ASIAN GOLF INDUSTRY FEDERATION
Asian Golf Industry Federation AGIF Logo

EcoBunker’s Sustainable SICC Solutions

SICC The Island Course Hole 16
Bunkers are a prominent feature on The Island Course’s 16th hole at The Singapore Island Country Club.

Singapore: The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) officially re-opened the full 18 holes of its The Island Course last week, unveiling an extensive re-development that features world-class design, eco-conscious technologies and tournament-ready infrastructure.

The project was a commitment to the heritage of the course that dates back nearly 100 years. But with one eye on history and one eye on the future, the team at SICC had to choose the right technologies to embed sustainability into the design and operation while preserving the original DNA of the course.

“Sustainability has been at the heart of The Island Course redevelopment, and that was the primary reason for choosing to partner with EcoBunker for the project,” said Ian Roberts, General Manager of SICC.

“Not only does EcoBunker technology create a superb aesthetic for the course, it has a long lifespan, uses recycled materials, and significantly reduces the resources needed for bunker maintenance. By combining EcoBunker with our other ecological innovations, we have minimised environmental impact and built sustainability into the course design,” added Roberts.

Responsible practices such as water conservation, bio-diversity protection and tree preservation have been at the forefront of the renovation process, while the course has also preserved tree corridors, tagged heritage trees and replanted endangered species.

In all, over 90% of flora has been replanted with native species, strengthening the bio-diversity corridor within the club, while fallen trees have been repurposed into buggy exit signs, fairway distance markers, and tee markers – part of SICC’s circular sustainability ethos.

“It has been a privilege to support The Singapore Island Country Club’s Island Course renovations with our EcoBunker solutions. At Centaur Asia Pacific, we are proud to play a role in delivering world-class sustainability and performance products for one of Asia’s most prestigious golf clubs,” said Bryan Littlejohn, Area Sales & Service Manager at EcoBunker’s regional partner, Centaur Asia-Pacific.

*Centaur Asia Pacific, EcoBunker and The Singapore Island Country Club are all members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Share with your Friends

View More Articles

Laguna Golf Lang Co Set to Shine

Laguna Golf Lang Co Set to Shine

Posted on November 15, 2024
Lang Co, Vietnam: Laguna Golf Lang Co is all set to host this week’s Laguna Invitational 2024 over the award-winning Sir...

SN Farhana Hamzah

GCSAM / Els Club Desaru Coast
President of Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Malaysia (GCSAM)/ Golf Superintendent at The Els Club Desaru Coast
Malaysia




Owen Hester

Owen Hester

Green Dynasty
Managing Director
Singapore
Topic : Renovation Projects - Key Considerations
Owen Hester is the President of Green Dynasty Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based golf course development and consulting firm active across Southeast Asia and China. With over a decade of industry experience, he has led award-winning projects like Sentosa’s New Tanjong and Stone Forest Golf Club.

Prior to founding Green Dynasty in 2010, he was VP at Flagstick GCCM. A Homesglen graduate, Owen also serves on the board of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, promoting sustainable growth in the sport.

Chris Gray

The R&A
Head of Sustainable Golf &
Agronomy Asia-Pacific
Singapore
Topic : Welcome by AGIF President - Update on AGIF plans
Chris Gray leads The R&A’s Sustainable Agronomy Service across the Asia-Pacific region, providing expert guidance to golf courses on environmentally responsible turf management and course development.

With deep experience preparing venues for major championships like The Open and the AIG Women’s Open, he helps clubs implement best practices in irrigation, turf selection, and resource efficiency. His work supports long-term sustainability and resilience in golf course operations amid climate and regulatory challenges.

Mark Ray

APAC at C&D Trojan Battery Company
Regional Sales Manager
Queensland, Australia


Topic : The Latest in Global Battery Technology
Over 25 years of experience in B2B sales, operations, and technical support across APAC & Oceania. For the past 18 years, has managed key sales initiatives for motive and industrial batteries, including Trojan, Lithium-Ion, and VRLA, overseeing distributor networks, OE accounts, and technical training.

Pascal Orczech

Golfasian
Director of Business Development
Bangkok

Topic : International Best Practices in Golf Tourism
Pascal Orczech is a seasoned business development leader with nearly 20 years in the travel and tourism industry, specializing in automation and digital transformation. As Director of Business Development at Golfasian, he drives scalable growth through AI-powered lead generation, CRM automation, and workflow optimization.

His expertise in e-commerce and data-driven marketing has helped expand Golfasian’s global footprint. Passionate about innovation, Pascal is at the forefront of intelligent business solutions in tourism.

Chuah Choo Chaing

C3PR Services
Golf Business Owner
Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia

Topic : Public Relations - Tell your story for Profit
Leads Marketing and Communications for the PGA TOUR in APAC, managing media strategy, partnerships, and PR for tournaments in China, Korea, Japan, and supporting international events. Focuses on growing fan engagement and raising exposure for the TOUR and elite golfers, including top Asian players.

Evan Du Plessis

Sports Turf Solutions
Head of Agronomy,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Topic : Innovation in Grasses
Evan Du Plessis is a passionate and adaptable Turf Professional with a deep commitment to excellence and responsibility. Known for his exceptional communication skills, Evan has consistently fostered positive working relationships across all levels—from staff and management to corporate guests and club members.

With a forward-thinking mindset, Evan stays at the forefront of industry advancements, continuously integrating the latest technologies and environmental developments into his work. His dedication to innovation and collaboration makes him a respected voice in the turf management community.

Rob Weiks

Rain Bird Corporation
Southeast Asia Area Manager – Golf
Singapore
Topic : Smart Irrigation with new Technology
Southeast Asia Area Manager at Rain Bird International with 33 years of hands-on experience in golf course and turf management, horticulture, and landscape design.

Recognized for international sales and leadership awards, with expertise spanning golf course construction, agronomy, irrigation management, tournament operations, and sustainable maintenance practices across diverse turf types and challenging environments.

Joshua Ho

Singapore Golf Association
Chief Executive Officer
Singapore
Topic : Success Stories : From The Region
Joshua Ho is General Manager of the Singapore Golf Association, providing strategic direction and overseeing operations since 2021. He joined SGA in 2019 as High-Performance Manager after earning a Bachelor of Business Management from Singapore Management University.

Jessie Lu

Club Car (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd
Product Management & Marketing Manager, Asia
Shanghai, China
Topic : New Technology and Sustainability
With over 15 years of commercial leadership in dynamic B2B sectors, Jessie is responsible for Asia Product and Marketing in Club Car. Combining deep market expertise with a multinational educational background from both Asia and Europe, Jessie provides valuable strategic direction on the evolution of the golf industry.

Catalina Tapia

Golf Caddies
Co-Founder, CEO & Creative Director
Pattaya , Thailand
Topic : How Thailand uses data analysis to boost sales and quality
Catalina Tapia is CEO of Golf Caddies, based in Pattaya , Thailand. She brings experience from Kata Collective, Ashurst, Havoc Creative, and AECOM, and holds an Associate Diploma in Graphic Design and Photography from the University of Western Sydney.

James Cronk

Cronk Group Inc.
President / Co-Founder Golf Industry Guru
Canada
Topic : Best Practicies from North America / New Tools for Training and Education
James Cronk is a golf industry leader with over 30 years of experience as a golf professional, club manager, and speaker at major global events. Through CRONK GROUP and GOLF INDUSTRY GURU, he helps clubs improve service, operations, and profitability, working with private clubs, public courses, athletic clubs, and resorts worldwide.

Nick Brown

Campey Turf Care Systems
Export Sales Manager
England, United Kingdom
Topic : Essential Machinery for SE Asia
Tang is Executive Director of Club Operations and Township Management at Gamuda Land, overseeing Kuala Lumpur’s Kota Permai and Johor’s Horizon Hills Golf & Country Clubs. He is also enrolled in the AGIF-administered CCM programme, recognized globally as the gold standard in club management certification.

Tang Meng Loon

Malaysian Association of Golf & Recreational Club Owners Bhd (MAGRO)
Chairman / Executive Director
Gamuda Land, Malaysia
Topic : Career Planning - What are your options ?
Tang is Executive Director of Club Operations and Township Management at Gamuda Land, overseeing Kuala Lumpur’s Kota Permai and Johor’s Horizon Hills Golf & Country Clubs. He is also enrolled in the AGIF-administered CCM programme, recognized globally as the gold standard in club management certification.

Thad Bell

Ernie Els Design
Regional Director
Vietnam
Topic : Construction principles for Long Term Efficiency
Thad Bell is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) with over 28 years of international experience in golf course design. His portfolio spans a wide range of projects, from par 3 layouts to award-winning resort courses, across Mauritius, South Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Thad has played a key role in numerous new-build and renovation projects through his long-standing collaboration with Ernie Els Design. Known for his hands-on approach, he ensures that each project is thoughtfully developed on paper and meticulously executed in the field, recognizing that successful implementation is critical to a course’s long-term success.

Thad currently serves as the Regional Director for Ernie Els Design’s Asia-Pacific office, where he is leading the firm’s expansion into the Asian market. His expertise and commitment to quality continue to shape memorable golfing experiences across diverse landscapes and cultures.

Samuel Choong

Laguna Phuket
General Manager
Tropicana Golf & Country Resort
Selangor, Malaysia
Topic : Solar Panels - can this work at your club ?
Samuel Choong is General Manager at Tropicana, Malaysia, with over 25 years of experience in commercial operations, marketing, and business development. They have held senior roles at Diageo, Pan Malaysian Sweeps, and Maxxium Fine Wines & Spirits, driving strategic growth, market expansion, and key account management across diverse sectors.

Paul Wilson

Laguna Phuket
Managing Director
Phuket , Thailand
Topic : Value of Golf - Creating the ultimate golf destination in Thailand
Mr. Wilson is Senior Assistant Vice President at Laguna Phuket, overseeing operations, destination events, and the Laguna Golf Group’s three courses. A PGA Fellow Professional, he joined Laguna in 2013 and has led award-winning renovations and golf management projects across Asia.

Mark Matehaere

EnvoyGolf
Founding Director
Sydney , Australia
Topic : Attracting & Retaining Leaders in the Golf Industry:
A Practical Guide to Success From Australia
Mark Matehaere is the founder of EnvoyGolf and a founding director of Ellington Savage. With over 35 years’ experience in executive search, he has advised leading organisations across sectors and guided golf clubs throughout Australasia and beyond. He shares practical insights on what he has observed to work in attracting and retaining high-impact leaders.

Dr. Yasmin Rasyid

Sime Darby Property
Sustainability Scientist / General Manager
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Topic : Maintaining Sustainability Practices at KLGCC
Yasmin is a sustainability scientist with over 26 years’ experience in environmental management and community development. Founder of EcoKnights and now with Sime Darby Property, she drives sustainable township development, decarbonization, and high-impact community initiatives.

Her expertise in sustainability, leadership, and community development, drives impactful decarbonization and social initiatives at Sime Darby Property. She’s also a mentor, creative soul, and passionate volunteer who finds peace in nature.

Chris Geraghty

59 Club Asia
General Manager
Phuket, Thailand
Topic : How Europe Measures the Member/ Visitor Experience
Chris Geraghty, Managing Partner & General Manager of 59club Asia is a seasoned operator having experience in hotel, resort, F&B, and golf contexts. Chris held General Manager positions for Troon Golf at world class facilities in North Africa, The GCC, and Southeast Asia.

Chris has a wealth of experience with 59club tools and resources having been a customer of 59club for many years prior to joining the Company at the end of 2024. Chris has achieved five gold flags as a customer of 59club and was recognized as Golf Manager of the Year for Asia in 2023, perfectly positioning Chris to support client venues throughout the region to maximize the value of working with 59club.