski [ww@cpg.golf].

RECEIVE FUTURE CPG NEWS

VISIT D2L