Richard Walne is to stand down as President of the Asian Golf Industry Federation after serving in the post for four years.
Walne, who is Managing Director of Toro in the APAC region, said: “This month we’ll be holding our Annual General Meeting, at which I will not be standing for re-election as the President. This was a decision that I have been contemplating for some time. Having worked with the AGIF since its inception, I intend to remain an active member, and dedicate my energy to the on-going expansion of the Certificate in Greenkeeping programme, which is one of my great passions.”
He added: “As the President of the AGIF for the past four years, I am grateful for all the support that the Federation has received from member companies and all those who have sat on the Board. We have continued to grow as a group, and have enjoyed great success with our turf grass and club management education programmes.
“Covid may have put a pause on these, but we are planning to get these running in the foreseeable future virtually, and can’t wait to be back running them in-person, hopefully by the middle of this year.”
Walne also praised the CIG backing provided by The R&A, Jacobsen, Jebsen & Jessen, John Deere, Syngenta and Toro. “It is thanks to their wonderful support that the Certificate in Greenkeeping programme has been such a success,” he said.
Walne, who is currently in San Diego attending his 40th GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, said he’s bullish about the long-term prospects for the AGIF, now into its 13th year.
“We have had some changes in the management team with the recruitment of a new Membership and Administration Manager, Marcus Giles, to complement our Chief Communications Officer, Spencer Robinson. I thank them and the Management Committee of Chris Gray, Andy Johnston, David Townend and John Holmesfor all the effort and work they’ve put in,” said British-born Walne, one of the original Board members when the AGIF was inaugurated in 2009.
Andy Johnston, General Manager at Sentosa Golf Club and an AGIF Board member, said: “Thank you to Richard for his steadfast dedication to the Federation and for helming the leadership role during such turbulent times.”