Singapore: The Improvement of Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass for Use on Golf Courses will be the focus of attention in next week’s webinar in the Asian Golf Industry Federation’s (AGIF) Sustainability Series.

Addressing the topic is Dr Kevin E. Kenworthy, Professor of Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Sponsored by Suståne Natural Fertilizer Inc and The Toro Company, the webinar will be broadcast on Thursday, April 29 at 10 am Singapore time.

Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Dr Kenworthy is an acknowledged expert in his field and we’re delighted he’ll be sharing his knowledge with us.

“Over the years, all the surveys we’ve undertaken have strongly indicated that course conditioning is the number one consideration when golfers decide where they’re going to play. In our region, that generally relates to the selection of the correct grasses.

“Bearing that in mind, Dr Kenworthy’s presentation, which will include data regarding recent releases and on advanced experimental lines, is one that golf course superintendents and course managers cannot afford to miss.”

Dr Kenworthy has held a faculty position at the University of Florida since 2004 in the Agronomy Department.

As the lead investigator in turfgrass cultivar development at the University of Florida, he has developed a collaborative approach that integrates faculty across IFAS departments, and partners with Florida’s sod industry. He teaches a graduate course in Plant Breeding Techniques.

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.

“Our webinar topics alternate between club management and turfgrass management and we’re in the process of lining up some more exceptional, speakers who will present their respective topics with passion and authority … and leave an indelible mark on those who are fortunate enough to be in attendance.”

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

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.

Following that, Mark Bates, Director of Golf Operations at Singapore’s Laguna National Golf & Country Club, posed the question: Operating Your Golf Shop – Is it Right for Your Golf Club?

In recent weeks, Stephen Tucker, Director of Golf Course and Landscape Operations at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, highlighted key aspects of golf course equipment management, while Dr John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee, talked about Shade and the Effects of Low Light on Turfgrass.

This week, six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo was the subject of an exclusive AGIF interview on golf course architecture and sustainability which was followed by a live Q&A with Faldo Design’s Mark Adams and Laguna Lang Co’s Adam Calver.

In addition to the exchange of information, education/association credits 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 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 29 (Thursday): 10 am (Singapore time)
Topic: Improvement of Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass for Use on Golf Courses
Presenter: Dr Kevin E. Kenworthy, Professor of Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z7pxoO0BRwm5MpR8YZWGRg