Bangkok, Thailand: Exciting expansion plans are in the pipeline as the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2019.
Since its formation and incorporation in August 2009, the AGIF, a not-for-profit regional organisation with a distinguished member roster, has firmly established itself as one of the region’s premier golfing organisations.
As the Federation gets set to enter its second decade, AGIF President Richard Walne has outlined some of the development plans under discussion for the short and medium-term future.
Speaking to representatives from member companies at the Annual General Meeting at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, Walne said: “Given the many challenges that golf has faced in recent years, it’s testament to the hard work of our Chief Executive, Eric Lynge, and his team, as well as the unwavering support from our members, that the Asian Golf Industry Federation is going from strength-to-strength.
“Going forward, we remain committed to working for the industry and further developing the educational platforms that have been put in place for general managers and golf course superintendents.
“It is also incumbent upon the Federation to continue seeking new and innovative ways in which it can support the industry.”
To that end, Walne said the year ahead would see the AGIF explore a couple of opportunities, including expanding into Sports Turf Management and staging a major annual Asian Golf Industry Federation Summit.

“Over the last few months, we have developed a tentative content outline and development and training programme for a Certificate in Sports Turf Management,” said Walne. “This certificate would be targeted primarily at football associations throughout Asia. We will be reviewing the prospects of such an expansion with the Board and members.”
In regard to the Summit, Walne said a prospective presentation is being prepared for members. Potentially to be run annually, the aim of the event would be to feature golf turf management education, sports turf management education and club management education.
“We see a definite opportunity to serve the Asian turfgrass management and club management community with a regional event,” said Walne. “It would be an exciting and timely addition to the Asian golfing calendar.”