From 10-11am on Friday, speakers from six countries will expand on how courses succeed in their nation. The president of the National Golf Course Owners Association of Canada, Bill Brown, opens proceedings and will be followed by Svenska Toptee’s Joakim Sable talking about his native Sweden; Francesco Aymerich, CEO of Aymerich Golf, in Spain; Germany-based Alexander Baron Spoercken, the CEO of Clubhaus AG; Open Club France’s CEO, Stephane Coste; and Lodewijk Klootwijk, a director of the EGCOA, will discuss the Netherlands model.

Klootwijk said: “The goal of the conference is to bring European golf businesses together and to get inspiration to improve the running of golf courses, to share ideas, to make friends and to grow the game of golf together. With more than 210 delegates attending it is clear the desire to progress is widespread.”

“Golf is changing rapidly. We need to look at what the future holds for the sport and recognise the development trends in Europe. We also need to identify clearly what a golfer requires to maximise enjoyment on the course – in short: how can we grow the game of golf?”

Klootwijk went on to say “The Amsterdam conference is a very important innovation for the EGCOA because it is a platform in the full glare of public attention where important issues facing the industry – and the planet – are discussed.”

“Golf continues to change, not just in Europe but across the globe. This conference focuses on the development of golf in various European countries, but appreciates it can benefit from knowledge garnered by those in different continents. It is a global sport and the problems facing the industry can benefit from global solutions. And a conference such as this is an ideal platform to hear and share beneficial ideas,” conluded Klootwijk.