Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The inaugural Golf Course Superintendents Association of Malaysia [GCSAM] and Asian Golf Industry Federation [AGIF] Turfgrass Management Seminar has been hailed as an outstanding success.
Organised under the auspices of the Malaysian Golf Association, the two-day seminar at award-winning Kota Permai Golf and Country Club attracted almost 80 golf course managers, course superintendents, club managers, greenskeepers and mechanics.
Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The fact that there was such a fantastic turnout clearly illustrates the desire of those in the industry to learn more about the latest in golf course development.
“We are grateful to all the support and encouragement that was received from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Malaysia, the Malaysian Golf Association, the staff and management at Kota Permai and all sponsors, speakers and delegates.”
Jack Cheong, the GCSAM’s President, said: “This event was very much in keeping with the GCSAM’s commitment to continuous education.
“We are pleased that so many of our members from all around the country were able to take time out to participate in this seminar. There is no better way to learn than by sharing knowledge.
“The GCSAM has been working together with the MGA towards the ultimate objective of improving the condition of golf courses throughout Malaysia and looks forward to strengthening ties with the AGIF going forward.”
Tang Meng Loon, Group General Manager – Gamuda Land Clubs, said Kota Permai, a Golf Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, was pleased to play host to the AGIF’s first turfgrass educational seminar in Malaysia, in collaboration with the GCSAM and MGA.
He said: “It is through top-level gatherings such as this that course superintendents from around the country can enhance their knowledge and become better at what they do.
“With the backing of the AGIF, the GCSAM and MGA I am convinced that the education seminar will grow bigger in the years ahead.”
Speakers on day one were Bob Moore, Partner at JMP Golf Design Group, John Pryor, Managing Director of Hydrogold, and T. Puvanaendran, Golf Course Superintendent at Kelab Golf Negara Subang.
The afternoon was set aside for a field day which included both an indoor seminar and an outdoor exhibition.
On day two, presentations were made by Marcus Hartup, Group Director of Agronomy at The Els Club Malaysia, David Lunardelli, Troon Golf’s Director of Agronomy, Asia Pacific, and Denis Nuevo, Senior Manager – Administration, Facilities/Golf Course Maintenance and Sports at The Orchard Golf & Country Club in the Philippines.

Lynge said: “With education being one of the core elements of the Federation in 2015, we are committed to raising the profile and standard of turfgrass maintenance in the Asian region through events such as this.
“In total, we will be putting on eight Turfgrass Management Seminars and Field Days in eight different countries this year – testament to the backing we have received from sponsors and delegates.”
Gold sponsors for the Kuala Lumpur event were Jacobsen and Toro, both Executive Members of the AGIF.
Prior to visiting Malaysia, the AGIF had this year staged educational events for superintendents in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Before the end of 2015, further AGIF educational events will take place in Indonesia [September 29-30], China [October 25-30] and Taiwan [November 9-10].