The Confederation of Professional Golf has announced the winners of its annual awards, which shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations who embody the values of the organisation and make a lasting impact on the game.
This year’s four recipients, who represent innovation, leadership, dedication, and service at the very highest level, were announced during the recent CPG Festival of Golf held at Porto Carras Grand Resort in Greece.
CHRISTER LINDBERG BOWL
Shot-tracking and simulator technology firm Trackman received the Christer Lindberg Bowl in recognition of its transformational impact on how golf is taught, coached, played, watched, and enjoyed, influencing professionals, facilities, and golfers at every level.
From elite performance measurement to coaching, player development, and modern golf experiences, Trackman has reshaped how people engage with the game – while maintaining a strong commitment to learning across the profession.
The award, named after CPG’s first Chairman and a leading educationalist, carries a strong legacy linked to learning and development within the profession — an area that aligns closely with Trackman’s long-standing commitment to education.
Accepting the award on behalf of Trackman, Thomas Erik Bosco, Sales Director South & Eastern Europe, highlighted the importance of education within the company’s mission, commenting: “Education is a huge part of everything we do. From the very beginning, Trackman has focused on helping coaches and the wider golf world learn through data, feedback, and the tools we provide. That’s why this award is especially meaningful for us.”
From its origins as a high-performance measurement tool, Trackman has evolved into a comprehensive platform supporting coaching, player development, entertainment, and business innovation, while remaining true to its technical foundations.
Fredrik Tuxen, CTO and co-founder of Trackman, added, “I’m extremely proud of having received this recognition from the CPG. Working with coaches and players around the world has always been the heart of what we do at Trackman and we’re not stopping anytime soon.”
Beyond coaching and performance, Trackman has also played a central role in reshaping how golf is experienced and enjoyed. By bridging the gap between traditional outdoor play and immersive indoor and virtual environments, Trackman has helped make the game more accessible, engaging and social for a wider audience.
From simulator golf and competitive virtual formats to enhanced driving range experiences and data-led entertainment, its technology has allowed golfers to connect with the game in new ways, while also supporting facilities and PGA Professionals in creating modern, sustainable golf experiences.
5-STAR PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Łukasz Tomkiewicz, Vice President of the PGA of Poland, has been named the recipient of the CPG 5-Star Professional Award, following his nomination by PGA Polska.
The 5-Star Professional Award recognises PGA Professionals who have excelled across a broad range of roles within the profession, reflecting the diverse skillset required of modern PGA Members. Since its introduction in 1992, the award has honoured individuals whose contributions extend beyond a single discipline, spanning coaching, administration, leadership, education, events, and industry development.
On receiving the award, Tomkiewicz was quick to acknowledge the collective effort behind the recognition, commenting: “I’m very proud, but I see this as a great success for the whole PGA of Poland. This award is more for PGA Polska than for me alone.”
A PGA of Poland Member for over a decade, Tomkiewicz has been involved in multiple facets of the golf industry. His roles have included serving as Editor of the PGA of Poland Magazine, organising national PGA tournaments, supporting elite and professional-level competition, and playing a central role in the development of flagship events such as the Road to Rosa Tour and Challenge Tour tournaments hosted in Poland.
One of the clearest examples of Tomkiewicz’s impact has been his role in helping return Challenge Tour golf to Poland after a 15-year absence with the GAC Rosa Challenge Tour.
Tomkiewicz played a key role in ensuring the event met the highest organisational and media standards, uniting the Polish golf community behind a shared vision. Its success placed Poland firmly back on the international professional golf map and led to Ministry of Sport funding being awarded to a professional golf event for the first time, with the tournament returning again in 2025.
“There are many different things involved in my work. We organise tournaments, create opportunities for PGA Professionals, and try to involve as many members as possible in our activities,” he explained.
As Vice President of the PGA of Poland, Tomkiewicz has also contributed to strategic leadership, supporting initiatives in disability golf, professional competition pathways, and commercial development to ensure the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
Looking ahead, he highlighted the rapid growth of golf in Poland and the increasing demand for qualified PGA Professionals: “Golf in Poland is growing very quickly. Last year our PGA Professionals issued around 1,700 green cards, and this year it will be more than 3,000. That means we need many more PGA Professionals in the coming years,” said Tomkiewicz.
Reflecting on advice for the next generation of professionals, he emphasised the importance of continuous learning, he added: “The most important thing is to develop all the time. Don’t stop after your education – keep learning, keep improving. That’s the way to create better golf and a better life in the profession.”
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Jim van Heuven van Staereling, Director of Education at the PGA of Holland, has been named the recipient of the CPG Special Recognition Award, in recognition of his exceptional and long-standing support of the CPG and his tireless dedication to education and golf development at both national and international level.
The Special Recognition Award acknowledges individuals whose commitment, support and personal contribution have gone above and beyond in advancing the work of the CPG and its Member Countries.
Over several decades, Jim has played a central role in shaping professional education pathways, supporting PGA Professionals, and fostering collaboration across borders.
Reacting to the news of the award, Jim admitted the recognition came as a surprise:
“I was really flabbergasted when I received the message. I’m very proud of the award, but for me it’s not the end — I want to go on, because we are just making change,” he said. “This recognition is not only for me — it’s also for the PGA of Holland and all the countries I’ve worked with. Everything we’ve achieved has been done together.”
Having begun his formal involvement in PGA education in 1997, Jim initially volunteered his time before becoming Director of Education at the PGA of Holland in 2011, a role he continues to hold today that has since seen him influence every single Professional in the country. Throughout that journey, he has worked closely with CPG and PGA colleagues across Europe and beyond, helping to modernise education systems and encourage closer cooperation between PGAs, federations and other stakeholders.
Jim has been one of the CPG’s most trusted and committed contributors, consistently giving his time, expertise and energy to support the organisation’s strategic and educational ambitions. Whether through his leadership within working groups, his involvement in international education initiatives, or his willingness to share best practice across borders, he has played a key role in helping the CPG strengthen its collaborative approach and raise standards across the global PGA network.
A passionate advocate for collaboration, Jim has consistently championed the evolving role of the PGA Professional — not only as a coach, but as an educator, mentor and guide helping people progress from A to B, both in golf and in life.
“I believe strongly in working together. You cannot help people on your own – progress comes when we share knowledge, support each other and keep learning,” he said.
He has also been a vocal supporter of innovation in education, embracing digital tools, hybrid learning models and emerging technologies to enhance professional development, while maintaining the importance of human connection in coaching and learning.
CPG PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR GOLF DEVELOPMENT
Panagiotis ‘Takis’ Gonias has been named the recipient of the CPG President’s Award for Golf Development, recognising his outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of golf in Greece, and his long-standing support of the PGA of Greece.
The President’s Award for Golf Development acknowledges individuals or projects that have made a meaningful and sustained impact on growing the game. A PGA of Greece Member since 2008, Gonias has played a unique role in broadening golf’s appeal in the country, drawing on his background as a professional football player and manager to introduce new audiences to the sport.
“Golf came into my life when I finished football, and it made me very happy. I had fantastic moments and met fantastic people. Only golf can give me this feeling,” said Gonias.
Gonias has been a strong advocate for golf’s crossover appeal, using his profile within Greek and international sport to act as an ambassador for the game. His efforts have included promoting FootGolf in Greece, supporting Pro-Am initiatives, and encouraging athletes from other sports to engage with golf in a fun, accessible way.
“Golf and football have many things in common – you have to train, you have to think. But in golf you are alone, and that builds character and strength,” he added.
Through his involvement with initiatives such as the AEGEAN Airlines Pro-Am and his close alignment with the PGA of Greece, Gonias has helped strengthen relationships between golf, business, and the wider sporting community, contributing to increased visibility and participation.
Reflecting on Gonias’ impact, George Diakou, President of the PGA of Greece, said: “Takis has been an exceptional ambassador for golf in Greece. His background in professional football gave him a unique platform to introduce new audiences to the game, while his long-term support of the PGA of Greece and key initiatives has delivered real benefits for our members and the wider golf community.”
Gonias also emphasised the importance of enjoyment as a foundation for golf development: “The most important thing is to have fun. To finish a round and feel happy – that feeling makes people want to come back and helps the game grow,” he said.