Hunters Lodge, The PGAs of Europe’s new Headquarters at The Belfry, has been officially opened with the second in a series of events that mark 25 years since the Association’s formation.
As the Association celebrates a quarter of a century at the forefront of the Professional game in Europe, the brand new offices were opened by PGAs of Europe Honorary President, Pierre Bechmann, and Chairman, Sandy Jones, in front of key individuals from across the Association’s history, current Board Directors and members of the Education Committee, along with friends from various other pan-European golfing bodies.
PGAs of Europe Chairman, Sandy Jones, has been an instrumental figure in the PGAs of Europe across its history and marked the occasion as a very proud moment: “I think the opening of the office after 25 years reflects how much progress we’ve made – when the Association started there was no real structure…but there was a great idea. The great idea was that we needed to embrace all of Europe…the PGAs of Europe was a vehicle that allowed that to happen.
“I always say the history bit is only the foundation upon which you build the future – well last night I talked about the 25 years of history and that’s the foundation stone for us to move forward. This building will become iconic as the headquarters of the PGAs of Europe so it’s a very proud moment.”
The Association’s Honorary President, Pierre Bechmann, added: “I think [the new office] strengthens the Association’s identity…and the fact that the PGAs of Europe is a family, close to others in the great family of golf…I think it is truly great.
The two-day event included a celebratory dinner at the Belfry Hotel in which the past 25 years were remembered and key figures from the Association’s history and representatives from other golfing bodies were presented with limited edition anniversary PING Scottsdale TR Anser 2 putters in recognition of their commitment to, and relationships with, the PGAs of Europe.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony followed 18-holes of golf on the historic four-time Ryder Cup host course, The Brabazon that was resplendent in the Autumnal sunshine and in perfect condition.
“It’s been an absolutely fantastic couple of days…I guess in many ways the PGAs of Europe comes of age with its 25th Anniversary,” said PGAs of Europe Chief Executive, Ian Randell. “We’ve been absolutely blessed here today, we’ve had a great time and great food last night, the golf course here at The Belfry, home to four Ryder Cups, was in superb condition and even better the sun shone on an Autumn day in middle-England. Best of all we’ve had great company from both inside and outside of the Association so it’s been very fitting way to mark this Anniversary and celebrate the opening of our new headquarters.”
Following the hugely successful Business Club at the Wentworth Club in May, the office opening is the second in a series of events celebrating the Association’s 25th Anniversary year that will culminate with a key celebration week at the 2015 Annual Congress at Turkey’s Gloria Hotels & Resorts in December.
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