For the first time the European Greenkeepers Federation (FEGGA) convened at the M.O.C. in Munich, Germany for a three day conference. Approximately forty delegates from all the affiliated national associations concentrated primarily on questions of pan-European importance, such as the creation of uniform standards of greenkeeper training and further education and on environmental protection issues relating to golf courses.
The Director of FEGGA, Dean Cleaver, was extremely satisfied with the result of the meeting. “We have taken a major step forward. After considering the various training systems in the respective member states we decided on first measures to introduce uniform standards and put them into practice. By combining the time-tested National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) from Britain and the national structures in a united Europe, we aim to qualify greenkeepers all over Europe even better.”
The FEGGA delegates also set high standards for environmental management. The member associations give top priority to developing the greenkeepers’ influence in matters of environmental protection. “It is important for us to show unequivocally that golf and nature go well together,” said Dean Cleaver, “and that the use of modern environmentally friendly methods, means and machines is perfectly compatible with this idea.”
The M.O.C. provided the delegates from FEGGA with an ideal setting for their conference. As the venue for ‘Fairway’ – a key trade fair for greenkeepers in continental Europe – the M.O.C. would like to form a closer relationship with the Federation. On behalf of the Federation, Dean Cleaver said that it was possible that the Federation might support the event by acting in an advisory capacity in matters of training and further education.
Fairway 2001, the 7th Golf Course Congress with Exhibition will be held in the M.O.C. on 1st and 2nd March 2001.