Golf industry stalwart Spencer Robinson has joined the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) as Chief Communications Officer.
Robinson, who is celebrating his 30th anniversary in Asia this year, has been at the cutting edge of sporting development in the region as a columnist, book author, broadcaster and event organiser.
In his new role, Robinson will lend his expertise to the AGIF, a not-for-profit organisation that represents leaders in the Asian golf industry and boasts a membership that is made up of companies that span the golf industry.
Tim Trinka, AGIF President, said: “Spencer is highly respected within the Asian golf industry and as the AGIF’s Chief Communications Officer he will be assisting us with his expertise as well as through his extensive golfing contacts around the globe.
“These are exciting times for the federation. We have recently devised a Strategic Plan and a Sponsorship Engagement Programme with a focus on the initiatives of education, research and growth of the game.
“This Strategic Plan offers a successful path for our organisation to provide long-term benefits to the industry in the region and is a big step for us to become even more of a leader in golf.
“We have already managed to generate interest from a lot of people, companies and golf organisations around the world. With Spencer on board it is our intention to take the next steps in implementing our Strategic Plan.”
Robinson said: “Tim and the AGIF Board have a commendable vision to establish the federation as a pan-Asian organisation that will promote the responsible development of golf in Asia and be the go-to body for golf in the region. I hope to contribute to making this a reality.”
Having cut his journalistic teeth in his native England, Robinson took up a position on the editorial staff at Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post in 1984. He became golf correspondent in 1986, Hong Kong Sports Writer of the Year in 1987 and Deputy Sports Editor in 1988.
In early 1990 he assumed the position of Managing Editor of Asian Golfer, producing a widely-acclaimed regional monthly English-language publication and overseeing the launch of a Chinese-language edition.
In 1998 he set up a Design and Publication House as well as a Media Division at World Sport Group (WSG), publishing more than 100 titles annually, including monthly regional magazines for golf (Asian Golf Monthly) and football (Football Asia). He also became involved in event management through WSG’s association with the Asian PGA Tour and the Asian Football Confederation.
It was in May, 2003 that Robinson formed his own company, based in Singapore. As well as publishing ‘Asian Golf Monthly’ and numerous other titles in print and digital versions, he was involved with conceptualising and organising golf conferences as well as sporting and entertainment events for high-profile clients.
With a group of stakeholders committed to help develop and lead the growth of the Asian golf industry, the Asian Golf Industry Federation was formed and incorporated in August 2009 with objectives to support research, education and grow-the-game initiatives in the unique Asian marketplace. The not-for-profit regional organization represents a membership that is made up of companies that span the golf industry – golf club and ball manufacturers, turf maintenance equipment manufacturers, fertilizer and chemical companies, management companies, golf course architects, seed and sod companies.
Tim Trinka, a Chicago native and a Senior Foreign Lawyer at the law firm of Bae, Kim & Lee for more than 20 years in Seoul, South Korea, is the President of AGIF.
Asian Golf Industry Federation www.agif.asia