CPG is launching new initiatives for the benefit of golf professionals internationally, designed to create better communities, opportunities, resources and experiences to, and through, the golf professional. The best way to understand how those initiatives can meet your needs is to ask you directly.

The short survey takes just a few minutes to complete and covers the needs, priorities and opportunities that matter most to you. Your feedback will help shape the support and services CPG develops next.

As a thank you for taking part, everyone who completes the survey before it closes on 29 June will be entered into a draw to win a prize worth up to €300 from Bushnell, Glenmuir, Imperial 1916 or PING. T&Cs apply.

TAKE THE SURVEY

The research is the first project in CPG’s long-term partnership with ION 54, announced in May, which will see the strategic global golf business lead the development and commercialisation of CPG Ventures. Before deciding what to build and where to invest, both organisations want those choices grounded in evidence rather than assumption – and that starts with hearing directly from the people who power the game.

The findings will help shape what CPG prioritises and develops over the coming years, so a few minutes of your time now will have a lasting influence on what is built for, and with, the global golf community.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Fresh off a standout 2025 season on the Ladies European Tour, Rhodes enters this new chapter having firmly established herself among the elite of European golf and with her sights now set on the world’s most competitive women’s tour.

Competing on the Ladies European Tour, she claimed three victories, earned Rookie of the Year honours, and finished second on the Order of Merit, with performances that paved the way for her successful passage through LPGA Q-Series and entry onto the LPGA Tour.

“Coming back to Sotogrande at this moment in my career feels incredibly special. It doesn’t feel like the start of something new, but rather a continuation of the journey that began here” she explains. Long before titles and international recognition, Sotogrande was the place where Mimi grew up, found her sense of home, and spent the most formative years of her life. Today, as she reaches the most exciting phase of her professional career, those early years in Sotogrande remain deeply woven into the amazing player she has become.

As official touring professional ambassador for Sotogrande, Rhodes continues to return regularly to the estate for ongoing training and preparation at The Alto Club and new Golf Academy, both part of the SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort.

Together, these facilities offer a practical training base for professional golfers, alongside Toptracer technology providing clear feedback on ball flight and shot data to support focused, repeatable practice. Blending elite training with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, recovery and balance, Sotogrande provides an environment that supports sustained excellence at the highest level of the game.

Reflecting on her journey, Rhodes added: “Sotogrande has always felt like home to me. I grew up here, practising, learning and developing as both a golfer and a person. To be able to come back now, and prepare here for the move to the LPGA Tour, is incredibly special. It’s an environment that gives me everything I need to perform, but also to reset and stay grounded.”

Rita Jordão, Director of Marketing at Sotogrande SA, commented: “We are deeply proud to see Mimi’s journey come full circle in Sotogrande. Her personal connection to the estate makes this relationship incredibly special to us. Mimi embodies the spirit and values of Sotogrande, and we are honoured to support her as she steps into an exciting new chapter on the international stage.”

For more information visitors can book limited tee times and curated stay and play packages at: sotogrande.com/packages

Sportsbox AI 3D Level 1 Live Certification – Orlando, Florida – USA

Format:

In-person

Description:

Step into an exclusive training experience designed for elite coaches and instructors ready to master the art and science of golf biomechanics with Sportsbox 3DGolf Expert, Edwin Fuh, and Sportsbox 3DGolf Ambassador, Terry Rowles, this is your opportunity to gain insider knowledge and skills that will set you apart in the coaching world.

The Sportsbox Practical Certification Event is a fully hands-on training experience designed for coaches, fitters, trainers, and studio operators who want to master 3D motion analysis and immediately apply it to their business.

Unlike previous events that mixed lecture and classroom sessions, this redesigned program is 100% practical, focusing on real-world application, workflow optimization, and business integration strategies.

Participants will work in small groups, rotating through guided stations where they will use Sportsbox software, analyze real swings, run mock coaching sessions, and design Sportsbox-powered offerings for their own business.

Every attendee also receives Sportsbox Level 1 Online Certification (valued at $200), included in the price.

Why You Should Attend:

• Master Level 1 Biomechanics
• Learn hands-on how to integrate Sportsbox into your lessons
• Connect with leading experts and ambassadors in golf coaching
• Business workflow and revenue application modules

Pricing:
$500

⚠️ Limited seats available Don’t miss this rare opportunity to elevate your coaching to the next level.

Presenter(s):

Dr. Phil Cheetham (Chief of Sports Science & Founder of AMM), Edwin Fuh (Director of Sales & PGA Teaching Professional), and Terry Rowles (Tour Coach & Golf Digest Top 50 Coach).

Date(s) & Location:

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Venue: Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse at Reunion Resort and Golf Club – 17880 Nicklaus Clubhouse Ln, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Event Schedule:

8:00-8:30 AM: VIP Welcome and Event Introduction
8:30-11:00 AM: Real swing capture, 3D analysis, and live coaching practice with Edwin Fuh & Dr. Phil Cheetham
11:30 AM-1:00 PM: Private range session with a Sportsbox 3DGolf Terry Rowles featuring live lessons and training using Sportsbox technology

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Founded in 2020, Sportsbox AI is an AI-powered technology company that develops AI Coach mobile applications in sports and fitness, using patent-pending 3D Motion Analysis and Kinematic AI technology.

Through our unique technology that can capture, measure, and analyze complex athletic motions in 3D, combined with the knowledge and experience of the world’s leading instructors in each sport, Sportsbox AI provides real-time corrective feedback to help users achieve their goals in sports and fitness — all in the palm of your hand using only your mobile phone and at a fraction of the cost of existing 3D Motion Capture Systems.

SPORTSBOX.AI

CPG ANNUAL AWARDS SUPPORTED BY ROLEX

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Trackman has been awarded one of the CPG’s most prestigious honours, the Christer Lindberg Bowl, in recognition of its significant and lasting contribution to the world of golf.

The Christer Lindberg Bowl is presented to individuals or organisations that have demonstrated exceptional influence and service to the game. Trackman’s pioneering technology has fundamentally changed how golf is taught, coached, played, watched, and enjoyed, impacting professionals, facilities, and golfers at every level.

The award, named after CPG’s first Chairman and a leading educationalist, carries a strong legacy linked to learning and development within the profession — an area that aligns closely with Trackman’s long-standing commitment to education.

Accepting the award on behalf of Trackman during the CPG Festival of Golf at Porto Carras Grand Resort as part of the CPG’s Annual Awards Supported by Rolex, Thomas Erik Bosco highlighted the importance of education within the company’s mission:

“Education is a huge part of everything we do. From the very beginning, Trackman has focused on helping coaches and the wider golf world learn through data, feedback, and the tools we provide. That’s why this award is especially meaningful for us,” said Trackman Sales Director South & Eastern Europe & Head of Sales Booking Systems, Thomas Bosco.

From its origins as a high-performance measurement tool, Trackman has evolved into a comprehensive platform supporting coaching, player development, entertainment, and business innovation, while remaining true to its technical foundations.

CTO and co-founder of Trackman, Fredrik Tuxen, added, “I’m extremely proud of having received this recognition from the CPG. Working with coaches and players around the world has always been the heart of what we do at Trackman and we’re not stopping anytime soon.”

Beyond coaching and performance, Trackman has also played a central role in reshaping how golf is experienced and enjoyed. By bridging the gap between traditional outdoor play and immersive indoor and virtual environments, Trackman has helped make the game more accessible, engaging and social for a wider audience.

From simulator golf and competitive virtual formats to enhanced driving range experiences and data-led entertainment, its technology has allowed golfers to connect with the game in new ways, while also supporting facilities and PGA Professionals in creating modern, sustainable golf experiences.

Trackman now joins an illustrious roll of honour of past Christer Lindberg Bowl recipients such as Annika Sörenstam, John Jacobs OBE, Marta Figueras-Dotti, the Solheim Family, and last year’s winner David Rickman MBE reflecting the scale and significance of its contribution to the global game.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Integrating 3D, Pilates & Golf Instruction for Peak Performance – Steve Hanlon, Natalia Plappert & Michelle Wie-West

Format:

Webinar

Description:

How can Pilates create Strength, Stability, & Mobility for Golf?

Let’s talk to the experts who are currently helping Michelle Wie-West and many other golfers! Join us for a session with Steve Hanlon, Director of Instruction, at Summit Club and Natalia Plappert, Movement Specialist & Pilates Instructor, as they walk us through Elevate Performance Method, a revolutionary new approach to golf and performance training.

This innovative system merges Sportsbox AI’s 3D motion capture technology with Pilates-based conditioning to help golfers become stronger, more stable, and more mobile than ever before.

Dive into the science and strategy behind the Elevate Performance Method
Share how they integrate Pilates, golf instruction, and Sportsbox 3D Golf to enhance movement quality and performance
Showcase how this method can elevate elite and aspiring athletes alike
Join us for this unique opportunity to get stronger and faster for golf!

Presenter(s):

Steve Hanlon, Natalia Plappert & Michelle Wie-West

Date(s):

10 November, 16:00 ET / 22:00 CET

Event Schedule:

TBC

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Founded in 2020, Sportsbox AI is an AI-powered technology company that develops AI Coach mobile applications in sports and fitness, using patent-pending 3D Motion Analysis and Kinematic AI technology.

Through our unique technology that can capture, measure, and analyze complex athletic motions in 3D, combined with the knowledge and experience of the world’s leading instructors in each sport, Sportsbox AI provides real-time corrective feedback to help users achieve their goals in sports and fitness — all in the palm of your hand using only your mobile phone and at a fraction of the cost of existing 3D Motion Capture Systems.

SPORTSBOX.AI

Take your coaching to the next level with James’ specialist putting education seminar! This seminar is designed for golf coaches who want to unlock the secrets of elite putting and deliver immediate results for their players.

As a putting coach with experience across all levels, James combines practical insights, cutting-edge technology, and structured coaching frameworks that you can apply straight away. Whether you coach amateurs or aspiring tour players, this seminar will elevate your knowledge and your impact on the green.

What You’ll Learn:

• A deep dive into James’ 8 Pillars of Putting – the foundation of every elite stroke
• How to coach stroke mechanics with precision and clarity
• Advanced techniques for green reading, visualization, and process-driven practice
• The essentials of putter fitting and matching stroke styles to players
• How to use data and feedback tools to drive performance
• Preparing players for tournaments: pressure practice, mindset, and competition-ready strategies

Whether you want to refine your coaching style, improve your players’ performance, or gain insights from cutting-edge putting science, this seminar is your opportunity to transform your coaching game.

Seminar Details:

• Duration: 2 days (including lunch & coffee)
• Early Bird: €690 until 05.01.2026, then €790
• Discount: PGA of Austria & CPG members – €100 off
• Participants: Max. 30 (first come, first served)
• Registration Deadline: 09.02.2026

Secure your spot now and take your putting coaching to elite level!

Register on a first come, first serve principle. Fees will be confirmed once you have registered via invoice.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

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

WHY JOIN?

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

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

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

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📍 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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👩‍🏫 EXPERT MENTORSHIP TEAM

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

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💰 INVESTMENT

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

Accommodation: €130/night at Papendal (optional)

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SECURE YOUR PLACE

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

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

Click Here to Register Now

Image used courtesy of Yas Links Abu Dhabi

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

From inspiring women and juniors to harnessing cutting-edge technology at the Yas Links Academy at CPG Collection Member Venue, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Amy is helping shape a new chapter of inclusive coaching in the region.

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Q: As the only female PGA professional in Abu Dhabi, how do you see your role in encouraging more women and juniors to take up the game of golf in the UAE?

Amy: Being the only female PGA professional in Abu Dhabi is both a privilege and a responsibility. I see my role as not just a coach, but also as a visible role model for women and juniors who may be curious about golf but don’t yet see themselves in the game. Representation matters.

I try to create a welcoming, inclusive and relaxed environment, where new players—especially women and children – feel comfortable taking those first steps onto the golf course. My aim is to completely remove the intimidation factor and show that golf can be fun, social, and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability.

Q: Your coaching philosophy focuses on making lessons fun and accessible. Can you share an example of how you simplify complex techniques for your students?

Amy: Golf can be overwhelming if you dive straight into technical jargon. I like to break things down into simple, relatable concepts.

For example, instead of overloading a beginner with swing mechanics, I might compare the golf swing to drawing a specific letter of the alphabet, like a “Y” or an “L.” This gives the player a clear visual and feel without having to overthink the movement.

I also use CoachNow, which allows players to see video feedback of their swing. Often, what a player feels they’re doing and what they’re actually doing can be quite different- having that visual comparison really bridges the gap and speeds up the learning process.

By combining simple analogies, fun games, and technology, students stay engaged, learn faster, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

Q: You’ve worked with both beginners and elite players, including Irish internationals. How do you adapt your coaching style to meet the needs of such a wide range of golfers?

Amy: The key is flexibility and understanding what each golfer needs at their stage of development. Beginners often need confidence-building, encouragement, and simple fundamentals, while elite players benefit from more detailed feedback, data-driven insights, and marginal gains.

With juniors, it’s about keeping things playful and enjoyable, whereas with high-level players, it’s about structured practice and performance under pressure.

At Yas Links Abu Dhabi, we’re fortunate to have incredible technology at our disposal, such as TrackMan analysis and Swing Catalyst. TrackMan allows players to see precise data on ball flight, club delivery, and gapping, while Swing Catalyst gives valuable insights into movement patterns, balance, and ground force use.

For elite players, this technology helps take their game to the next level by providing clear visuals and feedback that support further learning and fine-tuning.

Q: Having coached in Dublin before moving to Yas Links, what differences have you noticed between the golf culture in Ireland and the UAE, particularly in terms of female participation?

Amy: In Ireland, golf has such a deep-rooted tradition and community presence—you often see families passing the game down through generations, and club competitions are a huge part of social life. In the UAE, the game is still growing, especially among women. What’s exciting here is the sense of opportunity—female participation is on the rise, and there’s a real appetite to learn.

At Yas Links, we’ve been building that community from the ground up with programs designed to support women’s development in the game. Last year, I introduced a monthly Par 3 event, which turned out to be extremely successful. It’s a non-competitive, fun, and exciting way for the ladies to take what we’ve worked on in class and apply it on the course.

The enthusiasm and diversity among the women and juniors here is incredible, and it feels like we’re part of shaping the future of golf in the region.

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With a blend of passion, creativity, and a focus on accessibility, Amy Condon continues to redefine what golf coaching looks like in the UAE. Her work at Yas Links is not only supporting players of all levels, but also building a stronger pathway for women and juniors to feel part of the game.

To find out more about the facilities at Yas Links, including the new Golf Academy, the 18-hole championship course and the par-3 course, visit: viyagolf.com/yaslinks

With cutting-edge technology, climate-controlled facilities, and the largest coaching team in the club’s history, the academy is redefining how golf is taught, played, and enjoyed in the region.

We sat down with Marc Arnold, Director of Instruction at Yas Links, to explore the philosophy behind the academy, the impact of its new tools and facilities, and what visiting PGA Professionals, players, and the wider community can expect from this exciting new chapter.

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Q: Yas Links is home to some of the most advanced coaching technology in the region, including PLATFORM Golf, Swing Catalyst, Sam PuttLab and Trackman. How do these tools change the game for visiting PGA Professionals and players looking for a true high-performance training experience?

Marc Arnold: We’ve invested heavily in the academy, bringing in some of the most advanced technology and coaching platforms available. PLATFORM Golf played a key role in rebuilding the academy from the ground up into what it is today.

These tools allow us to offer a much more data-driven, engaging coaching experience – not just for elite players, but for everyone.

Whether it’s juniors, beginners, or seasoned golfers, we can tailor the experience based on real-time data from Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and more.

This technology helps us elevate coaching at all levels and has become an integral part of our school programmes, junior development initiatives, and everyday lessons. It’s a real step forward in making high-performance golf accessible to all.

Q: With year-round access, including climate-controlled indoor facilities, Yas Links is able to maintain player development and coaching programmes throughout the summer. How has this helped your in-house team continue delivering consistent results during Abu Dhabi’s hotter months?

Marc Arnold: Living in the Middle East, the summer heat does have a big impact on participation. Traditionally, we see a drop-off from early June to the end of August. But with the addition of indoor, climate-controlled facilities, we’re able to offer our students a consistent coaching environment all year round.

Our professionals are using the studios every day during the hotter months. This means we’ve been able to retain more students over the summer, keep revenue steady, and continue delivering top-level coaching. The feedback from our members and guests has been really positive – it’s made a huge difference for the academy and the business overall.

Q: How do group coaching programmes and Viya Golf’s expanding academy network support your long-term growth strategy?

Marc Arnold: We’ve made great strides this year, not just at Yas Links, but across our academies at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club as well. Each location is seeing strong growth, particularly in group programmes and private lessons.

Our coaching team has grown too – bringing in professionals with a broad range of experience and skills. That expansion has allowed us to offer more and tailor our services to a wider audience.

We’re continuing to look at ways to grow, whether through school engagement, expanding our junior development programme, or adding more tournaments and initiatives throughout the year. Having these facilities and the right team in place gives us the platform to keep pushing forward.

Q: Beyond the technology, the relaunch includes a clear investment in people – with the largest coaching team in the club’s history. What’s the thinking behind this growth, and how does it reflect the academy’s new philosophy?

Marc Arnold: We’re aiming to position Yas Links as one of the leading academies in the UAE, if not the Middle East. Bringing in more coaches and building the strongest team possible is a key part of that.

We’ve also introduced a new pricing structure, which allows us to offer different levels of coaching – from beginners to high-performance players. That’s opened up the academy to a much broader audience.

Another big milestone for us has been bringing in a female golf professional. We’ve seen that many women and juniors in the region feel more comfortable learning with a female coach, and we’re now able to engage with those groups in a much more meaningful way.

We’ve grown our ladies’ and juniors’ programmes, introduced par-3 social events, school programmes, and corporate clinics – all with the aim of offering more variety and value to our members and guests. It’s a complete shift in how we approach coaching and engagement.

Q: From your perspective, how does Abu Dhabi as a whole complement the golf offering at Yas Links? What can visiting players and coaching groups expect off the course in terms of hospitality, lifestyle, and culture?

Marc Arnold: Abu Dhabi is evolving rapidly. We’re seeing more hotels, more schools, more theme parks – there’s a huge amount of development and energy in the city right now.

For visiting players, it’s not just Yas Links they’re experiencing – we also have Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, both of which are world-class venues in their own right.

Off the course, visitors can enjoy fantastic restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options. The feedback we’ve had has been brilliant – many of our guests are now coming back year after year, not just for the golf, but for the complete experience that Abu Dhabi offers.

Q: With participation rising, especially among juniors and women, how is the academy approaching grassroots development? And how does this fit into your long-term vision for growing the game in Abu Dhabi and the wider region?

Marc Arnold: We’re currently reviewing our junior offering and planning to restructure it again next year to make it even stronger. I’m incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished – we had 200 juniors at our end-of-season presentation this year, which shows just how far we’ve come.

We’ve launched par-3 tournaments, attracting up to 50 juniors per event. That gives young players exposure to the competitive side of the sport, helps them learn rules and etiquette, and introduces them to different formats like scrambles.

We’re also working more closely with local schools and the Emirates Golf Federation to expand our reach and get more kids involved in the game.

There’s a lot to be excited about – including some big projects in the pipeline for 2026. I can’t say too much yet, but the work we’re doing now is laying the foundation for even greater growth in the years ahead.

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From world-class technology to grassroots development, the Yas Links Golf Academy is combining innovation with accessibility to shape the future of coaching in Abu Dhabi. With strong leadership, a growing team, and bold plans for the years ahead, it’s clear that Yas Links is setting a new benchmark for golf education and player development – not just in the UAE, but across the wider region.

To find out more about the facilities at Yas Links, including the new Golf Academy, the 18-hole championship course and the par-3 course, visit: viyagolf.com/yaslinks

Coaching With 3D – Understanding Hand Path, Club Path, and the Club-Hand Gap Match-ups

Format:

Webinar

Description:

It’s no secret elite players can control their ball flight on demand… But how?

Join Tour Coach and Sportsbox Ambassador, Jeff Smith, for a deep dive into three critical data points that separate players who control their ball flight from those who don’t: hand path depth, club-hand gap, and swing direction vs. stance.

Whether you’re coaching competitive players or weekend golfers, this webinar will give you practical tips to:

✅ Improve plane and path at any skill level
✅ Identify swing patterns affecting ball flight
✅ Leverage data for more consistent results

📅 Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM ET

You won’t want to miss this one.

Presenter(s):

Jeff Smith

Date(s):

18 August, 22:00 CEST

Event Schedule:

TBC

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Founded in 2020, Sportsbox AI is an AI-powered technology company that develops AI Coach mobile applications in sports and fitness, using patent-pending 3D Motion Analysis and Kinematic AI technology.

Through our unique technology that can capture, measure, and analyze complex athletic motions in 3D, combined with the knowledge and experience of the world’s leading instructors in each sport, Sportsbox AI provides real-time corrective feedback to help users achieve their goals in sports and fitness — all in the palm of your hand using only your mobile phone and at a fraction of the cost of existing 3D Motion Capture Systems.

SPORTSBOX.AI

Coaching With 3D – Sportsbox AI’s Dr Phil Cheetham & Joe DiChiara

Format:

Webinar

Description:

Learn how to identify and correct 3 key movements in the golf swing with the Sportsbox AI App. Hosted by Sportsbox AI Chief Science Officer, Phil Cheetham and Director of Education, Joe DiChiara.

This webinar is part of the CPG Learning Institute International Learning Series, and sees Sportsbox AI and the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] collaborate on learning opportunities to support your use of Sportsbox AI and knowledge in biomechanics, physiology and more.

Presenter(s):

Dr. Phil Cheetham & Joseph DiChiara

Date(s):

17th April, 17:00 CET

Event Schedule:

TBC

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Founded in 2020, Sportsbox AI is an AI-powered technology company that develops AI Coach mobile applications in sports and fitness, using patent-pending 3D Motion Analysis and Kinematic AI technology.

Through our unique technology that can capture, measure, and analyze complex athletic motions in 3D, combined with the knowledge and experience of the world’s leading instructors in each sport, Sportsbox AI provides real-time corrective feedback to help users achieve their goals in sports and fitness — all in the palm of your hand using only your mobile phone and at a fraction of the cost of existing 3D Motion Capture Systems.

SPORTSBOX.AI

The new designs expand the PING Putter line to 16 models, consisting of high moment-of- inertia blades and ultra-forgiving, multi-material mid-mallets and mallets. The new Anser 2, Anser D, B60, Tyne H, Fetch and Ketsch G are available for pre-order beginning today at authorised PING golf shops around the world. Each model can be custom fit for stroke type, length, lie, loft and grip type.

“The PING Putter line combines modern design advancements with the proven technologies that helped PING set the standard in putter design 65 years ago,” said John K. Solheim, PING CEO and President. “In this line, our engineers took a more individual approach with our most popular models, applying variations of our score-lowering innovations like perimeter weighting and optimised centre of gravity placement while further differentiating them through face technology and alignment features.

“It’s a very diverse offering but the one thing they all have in common is they offer precision performance on putts of every length. Golfers will have an easy time matching a model to fit their putting style, preferred alignment cues and desired feel.”

A Model To Fit Every Golfer

Golfers can choose from high-MOI blades, mid-mallets and mallets differentiated by face technology, alignment aids and finish. Traditional blades include the Anser 2, a major-winning model originally designed by PING founder Karsten Solheim, and the tour-influenced Anser D. The B60, another of Karsten’s major-winning designs that was introduced in 1979, returns to the PING lineup with a precision-milled face. The Tyne H, combining the original Tyne with an Anser hosel, and the popular Fetch (complete with its “gimme” ball-pickup feature) fit in the mallet category along with the Ketsch G, an easy-to-align, multi-material model engineered for maximum forgiveness. All three stroke types (Straight, Slight, Strong) are represented within the 16-model PING Putter selection.

Fit For Feel

From firm milled faces to soft-feeling inserts, the face technology is engineered based on feedback from our tour staff to match a variety of feel preferences and deliver control and consistency on putts of every length. In the six new additions to the line, four models (Anser 2, Anser D, B60, Tyne H) feature the firm feel of a shallowed milled face and two (Fetch, Ketsch G) provide the soft feel of a PEBAX insert.

Aligned For Success

The new putters offer different alignment solutions to fit the eye of a variety of golfers, including single alignment cues or multiple lines to improve accuracy and inspire confidence. The use of a glare-diffusing raw blast finish in four models and black PVD in the other two provides enhanced contrast to assist in alignment and create a premium appearance. For golfers who prefer the influence of the darker look with white sight lines, the Ketsch G and Tyne H will best fit their eye. The Anser 2, Anser D, B60 and Fetch feature the striking raw blast finish with contrasting black alignment lines.

Model descriptions (all models £280 RRP)

Anser 2: Like the timeless Anser, heel-toe weighting provides stability and forgiveness though in a slightly longer and narrower profile. Its shallow milled face ensures a firmer response and consistent roll. The ball-width cavity, sharper ballasts and clean geometry all offer alignment cues in this model featuring a new glare-diffusing raw blast finish.

Anser D: Tour pros were consulted in creating this model with a deeper (“D”) profile as a hybrid between the Anser blade and a mallet design, the extra mass is useful in stabilising the stroke for maximum forgiveness. The shallow milled face ensures a firmer response and consistent roll. A new glare-diffusing raw blast finish contributes to the eye-pleasing visuals.

B60: The B60, a long-time PING fan favorite, is back with a shallow milled face that ensures a firmer response and consistent roll. Golfers are familiar with the thin top rail with rounded ballasts, contoured shaping and center alignment line in this balanced, forgiving model. Also new is the glare-diffusing raw blast finish.

Tyne H: The twin-fork design is paired with an Anser hosel to provide multiple alignment cues and help square the putter at impact. The shallow milled face ensures a firmer response and consistent roll. Perimeter weighting and an optimised CG position allow for balance, stability, forgiveness and accuracy. A ball-width cavity and contrasting white alignment line promote confident aiming.

Fetch: A dual-density PEBAX face insert delivers a soft feel on shorter putts and a stable feel on longer lag putts. Made putts are easy to retrieve using the sole cutout that’s not only handy – it creates discretionary mass we use to increase MOI and forgiveness. Fetch fans laud the more compact profile as easy to aim. Ball-width alignment lines and a new glare-diffusing raw blast finish aid in the process.

Ketsch G: Its aluminium body and stainless steel sole plate pair with an optimised CG to create extreme forgiveness and stability. The dual-density PEBAX face insert delivers a soft feel on shorter putts and a stable feel on longer lag putts. The ball pickup feature on the sole is more than convenient – it allows for redistributing mass to increase MOI. A trio of contrasting sight lines frame the ball to simplify alignment.

FIND OUT MORE AT EU.PING.COM

With the ceremonial opening of the Performance & Competence Center of the Österreichischer Golf-Verband [ÖGV] / Austrian Golf Association in Oberwaltersdorf, which is unique in Europe, a new era begins for Austrian golf.

The CPG and ÖGV have also partnered to create the Continental European Headquarters of the CPG and the CPG Learning & Performance Institute that is based at the ‘ÖGV Performance and Competence Center’, opening a variety of international learning opportunities that will be launched in the future. CPG CEO, Ian Randell, and CPG Chairman of the Knowledge & Development Panel, Jonathan Mannie, were present to see the PCC officially launched.

Numerous well-known guests from politics, sport and business personally saw the groundbreaking facility in the former tennis hall in Fontana. Including active supporters and trailblazers. ÖGV President Dr. Peter Enzinger and General Secretary Robert Fiegl welcomed, among others, entrepreneurs and Fontana owner Siegfried Wolf, the section head in the Ministry of Sports Philipp Trattner, the former Burgenland state governor and now president of the federal sports organization Sport Austria Hans Niessl, Peter McDonald (President Sportunion), Herman Krist (President ASKÖ) as well as numerous representatives of other Austrian sports associations as well as the sports director of the German Golf Association.

A Shared Success of Sport

ÖGV President Peter Enzinger, one of the initiators of the project, praised the excellent cooperation between the individual players right from the start: “This project was very close to my heart from the start. The Performance & Competence Center represents our vision of taking golf in Austria to the next level. I am thrilled with the support and positive feedback we have received both nationally and internationally. A big thank you to everyone involved.”

Siegfried Wolf was also at the forefront of this project, and despite his entrepreneurial approach, profitability played a subordinate role in this project: “For this project, all financial reason has temporarily been suspended for me. But when you see what has been created here, we can all draw a very positive conclusion.”

It is particularly important to show young people what is possible and to create the best possible conditions so that they can emulate their idols: “There was a lot of discussion about this visionary idea beforehand. However, many who are here today have continually supported us. I would also like to thank everyone very much. We made it! The Performance & Competence Center is an international flagship of Austrian golf and it is almost impossible to get young people out of the facility. That’s why I put profitability aside. This is my contribution to Austrian golf.”

The project also received great support from politicians. On the one hand, to further develop competitive sport – in which little things make the difference – and, on the other hand, not to put any obstacles in the way of the next generation. “In sports infrastructure, the past catches up with you. Not just when it comes to golf. Infrastructure projects that were built in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s are no longer “up to date” today. But if we want to get our children moving, we need the infrastructure to do so. We as a sport have to address this together. We must gradually close these gaps. Step by step. We won’t be able to do this in all 60 sports associations overnight. Golf was now the next step,” said Philipp Trattner, head of the sports section at the Federal Ministry.

Of course, Austrian golf was also well represented at the opening. Led by the Austrian golf legend Markus Brier, the tour professionals Lukas Nemecz and Niklas Regner did the honors – including a demonstration of their impressive skills with the small white ball.

Innovation & Expertise

The facility is also tailored primarily to competitive sports and to enable up-and-coming young talent to make a professional transition from amateur to professional. Thanks to state-of-the-art technologies and year-round usage, Austria’s new “Home of Golf” offers Austrian competitive athletes unprecedented training conditions in order to best prepare for future challenges.

In a first phase, an indoor training center with a 1,300m² driving range including a 200m² practice green, warm-up & lounge area and a 750m² pitch & putt short game area was built in the former tennis hall of the Fontana golf course. The indoor training center is also equipped with the latest training technologies and analysis tools.

The mission of the project is to bring together all golf expertise in one location and extends beyond the borders of Austria. The ÖGV has also moved into new office space in Oberwaltersdorf. The location is also enriched by collaborations with institutions such as the PGA of Austria and the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG]. Numerous European golf associations have already expressed their interest in cooperation.

For more information on visit performance.golf.at

The 2024 PLD Milled Anser, Anser 2D, Oslo 3 and DS72 and Ally Blue 4 are available at PING authorised retailers committed to selling premium, custom-fit putters.

“We’ve been very pleased with the results and feedback across the entire PLD programme,” said Solheim. “It allows us to bring golfers more of what we do best – design and build the highest-performing putters in the game. A key part of the program is the PLD Milled series, which offers premium, milled putters inspired by tour players to bring golfers the latest in score-lowering performance on the green. These five new designs continue that commitment and offer every golfer a model to fit their stroke and eye.”

Tour-Inspired, Tour-Proven

The five new PLD Milled models (UK RRP £450) represent a combination of standard-setting favourites like the Anser and newer, tour-proved models like the DS72, the choice of 2023 FedEx Cup Champion Viktor Hovland. The Anser 2D and Oslo 3 are tour-influenced, high-MOI designs and the Ally Blue 4 is a new, multi-material mallet that delivers exceptional forgiveness with can’t-miss alignment features.

Four of the new models (Anser, Anser 2D, DS72 and Oslo 3) are fully machined from forged, 303 stainless steel and each is distinguished by an attractive gun-metal finish. The deep AMP (Aggressive Milling Pattern) face technology on all the models is precisely milled for tour-preferred sound, feel and speed. More than four hours of milling time are required for every model, precisely shaping every surface and radius to achieve the high quality and premium look expected in a precision-milled putter.

The Ally Blue 4 is a fully machined, three-piece design differentiated by its square footprint and full length, top alignment aid. The strong arc design consists of an aluminium body, stainless steel soleplate and aluminium hosel to create an extremely high MOI, easy to align mallet. The gunmetal finish contrasts with a matte black body and hosel to create a stunning, confidence- inspiring design.

“Part of our goal with the PLD programme is to offer our most popular models from the past and add new, tour-influenced designs on a regular basis,” Solheim said. “This year’s additions represent an exciting balance of that strategy. As we collaborate on new designs with our engineers and tour staff through the PLD programme, we’ll expand the line to ensure golfers have access to our newest technologies and processes.”

2024 Model Descriptions & Specifications

Ally Blue 4

All-new fully machined, three-piece design. The aluminium body, aluminium hosel and stainless-steel soleplate create a high MOI, easy-to-align mallet.

370g
Strong Arc
Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
Lie Angle: 20° (+-4°)
Std. Grip: PP58 Tour L
Std. Shaft: Matte-black stepless steel
Aluminium body and hosel, stainless steel sole plate

Anser

The most iconic putter in golf history gets a new white sight line in the cavity and the gunmetal finish. The new PING Composite putter shaft is standard in this slight arc model.

350g
Slight Arc
Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
Lie Angle: 20° (+-4°)
Std. Grip: PP58 Tour M
Std. Shaft: PING Composite

Anser 2D

The Anser 2D model gained notoriety with Tony Finau’s success. The slightly deeper, perimeter-weighted design features clean heel-toe ballasts to aid in alignment, and a sightline in the cavity.

365g
Slight Arc
Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
Lie Angle: 20° (+-4°)
Std. Grip: PP58 Tour L
Std. Shaft: PING Composite

DS72

The DS72, preferred design of Viktor Hovland, fits into the mid-mallet category, a face-balanced model distinguished by a wide top rail and ball-width cavity created by its clean heel and toe ballasts.

365g
Straight stroke
Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
Lie Angle: 20° (+-2°)
Std. Grip: PP58 Tour M
Std. Shaft: Black Chrome Stepless Steel

Oslo 3

Shares the attributes of the Tyrrell Hatton-influenced mallet but with an Anser 3-style hosel that makes it a slight arc putter. Its light aluminium hosel helps position weight low to optimize the centre of gravity for improved consistency and accuracy.

375g
Slight Arc
Loft: 3° (+3°/-2°)
Lie Angle: 20° (+-4°)
Std. Grip: PP58 Tour L
Std. Shaft: PING Composite

FIND OUT MORE AT EU.PING.COM

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

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

Carnoustie Golf Links

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

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

Hollinwell

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

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

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

Chesterfield Golf Club

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

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

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

Southport & Ainsdale

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

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

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

Lee Valley Scratch Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impact on recreational game kept to an absolute minimum

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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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Following this, ICCE and ASOIF intensified the research and consultation process and benefitted from a wealth of feedback and findings from around the world. Version 1.2 responded to that feedback with less formal language, a new glossary, greater emphasis on topics of greatest pertinence and highlights of good practices and valuable research useful to a range of stakeholders. Furthermore, Version 1.2 made the point throughout the document that multiple effective approaches need to be tailored to sport- and country-specific circumstances.

Version 1.2 of ISCF is, therefore, both an authoritative and flexible reference document that facilitates the development, recognition and certification of coaches. This version of the ISCF has been modified to apply more specifically to golf. While it retains much of the underlying philosophy of the original coaching framework, the International Golf Coaching Framework has been adapted to provide the national federations, unions and PGAs with the detail required to build their own coaching systems.

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File Type: PDF

Copyright/Ownership: Copyright © 2013 by the International Council for Coaching Excellence, the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, and Leeds Metropolitan University

Re-use/Reproduction Permissions: By express permission of Confederation of Professional Golf Ltd

**Please note this document is strictly private and for CPG Member Country PGAs to access and use only.**

Here Ivar looks at some of the key elements involved with mental toughness and how they can be incorporated in to PGA Professionals’ coaching practices…

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In the nuanced game of golf, there’s a maxim that rings true across all skill levels—success on the green is driven by more than physical prowess. It’s about the resilience of the mind and the ability to navigate emotional currents. As PGA Professionals, we understand the pivotal role mental strength plays in the game. But how can we integrate these principles into our coaching techniques, making them tangible and impactful for our students, both amateur and professional?

A golf game isn’t won solely on the driving range or the putting green, but within the landscape of the mind. Consider the wisdom of golf legend Jack Nicklaus, who said, “Golf is 80% mental, 10% physical, and 10% luck.” Anxiety, stress, and lack of confidence can obstruct even the most technically proficient golfer from achieving their potential.

To address these challenges, we must dissect the elements of mental toughness: Anxiety Management, Concentration, Confidence Building, Imagery, Mental Preparation, Motivation, and Relaxation. By understanding and incorporating these elements into our coaching, we can help our students not only confront but also overcome their mental hurdles.

Anxiety Management…

…is crucial for helping golfers stay composed under pressure. As a coach, you can integrate mindfulness exercises into training sessions, encouraging golfers to focus on the present moment, thus reducing anxiety and stress. For instance, during practice, have your students focus on the feel of the club in their hands, the sound of the swing, or the sight of the ball. This can help anchor them in the present, mitigating anxiety about past mistakes or future performance.

Concentration…

…is a fundamental part of golf, where a momentary lapse can make all the difference. To help your students improve focus, introduce exercises such as ‘quiet eye’ training, which involves maintaining a steady gaze on the target (like the hole or a particular spot on the ball) for a couple of seconds before the swing. This practice can improve visual attention and enhance accuracy.

Confidence Building…

…is best achieved through a blend of feedback and self-reflection. Encourage your students to journal their experiences during each game, noting what they felt worked well and what did not. Pair this with positive feedback, emphasising their strengths and achievements, which can significantly boost their confidence.

Imagery or visualisation…

…is a proven technique to enhance performance. Encourage your students to mentally rehearse their shots or play an entire game in their mind. This ‘mental walkthrough’ helps familiarise them with different scenarios, making them less daunting in reality.

Mental Preparation…

…is about setting up the right mindset before the game. Introduce practices like goal-setting at the beginning of each training session, discussing the plan for the day and what they aim to achieve. This provides a clear vision and promotes a focused mind.

Motivation…

…can be stimulated through setting both short-term and long-term goals. Celebrate small wins, such as improvements in swing mechanics or putting accuracy. These victories fuel motivation and show that progress is being made.

Relaxation techniques…

…like controlled breathing exercises can be incorporated into the warm-up or cooldown routines. A simple practice like taking deep, slow breaths can help slow down the heart rate, relax the body, and clear the mind, leading to improved performance.

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Incorporating these elements into your coaching methodology, either as part of a structured development plan or as individual tools, can make a significant difference. Using tools such as the ‘Mental Toughness’ programme provide a structured approach to these elements, offering various exercises and insights building momentum and increasing a player’s dedication to mental training.

As coaches, understanding the power of mental toughness and its critical role in golf allows us to elevate our coaching techniques. By equipping our students with the mental tools to complement their physical skills, we are paving the way for the next generation of golfers, who are not only technically proficient but mentally tough.

ABOUT THE MENTAL TOUGHNESS APP

Unlock your student’s potential with “Mental Toughness,” an online programme designed scientifically to amplify their game. Seamlessly integrating with your technical tuition, this programme offers a targeted approach for each key mental aspect.

From establishing powerful routines and mastering visualization to understanding physical and mental warm-ups—it’s got it all. Help your students devise critical situation plans, manage their control points, and use controlled breathing for relaxation. With an eye on holistic growth, it also aids in creating development plans, factoring in nutrition, rest, recovery, and training. Whether used as a comprehensive guide or for individual elements, “Mental Toughness” is your ticket to transforming your coaching and your students’ game.

For the price of one lesson, your student can benefit from the complete program for one year. PGA Professionals from CPG Member Countries can access an affiliate program that includes a discount for all your students.

Find out more about the Affiliate Program at https://cp.golf/3CpDTfe and more on the App at mentaltoughness.golf

Golf Genius today announced that over 1,000 private clubs, public courses, and golf associations have started using Golf Genius Golf Hub since launching just one year ago.

Available to all Golf Genius Tournament Management subscribers, Golf Hub helps golf professionals promote awareness, drive registration, and boost participation in golf events, leagues, and clinics.

Golf professionals can quickly and easily create a great looking online registration page for any golf event, league, or clinic. These “digital flyers” are automatically aggregated and showcased via “club hubs” which can be embedded into existing club websites, included in email campaigns and promoted via social media channels. Upon registration, golfers are immediately dropped into the roster in Golf Genius Tournament Management where the golf professional seamlessly proceeds with running the event or league as usual.

“We’re always trying to identify ways to save time for golf professionals and help them deliver a better golfer experience,” said Clint Jarrett, Golf Hub Product Manager. “By eliminating manual signups, phone calls, and emails, Golf Hub removes the friction for golfers and golf professionals.”

Late last year, Golf Genius launched the ability for national and regional associations to create hubs that automatically aggregate events, leagues, and clinics across their public and private member clubs.

Chris Kallmeyer, co-CEO of Golf Genius, commented: “We’re very excited about the next stage of Golf Hub where golfers will be able to use a map to see golf events, leagues, and clinics near them, and then quickly and easily register online. This vision will be a reality in the foreseeable future as a result of key partnerships with golf associations and federations around the world. In the meantime, we’re pleased with the rapid adoption of Golf Hub while we continue to innovate based on valuable feedback from the Golf Genius community.”

Find out more at GolfGenius.com and get in touch at intlsales@golfgenius.com to get your Golf Genius account.

On the 3rd and 4th of November 2022 the partners in the EDUGOLF project met for their fourth meeting in Warsaw, Poland, hosted by the Polish Golf Union. The EDUGOLF project runs from January 2021 – December 2023 and is jointly led by the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG) and the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE). EDUGOLF is co-funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ Sport programme.

RESEARCH

The research phase of EDUGOLF is exploring topics such as the economic and social value of golf, successful initiatives for growing the game, trends which will impact on the golf market, traditional and emerging occupations, and key competences for the golf workforce.

The partners reviewed and discussed the first draft of a full Research Report including findings from a desk research, successful survey of national golf organisations, interviews with effective golf employers as well as a focus group of young people’s perceptions of golf. Most importantly, the report presents implications for the next outputs of the project. The project’s research working group will now incorporate all project partners’ feedback on the draft, consult on the draft with the wider industry and publish the report in 2023.

STANDARDS

A core output from EDUGOLF will be a new set of occupational standards for the golf industry made up of competences required of the golf workforce.

At the meeting, the partners reviewed a draft of the industry’s functional map and over 100 individual standards in the areas of golf management, coaching, game development and events. The standards include key competences, good practice indicators, skills and knowledge required to fulfil the key functions in golf organisations.

Similar to the research report, the standards working group will now implement the partners’ feedback on the draft, re-write the standards to an agreed format, and run a round of external consultation with the industry to ensure that the standards are comprehensive, clear and represent best practice in golf in order to become a useful resource for golf employers, training providers and individuals working in the industry.

EDUCATION

EDUGOLF will produce a Training Handbook for the golf industry as well as new e-learning modules for professionals in golf. At the meeting, the partners initially agreed on the content and key areas to be included in the EDUGOLF Training Handbook, including updated role descriptors for key occupations, a range of example module outlines, example qualifications structures, as well as guidance on development and delivery of effective golf education and training. Partners also started to identify potential topics that could be developed into e-learning modules for the industry, based on the findings of the research phase of the project as well as the updated occupational standards. A working group will continue working on the handbook and start developing e-learning modules with the aim of discussing the outputs at the next partner meeting hosted by the PGA of Sweden in March/April 2023.

After the meeting, Wojciech Waśniewski, Executive Director – Knowledge Development of the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG) said “As a Pole, I hope the attending representatives enjoyed their time in Warsaw both in and outside of the main meetings. During the workshops we have received valuable feedback from all project partners, allowing us to continue the development of outputs for the benefit of the golf industry”.

Geoff Carroll, EOSE’s Director for Skills Development commented “This was a really positive and dynamic meeting which showed the fantastic progress the partners have made in developing these important products for the future of the game and the education of its workforce. Everyone present was highly motivated and made valuable contributions to the discussions. I feel confident we are heading for even greater achievements in 2023. Watch this space!”

Visit the project web page at edugolf.eu to learn more about the project. You can contact the EDUGOLF project and ask to be kept informed about developments by contacting info@edugolf.eu or subscribe to project updates on the website.

Full list of partners – European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE); Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG); PGA of Sweden; Polish Golf Union (PGU); French Golf Federation (ffgolf); Real Federacion Espanola de Golf (RFEG); PGA of Belgium; EDGA; University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam (ESAB); National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport (NUPPES).

“The new i230 irons and iCrossovers are for avid players who want to get better,” said John K. Solheim, PING CEO & President. “In the i230 iron, we’ve engineered a lot of performance into one design. It has the precise control and consistency of a players iron with an amazing feel while offering the forgiveness of a game improvement iron. It reminds me a lot of the iconic PING EYE2 iron in that it will appeal to so many player types, from the tour pros to everyday golfers. It’s really packed with performance.

“We’ve re-branded our Crossover category into the ‘i’ family to target golfers who most likely play one of our blade-style irons. The tour-inspired head size and sole design along with higher ball speeds help it to transition more seamlessly as a long-iron alternative. We’ve also added hosel adjustability, a highly beneficial innovation allowing golfers to dial in their trajectories for the first time in an iron-style design. We believe this re-design will greatly improve its appeal and find its way into a lot more bags on tour and other competitive settings.”

i230: A Players Iron Everyone Can Play

Advancements to the activated elastomer technology in the i230 iron allowed PING engineers to save significant weight, which is re-allocated within the clubhead to position the centre of gravity (CG) low for more distance and control while increasing the moment of inertia (MOI) for added forgiveness. The low CG combines with greater face bending to deliver more higher ball speeds. The elastomer reinforces the face, providing more consistent bending and energy transfer across the entire face, resulting in approximately three more yards of distance in player testing. Its higher MOI is largely due to tungsten toe and tip weights, which help make it the most forgiving “i” iron to date.

“The i230 iron sits in the middle of our iron offerings, so it requires us to balance a variety of performance attributes,” Solheim said. “It needs the precision and solid feel of a players iron while offering the forgiveness a lot of golfers expect from a PING iron. We also want to provide more distance in a way that is predictable and repeatable to ensure it meets the precise gapping needs of the best players in the world. I’m excited to report our research and early tour feedback confirms we’ve achieved all that and more. It has a little bit of everything to deliver a lot of performance.”

Pleasing Impact Experience

Through extensive modal analysis, PING researchers isolated undesirable frequencies within the clubhead and precisely positioned a re-engineered cavity badge to damp their effect to ensure a pleasing feel and sound. The four-piece badge combines a thin 304 stainless steel cap with an injection-moulded thermoplastic that is secured to the cavity with high-strength adhesive. The activated elastomer supports the face and sits in a toaster-style pocket, which is concealed behind the multi-material badge, creating a clean and appealing cavity design.

“Feel is one of the most important attributes in a players iron,” said Solheim. “Golfers who rely on precise iron play require exceptional feel to control their ball flight. The i230 iron is engineered to provide consistent feel from every club in the set. The soft elastomer and the cavity badge work in concert to ensure they not only feel great, but they sound even better.”

Tour Proven

The long irons (3-5) are slightly more compact than the tour-proven i210, producing more consistent clubface delivery and accuracy, while the rest of the set is designed with similar blade lengths. The sole design is also similar, with a more rounded lead edge and ample bounce to promote smooth turf interaction for clean and solid strikes. The precision-milled MicroMax grooves deliver consistent launch and spin results for more accuracy in the long irons and greater control in the short irons and wedges, especially in wet or grassy conditions where the grooves and hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish help ensure lower launch angles with high spin rates.

“Meeting the needs of our tour pros, who have already won with it, is an important element of the i230 iron,” Solheim said. “Their validation of this design goes a long way in giving golfers the confidence that they can also benefit from its technology. The changes to the blade lengths and shaping are very subtle but are designed to improve the playability and the accuracy of the entire set, especially the long irons. They inspire a lot of confidence when you look at them in the address position.”

i230 Specifications

Multi-material construction: 431 stainless steel body; activated elastomer insert; 304 stainless steel/injection moulded TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) cavity badge; tungsten toe/shaft tip weights; hydropearl 2.0 finish

AVAILABLE: 3-9, PW, UW in 10 colour codes (lie angle). Black colour code is standard.

LOFT OPTIONS: Standard, Power Spec and Retro Spec

STOCK SHAFTS: Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300) & PING Alta CB Black (SR, R, S)

OPTIONAL STOCK SHAFTS: PING AWT 2.0 (R, S, X), Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100), KBS Tour (R, S, X), Nippon NS Pro Modus Tour 105 (R, S, X), Elevate MPH 95 (R, S), UST Recoil 760 ES SMAC (A), 780 (R, S)

STOCK GRIP: Lamkin Crossline Black

RRP: £180 per club with stock steel shaft; £190 per club with stock graphite shaft

A Players Crossover

The iCrossover is engineered for high-swing-speed players looking for long-iron alternatives (2XR, 3XR, 4XR) that fit seamlessly into their set while delivering increased ball speeds for more distance with higher launch. The sources of the high ball speed are the thin, maraging steel face and lower CG position, which is closer to the impact location to produce more energy transfer. The face is robotically welded to the 17-4 stainless steel body with a lower-hinged bend point to provide higher launch for better stopping power. A smaller internal cavity with targeted EVA polymer on the back of the face ensures a pleasing feel and sound.

Tour-Inspired

With similar sole shaping, including the rounded lead edge and ample bounce, the iCrossover seamlessly fits into an i230 iron set in place of long irons. The blade lengths are slightly shorter with less offset than previous crossover generations, making it more compact while providing a tour-style appearance. The standard shaft length builds also are approximately one-quarter inch shorter than the previous models to transition into a set more easily, providing more control and tighter dispersion patterns with similar distance. The precision-milled MicroMax grooves and matte-black hydropearl 2.0 finish deliver consistent launch and spin results for more accuracy.

New Trajectory Tuning 2.0

A first in an iron-style design, the adjustable hosel provides eight settings for loft and lie to help dial in a golfer’s desired ball flight. The lightweight hosel is clearly marked to allow for quick and easy adjustments, with a range of ±1.5° loft and lie in various combinations. The standard setting is the stated loft of the club at 1.5° upright.

“We looked closely at our fitting and Arccos data and discovered the vast majority of our crossover users were better players who use one of our blade irons,” Solheim said. “So, we shifted our focus to engineering a crossover that better fit the needs of that type of player. The iCrossover performance results have been exceptional. Its shape looks great, the ball speeds are higher, and it sounds very powerful. The addition of the adjustable hosel is a huge benefit to help players at that level dial in their ball flight.”

iCrossover Specifications

Multi-material construction: 17-4 stainless steel body; forged, maraging steel face; tungsten toe/shaft tip weights; matte-black hydropearl 2.0 finish

AVAILABLE: 2XR (18° loft) 40 1/8” std. length, 3XR (20°) 39.50”, 4XR (22.5°), 39.00”

TRAJECTORY TUNING 2.0 HOSEL: 8 loft/lie settings

STOCK SHAFT: PING Tour 2.0 Chrome 85 (R, S, X)

OPTIONAL STOCK GRAPHITE SHAFTS: PING Alta CB Black (SR, R, S), Mitsubishi Kai’Li White 80 (S, X), Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 70HY (5.5), 80HY (6.0, 6.5)

STOCK GRIP: Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet (six sizes)

RRP: £275 per club with graphite

FIND OUT MORE AT EU.PING.COM

The 10 models, consisting of high moment of inertia blades and ultra-forgiving multi-material mid-mallets and mallets, are available for pre-order beginning today for £280 (UK RRP). Each model can be custom fit for stroke type, length, lie, loft and grip type.

“What’s most exciting about our new PING putter models is how different they are from each other,” said John K. Solheim, PING CEO and President. “Rather than applying one common technology to every model, our engineers took a more singular approach, applying proven innovations to different head styles to improve the performance of our most popular designs while introducing some brand-new models. For example, several of the new models offer milled faces for a firmer feel and others provide a softer feeling insert. In the blade models, which includes the Tony Finau-inspired Anser 2D design, we put a priority on delivering high-MOI, clean-looking designs by placing tungsten weights in the heel and toe. The use of aluminum and stainless steel in the larger mallet designs has resulted in some of our most forgiving models to date, led by the Tomcat 14. Each model also provides confidence- inspiring alignment cues, from single lines to multi-line alignment aids. It’s a very diverse offering but the one thing they all have in common is they offer precision performance on putts of every length.”

A Model To Fit Every Golfer

Golfers can choose from high-MOI multi-material blades, mid-mallets and mallets. Traditional blades include the Anser and the Kushin 4 – both originally designed by PING founder Karsten Solheim – and the new Anser 2D. The new Mundy design, a multi-material traditionally shaped mallet, is named in honor of PING’s first business manager and long-time employee, Jack Mundy. The tour-proven DS72 and Prime Tyne 4 return with a new look and feel while ensuring the performance that’s earned them multiple trips to the winner’s circle in the last few years. Another new entrant to the mallet category is the Tyne G, a hybrid of the original Tyne and popular Fetch (complete with a “gimme” ball-pickup feature). All three stroke types (Straight, Slight, Strong) are represented within the 10-model selection.

Technology You Can Feel

From firm milled faces to soft-feeling inserts, the face technology is engineered based on feedback from our tour staff to match a variety of feel preferences and deliver control and consistency on putts of every length. Two face milling techniques, smooth (firmest) or shallow, are found in seven of the models while the rest deliver the soft feel of our PEBAX insert surrounded by the smooth or shallow milling.

Aligned For Accuracy

Knowing golfers respond to different alignment aids, the new putters offer a variety of solutions. Single alignment cues or multiple lines combine with appealing color blocking to match a golfer’s eye to inspire confidence where it matters most – on the green. The use of platinum and matte-black finishes in several models provides enhanced contrast to assist in alignment while creating a premium appearance. For golfers who prefer the simplicity and influence of a matte-black look, the Anser 2D, Mundy and Tyne G will best fit their eye.

Individual Model Descriptions/specs

Anser

Std Length: 35″
Stroke Type: Slight Arc
Head Weight: 345 g

The winningest putter in history is updated using tungsten toe-heel weights to provide stability and forgiveness, and the shallow milled face delivers a firmer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics. Employs color blocking where the platinum topline contrasts with the black cavity, drawing focus to the front of the putter for improved aiming.

Anser 2D

Std. Length: 35″
Stroke Type: Slight Arc
Head Weight: 360 g

Made popular by multiple-time winner Tony Finau, a PEBAX insert with shallow milled surround ensures a softer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics. Tungsten toe-heel weights provide stability and forgiveness, a single white alignment line contrasts with the matte-black head, and a ball-width cavity floor help frame the ball to make aligning to the target easier.

Kushin 4

Std. Length: 35″
Stroke Type: Strong Arc
Head Weight: 355 g

Tungsten toe and heel weights provide stability and forgiveness for improved accuracy, and the shallow milled face ensures a firmer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics. A platinum topline contrasts against a black cavity to draw the focus forward, where a short alignment line and ball-width cavity floor frame the ball. Fits a strong-arc stroke type.

Shea

Std. Length: 35″
Stroke Type: Slight Arc
Head Weight: 360 g

Forgiveness is high in the mid-mallets, aided by tungsten toe-heel weights to ensure stability, while the shallow milled face delivers a firmer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics. A platinum topline contrasted against a black cavity with its longer alignment line draws the focus forward, and the ball-width cavity floor helps frame the ball.

DS72

Std. Length: 35″
Stroke Types: Straight, Slight Arc
Head Weight: 365 g

Named in honor of Doug Sanders, who served as Karsten’s chief engineer for many years, the DS72 has a shallow milled face to deliver a firmer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics. A platinum topline contrasts against the black cavity where a white alignment line and ball-width cavity floor focus the eye. The more squared off will be aesthetically pleasing to the mid-mallet player. Fit for straight and slight-arc stroke types.

DS72 C

Std. Length: 35″
Stroke Type: Straight
Head Weight: 370 g

The center-shafted head offers a visual symmetry, and tungsten toe-heel weights ensure stability for improved accuracy. The shallow milled face provides a firmer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics. The color-blocked head features a platinum topline contrasting against the black cavity with its white alignment line to draw the focus forward.

Tyne G

Std. Length: 35″
Stroke Type: Straight, Slight Arc
Head Weight: 360 g

A trio of white lines, ball-width cavity floor and ball-pickup cutout feature distinguish the easy-to-aim Tyne G. The cutout redistributes mass to the perimeter for added stability and forgiveness to improve accuracy with the added benefit of a “gimme” ball-pickup feature. A PEBAX insert with shallow milled surround ensures a softer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics.

Prime Tyne 4

Std. Length: 35″
Stroke Type: Strong Arc
Head Weight: 365 g

A top performer evolves for 2023, featuring the customary twin forks that make the head highly stable to ensure forgiveness and accuracy. The shallow milled face delivers a firmer feel, consistent ball speed and pleasing acoustics. New color blocking utilizes a platinum topline contrasted against the black cavity to draw the focus forward.

Mundy

Std. Length: 35″
Stroke Type: Straight, Slight Arc
Head Weight: 355 g

Forgiveness is driven way up by joining a lighter aluminum body to a 304 stainless steel sole plate for positioning the center of gravity low/back. A PEBAX insert with a smooth milled surround delivers a softer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics. Three full-length, ball-width alignment lines draw the eye to the point of contact with the ball, simplifying aiming.

Tomcat 14

Std. Length: 35″
Stroke Type: Straight
Head Weight: 380 g

Multi-material construction creates extreme MOI in the Tomcat 14, built with a lighter aluminum body joined to a 304 stainless steel sole plate for positioning the center of gravity low/back for forgiveness. Ball-width runway-style dotted lines track all the way to the ball to aid in alignment. The smooth milled face delivers the firmest feel of the newest PING putters, and slightly faster ball speed.

DS72 Armlock

Std. Length: 41.5″
Std. Loft: 6°
Stroke Types: Straight, Slight Arc
Head Weight: 365 g

Built with a longer shaft and grip and more loft to perform for the armlock style of player, the DS72 offers a shallow milled face delivers a firmer feel and consistent ball speed with pleasing acoustics. A platinum topline contrasts against the black cavity where a white alignment line and ball-width cavity floor focus the eye. The more squared off will be aesthetically pleasing to the mid-mallet player.

FIND OUT MORE AT EU.PING.COM

First off – what do we mean by personalisation?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY IS THIS BENEFICIAL TO THE ORGANISER AND THE PARTICIPANT?

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

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

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

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

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

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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Engineered for golfers in search of versatility and improved shot making inside the scoring zone, PING today introduced the Glide Forged Pro wedge series. The tour-inspired, high-spinning design is offered in two grind profiles and multiple loft options to fit players who rely on precision and control to shoot lower scores.

The custom-fit, custom-built Glide Forged Pro wedges are now available for pre-order at authorised PING retailers around the world.

“When you look at the Glide Forged Pro wedge, everything about it stands out,” said John K. Solheim, PING President. “It’s a great-looking club with amazing feel that performs beautifully. It has the versatility to attract and benefit a lot of different skill levels. Our engineers focused on every design attribute. It’s slightly smaller heel-to-toe with a rounded profile to allow players the ability to control the club and play any shot with precision. We’ve also applied a new face blast to improve friction for increased spin and trajectory control.”

Tour-Inspired Compact Shape

In consultation with its Tour staff and brand ambassadors, PING’s engineers designed the Glide Forged Pro for golfers who focus on saving shots into and around the green. The smaller heel-to-toe head, which is forged from 8620 carbon steel, creates a captured look at address, giving players the confidence to manipulate the head to help execute any shot they are facing.

“We know golfers are very particular about the look of their wedges. That first impression when they look down at it is vitally important to whether it makes it into their bag,” said Solheim. “The feedback from our players and coaches really helped guide the design of the Glide Forged Pro. It sets up perfectly behind the ball, giving you the confidence to pull off almost any shot. It has the all-around performance that will lead to lower scores for a lot of different type of players.”

Friction Face with Emery Blast

In combination with the precision-milled face and grooves, the new Emery face blast adds more texture to the hitting surface, creating higher friction and more interaction between the club and ball for more spin and lower launch. The 50º and 52º lofts feature wheel-cut grooves with a 20º sidewall to optimise performance on full shots. The 54º to 62º options are milled with a 28º sidewall and tighter radius for more spin and precision on finesse shots around the green and from the sand. The hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish adds to the higher spin and lower launch, especially from wet and rough conditions.

“As great as these clubs look, it comes down to performance off the face,” said Solheim. “The new Emery blast makes a huge difference. The added spin and lower launch overall give shot makers the control they need to play at the pin on full shots or take on the tough shots around the green.”

Expanded Lofts and Grinds

Two grind options in multiple lofts expand the offerings to ensure a wedge choice to match a golfer’s playing conditions and angle of attack. In the “S” grind, moderate bounce and a rounded lead edge combine to produce an option that fits most golfers. It comes in seven loft/bounce configurations. The “T” Grind has a narrower sole with approximately 3º less bounce than the “S” to make it more versatile and precise around the green. It’s available in three lofts, including a 62º, which offers low bounce and high loft for the most greenside versatility and will be a popular choice on tour when matching course conditions. Golfers can also choose from eight custom grinds through PING Wrx, the company’s facility that custom builds the majority of its tour and college equipment.

59º EYE2 Toe Option

The PING EYE2 wedge face profile inspired the “S” grind 59º option, which is distinguished by the high-toe design made popular by Karsten Solheim’s iconic sand wedge developed in the early 1980s. It features a blended hosel and a more traditional sole design than the original with approximately 1.5º less bounce than the other “S” grind lofts.

“I may be a little biased since my swimming pool as a kid was shaped like a PING EYE2 wedge, but I love the high-toe option in this line,” said Solheim. “It gives me the confidence and versatility to play high and low shots with a lot of spin without being intimidated. It’s especially good out of the bunker.”

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With a focus on maximising MOI through multi-material designs and minimising the frustration that comes with missed putts, PING have introduced the 2021 putter series.

Available in 11 models, the custom-built putters are available for pre-order beginning today at authorised PING golf shops around the world.

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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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.

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With the recent announcement that the PGA of Ukraine have joined the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] as its newest Member Country, the signals of positive intent from both parties – to extend and grow the game of golf both in Ukraine and more globally – are there for all to see.

The CPG chatted to PGA of Ukraine Deputy General Secretary, Veronika Rastvortseva, about the association and its current goals and driving motivations for the future of the sport in Ukraine…

TB: Can you shed some more light on the PGA of Ukraine as an association? It is obviously new and relatively unknown to a lot of people…

VR: The last 9 months have been very busy for the association, with a lot of change seen. We are excited to have a dynamic and visionary new President, Vitaliy Khomutynnik, overseeing the introduction of both a new General Secretary – Volodymyr Pylypenko – and a new Board of directors. We have also expanded our resource from just 1 to 5 staff members, reflecting the increase in projects and initiatives that the Ukrainian Golf Federation is involved in.

In line with an increasing level of collaboration within the country, a new structure has been developed to help better incorporate the leading bodies and associations involved with golf in Ukraine. These include the PGA of Ukraine, 4 Committees (Sport & HcP, Women in Golf, Deaflympic & Paralympic) and other key individuals.

The main purpose of this was to give each committee or individual member a more precise role to better achieve success in achieving our strategic objectives. Our focus has been on eliminating previous problems of having too much responsibility concentrated across just one or two individuals.

To give just one example of how these changes work in practice: after signing the Women in Golf Charter we immediately created a Women in Golf Committee. Each of the 6 female members now have a defined role, covering a range of initiatives including promotion of junior golf amongst girls and spreading the sport to different locations.  While there is much work to do, we are now on a much more sound footing with the system, and are better protected from the loss or absence of a member of staff.

TB: What sort of numbers is golf working to at the moment in Ukraine?

VR: Presently we have over 400 golfers but this number is constantly growing, generally distributed across Ukraine’s 5 golf clubs and 3 centres with golf-simulators. We are also working closely with each to establish playing opportunities and tournaments.

We are very proud to be working with and partnering to a number of global golf organisations, in order to fully represent their interest in Ukraine as well. Thee include European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA), obviously the CPG, European Golf Association (EGA), the International Golf Federation (IGF), The R&A and others, all of which hold the aim of developing the game and widening participation across youth, women and people with disabilities. Using the specific context of our role within the CPG as a member, we have instigated teaching and certification of golf coaches (Golf Coaching Framework) and have joined the CPG programme ”Parents in Golf”.

These actions all impact on both the quality and quantity of participants in golf, and the Ukrainian Golf Federation is planning to take these developments further to make the game available for everyone.

TB: What are the key goals of the organisation for Ukrainian golf over the next 5 years?

VR: This is very much in line with our strategic plan, where we hope to give all areas of golf equal and considerable attention. Disabled golf, Women in Golf, our coaching pathway for PGA members, national team development and support for our increasing number of clubs and facilities will all be provided with support and assistance from our Federation’s offices. We have started from a low number of golfers and coaches and the plan is not simply to increase the numbers but to do so whilst making known to our public the great values, standards and traditions that golf has to offer. It is the beginning of an incredibly exciting journey and it is wonderful to be a part of.

As part of our strategic plan, the coaching pathway and the development of our own coaches here in Ukraine is of huge important to us. Because of the generous support of The R&A, through their National Body Development Grant, we now have time and resource to spend on this particular strand of our development. Our own internal coach education support at training camps and at tournaments, plus the CPG programmes that will begin in September, should see us well placed to provide practical and theoretical support for Ukraine’s PGA members.

We enjoyed a very strong start to the support for the National Coaching framework, with an excellent camp in Turkey from 20-28 February. Three coaches and our Consulting Coach, David Kearney, spent the preceding weeks planning an effective camp which would deliver coaching opportunities and learning experiences for the coaches involved, with feedback on an individual basis.

TB: Why is being a part of the Confederation of Professional Golf important?

VR: Education, in all walks of life, gives us a splendid opportunity to reach our goals, both professionally and personally. As we embarked on year 1 of our strategic plan, we looked to align with a strong educational partner and are thus delighted to be working with CPG Director of Education and Development, Martin Westphal, and the entire team at the organisation. Our aim, with the help of CPG, is to provide a world class education system for our PGA professionals. We know this will take time, a lot of energy and vision to establish but the Federation knows that the growth of golf in the country is in many ways dependent on the quality of coaching that we have, the facilities available, and the passion and enthusiasm that our professionals instil in the golfing population right across Ukraine.

Along with the CPG, the UGF is excited to be partnering with The University of Physical Education Kiev (NUPPES). This is a highly promising collaboration that will enable expansion of the UGF/PGA of Ukraine coaching plan. It will aim to develop the Golf Education programme for college students wishing to play college golf but not necessarily having the opportunity to travel to the USA to do so. The programme will commence in September 2021 and students will be invited from all over Eastern Europe to enrol in a 4-year college degree programme. This will include improving their golfing skills, and they will be expected to take part in the R&A tour.

TB: Your thoughts and feelings that you have finally joined the CPG?

VR: This marks a great step forward for us. It is wonderful to be a part of a community that has the growth of the game and development of educational programmes at the heart of its function. But as important, it acts as a motivator for us and as a catalyst to work even harder so we can be judged alongside the best in the world and hold our heads high. We have looked from the sideline for a while, but now we are at the table, we also hope to be able to contribute to the conversation. We are ambitious in Ukraine and keen to learn and grow. We are confident our energy and motivation, combined with acquisition of new skills and knowledge thanks to our association with the CPG, will be a winning formula.

All the initiatives undertaken by the UGF are with the strategic support of the Golf Development team at The R&A. Their support in helping us develop golf for all has been unwavering and we are very appreciative. And now with bodies like The R&A and the CPG partnering and supporting The Ukrainian Golf Federation, we are confident we will reach our strategic goals.

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