Singapore: Chris Gray, one of golf’s foremost experts on turfgrass and sustainability, has been appointed as the new President of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).

Gray, Head of Sustainable Golf and Agronomy, Asia-Pacific with The R&A, was elected unopposed at the Federation’s annual general meeting.

He takes over from Richard Walne, who stood down after serving two terms (four years) in the post.

Gray, who first joined the AGIF Board in 2012, said: “I’m honoured to take up the position as President of the AGIF and look forward to pushing ahead with many of the initiatives that Richard and the previous Board have put in place.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has presented all of us with many challenges, but with the easing of travel and quarantine restrictions around the region, we hope we’ll be able to restart our face-to-face educational gatherings in the not too distant future.”

Gray paid tribute to his predecessor. “Richard was one of the founding Board members of the AGIF in 2009 and has made a huge contribution to the Federation,” said Gray.

In recognition of his support over the past 13 years, Walne has been given the title as President Emeritus and made an honorary individual member of the AGIF.

Although he is standing down from his Board role, Walne, The Toro Company’s Managing Director, Asia-Pacific and Australia, will remain active, focusing on expanding the Certificate in Greenkeeping initiative for which he has been one of the driving forces.

Meanwhile, Adam Calver, Director of Golf at Vietnam’s Laguna Lang Co, has been elected as AGIF Vice President, while Karen Proctor, Director of Sales, APAC with Textron Specialized Vehicles, will act as the new Secretary, a position formerly filled by Gray.

Andy Johnston, General Manager and Director of Agronomy at Sentosa Golf Club, remains as Treasurer.

Remaining on the Board for the new term are Owen Hester (Managing Director, Green Dynasty); John Holmes (President, Atlas Turf International); James Shippey (Managing Director, Absolute Golf Services); Sean Thornberry (Senior Global Development Lead, PGA of America); and Bruce Williams (International Sales Manager, Brandt Consolidated).