Impact on recreational game kept to an absolute minimum

………………….

The R&A and USGA will update the testing conditions used for golf ball conformance under the Overall Distance Standard (ODS), which will take effect from January 2028. The decision aims to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability while minimising the impact on the recreational game.

The revised ball testing conditions will be as follows: 125-mph clubhead speed (equivalent to 183 mph ball speed); spin rate of 2220 rpm and launch angle of 11 degrees. The current conditions, which were established 20 years ago, are set at 120 mph (equivalent to 176 mph ball speed), 2520 rpm with a 10-degree launch angle.

The revised conditions are based on analysis of data from the worldwide tours and the game over several years and are intended to ensure that the ODS (whose limit will remain unchanged at 317 yards with a 3-yard tolerance) continues to represent the ability of the game’s longest hitters. An analysis of ball speeds among golf’s longest hitters in 2023 shows that the fastest ten players had an average ball speed of 186 mph, while the average ball speed of the fastest 25 was 183.4 mph (the very fastest averaged 190 mph).

The longest hitters are expected to see a reduction of as much as 13-15 yards in drive distance. Average professional tour and elite male players are expected to see a reduction of 9-11 yards, with a 5-7-yard reduction for an average LET or LPGA player.

The change in testing speed is expected to have a minimal distance impact, 5 yards or less, for most recreational golfers. Research shows an average swing speed of 93 mph for male golfers and 72 mph for female players.

Existing balls approved for conformance in 2027 may continue to be used by recreational golfers until January 2030 to give golfers, manufacturers and retailers additional time to adjust. These decisions are in line with the commitments made by the governing bodies at the project’s inception.

A significant portion of golf ball models that are currently in the market – and more than 30 percent of all golf ball models submitted for conformance across the game – are expected to remain conforming after these changes are applied.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We are convinced that this decision is one of the key ways of achieving a sustainable future for golf, protecting the integrity of the game and meeting our environmental responsibilities. The measure we are taking has been carefully considered and calibrated while maintaining the ‘one game’ ethos deemed to be so important to the golf industry. Importantly, it also keeps the impact on recreational golfers to an absolute minimum. We are acting now because we want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the unique challenge of golf as much as we do.”

“Governance is hard. And while thousands will claim that we did too much, there will be just as many who said we didn’t do enough to protect the game long-term,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “But from the very beginning, we’ve been driven to do what is right for the game, without bias. As we’ve said, doing nothing is not an option – and we would be failing in our responsibility to protect the game’s future if we didn’t take appropriate action now.”

The Notice of Decision follows the most thorough and comprehensive examination of the issue in the game’s history through the Distance Insights project, which was launched in 2018 and gathered data, shared research and solicited feedback from golf course owners, players, and stakeholders across the game. Data provided by the seven major worldwide tours has also been analysed by the governing bodies, who have published Annual Driving Distance Reports every year since 2015.

The reports followed the governing bodies’ joint Conclusions from the Distance Insights Project: Implication of Hitting Distance in Golf, which shared the reasons why addressing the continuing trend of hitting distance increases and subsequent course lengthening is critical to the game’s long-term sustainability.

All golf ball and club manufacturers were advised of the decision on Tuesday and were given full technical details and an implementation timeline. The Notice of Decision takes into account the extensive research and feedback received from manufacturers and other industry stakeholders throughout the six-year process and following multiple Areas of Interest and proposals starting in 2021 as part of the Equipment Rulemaking process.

A copy of the letter and technical documents can be found at www.RandA.org/distance-insights.

The extensive feedback received showed worldwide sentiment that the retention of a single set of playing rules and equipment standards is critically important to the sport and should apply across the game. Feedback from manufacturers resulted in the timeline being extended to 2028 to allow more time for innovation and production of new products for elite and recreational players.

In addition to the new ball-testing conditions, the governing bodies will:

Expand the testing approach to better detect ‘Driver Creep,’ which can result in drivers exceeding the limits set out in the Equipment Rules. This is a change in the testing methodology for submitted drivers, to identify and proactively address driver models that are within current tolerance levels and have Characteristic Time (CT) values that are more likely to exceed the limit through regular use.

Continue to monitor drivers and explore possible additional options related to distance. Specifically, we will research the forgiveness of drivers and how they perform with off-centre hits. This is an ongoing review and we will seek input from and continue to work with the industry, including manufacturers, to identify driver design features that can be regulated as a means to reward centre impact position hits versus mis-hits.

The R&A and the USGA are guided by an overarching principle to continue to preserve the fundamental elements of golf – protecting the integrity of golf courses, including their overall length, and ensuring that a variety of skills are needed to be successful.

Longer golf courses require additional resources such as water, the cost of renovating or moving elements like tees and bunkers continues to rise and other long-term impacts have been identified as a result of increased distance. The governing bodies believe that if the sport is to enjoy a sustainable long-term future then these economic and environmental impacts have to be kept under control.

The Overall Distance Standard was first introduced in 1976 and has been updated on three previous occasions (1980, 2002 and 2004). This is the first time that test speeds have been updated since 2004, when the current standard was set based on the longest hitters at that time.

Details on the study and complete technical data on the Distance Insights project can be found at www.RandA.org/distance-insights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View episode one of ‘Iona Investigates’ here.

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

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

KEY FEATURES AND INSIGHTS

THE VERY BEST OF SCOTTISH GOLF

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

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

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

SPHERES OF INFLUENCE

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

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

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

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

Golf Pride, an industry leader in innovation and sports performance equipment, announced the introduction of CPX®, the company’s softest performance grip yet. The new CPX — standing for “Comfort Performance Extreme” — provides superior feel through a combination of extreme softness and exceptional new technology, including the company’s first-ever raised, EXO diamond-quilted pattern. For players who seek the confidence that comes from the feel of a high-performance, comfortable grip, the CPX is a game changer.

“The connection between the hands and mind is critical in the game of golf,” said Jamie Ledford, President of Golf Pride. “We’re so excited about CPX because the new design and ultra-soft rubber compound we’ve developed take this connection to the next level. Anyone who tries the CPX will immediately feel the difference.”

The new CPX — the first grip completely concepted and developed at Golf Pride’s new Global Innovation Centre in Pinehurst, North Carolina — is constructed from a very soft and responsive rubber compound that moulds to the golfer’s hands for the ultimate in comfort and stress relief. The soft and tacky material features a 45-degree diamond pattern inspired by the grips on BMX bikes. This new tactile design is raised to maximise contact-area with the golfer’s hands, enhancing performance. In addition, the innovative Control Core® in the grip’s end-cap complements the soft rubber compound to afford the best of both worlds: maximum softness and maximum control.

A Soft Grip for a Hard Game

With the introduction of CPX, Golf Pride is also unveiling a second new “feel.” The brand’s latest campaign – “A Soft Grip for a Hard Game” – is an intentional departure from the golf category’s historical focus on performance claims and product specs in marketing materials. Confidence through comfort is integral to reach the most optimal performance in the golfer’s game. “A Soft Grip for a Hard Game” is aimed at players of all types from highly competitive golfers to weekend warriors and all those in between.

“We know that golfers of every calibre quest for the ‘right feel’ when they have a club in their hands,” said Eric Gibson, Global Head of Marketing, Golf Pride. “The new CPX, and the marketing campaign behind it, focuses on exactly that. Golf is hard. There’s a lot to think about. We believe that the right grip can create comfort – for your hands and your mind – regardless of your skill level. We are excited to lean more into this approach in our messaging and feel it reflects the positive change and growth that golf is experiencing.”

The new CPX will be available from professional shops and selected retailers around Europe from April 1st. To learn more, go to www.golfpride.com/cpx

About Golf Pride

Since its founding in 1949, Golf Pride has become synonymous with the highest quality performance equipment in golf. Today, from its Global Innovation Centre (GIC) in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Golf Pride continues to lead in grip innovation by continuing to obsess over the only connection between our golfers’ hands and the club. That’s why more than 80% of the world’s highest performing golfers choose Golf Pride. For professionals, top amateurs and recreational golfers of all skill levels, Golf Pride sets the standard – in performance and style. To learn more about Golf Pride, go to golfpride.com.

About EATON

Golf Pride is a division of EATON, whose mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. We provide sustainable solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Eaton’s 2020 revenues were $17.9 billion, and we sell products to customers in more than 175 countries. We have approximately 92,000 employees. For more information, visit www.eaton.com

With the two best 18-hole scores to count towards the team total each day, the exclusion of Perrino’s three-under-par 70 demonstrated how strong of a showing this was for the Italians, who have come very close before in this event and were certainly looking to make an early statement this time around.

Maestroni capped off Molteni’s four-under par 69 (four-under-par) with a scintillating 65 (eight-under-par) that was built around a carefully planned strategy and some quite mesmerising putting: “It is a great layout and with a good strategy, you can get a score going. Fortunately, I have two very strong teammates who are very straight off the tee and it ensured we could shoot the lowest round possible today.”

The players were quick to attribute their performances to a strong team ethic: “We are very good friends and I think that is really important. It means a lot to be representing the PGA of Italy and we are grateful for the opportunity to compete in the International Team Championship here at Penina”, commented Perrino. This was echoed by Molteni: “We are Italian, so we love to play as a team rather than just as individuals. Two years ago, we finished second but this year we have a very consistent team and I like our chances.”

In the Team Shield, Team Slovakia (Juraj Svarik, Adam Puchmelter and Jan Keher) also shared similar success after the first round, as they collectively shot 144 (71 from Svarik and 73 from Puchmelter) to lead Team Poland by 11 strokes heading into the second round.

For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page https://cp.golf/2021ITC. For more information on the CPG visit cpg.golf, or find the CPG on Twitter (@cpg_golf), Facebook (@cpg.golf), LinkedIn, Instagram (@cpg_golf) and Anchor.fm.

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FULL SCORES

After first and second rounds of 66 and 70 on the Bay and Dunes courses respectively, Lopes was positioned nicely at the top of a strong international field in Greece that comprised of 75 PGA Members from multiple CPG Member Countries including Sweden, Germany, Italy and Portugal.

“It is always a good feeling when you win a golf tournament” Lopes commented. “The double bogey on hole seven certainly placed some pressure on my score today but I trusted in my approach and my game. To then go on and make birdies on the final two holes was just amazing and a great way to finish off an incredibly well-organised event.

“Myself and my team enjoyed such a fantastic environment here at Costa Navarino, both on and off the golf course. The new International Olympic Academy Golf Course at Navarino Hills opened for the tournament and it is unbelievable. It is certainly challenging but it combines a great layout with amazing views to make a great golf course. We cannot wait to come back next year.”

In solo second was Georg Schultes (PGA of Austria), who finished on a total of 206 for the tournament with scores of 67, 69 and 70 to fall just short of the 205 three-round score set by Lopes, with third position held by Turkish Professional, Ulas Karatas, on 209 (-5).

In the Pro-Am team event, Team Dooley (represented by PGA of Austria Professional Steve Dooley and amateurs Claudia Stritecky, Gerhard Komarek and Julian Komarek) also claimed a marginal victory, winning by 1-point with a strong final round finish on the Bay course to reach an unassailable total of 262 points for the tournament.

For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page https://cp.golf/2021Messinia. For more information on the CPG visit cpg.golf, or find the CPG on Twitter (@cpg_golf), Facebook (@cpg.golf), LinkedIn, Instagram (@cpg_golf) and Anchor.fm.

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FULL SCORES

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.”

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On Thursday, 11 November, representatives from golf and beyond came together at Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone in Glasgow to discuss several important issues around the sport and climate action.

READ ALSO: Golf – Lets Reimagine, Recreate and Restore

After opening remarks from Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at Visit Scotland and Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, event host David Garrido from Sky Sports teed off the discussion. In-studio guests joined virtual speakers from all areas of the game, including facilities, tournaments, developments and golf tourism.

The opening panel session sparked a wide-ranging discussion with Richard Holland, Director, Operations and Network Development with international NGO Wetlands International, Hugh Salway, Head of Markets with the Gold Standard and Kelli Jerome, Executive Director at GEO Foundation, joined virtually by Sam Barratt, Chief of the Youth, Education and Advocacy Unit in UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, Julie Duffus, Sustainability Senior Manager at the IOC from Lausanne, and, from Oslo, Suzann Pettersen, professional golfer and Sustainable Golf Champion who memorably holed the winning putt in the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles.

This conversation covered several critical topics focused on how golf and society can come together to take meaningful action. Whether that’s protecting ecosystems and habitats in general, encouraging more athletes to get involved in advocacy or just doing one thing in your role to get the momentum started.

Suzann Pettersen spoke about her commitment to sustainability since retiring from the game, “I feel I’ve got an important role here. Sport is such a great arena to raise awareness. We inspire and influence so many millions of people every day.”

You can watch the entire Driving for Net Zero event below.

The following session focused on climate action by grassroots facilities at GEO Certified clubs in England, Finland and New Zealand with Jason O’Malley, Managing Director at Woburn Golf Club, Janne Lehto, Course Manager at Hirsala Golf Club and Spencer Cooper, Superintendent at Remuera Golf Club sharing insights into their journeys to reduce carbon emissions.

The large virtual audience then heard from golf tournaments and tours. This session began with comments from Alex Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour, and Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Commissioner of the LPGA Tour and how they are working together on shared goals. Philip Russell, Assistant Director of Sustainability at The R&A, outlined many practical examples of how the organization embraced sustainable tournament staging through initiatives such as The Open Water and increasing renewable energy use on-site.

Lee Spivak, Managing Principal, Sports and Entertainment at WM, sponsors of the WM Phoenix Open, shared a glimpse into the principles and practices which have resulted in the event becoming the first-ever to achieve GEO Certified status five times.

Further contributions came from Ben Cowen, Chief Tournament Business Officer of the European Tour and Chris Chandler, Head of Sports at Dow, who runs the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational on the LPGA – also a GEO Certified tournament in the US.

The penultimate session honed in on manufacturing, tourism and golf development. This included Toro’s Andy Brown discussing electric mowers and sustainable irrigation. Jeremy Slessor at European Golf Design highlighted the importance of sustainable golf developments and their path to net zero, and Peter Walton, Founder and Chief Executive of IAGTO, provided insights into the world of golf tourism and carbon emissions.

A final discussion between Maggie Kim, CEO, The Gold Standard and GEO Foundation’s Jonathan Smith explored the importance of credible carbon mitigation. It showcased some of the sustainable golf tools available to the sport to help individuals and organizations take climate action.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation, said: “The team at GEO Foundation were pleased to be able to pull this important conversation together – to enable such a large audience to hear the perspectives from within and outside golf. We’d like to thank the Scottish Government, all speakers and the audience, plus those that have helped promote and share the event. Now we look to the post-COP26 landscape to see what we can do best with partners and programme participants to help accelerate climate action in and through golf.”

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For the first time in two years, the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] will bring together representatives from its 43 Member Countries for the Annual Congress and International Team Championship [ITC] hosted by Penina Hotel & Golf Resort and supported by Turismo de Portugal, Turismo do Algarve and the Ryder Cup European Development Trust.

The Annual Congress is a fabulous environment for sharing knowledge across National PGAs and collaborating on activities outlined in the CPG’s five-year strategic plan – CPG Thrive – that is built on the guiding principles of Togetherness, Collaboration and Development to enable the strength and influence of the organisation’s collective membership to thrive.

Chief Executive of the CPG, Ian Randell, gave comment on the news: “Whilst staging a virtual congress in 2020 was hugely successful, it just cannot compare to the opportunity to spend time with the leadership, both in and out of the conference room, from across our 43 Member Countries. Furthermore, the International Team Championship has been an integral part of our tournament schedule since 1989, so the opportunity for PGA Professionals to compete in this prestigious championship was also sorely missed last year.”

“We are hugely excited to be returning to Penina and the Algarve and our thanks go to the Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve for their fantastic support in bringing this to fruition”

Located in the Algarve region of Portugal and two hours from the country’s capital Lisbon, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort provides an idyllic location to host the series of seminars, presentations and delegate activities that are synonymous with the Annual Congress.

Penina’s 18-hole championship golf course, dubbed ‘The Home of Portugal Golf’ will also offer an enticing stage for the ITC. In its 32^nd edition, the tournament provides some of the CPG’s Member Countries’ best PGA Professionals with the opportunity to represent their country in a team format.

Regional Director of Sales for JJW Hotels & Resorts, Pedro Garcia e Costa, said: “It is a great pleasure to once again host the CPG’s Annual Congress and International Team Championship. Historical Penina has hosted so many professional golf events over the years, so Golf is on our DNA. That is why we are very proud to be staging this event and supporting the CPG on their mission to bring their members and industry representatives together and better the golf industry.”

Find out more about Penina Hotel & Golf Resort at Penina.com and more on visiting Portugal and the Algarve at VisitPortugal.com.

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VISIT THE INTERNATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

The European Tour group and DP World today jointly announced a ground-breaking evolution to their long-term partnership, with DP World becoming the new title sponsor of the group’s main tour from the start of the 2022 season.

The agreement heralds a new era in the history of the European Tour group, which, along with DP World, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022, the first season of the newly named DP World Tour.

Today’s announcement represents a significant deal in terms of global sports partnerships, with DP World’s substantial commitment dedicated to three key areas: elevating the Tour in every way, growing the game of golf globally, and driving positive community impact.

The new look DP World Tour will see total prize money break through the $200 million mark for the first time, with a new minimum prize fund of $2 million for all tournaments solely sanctioned by the DP World Tour.

In 2022, the DP World Tour will represent a truly global tour through an international schedule, that will feature a minimum of 47 tournaments in 27 different countries, including new tournaments in the UAE, Japan, South Africa and Belgium and an expanded Rolex Series comprising five events: the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, the Genesis Scottish Open, the BMW PGA Championship and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

For the first time, it will also feature three tournaments co-sanctioned with the PGA TOUR – the aforementioned Genesis Scottish Open, as well as the Barbasol Championship and the Barracuda Championship taking place in the United States – as a result of the Strategic Alliance between male professional golf’s two leading Tours. To view the full 2022 schedule, please click here.

The European Tour and DP World were both established in 1972 and have since developed into global enterprises with DP World, which is headquartered in Dubai, evolving into the leading provider of global smart end-to-end supply chain and logistics solutions.

DP World’s association with the European Tour spans more than a decade, first becoming a presenting partner of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates in its inaugural year in 2009, before the Rolex Series event was renamed the DP World Tour Championship in 2012. It was in this year that DP World became the tournament’s title partner.

DP World then became an Official Partner of the European Tour in 2015, and they will now become the Official Title Partner of the Tour from the start of the 2022 season, which begins with the Joburg Open in South Africa, from November 22-25.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour group, said: “Today’s announcement is undoubtedly a momentous one in the proud history of our Tour. The launch of the DP World Tour in 2022, coinciding with both of our 50th anniversaries, will herald a new era in global golf, and crucially it will benefit everybody involved – all our players, caddies, fans and partners – as well as making an important contribution to wider society.

“The entire ecosystem of our Tour will be strengthened because of this hugely significant deal, and that was essential to us and to DP World, who have been an incredible supporter of our Tour as well as golf more widely, from grassroots through to the elite professional game.

“The DP World Tour is, therefore, a natural evolution of our decade-long partnership, and the presence of ‘World’ in our new title better reflects our global reach.”

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “DP World has been a partner of the European Tour for over a decade. Our long-standing partnership has provided an excellent platform to engage with customers, prospects, and stakeholders, and build our brand. We have relished the opportunity to support the Tour in growing the game of golf and improving access to the sport at all levels. The key to this success has been and will continue to be the shared vision and values that underpin the partnership.

“We both have a global mindset, are committed to inclusivity, and invest in new technologies to stay competitive – attributes which today become the fundamental principles of the DP World Tour. As the leading provider of smart logistics solutions worldwide, we will use our people, assets, and connectivity to help grow the Tour further and change what’s possible in golf.”

Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR and Board Member of the European Tour, added; “Thanks to the support of long-standing partner DP World, today’s announcement significantly elevates the European Tour on a global basis. We are excited for the continued growth and evolution of the European Tour, as well as the momentum this provides toward our Strategic Alliance. I’ve said before that our respective Tours are positioned to grow – together – over the next 10 years faster than we ever have at any point in our existence, and today’s announcement is another point of proof in those efforts.”

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GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf will host a special event on 11th November, coinciding with the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, highlighting the roles golf can play in climate action and exploring the pathways to net-zero emissions. The aim is to facilitate an important conversation at a key point in time – with a view to raising awareness and inspiring accelerated action over the decade ahead.

READ ALSO: Sustainability – Why it Matters to Golf

Organized and facilitated by GEO Foundation, Driving for Net Zero will be streamed virtually from Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone in Glasgow, and brings together leading experts from United Nations agencies and other climate action bodies with representatives and examples from across the sport of golf.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of GEO Foundation, said: “We are excited to be able to present this event live and coinciding with COP26, as global attention is on the critical topic of climate action. The programme brings expertize and diverse perspectives from around the world, across golf, sport and beyond. The event will emphasize why we need to act, explore what we can effectively do, highlight examples of leadership underway, and introduce new support and solutions developed to accelerate the movement.”

Golf’s new Rules of Amateur Status have been published by The R&A and the USGA ahead of coming into effect on 1 January 2022.

The work is the latest step by the governing bodies to make the Rules easier to understand and apply and follows the modernisation process of the Rules of Golf in 2019. The new Rules were informed by golfer and golf industry feedback as part of a comprehensive review, to ensure they continue to reflect how the modern game is played by millions of golfers around the world.

This review, along with global feedback received when the proposals were publicly shared earlier this year, reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules.

The result is a set of Rules that removes many of the restrictions that previously applied to amateur golfers, while ensuring that the integrity of the game is protected by limiting the form and value of the prizes an amateur golfer can accept.

As part of the modernisation effort, the new Rules identify only the following acts that will result in a golfer losing their amateur status:

• Accepting a prize with a value exceeding the prize limit (£700/$1000) or accepting prize money in a handicap competition.
• Playing as a professional.
  Accepting payment for giving instruction (although all current exceptions still apply, such as coaching at educational institutions and assisting with approved programmes).
• Accepting employment as a golf club professional or membership of an association of professional golfers.

To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes have been introduced:

• Distinguishing between scratch and handicap competitions in terms of the prizes that may be accepted.
• The prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole competitions played on a golf course or a simulator but no longer apply to long-drive, putting and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition.
• Eliminating all advertising, expense-related and sponsorship restrictions.

The new opportunities provided by lifting sponsorship restrictions and the ability to accept prize money up to the increased limit of £700 or $1000 in scratch-only competitions will be of significant benefit to elite amateur golfers looking for ways to fund golf-related expenses.

Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernised Rules of Amateur Status today. These Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must evolve to meet the needs of the modern game. This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential. The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help to make the game even more inclusive.”

“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive golfers,” said Craig Winter, USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “This was emphasised in the feedback we received earlier this year and we believe these updates will help simplify these Rules and ensure the long-term health of the amateur game not only to those who compete at the highest level of amateur golf but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses.”

The new Rules are accompanied by guidance notes, an overview document and explanations that detail the rationale for why changes have been made and, in some instances, why they have stayed the same. These materials can be found below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KEY FEATURES AND INSIGHTS

THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH SETH WAUGH

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

THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE 2018 RYDER CUP

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

A LEADER IN GOLF AND BUSINESS

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

THE WINNING MINDSET

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

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

READ ONLINE

PDF DOWNLOAD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Chief Development Officer for The R&A, Phil Anderton, has joined the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT) Board of Trustees.

Anderton, along with existing Trustees appointed by the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG), and representatives from the European Tour, will help to shape the future direction of the Trust, the activities and projects that its support will provide, and ultimately the future legacy that it will leave on the development of grass roots golf programmes and initiatives across Europe.

Anderton succeeds Duncan Weir in this role with the Trust, following his appointment as Chief Development Officer last year. He has already overseen the rollout of various projects and activities with the organisation aimed at increasing involvement and participation globally, including the recent #FOREeveryone campaign, which in connection with The R&A Women in Golf Charter, focuses on the long term development and growth of female golf participation.

On his appointment to the Board of Trustees, Anderton commented: “It is a great honour to be invited as a Trustee for the Ryder Cup European Development Trust. I am really looking forward to working with everybody involved in growing this great sport and having a positive impact on the game across all levels.”

As the charitable arm of Ryder Cup Europe, the RCEDT supports the development of golf across all levels through ten pillars of activity, some of which include educational delivery, coaching delivery, junior and youth initiatives, elite and high-performance programmes, and promotion of golf and its health and wellbeing benefits.

To date, the Trust has provided support, guidance and assistance to more than 35 projects in over 30 countries across Europe, managed by its sole partner, the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] who, alongside The European Tour and the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland, form a three-way partnership in Ryder Cup Europe.

Chairman of the RCEDT, Jonathan Mannie, commented: “Following the retirement of Duncan Weir last year, we are delighted to have Phil Anderton join the leadership of the Trust and help us to play our part in shaping the future of European golf development.

“It is hugely beneficial for the Trust to collaborate with The R&A, and the expertise and insight that he brings will help the RCEDT to positively impact golf and golfers of all abilities, from all walks of life and across all four corners of the continent.”

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The R&A has launched a new video series which has been created for junior golfers to learn about the Rules of Golf and improve their enjoyment of the sport by understanding how to apply them on the course.

The Rules Skool Open features ten episodes and each instalment follows the progress of featured player George Harper Jnr as he gets to grips with the Rules of Golf when faced with a number of different situations during the championship.

Claire Hargan of The R&A’s Rules team joins the commentary to explain how the Rules are applied in each situation while her colleague Conor Finlay becomes ‘Conor on Course’ to provide practical demonstrations for young golfers to build their knowledge and understanding of the Rules.

It premiered on The R&A YouTube channel on Wednesday and then available to watch via RandA.org and the Rules of Golf App from 5pm.

Rules fun

Grant Moir, Director – Rules at The R&A, said, “We have created an entertaining and light-hearted video series that introduces the Rules of Golf to a younger audience in a new and fun way which will help junior golfers learn the key Rules and how they are applied on the golf course.

“We know from research that most young people prefer to learn from watching videos and this series will support junior golfers in developing their understanding of the Rules, making them more confident out on the golf course and adding to their enjoyment of the sport.”

Viewers can test their knowledge of the Rules by answering quiz questions that accompany the videos via RandA.org and the Rules of Golf app.

Collaboration

The organisation is also collaborating with its affiliated national federations and other golf bodies to encourage junior golfers to watch the series and learn about the Rules of Golf. A digital pack which includes practical advice and resources for junior golf organisers is also provided via RandA.org.

The series was developed using research with junior golfers in which they provided feedback about their experience of learning about their hobbies, including golf, and their preferred methods to do so, with video being the most popular response. Over 75% of those who participated in the research also said it was very or extremely important to know the basics of the Rules.

Rules Week

The launch of the Rules Skool Open is a highlight of The R&A’s Rules Week which is running across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube this week at a time in the year when the governing body would normally be staging the globally attended Tournament Administrators and Referees School in St Andrews.

The Rules Week includes video interviews with leading Rules officials including David Rickman, Andy McFee and John Paramor. It also features a player’s perspective on the Rules from two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington and the story of the now-famous Rules situation encountered by 2017 Champion Golfer Jordan Spieth at the 13^th hole during the final round of The 146^th Open at Royal Birkdale.

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VISIT THE JUNIOR RULES PAGE

Following the successful introduction of the all-rubber PRO ONLY putter grip series in 2019, Golf Pride has produced a fully corded version, with sleek, white styling that delivers ultimate feedback to give golfers more confidence in every stroke.

Years of design and development as the #1 grip brand on Tour have culminated in the company’s most advanced putter grip collection to date. The three modernised shapes have been individually crafted for hand comfort and positioning. Each model is instantly recognisable due to the colour coordinated star on the end cap.

PRO ONLY Red Star

• Modernised horseshoe shape with an arched paddle front for thumb placement
• Utilises a slight pistol kick in the back for hand heel pad placement
• 72 cc size and 78.5g weight

PRO ONLY Blue Star

• Angled profile with a wide, flat paddle front for thumb placement
• Utilises an angled back shape for comfortable finger positioning
• 81 cc size and 88g weight 

PRO ONLY Green Star

• Oval shape with an arched paddle front for thumb placement
• Slight upper hand flared back for optimum finger comfort and hand positioning
• 88 cc size and 90g weight

“Our Tour-preferred PRO ONLY series has proven to be extremely popular since its release last year,” commented Bruce Miller, Product Manager, Golf Pride. “With three time-proven shape options, now available in a sporty, white design, there is a corded PRO ONLY grip to suit every golfer.”

The new PRO ONLY Cord putter grip series can be purchased at retail now. For more information on Golf Pride’s putter grip selection and the entire 2020 range of products, click the button below.

VISIT GOLFPRIDE

In addition to FEGGA and its Member Associations, other groups taking part in the global event include the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). All together the groups represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries around the world.

The celebration on Sept. 23 will include a commercial that will begin rotation on the Golf Channel and other media outlets, and social media messages touting the many ways that superintendents/greenkeepers make the game more enjoyable and sustainable. Golfers and others are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags #ThankASuper or #ThankAGreenkeeper depending on their country’s nomenclature.

“Superintendents/greenkeepers work hard each day to provide the excellent playing conditions that add to the, enjoyment of the game,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA Chief Executive Officer.

“But in the face of the pandemic, they have played a key role in developing and maintaining the safety protocols that allow golfers to engage in their favorite sport while adhering to pandemic-related guidelines and restrictions.”

As courses reopened after the early months of the crisis, the demand for golf was clear. In the United States, golf rounds in June and July were up as much as 20% over the same time period in 2019, and in many parts of Europe, July rounds were up to as much as 40% – 60% over last year.

In addition to dealing with new pandemic procedures, greenkeepers continually strive to keep the game’s playing fields healthy and beautiful with environmental stewardship as a primary focus. Thanks to the overall efforts of the golf industry, golf courses are using less water, employing sustainable management practices and expanding natural wildlife habitats on courses.

Dean Cleaver of FEGGA commented; “Golf has been a major outlet to having some normality to people’s lives during the pandemic. It’s therefore fitting that we take a day to recognise the men and women who work behind the scene to provide this perfect escape.

“FEGGA is proud to join the many associations around the world by encouraging those who love golf and appreciate the work done by our dedicated greenkeepers to share their thoughts on social media to #ThankAGreenkeeper”

Visit www.fegga.org

Professional Rafael Machado, who is based at Tucan Country Club on the outskirts of Panama City, will use love.golf’s methodology and resources to help his existing female students as well as inspire more women to take up golf.

Supported by Syngenta, love.golf is informed by proven academic and market research and designed to bring together like-minded women for shared experiences out on the golf course, hosted by a lively group of coaches spanning seven countries.

“It is very rare to see women playing golf in Panama – they make up less than ten percent of all golfers – and it is my goal to change that,” said Machado, who discovered love.golf through social media. 

“Since 2018, I’ve been running a Wednesday session for women and we’re starting to create a community.

“I decided to join love.golf so that this small group of ladies can reach the next level, and to significantly increase women’s participation by creating events and improving our marketing strategy.

“Longer term, I would like to see a united community of women at every golf facility in Panama.”

Machado believes the key to achieving his goal is to stand out from the current women’s coaching offers by implementing love.golf’s tried and tested methods as well as its modern terminology, tone and imagery. With that in mind he has already set up a Facebook group called ‘Damas Tee Time’.

“It’s a platform for sharing pictures, videos, lessons and doing live content with the women who play golf,” he explained. 

“Women who try golf for the first time will see that there is already a strong local community of women, and it gives them the opportunity to share their experiences.

“And as a love.golf coach, I am meeting with many local coaches to learn how they are coaching women, asking questions and encouraging them to think differently about how to attract more women to the game.”

Founder and Head Coach of love.golf, Alastair Spink, said: “Panama will be the seventh country being introduced to love.golf, and it’s so encouraging to see how the program continues to transcend borders.”

HOW I PLAY came from the recognition that there is a general lack of knowledge for potential and existing players and coaches who are new to golfers with disability. The series aims to provide tips and tricks that the featured players use to help them play to the best of their ability.

HOW I PLAY is hosted by Tony Bennett who discusses golf technique, preparation, recovery, practice routines and course strategy with the featured players. In each session Tony calls on highly skilled coaches, who add their insights to help bring the discussions within reach of all players, regardless of ability.

Four seasons of HOW I PLAY are available, each with six players, and together they provide a comprehensive map of impairments commonly found amongst golfers with a disability.

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Anderton will bring a wealth of experience and business acumen to the executive management team role having held a number of senior positions in sport.

Following Duncan Weir’s recent retirement after 35 years with The R&A, Anderton will take on Weir’s strategic and operational responsibilities for Golf Development and Amateur Championships. He will also assume responsibility for Sustainability, the British Golf Museum and for The R&A’s international offices in Singapore and Argentina.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “Phil joins us at a time when the importance of developing golf around the world and building momentum on the growing interest in the sport has never been more important.

“He is very well placed to harness the investment we make to grow golf in so many different ways and ensure it is managed sustainably. Phil will play a key role in shaping our future strategy and delivering our commitment to ensuring golf is thriving in 50 years’ time.”

Phil Anderton said, “I am delighted to be starting a new role working for The R&A and it is a privilege to be given the opportunity to help shape the sport worldwide.

“Our goal is to ensure the sport thrives by becoming more appealing, accessible and inclusive and The R&A has a huge role to play in driving that effort. The sport has so much to offer and I look forward to working with our affiliated national associations, federations and partners across golf to make this happen.”

Anderton, who will be based at The R&A’s headquarters in St Andrews, knows the home of golf well having graduated from the town’s University in 1988 with an MA in Management and International Relations. He is originally from Edinburgh.

His early career involved roles with Procter & Gamble and The Coca-Cola Company before he moved into high profile roles in Scottish and international sport. He was Chief Executive of both the Scottish Rugby Union and Heart of Midlothian Football Club; Chief Marketing Officer of the ATP Tour and Chairman of the ATP World Tour Finals; and Chief Executive of Al Jazira Sports Club in Abu Dhabi.

Anderton has a wealth of knowledge and experience of implementing and delivering on business strategy in sport. While at the ATP, he reviewed the golf industry’s work in growing participation at grassroots level to help inform tennis. More recently, he has run his own consultancy businesses.

Golf has also been a lifetime interest for Anderton, both as a fan and as a keen player. He recently joined Gullane and plays to a handicap of 12.

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The same core team of tournament organisers that have made sustainability a central priority for the event continued to deliver against the international criteria as well as responding well to the annual Continual Improvement Points that were set last year.

For the 2020 edition of the event, the action plan continues to deliver previous best practices plus push the boundaries on new projects and innovations. As ever, the plan is comprehensive in the range of environmental and social issues it addresses, and the scope of application across venue and accommodation; staging activities; player and family engagement; legacy projects and community outreach. This is particularly commendable given the tremendous disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 health crisis.

Dan Van Horn, Founder and Chief Executive of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation said: “This is great news, and demonstrates that we have an ongoing commitment to doing things in the right way – for the local communities and environments that our tournaments touch. This year has been particularly challenging, but we now look forward to staging a safe, environmentally friendly event in 2020, and one that also gives the community and families something to look forward to after many months of concern.”

Paolo Casati, President of Golf della Montecchia and of PlayGolf54 Group said: “If anything, environmental issues have gained even greater importance and visibility since last year, which explains why we are trying so hard to keep coming up with new ideas and solutions.  All of the team work incredibly hard and passionately on this, and I’m delighted to see them get the recognition they deserve.

We will again be focused on this for the 2020 Venice Open edition, and with great attention to all health regulations, which we will apply with rigour to guarantee safety and health for all the families involved.”

The initiative was led by the voluntary leadership of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation and Golf della Montecchia, with strong support from the other two host venues – Golf Club Frassanelle and Galzignano Terme Spa & Golf Resort. The event is also backed by the Confederation of Professional Golf.

Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director, GEO Foundation added: “Our congratulations again to everyone involved at the Venice Open. It would be easy to become complacent, and there is every reason to turn attention to other pressing human health issues – but the organisers have continued to ask questions and explore how they can do things better – and given the underlying significance of some of the issues they are addressing, this is hugely commendable.”

Venues:

• Golf della Montecchia GEO Certified® for 7 years and winner of IAGTO Sustainability Award
• Golf Club Frassanelle and Galzignano Terme are in OnCourse® sustainability program and working towards GEO Certified®
• All courses are pioneering organic management of new, warm-season grasses; and studying sustainable turf, biodiversity and water conservation, and reduced carbon footprint in partnership with NGOs and universities.

Event:

• Players, caddies and families completed an environmental questionnaire and environmental information family orientation packs
• Sustainable bamboo golf tees from Ocean Tee were supplied to player
• Sustainability themed signage across all venues and hotels
• Hotels and restaurants committed to the tournament’s sustainability policy
• Recovery of all recyclable materials and water refill stations
• Forty bicycles were provided to families by the JSH Group hotels
• Local sourcing with wine, meat, dairy and most of the vegetables from local farmlands (supplier Nautilus Fish and Wine has very comprehensive sustainability policy, more on their website)
• Local schools helped organise and stage the tournament, cooperation with local museums to promote the area’s history and culture, and fundraising for local charity, ‘Team for Children’.

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PGA Professionals at Golf Club Prise d’Eau, on the outskirts of Tilburg, can regularly be found sporting hoodies, jeans and even coaching barefoot.

Emilio Dellanzo, who heads up the coaching team, says it’s all about replicating an environment, much like a bowling alley, where young people feel more at ease.

“As coaches, it’s our responsibility to make customers feel relaxed.

“If that involves dressing in a more relaxed way, then I think we should do that.”

Where did Dellanzo get his inspiration for the club’s innovative new approach? Weekend fitness classes.

“I regularly attend physical bootcamps. Not because I want to learn how to do a push up, but because there’s a group of friends I like doing it with.

“There is a coach there. But their role is really just to create an environment where we can do it and enjoy it together as a group. That’s why I go back every weekend and that’s what I’m trying to create here.”

The recent roll out of new social coaching programs at Golf Club Prise d’Eau, including love.golf, are showing promising signs.

“We’ve recruited 70 new players to our beginner classes since June alone, and are on track to far exceed our numbers from last year,” added Dellanzo.

And the increased interest from young beginners has inspired the club to go even further.

They have just installed a new bar on its driving range serving up beer and bitterballs (Dutch fried finger food) and are about to transform an old lesson room into an academy lounge, complete with industrial walls decorated by local graffiti artists.

For more information on love.golf, visit www.love.golf or email alastair@love.golf.

Follow Golf Club Prise d’Eau here

1. Why? Why are we doing this?
2. What? What is golf’s promise?
3. Who? Who are we?

Now available to purchase from authorised retailers worldwide, the MCC Teams collection boasts 15 unique colour combinations to choose from, allowing golfers to represent their favourite sports team every time they take to the course.

The MCC is the #1 Grip Series Worldwide™ and has been used by both amateurs and professionals to win over 250 times on Tour. The patented multi-compound design fuses the positive performance of rubber and cord for the ultimate in feel and responsiveness while providing an opportunity for golfers to demonstrate their passion for their sports team through unique styling.

“The MCC Teams grips are an extremely exciting collection that will enable sports fans across the globe to show their support and passion for their team every time they grip the golf club”, said Bruce Miller, Product Manager, Golf Pride.

“Available now, this latest addition to the MCC family maintains the same high-level performance and quality that the multi-compound design has consistently delivered to win over 20 major championships.”

The MCC Teams grips are available in both standard size and midsize and feature a price of £12 and £13 or €14.50 and €16.00 respectively. MCC Teams are now available at retail in standard size and midsize in July 2020.

With many golf shops back open following the outbreak of Covid-19, golfers can now speak to their local professional or authorised Golf Pride retailer about their favourite colour combination today. Golf Pride are also giving golfers the opportunity to help select the next MCC Teams colours by heading to www.GolfPride.com/mcc-teams.

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A group of five leading PGA Professionals are the latest to join the love.golf team, delivering group coaching experiences that takes customers straight onto the course from day one and focuses on learning through play.

The new team members are Suzanne Dickens (Thorpe Wood GC), Neil Murray (Cruden Bay GC), Gregor Monks (Dullatur GC), Molly Moore (Reigate Hill GC) and Netherlands-based Emilio Dellanzo (Golf Club Prise d’Eau).

Supported by Syngenta, love.golf is informed by proven academic and market research and designed to bring together like-minded women for shared experiences out on the golf course, hosted by a lively group of coaches spanning six countries.

Suzanne Dickens, a former Ladies European Tour player, said: “Since golf has returned, we are seeing new faces come to the club and old faces return. People want to be outdoors and this has to represent an opportunity for us.

“I have built up an academy of over 40 female golfers, and want to go even further with the introduction of love.golf.

Suzanne added: “As PGA Professionals we have a massive responsibility to introduce more women into the game.”

While some restrictions on group coaching and enclosed spaces still exist, Founder and Head Coach of love.golf, Alastair Spink, believes the program offers an ‘off the shelf’ solution coaches may be looking for: “Our new coaches have clearly understood where the opportunities as golf responds and adapts to the ‘new normal’.

“Global research shows there is a $35 billion global economic opportunity* to be realised in increased female participation. And love.golf is fortunate to offer a ready-made solution and resources to help coaches kick-start group coaching in a safe, purposeful way.”

For more information on love.golf, visit www.love.golf or email alastair@love.golf.

The brand refresh includes a short film created in-house, capturing the passion and potential of the LET players, celebrating their hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Narrated by Solheim Cup star Suzann Pettersen and with a script written by multiple LET champion Meghan MacLaren, it focuses on the hard work and determination it takes to achieve goals, inspiring women and girls to pursue their passion and realise their potential through the game of golf.

Talented writer Meghan MacLaren, who wrote the script, said: “I loved working on this project and it was great to play an active role in the new direction of our Tour. This is an exciting time for the LET and for women’s golf and to see the growth potential as we look ahead to the future for the next is very fulfilling. I’ve always worked hard to raise my game and I’m proud to be a Member of a Tour which gives us the opportunity to raise our game further.”

Meghan’s script focuses on the fierce commitment required to compete at the highest level and highlights the importance of the friends, family and wider community of tournament promoters, sponsors and media who together lay the path to drive women’s golf forward:

It starts with something we can’t define. 

It’s a dream, but we’re too young to know what it is, where it might take us.

Our family, coaches, friends… they know. On cold winter mornings and warm summer nights, they help us shape it into something we believe in.

Sometimes we lose it. Sometimes we stop believing. Sometimes we wonder if it’s all really worth it… but we don’t stop.

Because in every new city that embraces us and every new partner who invests in us, on every Monday that promises and every Thursday that threatens to take away – we have a chance to find it again. A chance to believe again. A chance to make each moment our own.

But it’s yours too, because you’re there by our side, guiding the way. You helped create it.

So it’s time to believe, in all of our dreams.

Together, let’s raise our game.

Suzann Pettersen, one of the most iconic European golfers of all time, who holed the winning putt at the 2019 Solheim Cup, said: “I wouldn’t be where I am without the LET and I’m excited about the next chapter of the Tour’s history as it looks to provide even more opportunities for women and girls in the game. I’m thrilled to narrate this inspirational video, re-branding the new LET. The future is bright for the LET and its Members.”

LET Chief Executive Alexandra Armas said: “This brand refresh expresses our excitement about the LET and its future, how passionate and proud we all are to represent this strong new brand and that we are in this journey together with our partners, determined to create greater opportunities for the women who play golf today and for the ones that will follow in the future.

“It has been an unprecedented and eventful start to the new decade. In January, we announced a record-breaking schedule and we were extremely excited about the 2020 season. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has been a challenging time for us of late, but we are now focused on the long term.

“This is not only the time to preserve tournaments in 2020 but to build the future that we’re so excited about moving forward for women’s golf. 2020 is a building block to a bigger and better 2021, 2022 and beyond. Together, let’s do all we can to raise our game.”

“I feel privileged to lead our association during this time,” said Alderdice. “It’s been a great experience representing our members at the national level over the last six years. Finishing it off with two years as president is an absolute honour.”

A Class “A” professional since 2007, Alderdice boasts an impressive resume, holding positions at Acushnet, Devil’s Pulpit Golf Association and Muskoka Bay prior to joining Port Carling Golf & Country Club in 2019 as general manager.

He is a graduate of the Professional Golf Management program at Georgian College and was inducted into the Ontario College Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

Alderdice succeeds Mark Patterson, and will serve as president of the association until spring 2022.

“Working with the board and national staff to ensure our members continue to have resources, support, guidance and pride in our brand will be our ongoing focus,” said Alderdice.

“I want to thank Mr. Patterson for his leadership and contributions not only as president but over his decade-long tenure on the national board. He always led with a compassionate, member-forward approach, and I intend to do the same.”

Ottawa’s Gord Percy replaces Alderdice as vice-president, with Scott Kolb elected as secretary.

Jeff Chambers (Saskatchewan) and Gordon Smith (Atlantic) were also made national directors at the Annual General Meeting, joining Tiffany-Ann Gordon (Alberta); Adam Boge (Manitoba); Travis Spiess (Northern Ontario); and Rémi Bouchard (Quebec).

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