PGA Professionals from across the UK & Ireland descended upon The Belfry this week for the TGI Golf Business Conference, with many Partners describing it as ‘the best yet’.
The event, which is free for TGI Partners to attend helps them enhance their business skills and technical knowledge through speaker-led seminars.
As well as educational seminars there was a Brand Showcase attended by 60 of TGI’s Partner Suppliers, which is the only opportunity to retailers and suppliers to come together in the absence of a UK based trade show.
Over the two days educational seminars were hosted by Mike Lea and Paul Williams from Trackman who covered growth and trends in off-course golf, Jason McNiven of Club Champion on enhancing Partners’ Custom Fit business and TGI’s four Retail Consultants – Chris Taylor, Simon Keeling, Peter Smyth and Ricky Gray.
On day two John Bushell of Sports Insights gave an encouraging view of the trends in golf participation in recent years, while Phil Barnard and Mark Hopkins from XPOS covered market statistics from 2024.
Gary Ennis of NS Design shared his expertise on the ever-changing world of social media as well as emerging presence of AI and how this can help create engaging marketing content.
Henni Zuel, Rapsodo ambassador and Sky Sports Golf presenter chatted about experiences from her presenting career including working with Tiger Woods and finally Steve Gould shared his knowledge of using technology as an aid to coaching and how this can complement even the most experienced coach.
Mark Butler of the Mark Butler Golf Academy said: “The Conference has been great; it gets better every year and is the premier educational event in the industry.
“The Brand Showcase is great, it’s so beneficial to get some one-on-one time with the brands, sometimes you miss things in pre-books so it’s useful to catch up on that.
“All the seminars were really informative, the Retail Consultant’s session on preparing for pre-book meetings was fantastic, really funny as well.”
Peter Hanna, Head Professional at Lurgan Golf Club added: “I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve attended the Business Conference, and it always astounds me that some Partners don’t come as it’s so beneficial. It’s great to catch up with fellow TGI Partners, have a good chat and learn from each other as well as from the seminars.
“The quality of the speakers was fantastic; I have been in this business for a long time and we’re always learning. I need to keep up with the changes in technology to make sure my business is in a good place.”
Andy Fullen, PGA Professional at Largs Golf Club said: “The quality of the sessions and speakers made this the best Conference I have attended. The camaraderie between all Partners, the networking opportunities and sharing of information is truly what makes being in the group so special.”
Adele McLean, Managing Director said: “The positivity on show over the past two-days from both Partners and Partner Suppliers has been incredible, it gives everyone a solid boost ahead of the new season.
“The feedback we have received from Partners about the educational seminars has been absolutely phenomenal and we are truly touched by the thank you notes and well wishes we have received.”
