About Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF)

Table of Contents

• Who We Are
• Our Mission
• The State of the Golf Industry in Asia
• Our Core Focus Areas
  • Greenkeeping Education
  • Club Management Certification
  • Groundskeeping and Turf Management
• Our Objectives
• Why Partner with AGIF

Who We Are

Founded in 2010, the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) is a not-for-profit industry federation dedicated to the development and sustainability of the golf industry in Asia. With a diverse membership base, AGIF brings together key stakeholders, industry professionals, and organizations to collaborate, share knowledge, and drive growth across all aspects of the golf industry.

Our Mission

AGIF’s mission is to assist the golf industry in Asia in taking the next steps toward sustainable growth. We focus on advancing industry standards, promoting best practices, and providing high-quality education and certification programs that equip professionals with the skills needed to manage and operate golf facilities effectively.

The State of the Golf Industry in Asia

While golf facilities in North America and Europe have matured over several generations, many Asian facilities are still developing or transitioning into their second generation after a construction boom 20-30 years ago. This creates a unique opportunity for growth, but also highlights the need for qualified, experienced management and standardized practices across the region.

AGIF acts as a unifying body, partnering with national industry associations to deliver both common and country-specific best practices. We emphasize the importance of professional management to ensure that golf facilities in Asia are well-positioned for sustainable success.

Our Core Focus Areas

AGIF’s activities are centered around three main pillars: Greenkeeping, Club Management, and Groundskeeping. Through these focus areas, we engage industry professionals, owners, committees, and governments, promoting professional and sustainable practices.

Greenkeeping Education

In partnership with The R&A, AGIF has launched the Certificate in Greenkeeping program, which has trained over 50 greenskeepers from 32 clubs in Malaysia, Singapore, India, China, and Thailand. This program is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of greenskeepers, focusing on sustainable and effective turf management practices.

Club Management Certification

AGIF is the affiliate partner of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) in Asia, offering the Certified Club Manager (CCM) education pathway. To date, more than 40 managers from seven different countries are involved in this program, which aims to elevate club management standards and professionalize the industry.

Groundskeeping and Turf Management

Recognizing the growing need for expertise in sports fields and parkland turf management, AGIF is expanding its educational offerings to include Groundskeeping. These programs focus on training groundskeepers and developing specialized courses tailored to the needs of this market, ensuring that high standards are maintained across all turf management sectors.

Our Objectives

AGIF is committed to advancing the golf industry in Asia through the following objectives:

• Effective Communication: Engage with all members and industry stakeholders to promote AGIF’s objectives.
• Education and Training: Provide educational programs, seminars, workshops, and materials to meet the diverse needs of our members and stakeholders.
• Industry Research: Conduct research that benefits the turf and club industry in Asia, helping to inform best practices and future development.
• Information Sharing: Act as a hub for market intelligence and industry information through newsletters and our website.
• Networking Platform: Facilitate networking opportunities for decision-makers across the Asian golf industry.
• Address Key Industry Issues: Focus on critical topics such as environmental sustainability, intellectual property protection, and the growth of the game.

Why Partner with AGIF

Partnering with AGIF means being part of a dynamic federation dedicated to the advancement of the golf industry in Asia. Our education and certification programs, combined with our focus on sustainable practices, provide value not only to industry professionals but also to owners, committees, and governments. Together, we work towards creating a professional, sustainable, and thriving golf industry across Asia.

Join AGIF