May message from the President
Press Releases

Members,

For several years now the ICG has searched for ways to develop/improve relations with the PGA as a way to grow. This year we have figured out a way to begin the process. We, the ICG, are now sponsoring the Proponent Group which is dedicated to promoting and supporting its international membership of top teaching professionals (including 50+ of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers, 5 of Golf Digest's Top 10 Greatest Teachers, and 5 of the past 8 National PGA Teachers of the Year). We have several Proponent Group members in our own ranks already. We have also had discussion in the forums in the past, asking how to develop relations with local Pro's. This is one way as an organization we can work to help our members bridge this gap. Stay tuned for updates on this new relationship.

Membership wise we have enjoyed growth in Europe and Asia with some recent specials as well as a growth of Michigan Clubmakers thanks to Jerry Hoefling. We have now agreed to start a Facebook campaign targeting Canadian Clubmakers in an attempt to bring them into the ICG. We recently topped the 300 member mark and hope to continue our growth throughout 2015 and into the 2016 PGA Show.

Our webinar program continues to be successful and bring in more Sponsors, with Balance Certified and SpeedXbond being our most recent Clubmaker continuing education and Sponsor Spotlight productions. To that point we also had MRC and Bettinardi Putters recently sign on and join the ICG as a Sponsor/Member.

Additionally we also had a COY/Certification Webinar to get our members more familiar with the process and our testing platforms. Tomorrow June 1st, opens the application process for the Clubmaker of the Year program. Are you ready to apply and up your business presence. There is still time to get certified and apply, but time is moving forward. Sign up today.

To date this year, Mizuno has started a head only account test program here in the US, Callaway likewise has a test Proponent program opening up in Europe and Cleveland/Srixon has started a head only account in the US. These are all good things for ICG Members worldwide. While test programs are just that, it shows great potential for the future of Clubmaking and the ICG. The industry is continually changing and requires all of us to keep up with the times and knowledgeable for the future. This profession we share looks very little like the Clubmaking business of the 80's and 90's. We are working hard to keep the latest information in front of our members and forge lasting relations with Industry leaders for the future.

I hope June is a great month for everyone!

Eddie Smith

IGC President

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