A parade of specialists on relevant subjects for PGA professionals has been assembled in the ‘Learn to Earn’ seminar programme to feature in The PGAs of Europe-endorsed Golf Europe 2009 trade exhibition in Munich on 27/29 September.
The policy of the seminar programme is to offer professionals a wide agenda of informative subjects ranging from equipment technology, (including question-and-answer sessions) and working with the travel industry to pricing strategies and the designing of both pro shops and golf courses.
Among the all-star line up is a personality who proved the most popular speaker among the vast audience of pros in the Association’s Teaching and Coaching Conference staged in the same German city in 2003, namely Frank Thomas, world No.1 equipment expert.
Former Technical Director of the USGA, Frank has spent much of his life as one of the guardians of the game of golf. In his 26 years with the USGA he was responsible for testing every new club and ball and in the process developed the extensive procedures that measure and govern equipment today.
He also directed the development of today’s Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN), and introduced the Stimpmeter to quantify the speed of the greens. Since leaving the USGA in 2000, he has devoted his efforts and passion to educating consumers about golf technology and empowering them to make better decisions about equipment.
Another seminar speaker who was a popular figure from the TCC in Munich in 2005, the then MC, Mike McFaddon, will also be on stage again, this time delivering presentations on Pricing Strategy in the Pro Shop. Some successful stores pile it high and sell it cheap, while others offer a superb service and charge a little more. This session helps you to define a strategy that ensures that consumers gain value for money and that you make a fair profit
In a new and novel presentation by David Krause, President of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, those who attend will be supplied with an A3 sheet of paper and will be invited to design a three-hole loop, comprising a par 3, par 4 and par 5 hole.
Pro Shop design expert Paul Sanders talks on the subject of making the most of a golf shop aided by strategic design while IAGTO director Giles Greenwood offers listeners the chance to ‘Get the inside track on how to make the most for your business when working with the golf travel industry.’
Giles Greenwood, Director of International Association of Golf Travel Operators (IAGTO), will give a presentation bringing clear guidance on working with the golf travel industry.
Paul Sanders, designer of golf shops globally for more than 20 years with clients such as some of London’s flagship retailers including Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, has a broad experience of retail design including sport, lifestyle and fast-moving consumer goods has given him a powerful insight into what makes customers tick. His experience covers the whole spectrum of golf retail from municipal operators to The Belfry and Valderrama.
More details of the Seminar speakers (along with many other articles) appear in the August edition of ‘Working Together’ the monthly newsletter of the Professional Golfers’ Associations of Europe, which can be read in full at http://www.pgae.com/e_newsletter.php?tab=4
Golf Europe www.golf-europe.com