CPG ANNUAL AWARDS SUPPORTED BY ROLEX

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Jim van Heuven van Staereling, Director of Education at the PGA of Holland, has been named the recipient of the CPG Special Recognition Award, in recognition of his exceptional and long-standing support of the CPG and his tireless dedication to education and golf development at both national and international level.

The Special Recognition Award acknowledges individuals whose commitment, support and personal contribution have gone above and beyond in advancing the work of the CPG and its Member Countries.

Over several decades, van Heuven van Staereling has played a central role in shaping professional education pathways, supporting PGA Professionals, and fostering collaboration across borders.

Reacting to the news during the CPG Festival of Golf at Porto Carras Grand Resort as part of the CPG’s Annual Awards Supported by Rolex, van Heuven van Staereling admitted the recognition came as a surprise:

“I was really flabbergasted when I received the message. I’m very proud of the award, but for me it’s not the end — I want to go on, because we are just making change,” he said.

Having begun his formal involvement in PGA education in 1997, van Heuven van Staereling initially volunteered his time before becoming Director of Education at the PGA of Holland in 2011, a role he continues to hold today that has since seen him influence every single Professional in the country.

Throughout that journey, he has worked closely with CPG and PGA colleagues across Europe and beyond, helping to modernise education systems and encourage closer cooperation between PGAs, federations and other stakeholders.

van Heuven van Staereling has been one of the CPG’s most trusted and committed contributors, consistently giving his time, expertise and energy to support the organisation’s strategic and educational ambitions. Whether through his leadership within working groups, his involvement in international education initiatives, or his willingness to share best practice across borders, he has played a key role in helping the CPG strengthen its collaborative approach and raise standards across the global PGA network.

“This recognition is not only for me — it’s also for the PGA of Holland and all the countries I’ve worked with. Everything we’ve achieved has been done together,” he added.

A passionate advocate for collaboration, van Heuven van Staereling has consistently championed the evolving role of the PGA Professional — not only as a coach, but as an educator, mentor and guide helping people progress from A to B, both in golf and in life.

“I believe strongly in working together. You cannot help people on your own – progress comes when we share knowledge, support each other and keep learning,” he said.

He has also been a vocal supporter of innovation in education, embracing digital tools, hybrid learning models and emerging technologies to enhance professional development, while maintaining the importance of human connection in coaching and learning.

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With thanks to the CPG Annual Awards Partners – Rolex and the Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], and to Porto Carras Grand Resort, Porto Carras Golf, AEGEAN Airlines, Real Greek Dairies, Domaine Porto Carras and Souroti Water.