Singapore: The Asian Golf Industry Federation’s (AGIF) Certificate in Greenkeeping programme is serving to encourage more women into the golf industry.
That’s the view of Karen Proctor, Director of Sales for APAC for Textron Specialized Vehicles, and a Board Member of the AGIF.
Speaking during a LinksAsia webinar entitled Women in the Asian Golf Industry, Proctor said she was encouraged by the number of females who have signed up for The R&A-backed Certificate in Greenkeeping undertaking.
“One of the AGIF’s initiatives is growing female involvement in the golf industry and I’m delighted that 30 per cent of the Certificate in Greenkeeping applicants to date have been women,” said Proctor, who moved to Singapore last November to assume her role with Textron Specialized Vehicles who manufacture both E-Z-GO and Jacobsen products.
“The Certificate in Greenkeeping is something I’m passionate about. It’s all about training and helping people learn about the fundamentals of greenkeeping. The percentage of women that are participating is much higher than I’ve ever seen on any greenkeeping course.
“That excites me because it’s about change … and that’s what we’re here to do.”
In partnership with the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute and with backing from The R&A, the Certificate in Greenkeeping was launched with the specific aim of improving the professional knowledge of greenkeeping staff and providing an educational framework for the golf greenkeeping industry in the region. This enables greenkeepers across Asia to develop their careers and gain certification.
A 12-month programme with five modules, the Certificate in Greenkeeping programme focuses on the core knowledge and skills required to operate safely and efficiently as a greenkeeper on a golf course, and in a way that protects the turf, prevents damage to the reputation of the course and improves productivity.
Joining Proctor on the panel for the webinar were Chyloe Kurdas, Female Engagement Officer, Golf Australia, and Lyn Yeo, President of the Singapore Ladies Golf Association.
