New date and industry leaders confirmed for 2026 PGA International Members’ Meeting

A new date for the 2026 PGA International Members’ Meeting has now been confirmed, returning to the stunning Angsana Laguna Phuket from 5-8 October. 

Hosted in one of Asia's premier golf destinations, the meeting will provide a platform for professional development, networking, and golf at Laguna Golf Phuket, bringing together PGA Members and influencing figures from across the golf industry. PGA Members will have the opportunity to enhance their coaching and management knowledge, connect with fellow industry professionals, and experience the world-class facilities that Laguna Golf Phuket has to offer.

Amongst those industry leaders is Dr Ian Peek, PGA Master Professional, performance and well-being coach and PhD graduate. With extensive experience supporting players and coaches at every level of the game, Dr Peek will bring valuable perspective surrounding mental challenges and the mental power of high performance, drawing from his 'Pathway to the Tour' study.

Joining Dr Peek will be marketing expert Carl Heaton, who will share insight into the evolving digital landscape and the opportunities that AI present golf businesses. With a focus on AI-driven tools and strategies to take marketing campaigns to the next level, Heaton will support Members in engaging with the next generation of golfers in a smarter, more efficient manner.

Also confirmed is Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf and one of the most influential figures in golf club management in the Middle East. With more than 25 years of experience in the golf industry and almost three decades helping shape Dubai's emergence as a global golf destination, May oversees Dubai Golf's portfolio of world-renowned facilities, including Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. His session will offer Members valuable insight into leadership, club management, business growth and delivering world-class customer experiences in an increasingly competitive golf landscape.

Dr Steven Orr, the youngest-ever recipient of the PGA Master Professional title and current England Boys National Coach, will also deliver a session of his own.. A full-time golf coach of 22 years who runs his own academy in West Sussex, Dr Orr brings a decade of specialist research into wedge play and short game to his session, 'The Art and Science of Wedge Play / Short Game'. Drawing on his Doctorate in Skill Acquisition and published research on attentional focus and technical training in elite golfers, his workshop will bridge the gap between data and practice - covering ball and club behaviour, body movement patterns, and practical drills that coaches can take straight back to their own lessons.

All speakers attending the 2026 PGA International Members' Meeting
	Dr Ian Peek PGA Master Professional, performance and well-being coach and PhD Graduate
	Carl Heaton Expert in the evolving digital landscape and the opportunities that Ai present golf businesses, with a focus on Ai-driven tools and strategies to take marketing campaigns to the next level.
	Chris May CEO, Dubai Golf. With more than 25 years' experience in the golf industry, Chris has played a leading role in the growth of golf in the Middle East since arriving in Dubai in 1999. He oversees Dubai Golf's flagship venues, Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and has helped establish Dubai as one of the world's premier golf destinations through facility development, major event hosting and a relentless focus on customer experience. A respected leader in club management and professional development, May will share insights into business growth, leadership and maintaining excellence in an increasingly competitive golf market.
	Steven Orr PGA Master Professional, full-time golf coach and academy owner specialising in wedge play and short game. Current England Boys National coach and holder of a Doctorate in Skill Acquisition, Dr Orr will lead a practical workshop — The Art and Science of Wedge Play / Short Game — exploring what elite short game exponents do and how coaches can help players at all levels develop these skills.
	Khun Seehachet Saifon​​​​​​ General Manager, Robinswood Golf Club, Bangkok; specialist in golf management, partnerships, and career planning.
	Chris Gray Head of Sustainability Golf and Agronomy Asia-Pacific for The R&A. Chris has more than 30 years’ knowledge and experience, having worked extensively in the Asia-Pacific, Central Asia and Middle East regions as an agronomic consultant, golf course superintendent and golf project development manager. He has also provided tournament agronomy consulting support for a number of PGA Tour, European Tour and LPGA tournaments in the Asian region.
	Kiran Mistry Founder of The Golf Athlete, a performance-focused brand dedicated to redefining how golfers train, move and play. After years of working with golfers of all ages and abilities, Kiran recognised the lack of accessible, structured programs that addressed both the physical demands of golf and the unique swing faults identified by leading biomechanical research. This led to the creation of The Golf Athlete. ​​​​​​
	Ben Styles  Senior Vice President Asia at ION 54 and Australian PGA Member. Styles has over 25 years of experience across golf operations, course development, and international events.
	Martin Fairn CEO, Gazing. Martin co-founded Gazing more than 25 years ago, combining corporate leadership with a deep understanding of what drives performance under pressure, helping leaders build organisations that deliver consistently in high-stake environments. Red2Blue is a practical, applicable framework that gives you to the tools to manage pressure, stay focused and thrive in challenging situations.
	Mark Kolentsis Senior Regional Sales Manager, TORO SE Asia.
	Kenny Mackay Director of Golf Courses and Grounds at Wentworth Club UK and Robinswood Golf Club Thailand.
	Tristan Crew PGA Executive Director – Member Services, providing updates on PGA activity over the last 12 months.
	Steven Furlonger PGA Professional and golf coach, specialising in 3D coaching techniques. Steven has 28 years’ experience working in the golf industry and his players have secured victories on the Challenge Tour, DP World Tour and World Long Drive Championship
	John Bennett A World Record holder, High-Performance Coach, and former Professor of Sport Science. At 62, he is outperforming the cycling benchmarks he set in his twenties — and is targeting an all-ages absolute 100km World Record at a sustained 46 km/h. With a 47-year winning streak, his coaching philosophy takes a 360-degree approach to marginal gains, covering everything from material science to sports psychology. His mantra: "You are never too old to chase your dreams."
	Gary McDermott Global VP of Sales at Platform Golf, presenting “Bridging indoor and outdoor golf” Elevating Coaching, Practice and the Simulator Experience!

 

“Laguna Golf Phuket is delighted to be the trusted venue to host the fifth annual PGA International Members' conference," said General Manager Stephen Chick.

"This is a fantastic event that brings delegates from all corners of the globe to Laguna Phuket where our integrated resort is the perfect host venue for such an event. As the only PGA Academy in the South-East Asia and with the excellent connectivity via Phuket International Airport we are delighted to welcome everyone and showcase the resort.” 

Last year's delegates praised the conference's relevance, flexibility, and the opportunity to connect with fellow PGA Members from around the globe.

Paul Wilson, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket, reflected: "I love the conference. It's a great chance to meet others in the network. Leaving the UK to work in golf can often make you feel disconnected so it's a great place to network with people."

PGA Member Kevin Sullivan added: "I feel I have benefited greatly from attending and having the opportunity to network and share ideas with fellow PGA colleagues and others that work within the golf industry was invaluable."

A range of delegate packages are available, including accommodation options and non-residential packages for Phuket-based Members. All packages include Conference access, entry to the welcome function and gala dinner, event gifting, and 18 holes at Laguna Golf Club.

Members can view full package details and secure their place via the official booking link here.

For more information or queries, please contact Wayne Johnson, PGA Regional Manager (International) at [email protected].

Take a look at our recap video of the 2025 Members' Meeting below: