PGA chief executive, Sandy Jones, will be opening the 2005 OGRO Conference on the 21st April. OGRO’s third conference will be held at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Maidstone and is the only European range industry gathering. This year’s conference will also feature a table-top exhibition where new range products will be on show alongside many of the established names in golf range supply.
Other speakers include: Tony Hunnicutt, of Harris Miniature Golf and Darin Van Tassell a range operator, both from the USA, talking about the opportunities presented by Miniature Golf; Norman Fletcher, manager of the English Golf Partnership, on the new investment in golf development and it’s relevance to ranges; Colin Jenkins, editor of Golf Range News and Rohan Barnett, MD of OGRO will present a view of the golf range industry in 2005. John Jacobs, OGRO president and international figure in the golf world will also address the conference.
“We are delighted to be returning the OGRO Conference to the UK” said Rohan Barnett. “I am sure that this will provide a great opportunity for all who have an interest in the golf range industry to meet, exchange ideas and get new information on some of the latest developments, opportunities and products in range operation. The range industry has developed significantly in recent years with new technology and improved facilities playing an important part in improving customer experience and many of the leading manufactures and suppliers of range equipment will be exhibiting.
“Golf ranges have a critical role to play in attracting and sustaining new players, so we are very pleased that Norman Fletcher will be speaking on how ranges can contribute to the England Golf Partnership’s Golf Development initiative and the new funding that has become available to drive this forward.”
Colin Jenkins, editor of Golf Range News and chairman of OGRO added, “Miniature golf has become very well established in the USA providing fun for all the family, attracting new customers, and dramatically growing range revenues where it has been well implemented. Harris Miniature Golf are industry leaders in design and construction and Tony Hunnicutt will outline the opportunities presented by Miniature Golf. Dr Darin Van Tassell is a range owner, professor of International Politics at Georgia Southern University and an international baseball coach. Darin will be speaking about how they have implemented Miniature Golf at Hacker Golf Park.
“Many of OGRO’s members are also PGA professionals who run or teach from ranges so we are especially pleased that Sandy Jones will be opening the conference and look forward to forging closer links between OGRO and the PGA.
“John Jacobs will be known to all as a founder of the European Tour, internationally renown teacher and father of the golf range industry in the UK. It is a great privilege for us that John agreed to be the first Honorary President of OGRO and we are delighted that he will be able to join us on the day.”
For further information contact: Rohan Barnett or Colin Jenkins +44 (0)1580 892596
Organisation of Golf Range Owners, Staplehurst Golf Centre, Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0DR
OGRO www.ogro.org
PGA chief at OGRO Conference
