16 Mar 2007, PGA Golf Management, Scotland – The Professional Golfers' Association's
first Oriental adventure swung into action this week with the opening of its first golf academy
in Asia.
Bayhood No. 9 was officially opened by the British Ambassador to China, Sir William
Ehrman, on March 15, as Asia's only PGA branded and managed golf academy, which will
provide world-class coaching from PGA professionals. The move into Asia's growing golf
market marks a new step in the PGA's desire to increase the sport's appeal in the Far East.
Beijing based Bayhood No.9 will use the expertise of the PGA and its highly trained
professionals to deliver tailor made coaching programmes for golfers of all abilities.
PGA Golf Management Operations Manager, Neil Coulson, believes the Academy can put
Bayhood No.9 and the PGA at the forefront of golf in China. "The PGA Golf Academy at
Bayhood No.9 is an exciting development that builds on the quality aspirations of the owners
and the PGA's reputation for first-class branded and managed facilities. Importantly it will
also play a vital role in growing the game in China through the academy. It is a privilege for
the PGA to be associated with Bayhood No.9." he said.
The PGA Golf Academy is housed within the fantastic Nelson Haworth designed driving
range, which is a state-of-the-art two tier facility, incorporating 40 bays on the ground floor
and 23 spectacular VIP rooms on the top floor, each featuring two independent bays.
The Academy includes 4 state of the art swing studio’s, fitted out with leading edge
technology such as the Trackman ball radar system, Dartfish analysis software, the SAM
PuttLab system and the latest 3D biomechanics system from K-Vest. The range also comes
with a short game area with a par 3 course and two putting greens.
David Kurniawan, General Manager of Bayhood No. 9, is excited about the impact the
academy can have in China. He said: "Bayhood No.9 strives to provide the best golf facilities
in China and we believe the PGA Academy at Bayhood has set the benchmark in terms of
quality and a role model that can support the development of golf and golf professionals in this country.”
Ends
Attached Images;
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Opening Ceremony Party (l to r), Rob Maxfield (PGA), Neil Coulson (PGAGM), Sir
William Ehrman (British Ambassador to China), Mr Meng (Vice President of Bayhood
No.9) and David Kurniawan (General Manager of Bayhood No.9).
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James Slade, Director of Instruction, PGA Golf Academy at Bayhood No.9, conducting a
demonstration to opening ceremony guests.
Notes for Editors;
PGA Golf Management -PGA Golf Management is part of the commercial division of the
PGA and offer management and marketing services to owners and developers of golf
facilities. It has clients and projects in Ireland, Spain, Crete, Cyprus, Cape Verde, the
Kingdom of Bahrain and delivers the tuition on behalf of St Andrews Links Trust at the St
Andrews Links Golf Academy.
Bayhood No.9 Golf Club -Bayhood No.9 and the PGA Golf Academy is situated along the
Beihu Canal 30 minutes from Beijing’s central business district. The Beihu district has a rich
history dating back 600 years to the Ming and Qing Dynasties but Bayhood is set to create a
golfing dynasty for the future, built around Nelson Haworth’s 18-hole designed championship
course which stretches some 7,260 yards.
The PGA Golf Academy features 4 state of the art swing studio’s with the latest technology
including Trackman, SAM Putt Lab, K-Vest and Dartfish. The driving range features double-
layer fan-shaped bays with 23 private rooms on the second floors with two bays per room
plus plasma TV, internet, shower room and dining facilities. Private villas around the course
and a boutique hotel will follow by 2008.
For further information;
Neil Coulson, Operations Manager, PGA Golf Management
Tel: +44 (0)1764 664445
Email neilcoulson@pgagm.com
www.pgagm.com
David Kurniawan
General Manager
Bayhood International Golf Club No 9
Tel +86 10-849 17828
Email david.kurniawan@bayhood9.com
