Singapore: The R&A and New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI) are gearing up for a resumption of the Certificate in Greenkeeping (CIG) programme.

Continuing the ground-breaking undertaking that was initiated by the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) in 2018, The R&A, in conjunction with the NZSTI, is planning to stage a five-day Intermediate Certificate Introduction Course in Vietnam (commencing week beginning June 22).

That will be followed by a Progression Course (October 5-9) and a three-day Confirmation Course (March, 2027). All three courses will be held at the award-winning Hoiana Shores Golf Club, venue for the 2025 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific.

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.

“Over the past five years the organisations have worked together, in collaboration with the Asian Golf Industry Federation, to successfully deliver the certificate programme to almost 200 turf management staff across Asia.

“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 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.

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