The impact technology is having on the way golf is played and how courses are designed, built and maintained will be discussed at the upcoming 2016 European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) conference.

This year’s conference will be held at The Hastings Stormont Hotel in Belfast on 15 April. 

The event’s keynote speaker will be Billy Dixon, an expert in personal marketing, coaching and image consultancy. He will discuss how people within the industry can improve their leadership and communication skills and reach their full potential.

Other industry speakers at the event include Steve Otto, The R&A’s director of research, who will look at the latest research on speed of play and the dispersion of golf shots.

Trackman’s Michael Malone will discuss how technological innovation is improving performance in sport. Francois Haughton from Game Golf, a popular golf app, will look at how golf is developing in the modern age.

John Aherne from GolfGraffix will be looking at the various ways technology can enhance the understanding between golf course architects and their clients, while former EIGCA president Ken Moodie will discuss why he feels tracking devices in golf balls will help improve the speed of play and player enjoyment.

Other speakers at the event include representatives from Ransomes/Jacobsen, MJ Abbott and Jacklin Golf, and Susanna Morrison, secretary and manager at Royal Belfast Golf Club, will start the conference with an introduction to golf in Northern Ireland.

“This is sure to be one of our best conferences yet,” said Tom Mackenzie, EIGCA president. “We have a fantastic array of speakers and a fascinating subject matter. I look forward to seeing everyone in Belfast for what promises to be a great week.”