Singapore: Golf course superintendents from around the region will once more be to the fore at the SMBC Singapore Open.
To be staged over the award-winning Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, the SMBC Singapore Open is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation.
As well as featuring star players from both circuits, the event (January 17-20) will be graced by Spaniard Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion and defending Singapore champion, and American Davis Love, a former PGA Championship winner and ex-US Ryder Cup captain.
Another unique facet to the event is that it traditionally brings together course superintendents from Singapore and other Asian countries.
As part of the SMBC Singapore Open Volunteer Programme, the superintendents enjoy a week of education as well as practical work in preparing the course and ensuring tip-top conditions for the players.
“We are once again enjoying an excellent response from superintendents wishing to join the Volunteer Programme,” said Rodney McKeown, Golf Course Superintendent at Sentosa Golf Club, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).
He added: “This year we’re looking forward to another exciting line-up of speakers to satisfy the educational needs of volunteers, as well as unlimited networking opportunities with other turf industry professionals. Volunteers will also assist us with tournament set-up on a day-to-day basis.”
The theme that has been lined-up for this year’s education segment is ‘New Technology’, with support from Toro and Jacobsen, both Executive Members of the AGIF, as well as various local suppliers.
Leading the speakers will be Gareth Knight, Regional Sales Manager with The Toro Company, and Richard Comely, Director, International Product Development at Ransomes Jacobsen.
In addition to the camaraderie and the satisfaction of working on the course, one of the biggest incentives for attendees is the award for the Volunteer of the Week.
Last year’s winner, Hamid Sonnosi from Singapore, received an all-expenses paid trip to the RICOH Women’s British Open where he was part of the greenkeeping team at Royal Lytham Golf Club.
“This year’s winner will also experience the set-up practices at a Major professional golfing event,” said McKeown.
Those interested in adding their names to the Superintendent Volunteer Programme for the SMBC Singapore Open can sign up via the online form at https://form.jotform.me/83262457274461