Published on December 23, 2016

Singapore: The staging of a Club Management Mini Summit will add a new dimension to next month’s SMBC Singapore Open.
The three-day gathering (January 20-22) is organised by the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) in partnership with Lagardere Sports, the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), Sentosa Golf Club and The Els Club Malaysia.
Club managers from around the region are being invited to attend the event that incorporates presentations from prominent speakers, a field day at the newly-opened Els Club Desaru Coast and hospitality and networking at the US$1 million SMBC Singapore Open.
Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, the tournament is being headlined by Major champions Ernie Els and Adam Scott and European Ryder Cup stalwart Sergio Garcia.
Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Federation is committed to offering educational platforms aimed at improving overall standards in club management in Asia.
“We thank Lagardere Sports and Sentosa Golf Club for providing this opportunity, in conjunction with the SMBC Singapore Open. With CMAA credits being awarded for attendance, we are hopeful of a strong response from those within club management in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.”
Patrick Joyce, Vice President Golf – Asia at Lagardere Sports, a Full Business Member of the AGIF, said: “The SMBC Singapore Open is one of the iconic golfing events in the region. As promoters of this historic tournament we are always looking to introduce enhancements and we see the Club Management Mini Summit as an exciting new addition to what promises to be a week that brings together the golfing industry.”

Andy Johnston, General Manager and Director of Agronomy at the Sentosa Golf Club, a Golf Course Facility Member of the AGIF, said: “Sentosa Golf Club is proud to be the venue for Singapore’s national Open. We also congratulate the Asian Golf Industry Federation on its initiative in launching the first Club Management Mini Summit and look forward to welcoming all speakers and delegates.”
The theme for the Mini Summit on January 20 is: ‘Suggestions and Solutions for Adapting to the Evolving Club Business Model in Asia’.
Dr Larry Ross, PHD, Florida Southern College, will tee-off proceedings with a presentation on Membership Marketing.
He will be followed to the podium by Patrick Bowers, Chief Executive Officer of Laguna Hospitality, who will focus on ‘The Evolving Club Business Model in Asia’.
‘How to Grow Women’s Golf Participation’ will be the topic tackled by Shoumo Mitra, Head Marketing, APAC Syngenta Asia-Pacific.
On day two (January 21), delegates will cross the causeway from Singapore to Johor Bahru for a visit to the Els Club Desaru Coast, one of the region’s most high-profile new projects with 27 holes sculpted by Ernie Els and 18 by Vijay Singh.
As well as a site tour with Paul Booth, General Manager at the Els Club Malaysia, there will be an 18-hole golf game.
For the final day (January 22), delegates will receive a Legends Lounge Pass, enabling them to network and watch the last-round drama in the SMBC Singapore Open unfold from the comfort of the SUITES @ 18TH, overlooking the final green on the Serapong Course.
For registration details, please contact AGIF Secretariat by email at pk.ong@agif.asia