Attendees at the Asian Golf Industry Federation’s (AGIF) Superintendent Volunteer Education Programme were introduced to a handful of the latest golf course machinery products.
More than 80 superintendents from around the region were given first-hand on-course demonstrations at Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong Course.
Sowmya ‘Shoumo’ Mitra, a member of the AGIF’s Education Committee, said: “This was the third year that we have staged this event and once more it has proved to be an overwhelming success, both in terms of the turnout and the support from sponsors.
“In particular, we greatly appreciate the support of Andy Johnston, Rodney McKeown and their outstanding team at Sentosa Golf Club. Without their backing and involvement this event would not be possible.”
Among the products on display during the afternoon demonstration were the Air2G2 air injection machine, designed to inject air directly into the soil profile to help enhance turfgrass health.
The machine is distributed by Campey Turf Care internationally with Campey, in turn, appointing Centaur Asia Pacific to distribute the machine in various Asian countries.
Meanwhile, Jebsen & Jessen showcased Club Car’s Carryall 700, while Jacobsen’s GP400 riding greensmower, distributed by Centaur Asia Pacific, was on display.
Also attracting attention were The Toro Company irrigation products along with the Toro Reelmaster 3550D and Toro Groundsmaster 4300, and Syngenta’s new XC nozzles technology which combats golf course challenges like issues with slopes, delivers a more even spray pattern and reduces drift.
During the day two morning seminar, the focus of attention remained on renovation.
Martin Moore, President, Flagstick GCCM, set the ball rolling with a presentation about Best Design and Construction Practices in Golf Course Renovation.
He was followed by Laurie Walsh, Design Associate/Project Manager, IMG Golf Course Services, Adam Lawrence, Editor, Golf Course Architecture and John Holmes, President, Atlas Turf and Vice President, AGIF.
Mitra said: “With education being one of the core elements of the Asian Golf Industry Federation in 2015, we are committed to raising the profile and standard of turfgrass maintenance in the Asian region through events such as this.
“We are fortunate to be able to draw upon so many outstanding speakers. The insight provided by such experienced individuals as Martin Moore, Laurie Walsh, Adam Lawrence and John Holmes greatly contributed to the overall success of the event.”
Among those in attendance were six superintendents from an R&A internship programme, including representatives from Scotland’s Loch Lomond Golf Club, South Africa’s Gary Player Country Club, The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain, Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof in Germany and The Island Golf Club in Ireland.
Next week, a record turnout is being forecast for the Sustainable Turfgrass Management in Asia conference, of which the AGIF 2015 Turfgrass Management Exposition is a part.
The Expo is one element of a three-day gathering (March 9-11) in the Central Thai beach resort of Pattaya that also includes the 7th Asian Turfgrass Field Day.
The conference is organised by the Thai Golf Course Superintendents’ Association (TGCSA), the Thailand Golf Association and the Asian Turfgrass Centre, with support from The R&A.
To be staged at Laem Chabang International Country Club on the afternoon of March 10, the third edition of the Expo is expected to attract more than 250 delegates from almost 20 countries, representing Asia, Oceania, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Asian Golf Industry Federation www.agif.asia
View more stories about Exhibitions and Conferences and latest list of Most-read stories