The PGAs of Europe Annual Congress, now in its 23rd year, has once again proved its worth by ensuring over 30 countries’ Professional golf bodies are brought together in an environment that looks to aid their development, establish new relationships between countries, and help to strengthen existing relationships.
The event, supported by Glenmuir and the Associaçäo Turismo doAlgarve, taking place at Hotel Vila Galé Lagos, in theAlgarveregion ofPortugal, has so far enjoyed the company of many well-known presenters and industry professionals who have had the opportunity to pass on their knowledge to the gathering of delegates.
Day one saw Founder and President of Catalyst Branding, David Martin, present on the 9 principles that make up the PGA brand; Ken Schofield, current PGAs of Europe board member and former Chief Executive of the European Tour, showcase his astounding memory for his experiences at an incredible 19 Ryder Cups.; Nikola Smoljenovic, the General Secretary of the PGA of Croatia, giving his account of the recent Initial Professional Education (IPE) programme in Croatia; as well as an explanation from PGAs of Europe Director of Education, Tony Bennett, about the recently completed Golf Stand European Occupational Standards for Golf project.
Day Two of the Congress consisted of the ‘President’s Challenge Golf Day’ hosted at Boavista Golf Club, designed to mix up the delegates and ensure they get to know those that they are spending time with over the week, as well as adding an element of competition for a group of individuals that all share the same passion for the game.
A rousing performance by the President’s team, this year represented by past-president, Ken Schofield, prevented the trophy from entering the hands of the PGAs of Europe Chairman, Sandy Jones, and his team.
Back to business on day three, delegates enjoyed presentations on Social Media, strategic planning from Richard Heath of the European Golf Association, the intricacies of developing an association from Club Inc.’s Niall Flanagan, as well as from founding father of resort golf on theAlgarve, AndréJordan.
Closing the penultimate day of the Congress was son of renowned course designer Howard Swan, William Swan, whose enlightening presentation on the challenges faced by the industry in terms of growth and participation included the thinking behind ‘FirstGolf’ – an initiative that attempts to tackle these issues using the adaptation of existing facilities, as well as with the development of new facilities that incorporate short courses, and differing practice facilities.
The final day of the Congress will surely provide a treat for delegates in the form of performance coach Jamie Edwards, speaking on the role of momentum in leading world class education, as well as with the arrival of Tony Jacklin CBE to the Congress for a Q&A session with the delegates on his role in developing the game in Europe.
For updates, results and news from the Annual Congress 2012, visit the Annual Congress Hub Page, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter, or like the PGAs of Europe Facebook Page.
The 2012 Congress is supported by Glenmuir, Associaçäo Turismo doAlgarve, Hotel Vila Galé Lagos,OnyriaPalmaresBeachand Golf Resort, and the European Ryder Cup Development Trust
Image PGAs ofEuropeAnnual Congress – Ken Schofield_