Phuket, Thailand: Asian Golf Industry Federation President Chris Gray will deliver a keynote address at the rescheduled PGA of Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) International Members’ Meeting.

Gray, Head of Sustainability Golf and Agronomy, Asia-Pacific for The R&A, is among the high-profile speakers that will attend the gathering at Angsana Laguna Phuket from October 5-8. 

Hosted by one of Southeast Asia’s premier golf destinations, the meeting will provide a platform for professional development, networking, and golf at Laguna Golf Phuket, bringing together PGA of GB&I Members and influential figures from across the golf industry.

PGA of GB&I Members will have the opportunity to enhance their coaching and management knowledge, connect with fellow industry professionals, and experience the world-class facilities that Laguna Golf Phuket has to offer.

Joining Gray among the prominent industry leaders that will make presentations are Mark Kolentsis, Senior Regional Sales Manager, Southeast Asia at Toro, Seehachet ‘Pro It’ Saifon, General Manager at Bangkok’s Robinswood Golf Club, and Kenny Mackay, Director of Golf Courses and Grounds at England’s Wentworth Club and Robinswood Golf Club.

Also in speaking roles are Dr Ian Peek, PGA Master Professional, performance and well-being coach and PhD graduate, marketing expert Carl Heaton, Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf, and Dr Steven Orr, the youngest-ever recipient of the PGA Master Professional title and current England Boys National Coach.

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.

With more than 25 years of experience in the golf industry and almost three decades helping shape Dubai’s emergence as a global golf destination, May is one of the most influential figures in golf club management in the Middle East, overseeing Dubai Golf’s portfolio of world-renowned facilities, including Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

His session will offer Members valuable insight into leadership, club management, business growth and delivering world-class customer experiences in an increasingly competitive golf landscape.

Dr Orr will also deliver a session of his own. A full-time golf coach of 22 years who runs his own academy in West Sussex, Dr Orr brings a decade of specialist research into wedge play and short game to his session, ‘The Art and Science of Wedge Play/Short Game’.

Drawing on his Doctorate in Skill Acquisition and published research on attentional focus and technical training in elite golfers, his workshop will bridge the gap between data and practice – covering ball and club behaviour, body movement patterns, and practical drills that coaches can take straight back to their own lessons.

Meanwhile, Tristan Crew, PGA of GB&I Executive Director – Member Services, will provide updates on PGA of GB&I activity over the last 12 months.

Stephen Chick, General Manager at Laguna Phuket, said: “Laguna Golf Phuket is 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.” 

Paul Wilson, Managing Director of 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 it’s a great place to network with people.”

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 Club.

*PGA of GB&I Members can view full package details and secure their place via the official booking link here. For more information or queries, please contact Wayne Johnson, PGA Regional Manager (International) at wayne.johnson@pga.org.uk

**The PGA of Great Britain & Ireland, Laguna Golf Phuket and Toro are members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.