Gurgaon, India: The Asian Golf Industry Federation’s (AGIF) acclaimed Certificate in Greenkeeping (CIG) programme will break new ground this year with its debut appearance in India.

Speaking at the Indian Golf Industry Association (GIA) Golf & Turf Summit, Richard Walne, Chairman of the AGIF’s CIG committee, confirmed that the first Introductory Course in India will be staged from December 4-8 in New Delhi.

The Progression Course is slated for Bangalore with the Confirmation Course in Pune, both to be held in 2024.

“This is an exciting development which has been several years in the making,” said Walne of the CIG programme that has already made its mark in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

In partnership with The R&A and with programme delivery from the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI), 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.

With the completion of recent Introductory and Confirmation classes in Malaysia and Vietnam, the total number of students who have enrolled in the programme has broken through the 120 barrier. Individuals from clubs in 10 countries have participated – Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE and Vietnam.

A total of 64 individuals have now completed the programme and more than 50 are currently part way through.

The CIG programme is crafted for golf course staff who may not have formal education related to the knowledge and skills required to operate safely and efficiently as a greenkeeper on a golf course.

The blended workplace learning will allow the learners to apply the technical skills and processes learned to a variety of turf situations under the supervision of a qualified workplace supervisor.

Walne said: “We’re delighted to be launching the CIG in India and are looking forward to seeing many new milestones in the programme in the months and years ahead.

“With continued support from The R&A and our Education Partners – Jacobsen, Jebsen & Jessen, John Deere, Syngenta and Toro – we believe there is great potential for further growth.”

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.

The Introductory and Progression courses are both held over five days while the Confirmation Course is staged over three days.

*The CIG is owned by the AGIF. The AGIF is not in partnership with any organisations in India to run this education programme. For registrations and enquiries, please contact PK Ong at pkong@agif.asia or visit https://agif.asia/certificate-in-greenkeeping/