To send out strong signals on the importance and gravity of sustainability in golf, the Asia Pacific Golf Group (APGS) has garnered the support of the Chairman of the International Sustainability Council, Ronald G. (Ron) Dodson. Dodson is also the founder and President of Audubon International.
“Ron single-handedly brought common sense to the whole golf/environment issue – he’s a heroic figure in making sense of the whole saga and an amazing communicator,” commented Pat Jones, publisher and editorial director of Golf Course Industry.
Dodson has over thirty years of experience in the practice of resource management and sustainable planning, design and management. He has been involved in the development of sustainability policies, plans and management for several hundred major companies and has worked extensively throughout the United States and in numerous countries abroad.
“Ron is a true industry expert and his knowledge and experience is unmatched on a global scale,” pointed out Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the owner and producer of APGS. “We are fortunate to have someone of Ron’s calibre to come and help lead the drive for sustainability in Asia.”
Dodson’s experience has included sustainability advisor roles for Fortune 500 companies, several major universities, government agencies and numerous not-for-profit organizations. He is a published author of several books, including Sustainable Golf, and Wildlife Habitat Management on Golf Courses, published by Wiley & Sons, many popular articles. He and has received numerous awards for his work including recognition for his work in sustainable resource management from the United States EPA, and The Donald Ross Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
Adding to the “sustainable golf” fire-power at APGS will be another industry heavyweight, Michael Chaplinski, founder and president of Texas-based Turf Feeding Systems Inc; the worldwide leader in fertigation systems for golf, sports fields, landscapes and resorts. Chaplinski is a very ardent and out-spoken exponent of environmental sustainability.
“I have the best kept secret in the golf industry – The Economic Values of Sustainable Golf,” declared Chaplinski. He describes himself as “a street kid who has worked all over the world for over 25 years learning what works to help and save, while implementing Sustainable Golf.
‘This Sustainable Golf Value for the first time brings soil and plant health together to reduce water, fertilizer, chemical, labour and energy use, which both reduces operating costs and improves the quality of the property,” he explained.
“We expect the involvement of both Ron and Michael to lead to some major sustainability initiatives in Asia especially in areas involving national governments,” Sebastian said.
Asia Pacific Golf Summit www.golfconference.org