Phuket, Thailand: Asian Golf Industry Federation President Chris Gray will be among a high-profile array of speakers at this year’s PGA of Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) International Members’ Meeting.

Supported by Toro, the gathering at Angsana Laguna Phuket from May 4-7 will bring together PGA of GB&I members and influential figures from across the golf industry for four days of insight, innovation, and connection.

Head of Sustainability Golf and Agronomy Asia-Pacific for The R&A, Gray has more than 30 years’ knowledge and experience, having worked extensively in the Asia-Pacific, Central Asia and Middle East regions as an agronomic consultant, golf course superintendent and golf project development manager.

He has also provided tournament agronomy consulting support for a number of PGA Tour, European Tour and LPGA tournaments in the Asian region.

AGIF member companies that will also be highlighted in speaking roles are Toro (Mark Kolentsis), ION 54 (Ben Styles) and Golf Genius (Peter Shaw).

Among other headline speakers is Archerfield Links’ Gary Nicol, who has coached golf around the world since the late 1980s, working with golfers of all abilities, from club players to Ryder Cup stars and Tour winners. Co-author of the best-selling ‘The Lost Art’ series, Nicol is widely respected for challenging conventional coaching wisdom and empowering golfers to perform at their best.

Nicol’s desire to constantly improve his own knowledge and performance through updating and upgrading skill sets is an attitude shared with everyone associated with Performance Principles.

Also in attendance will be Dr Ian Peek, PGA Master Professional, performance and well-being coach and PhD graduate, and marketing expert Carl Heaton.

With extensive experience supporting players and coaches at every level of the game, Dr Peek will bring valuable perspective surrounding mental challenges and the mental power of high performance, drawing from his ‘Pathway to the Tour’ study.

Heaton will share insight into the evolving digital landscape and the opportunities that Ai present golf businesses. With a focus on Ai-driven tools and strategies to take marketing campaigns to the next level, Heaton will support Members in engaging with the next generation of golfers in a smarter, more efficient manner.

Stephen Chick, General Manager at the Laguna Golf Phuket, said: “We’re delighted to be the trusted venue to host the fifth annual PGA International Members’ conference.

“This is a fantastic event that brings delegates from all corners of the globe to Laguna Phuket where our integrated resort is the perfect host venue for such an event. As the only PGA Academy in the Southeast Asia and with the excellent connectivity via Phuket International Airport we are delighted to welcome everyone and showcase the resort.”

Last year’s delegates praised the conference’s relevance, flexibility, and the opportunity to connect with fellow PGA Members from around the globe.

Paul Wilson, Managing Director at Laguna Phuket, added: “I love the conference. It’s a great chance to meet others in the network. Leaving the United Kingdom to work in golf can often make you feel disconnected so the conference is a great place to network.”

A range of delegate packages are available, including accommodation options and non-residential packages for Phuket-based Members. All packages include conference access, entry to the welcome function and gala dinner, event gifting, and 18 holes at Laguna Golf Phuket. Full package details can be viewed via the official booking link here.

*The R&A, Toro, ION54, Golf Genius and Laguna Golf Phuket are all members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.