Bangkok, Thailand: Manpower and operational challenges faced by clubs, the growing influence of technology, sustainability and golf tourism all came under the microscope at the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF)-organised Club and Turf Management Conference.

Staged at Bangkok’s Flora Ville Golf & Country Club, the gathering featured a notable line-up of speakers and attracted more than 70 delegates from around the region.

“The feedback from all those who were present has been overwhelmingly positive. For golf club general managers, course superintendents and industry professionals from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, there were plenty of positive takeaways,” said Chris Gray, President of the AGIF.

The event, which was covered by the Golf Channel Thailand, was supported by the Thai Golf Course Association, while officials from the Thailand Golf Association were also in attendance.

Among the high-profile presenters were Gray, Andrew Knott, Director at the All Thailand Golf Centre, Mark Siegel, Managing Director at Golfasian, 59Club Asia’s Chris Geraghty, Darren Moore from Stonehill, Absolute Golf Services’ Cholvit Pupphavesa and SMARTSCORE Global CEO Yeom In-wook.

There were also two panel sessions, the first featuring Dandelly Nguyen, Managing Director at 54 Vietnam, Singapore Island Country Club’s Director of Golf & Sports Michael Wong, Thai Country Club General Manager Jack Hedges and Flora Ville General Manager Daniel Boongullaya.

The second panel was made up of Sukum Phongprateep, General Manager at Nikanti Golf Club, and his counterpart at Siam Country Club, Khun Wantana.

There were also product presentations from Nguyen Thuy Long (Jebsen & Jessen), Jeffrey Eshuis (Centaur Asia Pacific) and Blair Wilson (Links Golf).

Among the high-profile Thailand clubs that participated were Amata Spring, Blue Canyon, Flora Ville, Laguna Golf Phuket, Navatanee, Nikanti, Pattana, Riverdale, Robinswood, Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Royal Gems, Siam Country Club, Stonehill, Thai Country Club, Thana City and Toscana Valley.

Also in attendance were representatives from clubs and companies in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia and Singapore.

“We’re grateful to all those who supported the event – speakers, delegates, and the team at Flora Ville,” said Rishi Narain, Head – Events, Sponsorship and Membership at the AGIF.

He added: “We especially appreciate the sponsorship that we received from Centaur Asia Pacific, Fenix, Links Golf (Rain Bird and Jacobsen), Jebsen & Jessen (Toro) and The R&A.

“Based on the success of this event, there’s clearly a strong demand for more gatherings such as this where knowledge is shared and opportunities for networking abound.

“The AGIF is committed to hosting more educational and networking events that will bring together personnel from all sectors of the golfing industry in the region.”

The annual AGIF Conference will take place at the Sime Darby Convention Centre on October 29-30, coinciding with the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.

Meanwhile, plans are also progressing for an AGIF Conference in Vietnam on November 1-2. 

*For further details on sponsorship opportunities and attendance at all Asian Golf Industry Federation events, please contact Rishi Narain at membership@agif.asia  

At a Glance

Title: AGIF Club and Turf Management Conference
Venue: Flora Ville Golf & Country Club, Patum Thani, Thailand
Date: Tuesday, May 27
Organiser: Asian Golf Industry Federation
Supporting Partner: Thai Golf Course Association
Sponsors: Centaur Asia Pacific; Fenix; Links Golf (Rain Bird and Jacobsen); Jebsen & Jessen (Toro); The R&A