Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Sixteen students will this week complete their graduation in the Asian Golf Industry Federation’s (AGIF) acclaimed Certificate in Greenkeeping (CIG) programme.

Joining them at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) in the Malaysian capital are a new batch of 22 who will be embarking on their Introductory Course – the first new CIG class for 2023.

Richard Walne, Chairman of the AGIF’s Education Committee, said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring so many course superintendents and greenkeepers from around the region together under one roof.

“It promises to be a fabulous week of education and networking that will contribute to further raising the standard of turfgrass care and maintenance across Asia.”

Among the graduating students are representatives from six Malaysian clubs – Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia, KLGCC, Meru Valley Resort, Palm Resort Golf & Country Club, Saujana Golf & Country Club and The Els Club Desaru Coast.

There are also graduating students that represent clubs in four other countries – Cambodia (Vattanac Golf Resort), China (Harbour Plaza Golf Club and Shenzhen Xili Golf & Country Club), Singapore (Sentosa Golf Club and Singapore Island Country Club) and the United Arab Emirates (Al Dhannah Golf Club).

Of those who are attending the Confirmation Course (May 9-11), four are from the 2019 batch, whose progress was put on hold by the Covid-19 pandemic which halted the CIG for 2½ years.

The new intakes include representatives of seven Malaysian clubs (Forest City Golf Resort, Kelab Golf Negara Subang, Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, KLGCC, Meru Valley Resort, The Els Club Teluk Datai Langkawi and Tropicana Golf & Country Resort).

Also participating from May 8 to 12 are individuals from clubs in three other countries – Brunei (Empire Golf & Country Club), Oman (Al Mouj Golf), Singapore (National Service Resort & Country Club, Seletar Country Club and Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore Island Country Club and Tanah Merah Country Club).

Since launching in 2018, CIG courses have been staged in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

In partnership with the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI) and with backing from The R&A, the CIG was launched in 2018 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.

Focusing 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, the CIG is a 12-month programme with five modules.

To date, the courses have attracted students from Cambodia, China, India, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE and Vietnam with 27 individuals completing the programme. Currently, more than 40 are part way through with a new class scheduled to commence in September.

Recognising the positive sustainable impact of this programme, The R&A was a founding supporter of the CIG. AGIF members Jacobsen, Jebsen & Jessen, John Deere, Syngenta and Toro are Education Partners in the programme.

*For further details on the CIG, please contact PK Ong at pkong@agif.asia or visit https://agif.asia/certificate-in-greenkeeping/