The R&A has extended its backing for the Sustainable Turfgrass Management in Asia conference.
Organised in partnership with the Thailand Golf Association, the Thai Golf Course Superintendents’ Association (TGCSA) and the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF), last week’s event attracted a record turnout of almost 280 speakers and delegates.
In the wake of the success of the 2014 gathering, which included an AGIF Turfgrass Management Exposition, Dominic Wall, Director Asia-Pacific for The R&A, confirmed that golf’s ruling body has agreed to offer financial backing to the venture for the next two years.
Wall, a keynote speaker at the conference, said: “We are glad to see so many golf course superintendents from around Asia come together in Thailand to learn about the latest tools and techniques for sustainable golf course and turfgrass management.
“The R&A defines sustainability as optimising the playing quality of the golf course, in harmony with the conservation of its natural environment, under economically sound and socially responsible management.
“That so many superintendents from around Asia attended these sessions to learn about practical ways to accomplish these objectives is extremely positive for the industry.
“We are all in the same industry and if we are able to present golf courses in a better way then that will help the game to grow.
“We’re pleased also to see the involvement of the Asian Golf Industry Federation and the active participation of many of its member companies.”
The 2014 conference programme included speakers and topics focused on practical information about effective management in East and Southeast Asia.
In addition to two days of classroom seminars at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, there was a field day at Siam Country Club’s new Waterside Course with a hands-on look at grasses and management techniques.
The AGIF Turfgrass Management Exposition, featuring an array of equipment as well as product demonstration and education, took place at Laem Chabang Country Club.
Micah Woods, Chief Scientist at the Asian Turfgrass Centre, an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee and an AGIF member, was one of the driving forces behind the launch of the turfgrass event in 2009.
Bangkok-based Woods said: “This started out small among a few friends in the industry and has grown steadily, largely through word-of-mouth. We thank The R&A for realising the potential and showing support.”
According to event organisers, the 2015 edition will be staged in Thailand next March with Pattaya once more the likely venue.
AGIF www.agif.asia