This Year's EIGCA Conference Studies Golf in the 21st Century

The EIGCA Conference will be investigating technology and how it is impacting on golf, on the way it’s played and on the way golf courses are being designed, built and maintained.

The conference, which will be held at The Hastings Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Friday 15th April, has brought together a number of significant industry speakers to debate the changing world of golf. Steve Otto, The R&A’s Director of Research and testing, will be looking at the latest research on speed of play and also the dispersion of golf shots, illustrating some of his talk using information gathered from golfers participating in the EIGCA’s President’s Cup at Royal County Down. Michael Malone from Trackman will explain how technological innovation is improving performance in sport while Francois Haughton from the popular golf app, Game Golf, will show how golf is finally moving into the 21st century.

The Keynote Speaker at the conference will be Billy Dixon. Billy is an inspirational teacher and a leader in personal marketing, coaching and image consultancy. He will be giving those present some thoughts on how to improve their leadership and communication skills, build self-confidence and reach their full potential.

On the subject of communication, John Aherne from GolfGraffix will be investigating the various ways technology can enhance the understanding between golf course architects and their clients. A number of EIGCA Members and Industry Partners will also be contributing to the day. Former EIGCA President, Ken Moodie, will be giving his thoughts on why tracking devices in golf balls would help to improve the enjoyment and speed of the game, while speakers from Ransomes/Jacobsen, MJ Abbott and Jacklin Golf will look at how technology is improving construction and maintenance operations.

Providing some local history, Susanna Morrison, Secretary/Manager at Royal Belfast Golf Club, will start the conference off with an introduction to golf in Northern Ireland and its significant golf courses.

Tom Mackenzie, EIGCA President, said; “This is sure to be one of our best conferences yet. We have a fantastic array of speakers and a fascinating subject matter. I look forward to seeing everyone in Belfast for what promises to be a great week.”