The growing role of women in sports will be highlighted at next week’s Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Danang Conference.
Given the nature of the subject, it’s entirely fitting that the discussion will be led by Karen Proctor, Regional Sales Director – APAC, Textron Specialized Vehicles.
One of the keynote speakers at the three-day gathering (August 29-31) at Danang’s Sheraton Grand Hotel, Proctor also acts as Secretary of the AGIF, the Federation’s first female office-bearer.
Entitled Women in Sports, Proctor’s presentation will take a deeper look at the benefits a diverse workforce can bring.
“I’ll also discuss ideas on how we can all work together to encourage more women to work in the golf industry,” said Proctor, who is accountable for the sales of Jacobsen, Cushman and E-Z-GO products throughout Asia Pacific.
Held in conjunction with Danang Tourism and the BRG Group, the AGIF Danang Conference will also focus on sustainability in golf course design, golf course maintenance and operations and golf tourism recovery in the post-Covid era.
One of the highlights on day two (August 30) will be a trade exhibition at which member companies of the AGIF, along with other golf-related organisations, can showcase their wares.
Chris Gray, the AGIF President, said: “Karen has been an influential member of the Board for the past two years.
“During that time she’s been a tremendous advocate for our Certificate in Greenkeeping programme and was also instrumental in launching a new AGIF Women is Sports initiative that shines the spotlight on females in the sporting world.”
Last year, the AGIF signed up with The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter, making a commitment to achieve gender balance and a more inclusive culture within the golfing industry in the region.
Gray said: “With Karen’s continued support, we’re stepping up a variety of AGIF initiatives aimed at encouraging female participation and leadership in all areas of the industry.
“As the umbrella body for golf in the region, we’re constantly lobbying for the sport to open up and become more inclusive and accessible.
“In recent years, it’s been encouraging to see more girls and women taking up the game, and also to witness the increasing number of women working in the golf industry.
“We’ve seen it in the ranks of teaching professionals, club management and course staff, as evidenced by the healthy percentage of women who have participated in our Certificate in Greenkeeping programme.
“While progress is being made in these areas, none of us within the industry can afford to be complacent or rest on our laurels.”
The AGIF Danang Conference forms part of a week-long golfing festival in Danang that will also see BRG Da Nang Golf Resort play host to a 54-hole event on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), the Asian Tour’s feeder circuit.
