The Golf Consultants Association (GCA) has announced it is to stage its inaugural annual conference at the St. Andrews Bay Hotel, Fife, on 12-13 October 2005 The conference – entitled ‘The Business of Golf’ – is being sponsored by UK Trade & Investment, Scottish Enterprise and WalesTrade International.
The conference aims to boost British business and to showcase British expertise in the golf industry. It will cover all aspects of developing golf at local, regional and national level.
Around 150 delegates from around the world will hear presentations on the importance of golf to the worldwide economy – including how the sport drives tourism, what makes an attractive golf destination, the feasibility of associated top quality housing and many other issues relating to golf development.
Delegates will include golf course owners and developers, golf property developers, investors in golf, national golf governing bodies and trade associations, and national and regional tourism officials from around the world with an interest in growing golf tourism.
Industry experts lined up to speak at the conference will include Peter Walton, chief executive of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) and Howard Swan, the leading golf course architect.
Senior members of the GCA will give the benefit of their expertise and delegates will receive an insight into the experiences of Peter McEvoy, OBE, whose record as an English amateur golfer is unsurpassed. Captain of the triumphant Walker Cup GB & Ireland teams of 1999 and 2001 and chairman of selectors for the victorious 2003 team, Peter has also advised on the development of many golf courses around the world and will be the guest speaker at the conference gala dinner.
Chairman of the GCA, Mike Shields, said, “I am delighted at the enthusiastic response this inaugural conference is receiving from potential speakers, delegates and sponsors.
“We are extremely grateful to UKTI, Scottish Enterprise and WalesTrade International, who were able to see the potential for British business that this conference could create.
“We have a superb venue in St Andrews – the ‘Home of Golf’ – together with great speakers and topics that will be of interest to everyone involved in the golf business. We anticipate a very successful event.”
Further information about the conference can be obtained from the Golf Consultants Association on 02476 414999 or on their website at www.golfconsultants.org.uk.
The Golf Consultants Association is a non-profit making organisation offering worldwide advice and expertise to golf developers and operators. The Association offers marketing, operational and golf facility development expertise and all members have a minimum of five years’ experience in the golf industry.
For further information, please contact Jacqui Baldwin, Golf Consultants Association, Federation House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2RF, United Kingdom Tel: 02476 414999. Email: gca@sportslife.co.uk