Danang, Vietnam: The golf industry is mourning the passing of David Townend, a prominent figure in Asian golfing circles for more than two decades.

Townend passed away in his native Australia on Monday after a two-year battle with illness.

“We’re deeply saddened to hear this news. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time,” said Chris Gray, President of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).

Gray paid tribute to Townend during his welcome message at the opening session of the AGIF Danang Conference.

“David served on the AGIF Board and as Vice President, making valuable contributions. We’d been speaking with him in recent weeks and he’d been helping out on plans to grow the Federation. He will be sorely missed,” said Gray.

Formerly a professional golfer, Townend chalked up 30 years of experience in senior executive roles in Asia, developing and operating world-class golf courses, resorts, and residential communities for discerning owners.

He spent most of his career working with international firms, specialising in high-end leisure and tourism markets, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Sheraton and Westin brands), Troon Golf and IMG.

As a pioneer of the Asian golf resort industry, he honed both his professional, language and cultural skills working in China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and through his corporate business development role he established first-hand experience in most Asian countries.

Among the high-profile clubs at which he worked were Ta Shee Golf & Country Club (Taiwan); Sheshan International Golf Club (China); Amata Spring Country Club (Thailand) and The Els Club (Malaysia).