Donato di Ponziano has been named as the PGAs of Europe’s President-elect following his retirement after 20 years on the board, and several as deputy-chairman, at the Association’s annual general meeting in Portugal.
A pioneering figure for the PGA of Italy over a lengthy period, and one of the earliest inspirations of the PGAs of Europe since its inception, will commence his two-years as president when Jean-Etienne Lafitte completes his term in twelve months time.
Di Ponziano has been succeeded on the board by his Italian compatriot, Luca Salvetti.
In addition to his all-round duties as a director, Donato was instrumental in the development of the Teaching and Coaching Conference, a member of the Ryder Cup Policy Board and a Golf Development Consultant in the joint initiative between The R&A and the PGAs of Europe, spreading a culture of golf education among emerging nations funded by R&A grants.
This work included numerous visits to India where he helped to nurture a golfing culture culminating in the building of a national academy, an invaluable service to the nation, one that brought him an award from them for his contribution.
“Donato has made an incalculable contribution to the Board and also ethos of education that has been a cornerstone of the PGAs philosophy, virtually from Day One,” said PGAs of Europe chairman, Sandy Jones, “During his 20 years on the Board, and in his work as a Golf Development Consultant he has helped to encourage a stronger golfing culture in his own country as well as elsewhere.
“We will, of course, miss his ever-positive presence at our various meetings and events but well appreciate that after 20 years he feels it is time to move on. There is no doubt that he will be as enthusiastic a vice-president and president as he has been director. We (the Board) all thank him for his valued time and commitment he has given us over the years.
“We are also delighted to welcome Luca on to the Board. He brings a wealth of experience to the PGAs of Europe through his work for the PGA of Italy and I’m sure he will become a valued member in all areas of the association.”
Salvetti is a member of the Board of the PGA of Italy and is their Head of Member Education looking after the education and vocational training of golf professionals inItalyincluding the organisation of the PGAI Annual Seminars. He also brings a wealth of knowledge that goes beyond his PGA membership and includes a degree in Sports Science, a role on the board of the Fondazione Campus,University of Lucca for Golf & Tourism, as well as being head consultant for Giorgio Armani EA7 Golf lines.
The PGAs of Europe www.pgae.com