Singapore: Shade and the Effects of Low Light on Turfgrass will be thrust into the spotlight in the Asian Golf Industry Federation’s (AGIF) Sustainability Series next month.

Addressing the topic is Dr John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee (UT).

Sponsored by Simplot, Suståne Natural Fertilizer Inc and The Toro Company, the webinar will be broadcast on Thursday, April 15 at 4 pm Singapore time.

Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re delighted to have an expert of the calibre of Dr Sorochan to share his vast knowledge of this topic that is relevant to all golf course superintendents.”

A native of Calgary, Alberta in Canada, Dr Sorochan began working on the grounds crew at Earl Grey Golf and Country Club in 1988. He received his PhD in Turfgrass Science from Michigan State University in 2002.

Currently, as well as being responsible for the academic turf programmes at both the undergraduate and graduate level at UT, he teaches several classes in the Turfgrass Science and Management Programme and is also the Director for the UT Centre for Athletic Field Safety.

Dr Sorochan’s research programme co-ordinates investigations on environmental turf stress physiology including indirect heat, shade, drought, and wear stress for golf course, sports turf, and commercial and home lawn turf.

His research also includes athletic field management, including athletic field performance and safety, athlete to surface interactions, new cultivar and species evaluation for management and use, sustainable strategies for reduced inputs for golf courses, residential turf, and sod production.

Since arriving at UT, Dr Sorochan has given over 200 invited presentations at regional, national, and international professional meetings.

Lynge said: “Targeted at both turf and club management professionals, our webinars feature respected speakers and presenters from around the world, all of whom are experts in their chosen fields.

“It’s the intention that our webinar topics alternate between club management and turfgrass management.

“We’re lining up some more exceptional, world renowned speakers who will present their respective topics with passion and authority and will leave an indelible mark on those who are fortunate enough to be in attendance.”

The 2021 series teed-off last month with Chris Gray, Head of Sustainability & Agronomy – Asia Pacific with The R&A, speaking on the subject of Sustainable Golf.

A fortnight ago, Soil/Tissue Testing and Fertiliser Planning was the title of the presentation from Alex Glasgow, Technical Director of Agronomy at the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute.

Last week’s webinar, Operating Your Golf Shop – Is it Right for Your Golf Club? was the question posed by Mark Bates, Director of Golf Operations at Singapore’s Laguna National Golf & Country Club.

This Thursday (March 25, 10 am Singapore time), Stephen Tucker, Director of Golf Course and Landscape Operations at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, is presenting on All Things Equipment Management.

In addition to the exchange of information, education/association credits can be gained in Club Management Association of America (CMAA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), PGA of America, PGA of Great Britain and Ireland, PGA of Japan and PGA of Australia. Attendance will be tracked and a certificate of attendance will be issued, pending attendance for a minimum of one hour on the webinar.

For further details and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Spencer Robinson, the AGIF’s Chief Communications Officer, at spencer.robinson@agif.asia  

AGIF Sustainability Webinar Series

April 15 (Thursday): 4 pm (Singapore time)
Topic: Shade and the Effects of Low Light on Turfgrass
Presenter: Dr John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management, Plant Sciences Department, University of Tennessee

Registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__9ll7S5CSQKii3PRNjIeSg