Belfast, Northern Ireland: The European Institute of Golf Course Architects [EIGCA] Conference will investigate 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.
To be held at Belfast’s Hastings Stormont Hotel on April 15, the conference will bring together a host 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 golf app, Game Golf, will show how golf is finally moving into the 21st century.
The keynote speaker will be Billy Dixon. An inspirational teacher and a leader in personal marketing, coaching and image consultancy, Dixon will present thoughts on how to improve leadership and communication skills, build self-confidence and reach 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. Former EIGCA President Ken Moodie will give 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 off the conference 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. It promises to be a great week.”