Two of Europe’s leading golf organisations have unveiled a new commercial force in golf, PGA Golf Management, which is set to lead the way in the provision of high quality golf facility management and marketing services across Europe.
The Professional Golfers‘ Association of Great Britain & Ireland and Braemar Golf Developments Ltd have brought together their expertise to enhance the commercial opportunities within the management of golf facilities. This new partnership will enable the sharing of business and industry intelligence and relationships to create a recognisable and reputable force within the world of golf.
Keith Haslam, operations director, PGA Golf Management, said, “The combination of skills, market knowledge and contacts places us in an almost unique position within the commercial golfing arena. We have already demonstrated the calibre of our team and the need for such strong expertise in securing our first contract in Portugal. The key to our long term success is firmly founded in an innovative partnership approach which is designed to meet the individual needs of every client.”
The Scotland-based team behind the venture includes some of the most experienced golf executives in Europe, boasting skills acquired from hands-on responsibility for highly successful and profitable golf operations:
David Dean – Managing Principal
Following a wealth of international experience in the hotel and leisure industry, David has been instrumental in the creation of the partnership between the PGA and Braemar Golf Developments. He previously formed Braemar Golf Developments in 1999 after holding the position of development director for Gleneagles Golf Developments and is a principal of the Daedalus Group. David’s extensive knowledge of the sector reflects his key responsibilities for PGAGM’s business development and golf resort development.
Keith Haslam – Operations Director
Keith joined in 2003 having spent over 10 years in both the golf management sector and the leisure management consultancy field. Through his expertise, he will be overseeing all requirements of a client’s golf properties as well as developing and securing contracts for the PGAGM in the UK and Europe.
Andrew McIntyre – Financial Controller
Having previously been an integral part of the Braemar Golf Developments strategic golf consultancy team and as a qualified chartered accountant, Andrew brings with him an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of financial management and strategic planning for UK and international golf and leisure projects.
Mike Gray – Commercial Director for the PGA
With a career spanning the highest levels of the golf industry, including a senior post in organising the 2002 Ryder Cup, Mike’s role involves the strategic co-ordination of activities between the PGA and its commercial ventures such as the PGAGM.
James Kidd – Agronomist
An expert in turf grass management across a diverse range of climates and geographical regions, James provides PGAGM with an invaluable resource. His award winning work has led to the courses at Gleneagles gaining a pan European certificate of excellence for environmental management.
PGA Golf Management will provide a full range of business services, but with the necessary flexibility to ensure a tailored approach, including:
- Quality management
- Golf course management
- Human resources
- Retail management
- IT and financial management
- Marketing, including e-commerce, branding and market research
Commenting on the venture, Sandy Jones, chief executive, the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland, said, “At the PGA we pride ourselves on our integrity. This exciting venture within our commercial subsidiary is an embodiment of this, along with our commitment, values and ambitions in the world of golf. Some time ago, we recognised that the commercial side of golf can offer a range of prosperous opportunities and now with the right partner we can seize these and bring them to profitable fruition.”
For further information about PGA Golf Management contact Keith Haslam keithhaslam@golfdevelopments.co.uk
PGA Golf Management www.golfdevelopments.co.uk