Golf Empire Push For PGA Pro-Ams

One of golf's best kept secrets - the PGA Pro-Am - is to benefit from a joint marketing push by Golf Empire and The PGA in England (South).

The two parties are combining efforts to attract golfers eager to experience one of the best formats for a day's golf which encompasses playing top courses in the company of talented PGA professionals while competing for fantastic prizes.

Golf Empire founder Edward Battye, who created his website to give amateur golfers quick and easy access to competitive golf, has a huge database of golfers many of whom have yet to try the unique experience of a Pro-Am.

"We've had a terrific take up of the events we've been marketing around the UK by golfers who are looking for more than just a day's golf," said Battye.

"They want the competitive experience that Golf Empire offers, and we know from their feedback that Pro-Ams is a format that many want to find out more about."

The south's pro-am schedule is extensive with more than 50 staged throughout Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire on many of the region's best courses plus some overseas events as well.

Sam Smith, secretary of The PGA in England (South), highlighted the enjoyment many club golfers get from playing with PGA professionals.

"We have got a lot of regulars who love coming to play in a Pro-Am, and we often see some teams coming to play in several tournaments throughout the year," he said.

"The fact we're holding them on some of the top courses in the south all adds to what I think is a very special day out on a golf course, at very competitive entry costs."

Battye agrees, adding: "There's nothing like a PGA Pro-Am. It's also a terrific way to entertain customers, and with teams of four including the PGA professional - who can be your club's own or one found for you by The PGA - it's exciting as well as entertaining."

Among the high profile courses on the pro-am schedule are Wentworth's Edinburgh course, home of the PGA Surrey Open Gatton Manor, Foxhills, Tylney Park and Windlesham plus traditional venues such as West Hill, Woking, Tandridge, The Addington, Hankley Common, and Stoneham.

For links fans there is there is Royal Cinque Ports, Princes or Hayling while in November, amateur and club golfers could get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in a Pro-Am at the world famous Valderrama courtesy of Golf Escapes Andalusia Overseas Pro-Am.

Battye is confident that many more golfers will take up the pro-am challenge through Golf Empire, and those that do will find a whole new side to golf.

"I've always found there's a lot to learn from watching a professional go round a course but in this format you get first-hand experience by playing and talking with them.

"You certainly get a much better idea of what course management really means, and just how good these guys really are."