Singapore: The R&A is gearing up to host new Certificate in Greenkeeping (CIG) programmes in India and Vietnam.

Continuing the ground-breaking undertaking that was initiated by the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) in 2018, The R&A, in conjunction with the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI), will stage five-day introduction courses for the Intermediate Certificate in Greenkeeping in India (commencing week beginning September 22) and Vietnam (commencing week beginning October 20). 

Over the past seven years, The R&A and the NZSTI worked in collaboration with the AGIF to successfully deliver the certification programme to almost 200 turf management staff across Asia.

Jackie Davidson, Director – Golf Education at The R&A, said: “The Certificate in Greenkeeping is a key component of The R&A’s support in developing and nurturing greenkeeping talent and raising the profile and appeal of this profession.

“We are proud and very grateful to the AGIF and their sponsors for what has been achieved to date, and we will continue our education support to this sector of the industry. Over the next period of time, it is our intention to roll out further programmes across The R&A’s jurisdiction.

“The ambition is to continue to grow the reach and impact of this programme, introducing a Foundation and Advanced level over time whilst continuing to deliver the Intermediate level.

“Working with national federations, clubs and other industry organisations in golf, we will increase awareness and adoption of sustainable agronomy practices globally. We are delighted to be returning to India and Vietnam as we continue to develop a workforce of the future, ensuring golf is thriving 50 years from now.”

The Intermediate Certificate is intended for greenkeepers with experience working in a golf course environment where they regularly undertake technical turf management without direct supervision and are growing their technical skills in turf management and starting to manage a team.

Graduates will possess technical knowledge and develop an understanding of the underlying principles. They will be adept at handling moderately complex or unfamiliar tasks, critically examining problems to recommend effective solutions. They will operate with significant autonomy, taking responsibility for their own performance, while also holding some accountability for others in their team.

The R&A Intermediate Certificate in Greenkeeping is a 12-month, five-module programme consisting of:

• Manage a greenkeeping team
• Golf course ecology
• Surface management on a golf course
• Rootzone and soil water management on the golf course
• Identify and control common golf course pests, weeds, diseases and disorders.

As a follow-up to the Introduction Courses, next year students will attend a five-day Progression Course and a three-day Confirmation Course.

*To register your interest in attending the CIG Introduction Course in India, please click here.

*To register your interest in attending the CIG Introduction Course in Vietnam, please click here.