Singapore: Individual golf facilities should take the initiative in enhancing their reputations within the local communities in which they operate.

“The R&A strongly advocates for individual facilities and golf associations to be proactive in sustainability, fostering nature, conserving resources and supporting communities,” said Chris Gray, Head of Sustainability & Agronomy – Asia Pacific with The R&A.

Speaking in the Asian Golf Industry Federation’s (AGIF) Sustainability Series, Gray urged golf clubs across the Asia Pacific region to accentuate the positives at their facilities and sign up with the GEO Foundation’s OnCourse programme.

Gray said: “We believe that it’s important for commitments to be backed up by evidence of progress and results. This is why we have contributed to the establishment of OnCourse, which is a support programme for golf facilities and a platform for industry associations, developed by the GEO Foundation.

“We believe OnCourse is important to the long-term strength and viability of the sport at all levels and the key to improving golf’s image and reputation.”

OnCourse for golf facilities is an easy-to-use on-line application that’s been custom-built for golf courses, club managers, committees and staff to integrate sustainability across operations, generate new business opportunities and quickly establish the facility as a leader in their local community.

Gray said: “With OnCourse, you’re able to review and evaluate current performance against industry best practices, gain new ideas and identify opportunities to enhance the course, save resources and money and generate new publicity.

“It’s also a great tool to gather and track key data and report on monthly and annual trends.”

Gray’s webinar was sponsored by Profile Products, Sustane and Toro.

Hailing from the Australian State of Victoria, Gray has more than 30 years of knowledge and experience having worked extensively as an agronomic consultant, golf course superintendent and golf course project manager in the Asia-Pacific, Central Asia and Middle East regions.

Before assuming his Singapore-based role at The R&A last year, Gray held the position of Director of Agronomy and Golf Redevelopment at The Singapore Island Country Club and has been an agronomic consultant on a number of PGA Tour, European Tour and LPGA tournaments in the region.

Gray has also acted as a Board Member of the AGIF, playing an active part in the growth and development of the Federation.

In addition to the exchange of information, education/association credits from attending AGIF webinars can be gained in Club Management Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, PGA of America, PGA of Great Britain and Ireland, PGA of Japan and PGA of Australia.

Attendance is tracked and a certificate of attendance is issued, pending attendance for a minimum of one hour on the webinar.

*The full webinar can be viewed at the Asian Golf Industry Federation’s You Tube page or by clicking here.