View online version February 2016
Welcome to the February edition of the EGCOA Newsletter

This month we have news on National Conferences, results of a 2015 Multi-Media Evolution study and news on changes here in the EGCOA office.

We are also keen to hear from you, our readers, on what you would like to see featured here in the future.

Should you have anything you would like to share please email us at office@egcoa.e
u

FNG Conference - Sønday 10th till Mønday 11th April 2013

This year’s conference of the Norwegian Golf Course Owners Association will be taking place in Oslo with a wealth of speakers from across Europe and the U.S. These include the EGCOA's own Lodewijk Klootwijk who will be discussing the next step in Vision 2020 - From Vision to Action.

If you are yet to get your tickets for this year’s conference go to fng.no to get yours now.

Experiences and networking to obtain new ideas, solutions and valuable knowledge, are the three main motives for the participants at the BVGA Golf Congress 2016. With the help of successful golf course operators, experienced instructors, experts in the golf industry and our partners, BVGA call on all congress participants to "learn from the best".

This year's conference includes notable speakers on topics covering everything from Social Media Management to Moles, Clover & Daisies as well as everything in between. For a full list of speakers you can download the program here and to make a reservation, please visit bvga.de


The Dutch Golf Association celebrates its 21st Conference


The golf industry in the Netherlands is once again on the up and that was certainly the impression EGCOA got this month in a stunning former train yard in Amersfoort. Over 230 delegates took part in the event that was based around getting golf on "the Right Track". The Dutch certainly seem to taking this message on board, with investment in and numbers playing golf steadily on the rise.

In tribute to the innovative culture within the industry in the Netherlands, two prizes were awarded. Michel de Meijer (below left) received The Innovation Award for Jurassic Golf Adventure Park.

The 'Smiling Dutchman' Robert-Jan Derksen (below right) won the NVG Award for Contribution to Golf in the Netherlands for his achievements as a professional golfer and role model.


Multi Media Evolution Study - 2015

While digital content and social media continue to grow and gain “share of mind” among Serious Golfers, traditional print publications, as well as televised golf, remain significant sources of information. This is one of several key findings from Golf Datatech LLC. The Company’s third edition of the study investigates consumer behaviours and attitudes that will have implications for the way golf hard goods and apparel companies market to Serious Golfers.

Read more


EGCOA thanks John King for 4 years of hard work

After four years with EGCOA, we are to announce that John King, our part-time Communications & Project Manager, recently moved on from the Association to concentrate on his golf marketing business, Digital Distilla.

With the goal of growing golf sales, one facility at a time, Digital Distilla specialise in providing golf businesses with a system of digital marketing tools to help them with marketing to their customers.

We wish John every success with Digital Distilla and thank him for his hard work for EGCOA over the years.

Read more on John's new venture here, visit www.digitaldistilla.com or maybe email him your best wishes at johnk@digitaldistilla.com


New Communications & Project Manager

We are pleased to welcome Matthew Enevoldson to fill the rather large pair of shoes John has left behind.

Matthew is a graduate of Liverpool University & VU Amsterdam. He has previously worked in communications at the European Parliament and for the Health Action International Association.

"I am especially excited to hear the different experiences of clubs from across Europe in developing the game of golf. Helping ensure that these solutions are shared effectively across our community is something I am really looking forward to!"

If you have any questions for Matthew, or ideas you would like to share with your fellow members, please get in contact with him via me@egcoa.eu


​​TURFLYNX conquers Lisbon

TURFLYNX just finished the successful installation of a pilot scheme it had running on Pestana's Beloura golf course in Portugal's Lisbon region. The pilot had a duration of two months during which 4 fairways were mowed by TURFLYNX's automated F315 machine. This proves TURFLYNX's strongest point: operational cost reduction can be easily accomplished with this solution while bringing better results to golf courses.

TURFLYNX will continue to have a pilot program throughout Europe during 2016. In case you are interested in participating, contact them through their website, turflynx.com