Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: TPC Kuala Lumpur’s greenkeeper Mohd Nizam Othman has acquired the highest qualification as a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS), making his mark as the first Malaysian to receive the professional certification.
With more than 20 years of green-keeping experience, the 44-year old Johorean’s hard work paid off when he proudly received the recognition in Florida, United States.
The certificate awarded by Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) came less than a year after he attained his Class-A qualification with the same association.
The CGCS qualification is the most widely recognised in the golf industry and the highest level of recognition that can be achieved by a greenkeeper.
Approximately 25% of GCSAA Class ‘A’ members are Certified Golf Course Superintendents. There are a total of 1,800 CGCS professionals, mostly based in the US.
Nizam completed an extensive course that covers theoretical and practical aspects of golf course management. After a thorough selection process, less than 50 candidates were selected for the final examinations in San Antonio, Texas.
“It is a great honour and I feel really proud as the first and only Certified Golf Course Superintendent in Malaysia. After having gone through rigorous course work, numerous assignments and travelling to and from the United States, it is definitely worthwhile for my professional career,” said Nizam.
Indeed, it was no easy feat for Nizam. In addition to course conditions and Rules of Golf, he had to familiarise himself with Health and Safety regulations and policies on preserving the environment.
Nizam also had to prove he is capable of managing golf course finances and its fleet of machinery. Another crucial requirement was to pass stringent tests conducted by GCSAA on golf course maintenance.
The CGCS is not only an exceptional achievement for Nizam but also for TPC Kuala Lumpur, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
In spite of erratic weather – hot and sunny during the day and thunderstorms towards the evening, TPC Kuala Lumpur maintains its East and West courses in immaculate condition.
TPC Kuala Lumpur’s East Course hosts the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia event, while the West Course stages the US PGA Tour’s CIMB Classic. The club also accommodates an average of 50,000 member rounds annually.
“With this certification, I am able to further enhance my competencies, knowledge and share them for the benefit of my team members. Special thanks to my beloved wife, Shamsinar, and my CEO Steven Thielke, who is also my mentor and a great inspiration,” Nizam added.