The Confederation of Professional Golf has successfully concluded its 33rd Annual Congress and International Team Championship held at Costa Navarino in Greece.
The event saw delegates from over 20 member countries gather at Costa Navarino to discuss key topics and build on the three key principles of togetherness, collaboration and development, illustrating the benefit of working together and gaining strength from the collective of countries.
The programme of events at the congress included a range of sessions including a focus on the modernisation of governance within the CPG and its Member Country PGAs, leadership training, and discussions around key topics such as the Ryder Cup, the rise of off-course golf and the need for furthering equality, diversity and social responsibility by PGAs.
Attendees also took part in in-depth discussions and activities aimed at improving both the CPG’s engagement and that of its Member Country PGAs, the successful international launch of GolfSixes League and the growing number of countries that are activating it, plus around the continued enhancement of the skills and education of PGA Professionals connected to the EU-backed EDUGOLF Project.
Several notable speakers and experts delivered insightful talks and workshops, including Janie Frampton from TeamYou, former international cricketer and England men’s teams Managing Director Ashley Giles, European Ryder Cup Director and DP World Tour Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer Guy Kinnings, Paul Williams from TrackMan, who shared his thoughts on the future of golf in the entertainment space, and the team at Operation 36 that recently merged with Golf Genius on their developmental programme and technology efforts.
Delegates also had the opportunity to hear from PGA of Spain Member Eduardo Celles, childhood coach to current world no.1 Jon Rahm, during an exclusive Q&A session.
In addition to the Congress, the event also featured the ITC, that was won by the PGA of Italy who successfully defended their title on The Dunes Course with a total of three over par for the championship.
PGA Professionals Michele Reale, Gregory Molteni and Andrea Rota became the first recipients of the Sandy Jones Trophy, newly named in memory of the CPG’s former Chairman and renowned golf leader who passed away in late 2022.
Speaking about the successful conclusion of the event, CPG Chief Executive Ian Randell said: “Our goal at the beginning of the week was to engage, inspire and excite, as well as leave the Congress with commitments from the CPG, and directly from the Member Countries to challenge themselves, their Boards, and their organisations to identify one or two areas where they can pledge to make improvements and innovation in the year ahead.”
PGA of Spain President Ander Martínez, a first-time Congress delegate, offered the following testimonial: “I believe that working together we can achieve good things for golf – I think there’s strength in the numbers, and I’ve experienced a lot of enthusiasm and a desire to improve at the Congress. There were very good presentations, excellent organisation and a lot of positivity throughout the week.”