Conference to address hot business topics

A number of key golfing bodies in Ireland have come together to host a conference in Croke Park on November 24 which will feature a variety of educational seminars relating to the Irish golfing industry.

The Golf Education Partnership Conference will see the Confederation of Golf in Ireland (CGI), the Irish Golf and Club Managers Association (IGCMA), the PGA in Ireland and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ireland (GCSAI) come together to host a collaborative day of interaction which will cover some of the hot business topics in golf club management.

The day will begin with a Head of Association / CEO panel discussion which will focus on the current status of the golfing industry in Ireland, offer a preview of future plans for the game and also highlight the importance of a collaborative approach to golf development. The panel will consist of:

• Redmond O Donoghue, Confederation of Golf in Ireland
• Matt Sands, Irish Golf and Club Managers Association
• Damian McLaverty, Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ireland
• Liam Greasley, The PGA

Following this, each association will host a number of Continuing Professional Development seminars.

The PGA will host a seminar entitled ‘The PGA Pro – Generating Revenues for All’ which will be presented by PGA team members David Colclough, Jussi Pitkanen and Paul Wisniewski alongside PGA Professionals Paul Thompson and John Byrne.

This seminar is aimed at any PGA Professional who wants to learn more about how successful PGA Pros have developed their role to a point where they are considered to be revenue generators for their Club or facility and how the use of research and customer feedback can assist them in demonstrating their value to their golf Club. Examples of good practice will also be shared.

The Confederation of Golf in Ireland seminars will focus on the following content:

• Social Media
• Club Governance
• Customer Service

The Golf Superintendents Association of Ireland will, for the first time in Irish sports turf management, launch their Continuing Professional Development Programme and also host presentations on topics such as Organic Matter Management and IPM.

PGA members can book by calling the PGA Member Education dept. on 01675 470333 or email cpd@pga.org.uk