The Spin Podcast

Since 2013, Kevin Kirk has been recognised as a “Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher” and is currently the Director of Golf Instruction at The Woodlands Country Club, coaching LPGA and Ladies European Tour players such as Patrick Reed, Lexi Thompson, Jhonattan Vegas, Mark Hubbard and Maria Verchenova. CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, caught up with Kevin at the 2022 Players Championships held at TPC Sawgrass, USA, to discuss all areas of high performance in golf, leadership and life in general, his 'moneyball' approach, and his role with the upcoming High Performance Trip that will head to Trump Doral, Miami, in March 2023.

Find out more about the CPG High Performance Trip in Miami, USA, taking place in March 2023 here: https://cp.golf/3760S2j.

CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, is joined by two leading figures in Canadian Golf in Kevin Thistle (Chief Executive, PGA of Canada) and Laurence Applebaum (Chief Executive, Golf Canada) to discuss current state of affairs for the sport in North America and Canada.

Championing collaboration between PGA and Federation, First Tee, the RBC PGA Scramble and making the game more accessible and enjoyable for all are just a number of key and important topics debated throughout this bumper 50+ minute podcast episode.

Visit the PGA of Canada: https://www.pgaofcanada.com

Visit Golf Canada: https://www.golfcanada.ca

PGA of Germany Professional, Stefan Quirmbach, has played a central role within the PGA of Germany as President for over 20 years. Through his leadership and contributions during this time, the organisation has developed its business significantly to ensure its PGA Members receive the highest possible standards of education and support services, whilst also enabling the organisation to further its role as a leading and influential voice for German golf.

As his tenure draws to a close, Stefan joins CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, in this podcast episode to share with you what he considers some of the most significant contributions he has made to the PGA of Germany and to the wider professional game in the country, as well as provide valuable insights into what the future holds for the organisation and German golf.

This special edition of The CPG Podcast takes a deep dive in to the roles, experiences and work of PGA Professionals that are involved across all aspects of Olympic Golf, hearing from PGA Members that are working as team managers and coaches across both the Women’s and Men’s events out in Tokyo, and in one special case we’ll also be hearing from a PGA Member that has already taken home some silverware.

Joining the show are PGA of Germany Member, Men’s Olympic Coach, German national team Mem’s Coach, and CPG 2020 John Jacobs Award for Teaching & Coaching Winner, Ulrich Eckhardt; PGA of Germany Member, Team Germany Olympic Coach and Board Member of the German Golf Association, Marcus Nuemann; PGA of Finland Member and coach to Sami Valimakki, Timo Karvinen; PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Member and coach to Adrian Meronk, Matt Tipper; the CPG’s very own David Kearney from Team Ireland, also a PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Member and CPG 2018 5 Star Professional Award Winner; and PGA of Slovakia Member and Silver Medallist in the Men’s event, Rory Sabbatini.

The episode covers topics from both the women’s and men’s events, such as the Olympic experience both as players and as coaches, the impact of the Olympics in various countries, the roles of the coaches and managers in particular, the amazing Kasumigaseki Country Club, player preparations for Olympic success, as well as taking a look back at the Men’s event that has just culminated and ahead to women’s event as well.

PGA of America CEO, Seth Waugh, joins CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, in this special Spin-Off episode of The Spin Podcast to share his vision for the “greatest game on Earth”

During the episode, Seth elaborates on some of his most successful industry collaborations, he highlights the need to align priorities and activities in order to fit with modern generations and trends, and he discusses some of the greatest assets in golf including The Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in September 2021 and the USPGA Championship.

In this Golf Business Insights episode of The Spin Podcast, host Tom Bentley is joined by Executive Director - Digital & Membership for the CPG, Aston Ward, to talk top-line digital innovation and implementation in sport, using Aston's current and ongoing experiences in doing so for the CPG.  

From SME's through to blue-chip organisations, this episode will provide you and your business with a good contextual grasp of digital innovation and strategy in practice, and allow each business to be more aware of the challenges and opportunities that it brings.

In this Development Digest episode of The Spin podcast, host Tom Bentley is joined by PGA of Latvia Professional, Anna Svanka, and PGA Professional at Metropolitan Golf Club, Phoebe Torrance.

The episode focuses on shining a light on the work women are involved with in golf and to provide further exposure about the opportunities and challenges facing the industry in becoming a more inclusive sport for women.

In this Golf Business Insights episode of The Spin, Tom Bentley hosts the show with guest Craig Higgs, Managing Director - International for Golf Genius, a golf software company that provides tournament and event management products, golf shop functionalities for PGA Professionals and facility managers, all complimented by comprehensive software development and support services.

In this episode, Craig gives insight into leadership and digital software management, paints a picture of how he is taking the Golf Genius brand International (including the resource required to do this), and we find out why the Golf Genius product has been endorsed and used by international bodies and organisations, such as The European Tour.

Previewing the 2021 Masters at Augusta National, Ian Randell hosts a special 'Masters Rules' edition of his Spin-Off show with some of the biggest names in the rules business of the game - John 'JP' Paramor, Steve Cox and Iain 'Burnsy' Burns.

Tales of unconverted Georgian Hotel rooms, disqualifying (or not!) Tiger Woods, stopwatches, skiing down the 10th hole and play-off pranks all feature in this tell-all behind-the-scenes episode, around one of the most scrutinised roles in golf.

In this Development Digest episode of The Spin, Tom Bentley hosts the show with guest Lukas Tintera, General Secretary of the PGA of Czech Republic – a long standing CPG Member Country, focused on the development of golf and Professional golf in the Czech Republic.

In this episode, Lukas provides a backdrop to the PGA of Czech Republic, its role in the national and international development of golf – as a CPG Member Country – and what he, and the organisation, are aiming to achieve and impact upon more widely.

What does the future hold for golf? What are some of its biggest challenges, and some of its biggest opportunities?

Pre-recorded from the 2020 CPG Annual Congress, this Golf Business Insights episode of The Spin sees Chief Executive of the CPG, Ian Randell being joined by three other leading figures - Keith Pelley, Anthony Scanlon and Alex Armas - in the world of golf to answer these questions, figure out how golf can grow, and discuss the importance of collaboration between and within leading golf organisations.

Chief Executive of the CPG, Ian Randell, is joined by Tony Bennett, Jackie Davidson, Kevin Thistle and Suzy Whaley to discuss Diversity & Inclusion in golf in this Development Digest episode of The Spin.

What are the current challenges? How can we change our perspectives on diversity and minorities in golf? What is golf from a governance perspective, doing to improve equality of opportunity in the game and ultimately ensure the game thrives?

These are all questions answered during a bumper panel session, pre-recorded from the 2020 CPG Annual Congress.

Join CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, as he hosts the first episode of the CPG’s new podcast show, The Spin, with Colin Montgomerie.

In this pre-recorded episode from the 2020 CPG Annual Congress, Ian speaks to World Golf Hall of Famer, Colin Montgomerie, OBE, who has enjoyed a glittering careering that saw him win a record eight European Tour Order of Merit titles, which included a streak of seven consecutive Order of Merit titles from 1993 to 1999. With over 30 European Tour event wins, he currently sits fourth on the European Tour’s list of players with the most victories.

Colin’s accomplishments stretch further than individual golf, as he is regarded as one of the greatest Ryder Cup players in the history of the biennial event. With eight appearances representing Team Europe, he has never lost a singles match and holds an exemplary match record of 20-9-7 across his Ryder Cup career. This was topped in 2010 however, when he captained Team Europe to victory against Team USA at Celtic Manor, as Europe prevailed with a winning score of 14.5 – 13.5 points.

In this Masters special Podcast episode, PGA Professionals and coaches to elite-level tour professionals including Holland's Joost Luiten, Phil Allen and Rob Mouwen, discuss sub-air and complex green systems; cross-seeding the fairways of Augusta; trying to break 100 at The Masters and not being allowed behind the ropes on the driving range.

CPG Golf Development Team member and Transition and Performance Coach, Ian Peek, is heavily involved in researching the sociological and psychological elements of golf and coaching performance. As a conference and webinar presenter, Ian has presented to colleagues worldwide since 2004. 

This podcast challenges you to first of all identify your Professional 'why' [your passions, your inspirations and your motivations], and then provides a clear and easy-to-follow framework for helping you to then achieve your professional 'why'. 

The CPG Masterclass Series embodies a range of talks and presentations for PGAs and PGA Professionals that cover a variety of subjects and topics, delivered by world-class, industry leading experts from their respective fields. Find out more at http://cp.golf/masterclass.

Level A Austrian PGA Professional and CPG Golf Development Team member, Marie Jeffery, explores the topic of coaching communication and its significance for golf participation and performance. 

The podcast will focus around four key areas of communication science and coaching: communication basics, using communication to build rapport, human sensory channels and message structures to support and enhance learning. By the end of this podcast, you will be able to: 

- Understand the importance of multilayer communication for coaching 

- Feel comfortable infusing the 4-side model for your own coaching 

- Have a basic understanding of rapport-creating strategies 

The CPG Masterclass Series embodies a range of talks and presentations for PGAs and PGA Professionals that cover a variety of subjects and topics, delivered by world-class, industry leading experts from their respective fields. Find out more at http://cp.golf/masterclass.

Head of Disability and Inclusion for the IGF and President of EDGA, Tony Bennett, is a PGA Master Professional bringing a wealth of knowledge to the development of innovative and far-reaching projects around the World. In a career which has spanned five decades, Tony has collaborated with almost all of the world’s leading golf organisations, and has been a leader in several European Commission initiatives. 

Tony has received recognition for his work, including the Order of Merit medal from the former President of the Republic Dr Jorge Sampaio for his contribution to sport. As a current PhD student at Durham University, and former Masters graduate of Birmingham University, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the development of innovative and far-reaching projects around the World. In this Masterclass, Tony takes us through the following various areas of personal development and the growth of the game, covering: 

- The principles of golf and why the industry needs to adapt 

- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs 

- The world of disability golf 

- The continuous development and learning of teachers / coaches 

The CPG Masterclass Series embodies a range of talks and presentations for PGAs and PGA Professionals that cover a variety of subjects and topics, delivered by world-class, industry leading experts from their respective fields. Find out more at http://cp.golf/masterclass.

Both key figures in the world of golf and Professional golf, Johan Hampf and Jonathan Mannie play pivotal roles in their respective countries of Sweden and Austria. As Chief Executive of the PGA of Sweden, Johan is at the forefront of developing PGA Professionals and the Professional game throughout Sweden. Jonathan meanwhile is Chairman for the Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT] and is a CPG Golf Development Team member, alongside fulfilling his coaching roles.

In this CPG Masterclass Series podcast, Jonathan and Johan will both take you through what life has been like during the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, using Sweden as a case study, and focus on the measures and steps that have been taken over the past month and what their experiences of this have shown. As the golfing world begins to come alive once again, they will answer the key question: What are the individual countries', PGAs' and their PGA Members' next steps?

The CPG Masterclass Series embodies a range of talks and presentations for PGAs and PGA Professionals that cover a variety of subjects and topics, delivered by world-class, industry leading experts from their respective fields. Find out more at http://cp.golf/masterclass.

This special edition of the #ASK Podcast celebrates #GolfHealthWeek and its work to shine a light on the many benefits that golf can have. We are joined by Dr Roger Hawkes and Dr Andrew Murray from the Golf & Health Project to get an overview of the Project's progress so far, as well as a look into its future work, but also to discuss each of the #GolfHealthWeek themes looking at the research and activities behind them and what you can do to help spread the message:

• Day 01 - Fitness - 07:23
• Day 02 - Mental health - 11:16
• Day 03 - Disability Golf - 17:54
• Day 04 - Golf For Everyone - 23:23
• Day 05 - Club Level - 36:08
• The Future of Golf & Health - 44:06

Find out more about the health benefits of golf at www.golfandhealth.org.

Coach to Andy Sullivan and Brandon Stone, Jamie Gough (PGA of South Africa) discusses life on tour, working with the best in the world and how Carnoustie is shaping up for the 2018 Open Championship with Confederation of Professional Golf Director of Education & Membership, Tony Bennett. Jamie also talks about Brandon's recent 2018 Scottish Open win, and Andy's opportunity to make a second appearance at the Ryder Cup. For more visit www.pgae.com/ask.

Kevin Flynn is a Member of the Confederation of Professional Golf Development Team and a PGA of GB&I Member Professional. Director of Education & Membership, Tony Bennett, spoke to Kevin to find out more about his determination to play golf when growing up, his close relationships with leading coaches, John Jacobs and Jim Hardy, and how he has become a modern-day leading light in the world of coaching.

As General Secretary of the PGA of Hungary, and Secretary-General of the Hungarian Golf Federation, Áron Makszin, is superbly placed to give an overview and background to the PGA of Hungary and the history of golf in Hungary. Here Confederation of Professional Golf Director of Education & Membership, Tony Bennett, speaks to Áron in-depth about the Association's experiences and how golf will evolve in Hungary in the years to come. Read the article @ https://eur.pe/2J4qqeU.

Having moved to Hungary 20 years ago, Damian has since built a career and reputation that has resulted in an award from the Hungarian government to recognise his services to the game. Here Confederation of Professional Golf Director of Education & Membership, Tony Bennett, speaks to Damian in-depth about the Association's experiences and how golf will evolve in Hungary in the years to come. Read the article @ https://eur.pe/2J4qqeU.

PGA of Hungary Member Professional, László Tringer, was responsible for the creation of the PGA of Hungary at the turn of the century, and his father and a few friends were right at the sharp end of golf’s re-emergence in the former communist state around the time of independence. Here CPG speaks to László in-depth about the Association's experiences and how golf will evolve in Hungary in the years to come. Read the article @ https://eur.pe/2J4qqeU.

We spoke to Mike to find out more about the LPGA’s work and success in developing female golf in the US, how we can all get more females playing golf, and the way golf development makes up a fundamental part of the association’s strategy. Find out more at www.cpg.golf

Marie Jeffery is a Member of the CPG Golf Development Team and a PGA of Austria Member Professional. We spoke to Marie to find out more about how she got into golf, her work in the world of 'Communicology', and her experience in women and girls' participation and development in golf. Find out more about the CPG Golf Development Team at http://eur.pe/GolfDevelopmentTeam.

Alastair Spink is a Member of the CPG Golf Development Team. Here we speak to Alastair about his how he made it into golf to eventually become a PGA Pro, along with how he has become a leader in women's golf development and participation taking an academic approach to his work in creating the hugely successful Love.golf programme. Read more at http://eur.pe/2esuJag and find out more about the CPG Golf Development Team at http://eur.pe/GolfDevelopmentTeam

Confederation of Professional Golf Director of Education & Membership, Tony Bennett, caught up with David Leadbetter at the 2015 Open Championship at St Andrews to find out more about how Leadbetter's views of golf coaching have developed over the years, his new 'A Swing' theory and book, along with the influx of the new generation of young players to the sport, including the huge success of his student, the double major winning Lydia Ko. Highlights include: - 02:44 - Changes in player's coaching teams and work habits. - 05:01 - Tiger's belief system compared to many of the young players out there now. - 07:18 - A coaching evolution and the inclusion of technology. - 10:55 - 'A Swing' - The Alternative Swing. - 16:47 - "That’s the great thing about this game, you continue learning in some areas and I think if you’re not learning then you’re going backwards instead of forwards." - 21:00 - Lydia Ko and the generation of players who have talent at extremely young ages. For more visit www.cpg.golf/ask. #ASK