Professional Golf Management students host 12th annual symposium

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Jim McLaughlin, senior vice president of Troon Privé Operation, will be the keynote speaker at the Holland College Professional Golf Management students' 12 annual symposium at the end of March.

Charlottetown, PE - The Professional Golf Management program at Holland College will be hosting their 12th annual Atlantic Golf Symposium at the Tourism and Culinary Centre on Thursday March 29 and Wednesday March 30, 2012. This year's theme is Budgeting Fore the Future - Adapting to a Global Economy.

The 2012 keynote speaker will be Jim McLaughlin, Senior Vice President of Troon Privé Operation. James Keegan, author of The Business of Golf - What Are You Thinking? and managing principal of Golf Convergence; Ben Cowan-Dewar, managing director of Cabot Links; Barry Forth of Sports Mobile Strategic Inc. (SMS); andAndrew Wood, president and CEO of Legendary Marketing are also confirmed.

Paul Murnaghan, coordinator of the Golf programs at Holland College said that the symposium, which has gained popularity in the 12 years since its inception, promises to provide local members of the golf industry with invaluable information.

"I'm excited about the quality and experience of the guest speakers," he said. "All of the participants will have an opportunity to improve their business operations and careers by participating in this year's event."

Keynote speaker Jim McLauglin will discuss of the management style of Troon and the company's operations around the world, will compare the Canadian and US golf industry, and discuss marketing and sales and the strategies to maximize the day to day operations of a golf course.

The Professional Golf Management program is designed to address the needs of this rapidly growing segment of the tourism industry. Students in the Professional Golf Management program acquire a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of golf club operations. The program focuses on the role of the golf professional and examines the integral role a golf professional plays in the daily operation of any golfing facility.

The registration fee is $130 after March 5, or $110 for those who sign up by March 5. The fee includes dinner on Thursday, a buffet lunch on Friday and nutrition breaks. For more information, go to hollandcollege.com and click on the Atlantic Golf Symposium button, or contact Paul Murnaghan by phone at (902) 894-6823 or by e-mail at pmurnaghan@hollandcollege.com.

-30-

For media inquiries please contact:
Sara Underwood
Media and Communications Officer
Tel: (902) 566-9695