The PGAs of Europe is in a sound and healthy state to tackle any challenges that a demanding future may present. This is the view of Sandy Jones, expressed in an upbeat look into the New Year and beyond.
In applauding the part played over many years by those directors who have vacated the board to allow for its reduction from 12 places to seven, The PGAs of Europe chairman believes that the administration is now more streamlined for fasttrack decision-making.
Twenty years on from when the concept of a pan-European association of national PGAs was first suggested, and at the completion of a two-year transitional period of change, the ‘association of associations’ is systematically achieving its objectives.
During those important two years of transition since Ian Randell was appointed as The PGAs of Europe’s first chief executive, there have been such advances as:
• the recent setting up of Zonal Forums
• the reduction of the board from twelve members to seven
• the fast-tracking of decision making
• the appointment of a fulltime Director of Education (Tony Bennett)
• an enlarged list of Corporate Partners with the introduction of categories
• meaningful discussions in Brussels with regard to recognition by, and influential relationships with, the European Union.
Other moves include the start of a two-year presidency for Heinz Fehring, the elder statesman of German professional golf, a switch from president to a board place for Ken Schofield and an introduction to the board for Carlos Roca, the president of The PGA of Spain.
“I’m passionate about the ‘zonal form’ system,” stressed the chairman. “It gives us so much more opportunity to be in close contact with the member countries within their own territories.
“Ian Randell is doing an excellent job. He has, as one example, been around all, or most of the member countries that he needed to visit, and I feel, as a result, many of the smaller PGAs now feel that they have more of a voice. Relationships with our partners, and with the golf industry, are excellent, too.”
“I’m very confident about the future,” he added.
To read a copy of the PGAs of Europe February Newsletter “Working Together” go to http://www.pgae.com/e_newsletter.php?tab=4
Headlines in this issue:
• ‘Re-shaped and ready to face our challenge…’
• Congratulations, Captain Monty!
• Progress Report – PGA of Bulgaria
• Heinz Fehring: ‘Had vision of Europe….’
• Jean-Etienne Lafitte’s ‘French tenacity’
• Tunisia’s ‘Strong desire to grow golf…’
• European Golf Ltd’s Putting Green Partnership
• Strategic Plan Approved by delegates
• ‘I love Srixon…’ says Boo Weekley
• Spain’s Fitness Instructor Course
• Enter NOW for Aegean Airlines Pro-Am