World-renowned clubs from China, Malaysia and Singapore are among the first batch of golf facilities to sign up as members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).
Shanghai’s Sheshan International Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur’s Kota Permai Golf & Country Club and Singapore’s Laguna National Golf & Country Club are the first clubs from their respective countries to align themselves with the region’s umbrella golfing organisation.
All three venues are known globally having staged high-profile professional tournaments.
The AGIF rewrote its constitution in March in order to bring golf clubs into the fold.
Tim Trinka, President of the AGIF, said: “As the Federation approaches its fifth anniversary, the AGIF is committed to adopting a ‘big tent’ approach and embracing all those within the industry.
“We are honoured that golfing establishments of the stature of Sheshan, Kota Permai and Laguna National have seen fit to join the Federation and we look forward to welcoming dozens more golf clubs in the coming months.”
As well as receiving a variety of media benefits, Golf Facility members can nominate four designees to take part in AGIF Educational Programmes, such as the Agronomy Education Programme held at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club in February and the AGIF Turfgrass Management Expo in Pattaya in March, staged in conjunction with the Thailand Golf Association and supported by The R&A.
Sheshan is firmly ensconced as one of Asia’s foremost golfing venues, being home to the WGC-HSBC Champions, the only World Golf Championships event staged outside America and rated as one of the world’s eight most important tournaments.
Roger Foo, General Manager at Sheshan, said: “We are pleased to join the Asian Golf Industry Federation and look forward to supporting the education events and contributing to the development of the game in the region.”
Laguna National, meanwhile, returned to the international spotlight last week when its Masters Course hosted The Championship at Laguna National, a co-sanctioned event between the Asian Tour and European Tour.
In one of the most dramatic finishes that Asian tournament golf has witnessed, Chilean Felipe Aguilar holed his pitching wedge approach at the final hole for an inward eight-under 28 en route to a stunning come-from-behind victory.
Patrick Bowers, Managing and CEO, Laguna Hospitality, said: “We believe that a strong umbrella organisation for the game in this part of the world is vital. Kudos to the Asian Golf Industry Federation for filling that space and taking a leading role.”
Located in Kota Kemuning, an upmarket suburb of Shah Alam, Kota Permai is revered for its immaculate putting surfaces and vibrant club atmosphere.
Among the tournaments it has staged are the Maybank Malaysian Open, the World Cup Qualifying round, the Volvo Masters and, most recently, the Selangor Worldwide Masters.
Tang Meng Loon, Group General Manager of GamudaLand – Club Operations and Township, the parent company of Kota Permai, said: “In a short span of time the Asian Golf Industry Federation has proved itself to be an important player within the golfing industry. Kota Permai plans to be an active member of the Federation.”
Asian Golf Industry Federation www.agif.asia