Golf Business Community

Major international investors and developers will take centre stage at this year’s KPMG Golf Business Forum at the Park Hyatt Dubai, April 17-19, 2011.

The event, widely regarded as the most important annual meeting of the global golf industry and businesses involved in the real estate, finance and tourism sectors, will this year focus on the changing global marketplace.

Some of the world’s most powerful golf investors and developers will attend and reveal their insight and analysis on the current economic situation, what the future holds and their strategies for success.

Among those participating are:

• Dr. David Chu, Mission Hills, China – founder of the world’s largest golf development and recipient of the Golf Business Forum Lifetime Achievement Award
• André Jordan, Belas Clube de Campo – Portugal’s leading pioneer of golf and real estate development
• Marc Topiol, Black Knight Capital Management - an Investment Advisory entity focused in value creation strategy and execution within the leisure and lifestyle segment where golf is a central component
  
• Marc. F. Dardenne, Emaar – part of the Dubai-based Emaar Properties group, Marc heads up the company’s Hospitality and Hotels & Resorts groups, and is responsible for the development of Armani branded hotels
• Carlos Cortês, Herdade Da Comporta – the €1 billion Portuguese development bidding for the 2018 Ryder Cup
• Mustafa al Hashimi, Dubai Golf – developers of the iconic Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
• Gary Silcock, The Belfry, UK – a former Ryder Cup venue and one of the busiest golf resorts in Europe
• Niall Flanagan, formerly of Loch Lomond Golf Club – the private golf club and Barclays Scottish Open venue acquired by its members in late 2010.

Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, said: “This year’s event will bring together some of the powerful and successful golf investors and developers of modern times for what I believe will be the most important Golf Business Forum yet.

“Some of the biggest business deals in golf have been struck at the Golf Business Forum and I have no doubt that this will be another exciting year.”

On the agenda for the two-and-a-half day conference are a variety of important topics, including:

• how successful developers are re-emerging from the economic downturn, where are they investing and what lessons have been learned
• why private equity funds and other investment groups are now actively targeting the golf business in EMA
• unique ways of selling golf real estate in today's economic climate, including fractional models and branded residences
• look at tomorrow’s growth market and what this can mean for your business
• how leading owners and operators weathered the storm – and why so many didn’t.

The Golf Business Forum features a series of networking opportunities, including two golf days, a cocktail reception and gala dinner.

Registration is now open, with discounts available for delegates booking before February 21, 2011. Special rates are also available to GBF delegates at the event venue, the Park Hyatt Dubai, and with Emirates Airline.

For more information and to register, please visit www.golfbusinessforum.com

Media delegates should contact Gary Firkins at Landmark Media International Ltd, gary@landmark-media.com


KPMG contact:                        
Zita Valint                        
KPMG Golf Advisory Practice               
zita.valint@kpmg.hu                    
tel: +36 1 887 7264                   


Media contact:
Gary Firkins
Landmark Media International Ltd
gary@landmark-media.com
tel: +44 1780 752790