Dear Industry Colleague

What a great year Brooks Koepka is having. He only returned from serious wrist injury in May and quickly set about recapturing the form that had him claim his first major, the US Open in June last year. Not only did he defend his title in spectacular fashion this year, but he has also now added the USPGA Championship and the Wanamaker Trophy to his impressive list of achievements to date. Koepka is a very strong man and hits the ball with a resounding thump that makes the ground shake, yet possesses the delicacy of a surgeon when operating around the greens. He will be a threat in most major events for years to come. Tiger Woods was also in sparkling form and now perhaps all this silly nonsense of him being finished will go away once and forever. Personally I expect Tiger to be competing and winning mainstream events on the Tour and adding to his majors well into his 50s.

The US Ryder Cup team will rarely have been stronger and the match in Paris this September is set to be a cracker.

For those of you who have not yet signed up with the UK Golf Federation, please come and join our merry band. We are looking to connect independent golfers with courses that would like to have them. It’s a super-simple idea and one that costs nothing - individual registration is completely free, and always will be. For those wishing to register their golf course or range, then that too is completely free of charge. All venues are welcome to host UK Golf Federation events and fixtures, such as the recent event at Basildon - see the report on page 10. For those wishing to get more involved and support the Federation more, you can also join as a premium member for £180 plus VAT per annum. There are more details on the website: ukgolffederation.com.

We are delighted to have in-depth interviews with both Keith Pelley of the European Tour and Andrew Scholey, who has recently been appointed to run the Burhill Group’s adventure golf operations. Whilst most would agree that Keith Pelly has the higher profile (and paid) position, both will be very important in the development of new golfers in years to come. Pelley is driving change on the Tour and has already introduced some interesting new formats. The golfers he represents are invaluable in generating dreams and passion for the game. Andrew is doing equally good work in ensuring that the first experience of holding a golf club is one that delights and amazes. With such people in key positions, golf is bound to thrive.

Best wishes, Colin Jenkins