The Confederation of Professional Golf’s new Headquarters at The Belfry, Hunters Lodge, has been officially opened with the second in a series of events that mark 25 years since the Association’s formation.
As the Association celebrates a quarter of a century at the forefront of the Professional game in Europe, the brand new offices were opened by Confederation of Professional Golf Honorary President, Pierre Bechmann, and Chairman, Sandy Jones, in front of key individuals from across the Association’s history, current Board Directors and members of the Education Committee, along with friends from various other pan-European golfing bodies.
Confederation of Professional Golf Chairman, Sandy Jones, has been an instrumental figure in the Confederation of Professional Golf across its history and marked the occasion as a very proud moment: “I think the opening of the office after 25 years reflects how much progress we’ve made – when [the Association] started there was no real structure…but there was a great idea. The great idea was that we needed to embrace all of Europe…the Confederation of Professional Golf was a vehicle that allowed that to happen.
“I always say the history bit is only the foundation upon which you build the future – well last night I talked about the 25 years of history and that’s the foundation stone for us to move forward. This building will become iconic as the headquarters of the Confederation of Professional Golf so it’s a very proud moment.”
The Association’s Honorary President, Pierre Bechmann, added: “I think [the new office] strengthens the Association’s identity…and the fact that the Confederation of Professional Golf is a family, close to others in the great family of golf…I think it is truly great.
The two-day event included a celebratory dinner at the Belfry Hotel in which the past 25 years were remembered and key figures from the Association’s history and representatives from other golfing bodies were presented with limited edition anniversary PING Scottsdale TR Anser 2 putters in recognition of their commitment to, and relationships with, the Confederation of Professional Golf.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony followed 18-holes of golf on the historic four-time Ryder Cup host course, The Brabazon, that was resplendent in the Autumnal sunshine and in perfect condition.
“It’s been an absolutely fantastic couple of days…I guess in many ways the Confederation of Professional Golf comes of age with its 25th Anniversary,” said Confederation of Professional Golf Chief Executive, Ian Randell. “We’ve been absolutely blessed here today, we’ve had a great time and great food last night, the golf course here at The Belfry, obviously home to four Ryder Cups, was in superb condition, and even better the sun shone on an October day in middle-England. Best of all we’ve had great company from both inside and outside of the Association so it’s been very fitting way to mark this Anniversary and celebrate the opening of our new headquarters.”
Following the hugely successful Business Club at the Wentworth Club in May, the office opening is the second in a series of events celebrating the Association’s 25th Anniversary year that will culminate with a key celebration week at the 2015 Annual Congress at Turkey’s Gloria Hotels & Resorts in December.
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