Olympic portal launched

An Olympics-focused hub has been launched by the PGAs of Europe to celebrate coaching and shine a light on the PGA Professionals who have played a role in the development of the 120 male and female potential qualifiers for Rio.

The online portal has been developed with the support of the International Golf Federation (IGF).

The website page will tell the stories of the 60 men and 60 women from 40 countries all vying to qualify.

And, currently, more than 45 of those are currently from Europe with the vast majority currently supported by a PGA pro as a swing coach, or will have been in the past.

The hub details all 120 potential qualifiers as they jostle for position in the coming months, alongside the PGA Professionals they work with, as well as up to date Olympic golf news and features.

“On the current Olympic rankings Europe has by far the most representatives and many from our Member Countries are currently in line to compete in both the male and female events,” said PGAs of Europe chief executive, Ian Randell.

“This is testament to all involved in golf in those countries, especially the PGAs and Federations, and provides the opportunity for the PGAs of Europe to celebrate the coaches who have supported these players all along their golfing roads to Rio.”

Antony Scanlon, executive director of the IGF, said: “There will be many great stories on the Road to Rio as the 60 men and 60 women attempt to be the first Olympic golf champion in 112 years.

“Almost without exception, those players will have worked closely with a PGA Professional coach during their development from aspiring amateurs to top professionals.

“It is important that we not only celebrate the achievements of the golfers, but also the huge behind-the-scenes support of the PGAs of Europe and their Members.

“As the Olympics draw nearer, the IGF is delighted to be associated with the PGAs of Europe and to support the Olympics-focused online hub.”