The Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) has pledged to ramp up its backing for the region’s growing band of course superintendents.
In the wake of the outstanding turnout at last month’s Golf Course Management Conference in Manila and Turfgrass Management Education Seminar in Hanoi, AGIF officials said they are committed to extending their support for superintendents.
The two-day gathering at The Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmarinas City attracted more than 125 superintendents, course maintenance managers, golf directors and club managers.
The conference was organised by the Federation of Golf Clubs Philippines in co-operation with the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and the Philippine Sports Commission.
Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The response we received to these two latest educational events surpassed our expectations. Our thanks and appreciation go to Conrad Benitez (President of The Orchard and Vice-President of the Federation of Golf Clubs Philippines and the NGAP)] and his team at The Orchard.
“Without their generous support and the backing of all of our sponsors it would not be possible to stage events such as these. As well as a host of high-calibre international speakers, it was encouraging that we also welcomed several local presenters. That is a trend we wish to see continue.”
A spokesperson for the Federation of Golf Clubs Philippines said: “What has been accomplished here during the conference I am sure will continue to improve golf course management and operations in our country.”
In the Philippines, Jacobson, Shibaura and Toro were Gold Sponsors and Bernhard, Garia, Rain Bird and Syngenta were Silver Sponsors.
Meanwhile, the Vietnam event at Van Tri Golf Club was attended by almost 100 course superintendents and officials.
Lynge noted: “We’d previously staged events in Ho Chih Minh City and Danang, but this was the first time we’ve had an event in the Hanoi area and we were especially pleased with the turnout and enthusiasm of the attendees.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to General Director John Kim and his colleagues at Van Tri for their hosting the event.”
In Vietnam, Jacobson and Toro were Gold Sponsors while Foley United, Rain Bird and Witgang were Silver Sponsors.
As a mainstay of AGIF education events, the equipment displays and hands-on demonstrations of individual products at both gatherings proved popular.
Rain Bird’s Chris Gray said: “The practical demonstrations gave all sponsors the chance to showcase their products and talk directly to delegates. That’s to the benefit of everyone.”
Lynge said: “The over-riding objective of the AGIF in collaborating with the respective local golf associations is to bring about these type of events for the benefit of the Asian golf industry.
“The Federation will continue to invest in gatherings such as this as they have such a positive impact on the industry as a whole.”
Further AGIF educational events this year are being planned in Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and China.
Asian Golf Industry Federation www.agif.asia
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