An accomplished golf course architect, an international expert in golf tourism and the founder of the Golf Environment Organisation are the first keynote speakers announced for the inaugural Whole of Golf Conference to be held in Auckland in August 2020.
The theme of the conference is ‘Moving Golf Forward – Coordinating, Collaborating and Communicating‘ and is designed to bring together all sectors of the golf industry.
The conference will look at ways to move forward, grow and develop strengths and to target and implement strategies for the challenges within the industry.
Tom Doak is considered to be one of the most accomplished golf course architects and golf authors of his era.
He is responsible for high profile design and renovation work across the globe with four of his designs listed among the World Top 100 including Cape Kidnappers and Tara Iti in New Zealand.
Peter Walton established the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators (IAGTO) in 1997.
The organisation has established itself as the global trade association of the golf tourism industry with its more than 2700 member golf resorts, golf courses, hotels and tour operators in 106 countries.
Jonathan Smith is the founder of Golf Environment (GEO) organisation which helps golf succeed through sustainability, and become a leader in sustainable sport.
As well as leading GEO to become the only sports body to meet the ISEAL Alliance membership criteria for sustainability standards, certification and reporting systems, he has also advised some of golf’s largest tours and tournaments including The Ryder Cup; The Open; The Solheim Cup; European Tour; and Olympic Golf.
Speaking as the first keynote speakers were announced, New Zealand Golf Industry Council (NZGIC) Chairman Carl Fenton said this will be the first time that all the sectors of the golf industry have come together for a joint Conference and Trade Show.
“We are bringing everyone together for a demanding, informative thought-provoking three days – the whole industry in one location,” said Carl Fenton.
Whole of Golf Conference (WoGC 2020) will provide the opportunity to network, share and disseminate information about new initiatives, concepts, research and best practices happening within the golf industry.
The conference will be held at Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland from 3-5 August 2020. Registration for the conference will open on 1 January 2020.
