The 2017 Annual Congress and International Team Championship takes place at Costa Navarino in Greece from 22-25 November 2017.
The Annual Congress is the Association’s yearly opportunity to bring together representatives from its 35 Member Country PGAs and takes place simultaneously with the International Team Championship.
Delegates join Confederation of Professional Golf representatives all under one roof, meeting with each other to discuss and share ideas, progress and various ways to advance their organisations and golf in general.
Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino is the prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese.
One of the most unspoiled and breath-taking seaside Mediterranean landscapes, this area has been shaped by 4,500 years of history. Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote Messinia, while protecting and preserving its natural beauty and heritage.
It will comprise a number of distinct sites featuring 5-star deluxe hotels, luxury residences, conference facilities, spa and thalassotherapy centres, signature golf courses, as well as a wide range of unique year-round activities for adults and children. Navarino Dunes, the first area, is home to two luxury 5-star hotels.
The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino; The Dunes Course – the first signature golf course in Greece- Anazoe Spa, a 4,000sqm. spa & thalassotherapy centre; the state-of-the-art conference centre House of Events; specially designed facilities for children; as well as a variety of gastronomy venues, sports, outdoor and cultural activities. Navarino Bay, the second area is home to the signature golf course, The Bay Course.
Address
Costa Navarino
24001 Messina
Greece
Map
Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino is the prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese.
One of the most unspoiled and breath-taking seaside Mediterranean landscapes, this area has been shaped by 4,500 years of history. Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote Messinia, while protecting and preserving its natural beauty and heritage.
It will comprise a number of distinct sites featuring 5-star deluxe hotels, luxury residences, conference facilities, spa and thalassotherapy centres, signature golf courses, as well as a wide range of unique year-round activities for adults and children. Navarino Dunes, the first area, is home to two luxury 5-star hotels.
The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino; The Dunes Course – the first signature golf course in Greece- Anazoe Spa, a 4,000sqm. spa & thalassotherapy centre; the state-of-the-art conference centre House of Events; specially designed facilities for children; as well as a variety of gastronomy venues, sports, outdoor and cultural activities. Navarino Bay, the second area is home to the signature golf course, The Bay Course.
Ryder Cup European Development Trust
The Ryder Cup European Development Trust was set up in order to support golf at grass roots level throughout Europe. The idea of the Trust is to get more people starting to play golf, continuing to play and ultimately succeeding in the game.
Samuel Ryder started the Ryder Cup in 1927, and after some 65 years of the competition being under the ownership of The PGA, it was then run as a 50/50 joint venture with The European Tour.
In 2004 a new Ryder Cup agreement was drawn up, to involve The Confederation of Professional Golf through a charitable trust, changing the split to 60/20/20, with the European Tour becoming the managing partner. At the same time the Ryder Cup European Development Trust was created, in order to allow Ryder Cup to put even more back into grass roots golf across the continent. The PGA remained significantly involved as the founding partner.
The Ryder Cup European Development Trust is a registered charity under the control of The Confederation of Professional Golf, with objectives to further develop golf across Europe. The Trust manages its share of profits from the Ryder Cup in a tax-efficient method to give the Trust the opportunity to maximise funds to contribute to golf projects across Europe.
Rolex
Rolex support the Confederation of Professional Golf Annual Gala Awards.
The history of Rolex and Swiss watchmaking are inextricably linked. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, and has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history.
Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet.
Switzerland is the crucible where Rolex watches are brought to life thanks to the know-how and commitment of more than 6,000 employees at the brand’s four sites, all at the cutting edge of watchmaking technology.
BMW
BMW provide the transfer services for Delegates and ITC Competitors during the Congress week.
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
Aegean Airlines
Aegean Airlines is the Official Airline of the 2017 Annual Congress and International Team Championship.
A member of Star Alliance, Aegean Airlines is Greece’s largest airline providing at its inception in 1999 until today, full service, premium quality short and medium haul services.
The company´s 2017 timetable includes a network of 145 destinations, 112 international in 40 countries and 33 domestic, with 15.400.000 available seats.
In 2016, they were named "Best Regional Airline in Europe" at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in a survey conducted among over 19,2 million passengers.
Aegean Airlines has been strongly committed to supporting the development of Golf in Greece and has been successfully organizing, since 2006, the international golf tournament “Aegean Airlines Pro-Am”, which has established itself as one of the most important golf events both in Greece and abroad.
Supporting Partner - The Botanist
The Botanist Gin is a progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of our Isle of Islay. 22 hand-foraged local botanicals delicately augment nine berries, barks, seeds and peels during an achingly slow distillation. This first and only Islay Dry Gin is a rare expression of the heart and soul of our remote Scottish island home.
For this, “The Botanist”, small-batch, artisanal Islay gin we use nine of the classic gin aromatics – orris root, cassia bark, coriander seed, etc – and augment these with a heady harvest of 22 local botanicals, hand-picked by our expert foraging team from the windswept hills, peat bogs and Atlantic shores of this Hebridean island of Islay.
This truly seasonal and exotic SERVE is then slow “simmer” distilled in our unique and cherished Lomond pot-still, affectionately known by our former head distiller Jim McEwan as “Ugly Betty”.
Betty prefers to work at low-pressure and won’t be rushed. So our precious botanicals are slowly and gently coaxed into releasing their complex, signature aromatics.
From that first, achingly-slow 17 hour distillation. The result: a highly distinctive, complex, floral gin with outstanding finish and impeccable provenance. In an age of re-badged industrial gins, the Botanist stands out as a truly artisanal, small-batch, hand-crafted labour of love and distiller’s art. A breath of botanical Islay in every glass.
For further information contact: info@karoulias.gr or visit www.edrinks.gr.
Supporting Partner - The Blue Beetle
THE BLUE BEETLE is a totally unconventional London Dry Gin. Its name is inspired by the rare "blue beetle", considered to be the king of beetles. We may know little about the blue beetle, but what characterises it as unique is that when it mates it changes its color to a bright red.
Rarely, one can follow this process, but surely it is worth looking forward to this unique spectacle of nature. In a similar way - the unconventional THE BLUE BEETLE Gin changes when it's skillfully mixed by creating a unique cocktail.
THE BLUE BEETLE is an elegant and sophisticated gin based on a special recipe of 18 + 1 (which remains secret) carefully selected herbs and herbal products, bottled in small batches of 6,000.
For further information contact: info@karoulias.gr or visit www.edrinks.gr.
Supporting Partner - Bulldog London Dry Gin
Whether a twist on the classic G&T, BULLDOG gin adds a smooth, citrus flavour to the gin serves we all love.
Forget the lingering taste of pine forests from juniper heavy gins, BULLDOG is different and ready to be mixed. The London Dry gin is individual in its layering of 12 botanicals to create a smooth, well balanced gin that mixes with everything.
Multi-award winning BULLDOG gin uses locally sourced, top quality British wheat and water to produce triple distilled neutral grain spirit as its base. Then, it is distilled once more, adding in the distinctive botanicals to the mix to deliver a smooth, balanced spirit.
The perfect layering and combination of botanicals means it can be enjoyed on the rocks and comes into its own when mixed.
LIVE DEFIANTLY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
For further information contact: info@karoulias.gr or visit www.edrinks.gr.
Supporting Partner - G'Vine
The French gin brand G’Vine continues to win new fans and is now one of the world’s top four best-selling super premium gins (source: IWSR 2016), just ten years after it was launched in 2006. Founded by Maison Villevert, G’Vine was one the forerunners in the rise of premium gins during the 2000s, and received awards at numerous international competitions.
Distilled from grapes, infused with vine flower, brimming with style
G’Vine is created in France from grapes, combined with ten botanicals that are carefully selected and distilled, including juniper, cardamom, ginger and vine flowers, G’Vine’s signature botanical and most precious ingredient. This delicate flower blooms for just a few days in the month of June before it transforms into grapes. Carefully handpicked while it is still in bloom, to preserve its exhilarating aromas, it is then carefully distilled in a Florentine still, traditionally used by master perfumers, giving G’Vine its fresh and floral notes.
In the final stage of the process, vine flowers and aromatic plants are blended for the final distillation in a copper still that has been designed especially for G’Vine. It is from this complex alchemy that G’Vine is born.
G’Vine’s incomparable freshness and roundness is expressed in a G’Vine & Tonic, providing an incredibly sensory experience.
For further information contact: info@karoulias.gr or visit www.edrinks.gr.
Supporting Partner - Marendry Apperitivo
MARENDRY returns to renew the combination of liquor and Amarena: FABBRI has once again drawn to its wealth of experience and knowledge to propose a "recipe" unique and unmistakable, making it current and contemporary, as if he had never stopped producing it.
In fact it is an important evolution of what ceased to produce in the 70 which maintains the most distinctive features. Starting from the name so evocative and appealing, but at the same time "family" and pleasant, and then label that refers to the structure and size of the time, while the bottle is simple and straightforward to meet the new requirements of bartending. Always present instead AMARENA FABBRI permeating with its aroma and its color, the product now as then.
For further information contact: info@karoulias.gr or visit www.edrinks.gr.
Supporting Partner - Fever-Tree Premium Natural Mixers
Charles Rolls & Tim Warrillow, high quality product enthusiasts, wanted to create a new class of mixers with natural raw materials and essential ingredients of quinine and source water.
In 2005, after many experiments and tests, the first tonic, the Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water, was launched.
The London-based Fever Tree is now a world leader in 14 flavors, giving a new perspective to premium mixers.
For further information contact: info@karoulias.gr or visit www.edrinks.gr.
Alastair Spink
- Love.golf
- Head Coach, Confederation of Professional Golf Golf Developer
- www.love.golf
- alastair@love.golf
- @thegolfcoach
Alastair has 25+ years of experience within the golf industry fulfilling a variety of roles including General Manager, Director of Golf, Head Professional and freelance coach.
In 2011, Alastair created a female participation programme (love.golf) that has now grown into a nationally acclaimed project attracting the support of leading global agricultural company, Syngenta.
love.golf is based upon Alastair’s studies at the University of Birmingham and the customer insight from recent research commissioned by Syngenta. Alastair supports a team of like-minded and forward-thinking coaches, creating opportunities to build and grow a community of new and existing female golfers.
In 2014, Alastair completed a Post Graduate degree in Sports Coaching and more recently a Masters degree with a focus upon gender and the sport v social challenges experienced by many women. The study utilised a theoretical framework to analyse a group of young women as they reflected back upon their experiences as junior members of their golf clubs in the UK.
Alastair has presented his ideas and thoughts at a number of national and regional coaching events.
Anders Thelberg
- PGA of Norway & Norwegian Golf Federation
- Head of Training
- anders.thelberg@golfforbundet.no
Anders Thelberg is 42 years old and was born and raised in Sweden but moved to Norway in 1997. Anders has during his years in Norway been working on all levels of Norwegian golf as a PGA Professional and is today working as the Head of Training for both PGA of Norway and the Norwegian Golf Federation.
For the last 6-7 years, Anders has been the project manager for the new PGA-education that unifies the PGA of Norway, the Federation, the Confederation of Sports and the academic system.
Anders will in an honest way share his experience from the past 6-7 years of the project with all the ups and downs that naturally follow as an individual, a team or organization decides to walk up a new path.
Bill Owens
- Golf Educatif
- Independent Golf Professional
- https://www.facebook.com/billowenspga
- billowenspga@gmail.com
- @PgaOwens
“Born in Liverpool in 1958, our family moved to Wales when I was 7 years old and after numerous broken bones playing rugby, my mother bought me a few golf clubs and a pencil bag for £5 in a car boot sale when I was 14 and suggested I give golf a go instead.
“My P.E. teacher was from Swansea and he introduced me to Deryl Rees p.g.a. in Morriston where, in 1976, I became his assistant.
“Qualifying at The Belfry in 1979, I moved to London to join Shoreham Valley G.C. near Sevenoaks and become their club professional.
“After a few years working as a broker in the city of London, an inner-ear problem and spell in hospital fortunately got me out and applying for a six month post in France in 1991 for a Dutch company that organised weekly golf clinics, I got the job and have been in France since..
“I discovered my teaching method, “Le geste naturel”/”Triangulaid”, that same year and have , since then, been on the road to share my discovery and the philosophy that surrounds it, with as many people as possible.”
Dan Killen
- GSA Golfsports
- http://www.gsagolfsports.com
- @dkillen11
“Firstly it is a pleasure to be presenting along side such colleagues within the industry that have all had such a positive impact on developing the game we all love. I am lucky enough to say that I would not be where I am in my life without being introduced to golf; this is one of the main driving forces for me within my role in developing the game.
“My father introduced me to golf at the age of 10, something looking back now I wish had happened earlier. Golf has always been my main passion in life from an early age. SNAG was introduced to me 6 years ago, after using the product and helping to introduce children and beginners to the game, I developed an interest in golf development.
“Following the success of this I was approached by then company responsible for SNAG to work with the product on a day-to-day basis, an opportunity I could not refuse. Although not involved in the direct delivery on a daily basis I was introduced into the broader spectrum of developing the game globally.
“After nearly 4 years I was presented with the opportunity to work at the award winning Quinta Do Lago resort in Portugal. Giving me an opportunity to experience an alternative side of the golf industry, something I thought would be a great experience, personally, professionally and the prospect of sun all year round was hard to turn down. After some time in Portugal I was offered the chance to rekindle my love of SNAG, with my current company GSA Golfsports in Germany. Even in the short time away from SNAG it is exciting to see how the concept has developed and the exciting opportunities ahead.”
GSA Golfsports Bio
GSA Golfsports was created to help develop and produce customized golf concepts and offer a personal consulting service for sports associations, school associations, private companies and charitable organizations.
It was always the vision of Christian Piott member of the PGA of Germany and Managing Director of GSA to offer contemporary solutions for everyone one whether young, old, experienced golfer or non-golfer and to adapt to the needs of today’s market. “We need modern concepts to get more people to play golf, today’s generation want to spend their leisure time with their friends and family”.
GSA Golfsports has been the holder of the general licenses for SNAG within Germany since 2010 and then expanding on to Central Europe. Following their expansion in April 2015 they acquired the SNAG general licenses for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. Since acquiring this license they have developed the offering of SNAG from the concepts behind it, to the complete teaching program. They have implemented several new ideas on the international development of golf.
Jim van Heuven van Staereling
- PGA of Holland
- Director of Education, Confederation of Professional Golf Golf Developer
- http://www.pgaholland.nl
After Jim van Heuven van Staereling finished his study physical education in 1986 he did his training for PGA professional. He became fully qualified as B class professional in 1990 and A class professional in 1992.
From 1991 until 2008 he ran a golf school and shop. During this time he became in 1997 board member of the PGA Holland responsible for education and in 1999 he became member of the Education Committee of the Confederation of Professional Golf. In 2011 he became director of education of the PGA Holland and re-structured the whole training program in line with the coaching levels of the National Olympic Committee and the PGA’s of Europe. Besides his responsibility for running the training he is also responsible for further education.
From 2000 he worked as a consultant, tutor and coach for the Dutch Golf federation specialised in junior golf. He developed courses for volunteer leaders, developed and advised in junior coaching plans and courses for PE teachers.
As one of the specialists of the missionary team, sent out in the name of The Royal and Ancient Golfclub of st Andrews, he went to Libya, Trinidad Tobago and Malaysia to help the countries with junior coaching and education of coaches and PE teachers.
In 2014 he became the chairman of the national platform for disabled golfers. The platform is coordinating golf for people with a disability, both physical and mental.
Johan Hampf
- PGA of Sweden
- Director of Education, Confederation of Professional Golf Golf Developer
- http://www.pgasweden.com
- jh@pgasweden.com
Johan is a PGA of Sweden Member Professional and today works as the Director of Education at the PGA of Sweden.
Johan holds a DIHM degree in Finance and business development from the IHM Business School. He has over 32 years experience of golf coaching and communication.
He was the Head Professional at Särö GC where retail, coaching, events, and golf course design where part of the every day work. Parallel to the Head Professional position, he was in charge of a golf academy at a training facility with six assistants. Before leaving Särö GC, Johan designed a nine-hole par-3 course that is considered to be one of the best short courses in Europe.
He is a member of the Confederation of Professional Golf Education Committee and also a member of Confederation of Professional Golf Golf Development Team conducting missions to Israel, Chile, Argentina, and Panama, and over four consecutive years to Costa Rica with a fifth visit planned.
Johan is also a member of the Editorial Board of the Annual Review of Golf Coaching.
Dr. Kyle Phillpots
- PGA of Great Britain & Ireland
- Executive Director – Education and Global Development
- www.pga.info
Dr. Kyle Phillpots is Executive Director – Education and Global Development for The Professional Golfers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland and is based at The Belfry, Birmingham, England. He trained at Carnegie College, Leeds, and has taught at secondary, further and higher levels of education. Kyle joined the staff of the PGA in 1999 shortly before completing his Ph.D. in sport and politics at the University of Warwick, UK.
The PGA Training Academy, of which Kyle is Director, is widely recognised as providing the best education programme in the business of golf in the world. The Academy educates over three hundred students who enrol on a three year Foundation Degree initial education programme. This qualification enables graduates to pursue employment worldwide as Golf Teaching Professionals. The European Union (EU) White Paper on Sport (2008) highlighted this PGA qualification as a model of best practice in the development of coaches and in 2011 KPMG identified the British PGA Education as the best in the world.
Kyle has also been instrumental in the creation of the PGA’s Continuing Professional Development programme through which qualified PGA members are required to undertake further education. This programme is delivered through an extensive range of annual seminars and workshops. Kyle has also overseen the development of the Advanced Diploma and Director of Golf qualifications.
Kyle has represented golf in the creation of the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC). Golf has been at the forefront of these developments and The PGA Training Academy currently delivers four levels of golf coach education in the UK and Ireland, Turkey, Spain and Gambia.
Kyle is a member of the Education Committee of the Confederation of Professional Golf and is responsible for Advanced Education programmes across Europe. He is the elected Chair of the Education Committee for the ‘World PGA Alliance’, which is responsible for the development of educational standards for 60,000 PGA Professionals worldwide. The International Council For Coaching Excellence has set up a Working Party to develop global standards for coaching and coach education and Kyle is the representative for golf. He has been a member of the boards of Clubgolf Scotland and Golf Development Wales and also represents the PGA on the R&A Forum. Kyle’s main research interests are in the science of coaching and the professionalisation of sport. He is also on the Editorial board of the Annual Review of Golf Coaching.
Mark Brooks
- Thomas International
- Senior Learning and Development Specialist
- http://www.thomasinternational.net
- @markacbrooks
Mark is the Senior Learning Development at Thomas International whose style combines humour, story-telling, facilitation, active engagement and many learning styles to help clients bring their learning experience to life.
Mark trains and produces content across the full suite of Thomas International’s practitioner courses and interactive workshops, whilst also providing a full learning cycle consultancy to Thomas International’s clients and partners to ensure training programmes have the optimal impact.
Mark Joined Thomas in 2013 and had spent the previous 6 years working in adult education as a teacher. Mark works with clients from all sizes and across a wide array of industrial contexts, including a great deal of sport and educational establishments.
Martin Crowder
- Golf Foundation
- Development Manager
- http://www.golf-foundation.org
- Development@golf-foundation.org
- @GolfRootsHQ
Martin Crowder has been the Golf Foundation Development Manager since 2015 after almost 9 years as a Regional Development Officer, covering 3 different areas during this time. Martin, a BSc (Hons) in Sports Development and Coaching from Sheffield Hallam University, joined the Golf Foundation in 2006 following 3 years in Sports Development units at a Local Authority and a County Sports Partnership, and is currently overseeing the Foundations most successful period of impact through their development programme HSBC Golf Roots.
Martin will showcase the Golf Foundation’s plans that inspire youngsters to emulate their European Tour heroes by providing a review of the ‘GolfSixes Academy’ events involving 32 golf clubs around England over the summer, employing the European Tour’s GolfSixes branding.
Ralf Pütter
- Bochumer Golf Club e.V.
- Head Professional
- http://www.golfschule-Bochhum.de
- puetter@pga.de
Ralf started his PGA of Germany education in 1986 and successfully completed it in 1993, along with his German Greenkeeper Education in 1994.
Since then he has worked as a Golf Professional in different golf clubs around Germany.
In 2004 he opened his own golf school at the Bochumer Golf Club and is also an unsalaried Board Member of PGA of Germany.
In 2014 he started his Master of Science University study at the German Sport University in Cologne.
TUESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
14:00 - 17:00 | Delegate Registration @ House of Events Reception |
WEDNESDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
09:00 - 14:00 | Delegate Registrations @ House of Events Reception |
14:00 - 17:00 | Membership Meeting @ Astronomy, House of Events Progressing last year’s discussions and further examining areas of PGA business and the role of the PGA Professional. |
19:00 - | Welcome Reception: ‘The Perfect Gin & Tonic’ @ House of Events Reception Supported By Costa Navarino and The Botanist, The Blue Beetle, Bulldog, and G’Vine gins, and Fever-Tree Premium Natural Mixers. |
THURSDAY 23RD NOVEMBER
08:30 - 09:00 | Confederation of Professional Golf – ‘Leaders in the Provision of Golf Development Expertise’ Ian Randell & Tony Bennett (Confederation of Professional Golf) |
09:00 - 09:30 | National Collaboration & International Guidance Anders Thelberg (PGA of Norway) |
09:30 - 10:00 | GoGolf Europe Tony Bennett (Confederation of Professional Golf) |
10:00 - 10:30 | Coffee Break |
10:30 - 12:30 | WORKSHOPS: 2 x Sessions (Groups Rotate) Developing Women’s Golf Pros and Cons of Volunteer Coaching |
12:30 - 13:15 | Lunch @ Da Luigi |
13:20 - | Transfer to The Bay Course |
14:00 - 16:30 | President’s Challenge Golf - Round 01 9-Holes @ The Bay Course (Shotgun Start) |
18:00 - 19:00 | Jamie Gough Q&A @ House of Events Open to Delegates & ITC Competitors |
FRIDAY 24TH NOVEMBER
08:30 - 09:00 | Costa Navarino Wellness Activity @ House of Events |
09:00 - 10:30 | Interleague & Golf Sixes Academy Dan Killen (GSA Golfsports), Martin Crowder (Golf Foundation) & Aston Ward (Confederation of Professional Golf) |
10:30 - 10:45 | Smoothie Break |
10:45 - 12:45 | Thomas International – Developing Personal & Business Performance Mark Brooks (Thomas International) |
12:45 - 13:15 | Lunch @ Da Luigi |
13:20 - | Transfer to The Bay Course |
14:00 - 16:30 | President’s Challenge Golf - Round 02 9-Holes @ The Bay Course (Shotgun Start) |
16:30 - 18:00 | Prize Giving and Sponsor Networking @ Flame, The Dunes Course Clubhouse |
SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY
08:30 - 09:00 | Annual General Meeting (AGM) |
09:00 - 09:40 | Panel – ‘Achieving EELS Recognition’ PGA of Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Hungary, & Switzerland with Tony Bennett (Confederation of Professional Golf) |
09:40 - 10:00 | Confederation of Professional Golf Travel Club Ian Randell & Aston Ward (Confederation of Professional Golf) and Mike Bryant & James Bryan (Golf Escapes) |
10:00 - 10:30 | Confederation of Professional Golf Partner Introductions |
10:30 - 11:00 | Coffee Break |
11:00 - 11:20 | The Power of Golf Educatif Bill Owens |
11:20 - 11:40 | “Master of Science Research and Instruction in Golf” Ralf Pütter (PGA of Germany) |
11:40 - 12:00 | What Can We Learn From Golf Development in Costa Rica? Johan Hampf (PGA of Sweden) |
12:00 - 13:00 | WORKSHOPS - Developing the PGA to Influence the National Market Johan Hampf (PGA of Sweden) & Filippo Barbe (PGA of Italy) and Jim van Heuven van Staereling |
13:00 - 13:15 | Annual Congress Conclusions |
13:30 - | Lunch @ Flame, The Dunes Course Clubhouse |
13:45 onwards - | ITC Final Round @ The Dunes Course |
19:00 onwards - | Annual Gala Awards Dinner Supported by Rolex @ House of Events Featuring the Italian Apperitivo Drinks Reception with Marendy by Fabbri |
2017 Annual Congress Awards Supported by Rolex
As is tradition, the Confederation of Professional Golf Annual Congress culminated with the presentation of the Association’s most prestigious accolades at the Gala Dinner Annual Awards supported by Rolex that look to recognise the outstanding efforts of individuals and organisations from across the continent.
President’s Award For Golf Development (Project) – Golf Educatif
President’s Award For Golf Development (Individual) – Liam Duggan
5-Star Professional Award – Scott Evans
John Jacobs Award for Teaching & Coaching – Jamie Gough
Christer Lindberg Bowl – Donato Di Ponziano
Special Recognition Award – Samuel Ryder
President’s Award for Golf Development (Project) – Golf Educatif
‘Golf Éducatif’ has been awarded the 2017 President’s Award for Golf Development (Project) by the Confederation of Professional Golf in recognition of the project’s work that has used golf as an educational tool that promotes the values associated with the game to French schoolchildren and adults regardless of their socio-economic background, or physical and mental capabilities.
“I can’t wait to take this into all the golf courses we have built and I know the pupils are going to be so proud,” said Project Creator, Bill Owens (PGA of GB&I). “This could really help us to build more Golf Éducatif courses all over France. A lot of people said we couldn’t do this but I love that kind of challenge – this is a real rocket that will let an awful lot of people know what we’re going to do with golf and what Golf Éducatif is.”
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President’s Award for Golf Development (Individual) – Liam Duggan
PGA in Ireland Advanced Professional, Liam Duggan, has been posthumously awarded the President’s Award for Golf Development (Individual) in recognition of his tireless efforts and huge successes in developing golf in schools and promoting inclusivity in Ireland.
Over a period of six years, Liam created an extensive system for golf coaching in schools across Ireland. This allowed thousands of children to access golf that otherwise would not be able to, engaging in a number of projects that created playing opportunities for people of all ages and physical and mental capabilities, all whilst providing employment for many PGA Professionals.
In early 2017, Liam was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition and after a short period of treatment, passed away suddenly at the University Hospital Kerry aged just 37, leaving behind his much loved wife and two children.
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5-Star Professional Award – Scott Evans
Managing Director and Co-Owner of the Centurion Club, Scott Evans (PGA of GB&I), has been awarded the 2017 5-Star Professional Award by the Confederation of Professional Golf, in recognition of his outstanding work in various areas of golf.
Evans’ vast experience of working in some of the world’s best golf facilities, including creating the hugely successful Centurion Club, make him a worthy winner of the award that acknowledges those who show the highest standards and achievements in the areas of expertise and activity they have been involved with.
“I am very honoured to receive this award – to be accepted and recognised by your peers and colleagues is everything you work towards,” said Evans. “Receiving the award means so much to my family and I – there’s a lot of people to thank from throughout my career, young and old, past and present, who have been a huge help and support – I really accept this on their behalf as much as my own. It’s a tough business we’re in and I just wanted to be tougher than the rest…it comes from Scottish grit, determination and doing the best job that I can.”
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John Jacobs Award for Teaching & Coaching – Jamie Gough
PGA of South Africa Professional, Jamie Gough, has received the 2017 John Jacobs Award for Teaching & Coaching in recognition of his outstanding work across 34 years as a PGA Member and coach, particularly with top-level players on the European Tour; 17 of which are tournament winners.
“It’s a great honour to receive an award like this in the name of John Jacobs,” said Gough.
“Any time you receive an award from your peers and an award for your teaching is brilliant. PGAs are great institutions – you can go anywhere in the world with your PGA credentials and everybody receives you with open arms, and I’m proud to be involved with it.”
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Christer Lindberg Bowl – Donato Di Ponziano
Leading PGA of Italy Member Professional, Donato Di Ponziano, has been awarded the 2017 Christer Lindberg Bowl at the 2017 Annual Congress Gala Awards, in recognition of his impact on, and services to, European golf.
The Christer Lindberg Bowl is named after the Confederation of Professional Golf’s first Chairman, reflecting the importance and influence of its winners. Di Ponziano’s worthy naming as this year’s recipient acknowledges the role he has played within golf, from grass roots level all the way to top-level elite performers.
“It is a big privilege and I know what it means because it comes from Christer Lindberg who was a very special man,” said Di Ponziano after receiving the award. “I don’t know if I deserve it, but what I know for sure is that I have a lot of colleagues in Europe that helped me a lot…so I am very proud of it.”
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Special Recognition Award – Samuel Ryder
The driving force behind the Ryder Cup and donator of the event’s trophy, Samuel Ryder, has been posthumously given the 2017 Confederation of Professional Golf Special Recognition Award.
After having only taken up golf at the age of 49, Ryder etched his name in the history books after donating the gold trophy to the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland when the first official match took place in 1927; the same trophy that is still used today.
Ryder’s foresight in helping to create the matches has resulted in an enduring legacy that has impacted on golf around the world and specifically on the Confederation of Professional Golf as a partner in Ryder Cup Europe through the vehicle of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, which has enabled significant investment back into developing the game across the continent.
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The 2017 International Team Championship (ITC) tournament runs alongside the Congress in which teams from across the Confederation of Professional Golf’s Member Countries battle it out over 72 holes on The Dunes Course at Costa Navarino, with the best two individual scores each day from the team of three counting towards the overall team score.