Fifth PGA Members’ International Conference proves a swinging success in Bangkok

13/05/2024

A world-class line-up of speakers, a full house of PGA Members and industry delegates drawn from all over the world, and some spectacular venues combined to ensure a successful staging of the fifth PGA Members’ International Conference in Bangkok, Thailand from April 22-25.

Previously staged at Laguna Phuket, this year’s gathering moved to the capital of Thailand with the tone being set at a spectacular welcome reception at the world-famous Vertigo Roof Top Bar on the 61st floor at the exclusive Banyan Tree Hotel in downtown Bangkok.

As well as representatives from Cambodia, China, Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand, attendees came from as far afield as Mauritius, the Netherlands and the UK.

Heading the line-up of speakers for the full opening day of presentations at the Banyan Tree Bangkok Conference Centre was internationally renowned Mind Factor coach founder and PGA Professional Karl Morris, one of Europe’s leading golf performance coaches.

Morris, who has worked with six Major championship winners, and more than 100 PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LPGA players, revealed some fascinating insights into his work and processes and interacted freely with delegates with a view to helping them apply the in-depth principles and application of the Mind Factor in their daily management and coaching.

Other speakers included Spencer Robinson (Chief Communications Officer, Asian Golf Industry Federation); Michael Moir (Founder & Managing Director, Fenix Apparel); Chris Geraghty (General Manager, Vattanac Golf Resort, Cambodia); DJ Flanders (Executive Vice President, Troon International), and Carl Heaton (Marketing and Communications Specialist).

After a full opening day of presentations, delegates spent day two at the All-Thailand Golf Center and Riverdale Golf Club. Opened in 2023, the centre is the headquarters and permanent base of the All-Thailand Golf Tour and a home for the next generation of Thai, Asian and international golfers to develop their skills.

In addition to Morris’s presentation, day two saw insightful presentations delivered by Andrew Knott (Director of Golf Operations, All Thailand Golf Centre), Asian Tour executive Andrew Pitts and Steve Furlonger, one of the world leaders in coaching ground reaction forces.

Throughout the four days, delegates had the chance to interact in various informal and formal settings to exchange ideas, make new contacts and expand their horizons both personally and professionally. Guests also had the opportunity to play the stunning Riverdale Golf Club under floodlights in a fun-format evening event, which proved hugely popular.

Speaking at the closing Gala Dinner at the All-Thailand Golf Center, PGA Chief Executive Robert Maxfield said: “What a fantastic and thought-provoking week. The conference continues to be a great way to meet fellow PGA of GB&I members, share ideas and learn from some of the most respected figures in the golf industry. We have already received positive feedback from members and delegates who attended the conference, and we look forward to providing details of next year’s International Conference in the coming months.”

I was most looking forward to the presentations by Karl Morris and Steve Furlonger, but I found all the speakers to be engaging. I feel I have benefited greatly from attending and having the opportunity to network and share ideas with fellow PGA colleagues and others that work within the golf industry was invaluable.

- Kevin Sullivan, PGA Member

PGA Member Kevin Sullivan, who works as a self-employed golf coach in Bangkok, was one of many delegates who were impressed with the week’s events. He said: “The Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok and All-Thailand Golf Center/Riverdale Golf Club provided excellent facilities and hospitality and were great venues for hosting the conference.

“In my current role as a golf coach, I was most looking forward to the presentations by Karl Morris and Steve Furlonger, but I found all the speakers to be engaging. Carl Heaton’s presentation on how to access and use AI tools in marketing and the importance of personalising your content is something all businesses should embrace going forward.

“I feel I have benefited greatly from attending and having the opportunity to network and share ideas with fellow PGA colleagues and others that work within the golf industry was invaluable. Thank you to all involved for putting on a successful conference.”

More images from the event can be found at Flickr/ThePGA