Performance Sport Committee
Ensures that the structures, processes and resources for achieving ambitious objectives in elite sport (amateurs and professionals) are created, maintained and developed.
Tasks
- Defines and implements an innovative, successful strategy for talent acquisition, the development of top-class players, establishing the best Swiss players in the US college system and ensuring the sustained ability of top professionals to maintain their position on the US and European Tour.
- Ensures careful management of relationships with the key stakeholders (Swiss Olympic, Swiss PGA, clubs, public golf, parents, schools).
- Consistently improves the quality of elite coaches by means of a “Train the Trainer” concept (assessment, training and peer coaching).
Composition
Thomas Busin, President
Barbara Albisetti Heath
Marc Chatelain
Marcel Meier
Popular Sport Committee
Promotes easy access to golf for all and supports the stakeholders of the game of golf in Switzerland to this end.
Tasks
Together with all stakeholders, create the conditions
- for an uncomplicated introduction to the game of golf (first experiences on the practice facilities)
- for a playful discovery of this sport (attracting players to golf)
- for golf to find its way into schools (golf becomes a matter of course for everyone)
- to play golf in a relaxed way within the community (integration of players into golf sport)
- for golf to become a relaxing experience in nature (golf for pleasure and health)
- for a systematic improvement of the game (training of players in golf)
- for a wide range of golf tournaments to be offered for every level (enthusiasm of the players also for tournaments)
- to attract broad public attention for major golfing events (generating a fan base for golf)
- to arouse emotions for all aspects of golf (golf bonds families and lifelong friendships)
Composition
Barbara Albisetti Heath
Eveline Fasser Testa
Michel Follonier
Rules Committee
Ensures the correct application of the R&A Rules of Golf. Organises and trains the referees.
Tasks
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Responsible for supervising the correct application of the Rules of Golf (as brought into force by the R&A) in Switzerland, in particular:
- If the Competition Committee is unable to come to a decision during a competition, it can refer the facts of the case to the Rules Committee, whose decision is final.
- If the Rules Committee is unable to come to a decision, it can refer the facts of the case to the R&A, whose decision is final. -
Responsible for the initial and continuing education and training of the referees and assistant referees:
- Defines the content of the National Rules School, makes itself available to the latter for instructions and presentations, and tests the level of knowledge (Rules Exam).
- Defines the content of Referee Workshops and makes itself available to them for instructions and presentations.
- Decides on the delegation to the TARS (R&A). -
Nomination and advancement of referees and assistant referees.
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Assignment of referees and assistant referees to tournaments which are on the lists of tournaments published by Swiss Golf.
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Decides, in consultation with the Executive Unit, on the delegation to international tournaments at home and abroad.
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Encourages and maintains national and international contacts (R&A Rules Ltd., USGA, golf associations).
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The Chairman of the Rules Committee can propose motions to the Board of Swiss Golf through the Chairman of the higher and combined “Rules/Handicap/Course Rating/Regulations” Committee.
Composition
Lukas Eisner, President
Rudi Achermann (Chairman)
Charles Veasey
Daniel Waldmeier
Regulations Committee
Sorts out matters which are not settled in the Swiss Golf statutes, the R&A rules, the systems of the EGA or of the USGA.
Tasks
- Draws up regulations for national junior and amateur tournaments and championships.
- In cooperation with the Swiss Golf Rules Committee, puts together and draws up the Swiss Golf Hard Card.
- Translates regulations and directives of the R&A, the USGA and the EGA.
Composition
Lukas Eisner, President
Barbara Albisetti Heath
Michel Follonier
Corinne Manrau
Wouter Pijl
Jonathan Swan
Claudia Wörrle-Krakau
Course Rating Committee
Supervises the rating of all Swiss Golf courses according to the specifications of the USGA Course Rating System.
Tasks
- Carries out initial and continuing education and training of Course Raters.
- Regularly assesses and rates golf courses in accordance with the USGA Course Rating System.
- Answers ratings enquiries following changes to golf courses.
Composition
Lukas Eisner, President
Michel Follonier
Jörg Eggen
Carol Franz
Michael Gunton
Karin Van Randwijk
Handicap Committee
Adapts the World Handicap System (WHS) to local requirements and implements it.
Tasks
- Adapts the World Handicap System to the needs of our members and implements it.
- Ensures uniform and consistent management of all handicaps.
- Informs golf clubs, public golf organisations and all golfers in Switzerland of handicap issues.
Composition
Lukas Eisner, President
Barbara Albisetti Heath
Michel Follonier
Marc Chatelain
Jörg Eggen
Wouter Pijl
Disciplinary Committee
Decides on whether to impose penalties for breaches of the sporting regulations of Swiss Golf, of the rules of golf, the spirit of the game and of the contracts which bind the players to Swiss Golf.
Tasks
- Imposition of penalties
- Initiating, opening, running of proceedings
- Hearing
- Ruling
Composition
Barbara Albisetti Heath
Yves Hofstetter
Steven Rojas (Players' representative)
Members Committee
Supports our members, takes up their concerns and raises ours.
Tasks
- Regularly maintains contact with members and supports their activities.
- Ensures the exchange of information between Swiss Golf and members as well as among the members themselves.
- Prepares and leads annual regional meetings and club workshops.
- Receives requests from parties interested in joining as new members, considers them and, provided that they fulfil the criteria, submits them to the Delegates’ Assembly for approval.
Composition
Barbara Albisetti Heath
Michel Follonier
Pascal Germanier
Ennio Losa
Yves Thierrin
Pascal Schmalen (from 2023)
Sustainability Committee
Swiss Golf supports its members in their efforts to use resources in a sustainable and measurable way, encourage biodiversity, shape our environment responsibly and promote the game in combination with preventative health for young and old.
Tasks
- Demonstrating the added value of GEO certification for golf courses and facilities and achieving planning certainty for management and greenkeeping.
- Developing processes for benchmarking and the sharing of best practices.
- Using resources in a sustainable and measurable way.
- Encouraging biodiversity in flora and fauna.
- Golf courses are valuable local recreational areas for the whole population and have a positive influence on the ecosystem.
Composition
Etienne Marclay, President
Michel Follonier
Rolf Bernhard
Erich Steiner
Alicia Moulin
Yannick Weber
Communication Committee
Creates the communication concept for all reference groups and accompanies its implementation. Is responsible for the publication of the Swiss Golf Magazine.
Tasks
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Develop the communication concept with listing, description and weighting of all online and print communication media.
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Editorial concept, publishing contract for and support of the publication of the Swiss Golf Magazine in German and French.
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Ensure a high quality of communication, style, texts and images and a contemporary appearance that suits the sport of golf.
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Regularly monitor the effectiveness of the means of communication.
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Communicate the work of the Board of Swiss Golf.
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Cooperation with the other commissions regarding communication
Composition
Sponsorship Committee
Develops an up-to-date sponsorship concept and ensures it is implemented.
Tasks
- Development of a sponsorship concept with services to be rendered and services to be received in return.
- Negotiations with potential sponsors and corresponding assistance with and advice on implementation.
- Ensuring compatibility with the Swiss Golf strategy.
- Regular effectiveness review and, if necessary, further development of the sponsorship concept.
Composition
Gabrielle Desaules, President
Reto Bieler
Béatrice Fischer
Franz Szolansky
Michel Follonier
Finance Committee
Manages the finances.
Tasks
- Draws up the budget.
- Carries out the continuous cost control and monthly reporting to the Board.
- Draws up the annual accounts.
- Draws up the internal control system and ensures adherence to it.
Composition
Barbara Albisetti Heath
Michel Follonier
Board Succession Committee
The Committee is responsible for planning and implementing a strategy for a continuous succession of the Board (executive committee) of Swiss Golf.
Tasks
- Analysis of the actual situation regarding term of office, matters of concern and ideas or suggestions of the Board members.
- Definition of the gap with the target situation regarding number and assumption of office of new Board members.
- Identification of candidates who are competent, committed and have good teamwork skills, taking into consideration the matters of concern and ideas or suggestions ascertained.
- Proposal of motions to the Board for resolutions to be considered by the Delegates’ Assembly.
Composition
Franz Szolansky, President
Reto Bieler
Lukas Eisner