Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The iconic Emirates Golf Club (EGC) is providing a stunning setting for the return of the Asian Golf Industry Federation’s (AGIF) Certificate in Greenkeeping (CIG) programme to the Middle East.

Five months after making its Middle East debut with an Introductory Course at the Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, the UAE’s first CIG cohort returned for the Progression Course.

A total of 16 students from seven countries, representing 13 clubs, are attending the five-day programme (April 15-19) at the world-famous EGC venue nestled amid the dynamic cityscape of Dubai.

Richard Walne, Chairman of the AGIF’s CIG committee, said: “The Emirates Golf Club is frequently referred to as the ‘Home of Golf in the Middle East’ and we’re grateful for the warm and generous hospitality they’ve shown in hosting this education initiative.”

During the week, students are being taught on three specific topics:

• Surface Management on the Golf Course.
• Rootzone and Soil Water Management on the Golf Course.
• Managing Pests and Diseases on the Golf Course.

Attendees are representing the Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, Dubai Hills Golf Club, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Emirates Golf Club, Al Zorah Golf Club, Trump International Golf Club Dubai, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Al Badia Golf Club, Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club and Oman’s La Vie Club.

Over the next six months, the students will have to complete three online assignments after which they’ll be eligible to sit for the Confirmation Course in the final quarter of 2024.

Walne said: “The Certificate in Greenkeeping programme is structured as a blended learning programme in three different locations. That way, students get exposed to different golf course settings and agronomic practices.

“Our thanks to Emirates Golf Club and its Golf Course Superintendent Matthew Perry for allowing the students to have access the golf course. This is a perfect complement to the classroom learning and distinguishes the Certificate in Greenkeeping from other programmes.”

In an opening-day address to students, Perry said: “Emirates Golf Club is happy to welcome you all and to aid you in your learning journey. This CIG programme is a great opportunity for students to learn and share different agronomic experiences.”

As well as outlining agronomic practices at the 36-hole club that is host to the Dubai Desert Classic, Perry led the students on a tour of the EGC’s maintenance complex.

The EGC was established in 1988 with its Majlis Course being the first course in the region to be grassed. The club is also the site of the acclaimed Faldo Course, sculpted by six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo.

In partnership with The R&A and 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.

As well as the UAE, the CIG programme has already made its mark in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

With the India launch last December, the total number of students who have enrolled in the programme has broken through the 165-barrier with individuals from clubs in 12 countries – Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE and Vietnam.

Walne thanked The R&A and Education Partners Jacobsen, Jebsen & Jessen, John Deere, Syngenta and Toro for their continued support. “Their backing is crucial to allowing us to expand the reach of the CIG,” said Walne.

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