Dennis Shaw, Media Consultant to The PGAs of Europe since 1998, this year hangs up his full-time notepad, having worked closely with staff and directors over a fourteen-year period..
“It’s been a humbling yet uplifting experience, one in which the past and the present collide, where nostalgia is inevitable, though suddenly rather quaint, and with reminders that if yesteryear was yours the future belongs to younger versions of yourself.”
Dennis has been with the PGAs of Europe for a number of years, having been brought on board by then secretary, Lawrie Thornton, and carried with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in journalism and public relations.
“Thornton was acutely aware of the importance of communications and PR having launched an attractive Year Book and planned a quarterly ‘hard copy’ newsletter. That’s about all you could do back in the 1990s. And even that cost an arm and a leg…but he laid the foundations that have steadily been built on.”
Having previously worked within the football industry, Dennis took the change in sport in his stride and ensured the wider golf industry was made aware of the work the PGAs of Europe has carried out over almost a decade and a half so far.
“It’s been a fabulous fourteen years, though, chronicling the progress as it has been forged by the innovators and decision-makers… and it does seem to me that those original founding fathers from back in 1989, who recognised the need for an association of European PGAs, with education at its core, must never be forgotten.
“All that and a thoroughly modern communications policy. Who would have thought that the 1989 ‘blank sheet of paper’ would become such an inspirational story? I’m proud to have helped to write it thus far.”
Ian Randell, Chief Executive of the PGAs of Europe, said: “Dennis has seen immense change within the organisation, adapting his fantastic style of writing and reporting from his previous endeavours as a football writer for the biggest publications in the country. It’s that experience that has enabled him to ensure that all the stakeholders invested in the work we do are aware of the ongoing evolution of the organisation.
“Dennis has done a superb job in publicising the activities and progress of the PGAs of Europe over the years. It was a privilege to be able to acknowledge this with the presentation of the inaugural PGAs of Europe Special Recognition Award last year to him. I know I speak on behalf of all members, directors and staff in offering a big thank you for all that he has done for our Association and the 38 national PGAs that make up our membership. We pay tribute to our long-standing pressman and friend.”
To read Dennis’ full farewell article, visit www.pgae.com