PROFILE :

James Shippey is the Managing Director of Absolute Golf Services, a leading golf management and consultancy firm in Asia. A British PGA professional, he brings over 20 years of international experience across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Known for his strategic leadership and operational expertise, he has played a key role in enhancing club performance and elevating world-class golf experiences across the region.

PROFILE :

 Sharudin bin Kamarudin (Saha) is a seasoned golf industry professional with 30 years of experience in golf club management, hospitality, and commercial development. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions at several of Malaysia’s established golf destinations, including Senior General Manager at The Mines Resort & Golf Club and Senior Club Manager at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club.

He currently serves as Club Manager of The Els Club Teluk Datai in Langkawi, a world-class golf destination featuring a championship course designed by four-time major champion Ernie Els. With extensive experience in strategic leadership, operational excellence, revenue growth, and customer experience, Saha brings a practical, commercially driven perspective to golf club management.

He is passionate about elevating service standards, developing strategic partnerships, and driving sustainable growth in the golf industry. His three decades of industry experience provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping golf club management across Asia.

PROFILE :

Andy Andrews is the Director of Golf at Royal Colombo Golf Club, where he oversees golf operations, tournament delivery, member experience and the continued development of the Club’s golf offering. A lifelong golfer with a background in elite junior and professional golf, he brings a player’s understanding of the game together with an operator’s focus on systems, performance and long term development.

His background also extends into high level strength and conditioning. A strength and conditioning coach and former CrossFit Games athlete who competed in 2019, Andy believes physical preparation has an important role to play in the long term development of the everyday golfer. Golf is a game that can be enjoyed for decades, and he advocates maintaining the strength, mobility, balance and physical capacity required not only to perform, but to continue playing and enjoying the game well into later life. At RCGC, Andy is also focused on modernising the golf operation through technology and AI.

He is developing systems that bring greater structure to data collection, reporting, project and procurement management, guest bookings, course and machinery management, and operational decision making. The goal is to turn everyday activity into usable information, improving visibility, accountability, efficiency and the quality of decisions made across the operation. The intersection of golf, physical performance, operations and technology shapes his approach.

A major focus of his work is exploring how golf clubs can move towards the cutting edge of what technology now makes possible, particularly through the practical application of AI. Rather than adopting technology for its own sake, his aim is to build systems that are functional, measurable and genuinely useful, using better technology and better information to improve how golf clubs operate and ultimately enhance the golfer experience.

PROFILE :

Raymond Bunquin is the General Manager of Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club in the Philippines, bringing nearly three decades of experience in golf club operations and management.

A pioneer in the Philippine golf industry, he was the first Filipino to graduate from the San Diego Golf Academy and among the country’s first Filipino Directors of Golf. He spent 15 years at Sherwood Hills Golf Club before taking on the management of Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club, one of Southeast Asia’s largest golf facilities.

With extensive expertise spanning golf operations, course maintenance, member experience and facility management, Raymond is a respected figure in the Philippine golf industry. Today, he leads Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club, bringing his longstanding passion for the game and club management experience to one of the country’s premier golf destinations.

PROFILE :

With over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sukum Phongprateep is the Golf Club Manager of Nikanti Golf Club, where he leads all operational and strategic aspects of the club.

He is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, guest services, team performance, and actively identifying opportunities to increase revenue across golf services, food & beverage, retail, and events. Leveraging his extensive hotel background, Sukhum focuses on driving financial growth while maintaining high service standards and an exceptional guest experience.

PROFILE :

Patrick has worked in the irrigation industry for the past 40 years. This includes 6 years in technical sales for a PVC and PE pipe manufacturer followed by 27 years at Toro Australia in irrigation sales and management roles primarily in the golf and large turf. Since 2020 he has successfully established an Australasian market presence for Leemco Piping Solutions.

Throughout his career Patrick has gained significant knowledge in golf irrigation and has formed many long-term relationships with key industry stakeholders in delivering innovative, high-quality products and solutions for golf courses, racecourses and other sports turf. Golf irrigation involves working with irrigation consultants, architects, contractors, dealers, owners, members and superintendents. Even though only one person decides, all have influence on the shape of the final result.

As every golf course is different, they each have unique requirements from an irrigation system. This has driven a tailored approach to learn what is required rather than a ‘one size fits all” approach that may be easier in selling but often not for the best customer outcome. A consultative approach where listening and consideration of the individual needs of the golf course have proven paramount in successful irrigation solutions.

Patrick lives with his wife and two sons in the Southern Highlands region of NSW.

PROFILE :

I'm the Founder and Head Coach of Michele Low Golf Academy. I've been a Malaysian professional golfer since 2013, competing on the Symetra Tour, Taiwan LPGA and China LPGA, and was a two-time Conference Carolinas Player of the Year at Belmont Abbey College, USA.

Today, coaching is my main focus. I work with golfers of every level, from complete beginners to experienced players, and tailor each programme to the individual through game evaluations, swing assessments, short game and putting work, course management and on-course coaching.

I also share free lessons on my YouTube channel, Golf with Michele Low, which has grown to over 145,000 followers.

PROFILE :

Bruce R. Williams, CGCS has spent over 50 years in the golf industry. He has been Superintendent at Bob O’Link Golf Club (ranked #40) a Los Angeles Country Club (ranked #10). He was President of GCSAA in 1996 and has been a consulting agronomist through Europ and Asia. He has served on the AGIF board for 8 years and lectured and presented throughout Asia.

Bruce has trained 164 people that have gone on to become golf course Superintendents.

PROFILE :

Michal Sikoš is the CEO of TeeTime SE, the Czech golf technology company behind the TeeTime Manager course management platform and the teetime.cz booking portal. He leads the company's strategy and growth, building a connected ecosystem that links golf courses, federations and golfers through a single platform for bookings, payments and course operations.

PROFILE :

Toby Mazanec is Business Development Manager at TeeTime SE, where he leads the company's international expansion and partnerships. He has a background in B2B sales and market development across Europe and Southeast Asia.

PROFILE :

Dr. Shoumo Mitra is Head of Marketing, Turf & Landscape for Syngenta across Asia, Middle East & Africa, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, based in Singapore. He brings over 27 years of experience spanning academia and industry, with leadership roles across R&D and marketing at Syngenta and Corteva Agriscience.

He joined Syngenta in 2008 as Global Technical Manager for Turf in Basel, Switzerland, following an academic career as a Professor at California State University, Pomona. Dr. Mitra holds an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, served on the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) board (2012–2017), and has received multiple professional honors, including the American Chemical Society Agrochemicals Division’s Young Scientist Award and the European Society of Agricultural Engineers’ Industry Innovation Award.

PROFILE :

Sharon is Managing Director of European Turfgrass Laboratories Ltd, based in Scotland and Director of ETL Asia, based in Malaysia. Having joined ETL in 1997, I have involved in every aspect of the business, testing samples from over 60-70 countries worldwide, and overseeing the day-to-day running of the business as well as maintaining high standards of quality assurance through the A2LA’s accreditation for Putting Green Materials program. As a company, I am now very proud and excited to be opening our satellite laboratory in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

PROFILE :

Ian Cording is a British PGA professional and experienced golf industry executive with more than 25 years’ experience across golf operations, resort development and five-star hospitality.

Ian has worked in the golf industry across England, Spain, Egypt and Vietnam, with the past 17+ years focused on the development of golf in Vietnam. Prior to joining The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram in 2022, he spent three years as General Manager of Van Tri Golf Club in Hanoi and eleven years with Vingroup, where he was General Manager of Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang and played a key role in the development and opening of several golf facilities.

Today, Ian leads The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram, the Greg Norman-designed links course on Vietnam’s southern coast, with a focus on maintaining world-class course standards while continuing to develop the operation, team, guest experience and international profile of the destination.

A strong believer that modern golf is about far more than the golf course itself, Ian is passionate about combining great golf with hospitality, technology, sustainability, commercial development and people. He is particularly interested in the continued growth of Vietnam as an international golf destination and in how the industry can develop sustainably while maintaining the character and quality that make individual courses special.

PROFILE :

Declan McCollam is the General Manager of Prestige Golfshire Club, Bengaluru, bringing more than 30 years of international experience in golf and hospitality. A PGA of Australia professional, he has held senior roles across Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including an extensive career with Troon. Since taking the helm at Prestige Golfshire in 2020, he has overseen major enhancements across the club, golf course and member facilities.

In 2023, he was recognised as the PGA of Australia International Member of the Year. In August 2026, Declan was also elected President of the Golf Industry Association (GIA) in India, further reflecting his leadership and contribution to the development of golf in the region.

PROFILE :

Clinton Norris is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Troon International, bringing extensive experience in golf sales, marketing, commercial strategy and destination development. Based in Dubai, he has spent more than 13 years with Troon, supporting its portfolio of golf facilities and destinations across international markets.

A graduate of the University of Birmingham’s Applied Golf Management Studies programme and a PGA professional, Clinton combines a strong understanding of golf operations with commercial expertise. He is passionate about building partnerships, enhancing the golfer experience, and using innovative marketing strategies to drive rounds, revenue and long-term growth within the golf industry.

PROFILE :

Elisa Gaudet is the Founder of Women’s Golf Day and President of Executive Golf International, with more than 25 years of experience in the global golf industry. She created Women’s Golf Day in 2016, growing it into a worldwide initiative that introduces and connects women and girls through golf.

Her career spans marketing, strategic partnerships, business development and international golf promotion, including work with the PGA TOUR and Tour de las Américas. Elisa is also an award-winning author, speaker and advocate for expanding women’s participation and influence within the golf industry. 

PROFILE :

As Head of Education at the PGA of Australia, Stephanie has spent over 13 years shaping the future of the golf industry through education. She leads a connected education ecosystem spanning entry-level participation through to nationally recognised qualifications and professional development programs across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, working alongside global governing bodies including The R&A and the IGF.

A committed advocate for workforce development across the industry, Stephanie is now turning that same lens toward artificial intelligence — exploring what it means for golf operations and coaching, and how individuals can build their own capability in the space. At AGIF Kuala Lumpur, she'll share where AI is already making an impact today, and where it's heading next

PROFILE :

Jay is the founder of Maisonje, combining a background in fashion design with a Master’s in Luxury Business and Management Consulting from ESSEC Business School. Drawing on her international experience across five countries, she leads the brand's creative direction to craft functional, design-driven accessories for modern professionals.

Today, she creates refined pieces that empower individuals balancing business, travel, and active everyday lifestyles.

PROFILE :

Andrew Johnston is the General Manager, Director of Agronomy and Resident Golf Course Designer at Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore, combining leadership across club management, agronomy and golf course architecture.

With more than 35 years in the golf industry, his career spans course design, construction, agronomy and operations, including work with Arnold Palmer Golf Course Design and Gene Bates Golf Design. At Sentosa, Andrew has played an instrumental role in the development and transformation of both The Serapong and The Tanjong courses.

He is also recognised for championing sustainability and innovative agronomic practices, helping establish Sentosa as a global leader in environmentally responsible golf course management.

PROFILE :
Tim Lobb is an internationally acclaimed golf course architect and the Founder & Principal of Lobb + Partners, with over 30 years of experience designing and renovating golf courses across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. A former President of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA), Tim is renowned for creating sustainable, strategically engaging courses that respect the natural landscape and golfing heritage.

His portfolio includes world-class new developments and restorations of some of the game's most historic venues. As a recognised thought leader in golf course architecture, Tim continues to shape the future of golf through innovative design and environmentally responsible development.

PROFILE :
Stephen Smith is a leading turfgrass scientist and agronomist with extensive international experience in golf course management, research, and sustainable turf practices. He has worked with golf facilities, governing bodies, and industry organisations across Asia-Pacific to improve playing conditions while promoting environmentally responsible course management.

Recognised for his expertise in turfgrass performance, irrigation efficiency, and sustainable agronomy, Stephen has been involved in numerous high-profile golf development and renovation projects. A respected educator and industry speaker, he is passionate about advancing practical, science-based solutions for the future of golf course management.

PROFILE :

Dr. Deborah M. Gray is a marketing professor, researcher, and internationally recognised advocate for advancing women in golf and business. With over 25 years of experience in teaching, consulting, and leadership development, her research focuses on the role of golf as a powerful platform for networking, career advancement, and inclusion.

She is the co-author of Getting in the Game: Putting Golf at the Forefront of Your Networking Toolbox and has spoken extensively on leadership, diversity, and the business of golf. Dr. Gray brings a unique perspective on how the sport can drive professional growth and create more inclusive opportunities across the industry.

PROFILE :

Henry Ng is the Regional Manager – Asia at Suståne Natural Fertilizer, Inc., a global leader in organic and natural fertilizers for the turfgrass industry. With more than 25 years of experience in golf course agronomy, turf management, and club operations, he has held leadership roles across Malaysia, China, and Taiwan, including at the renowned Mission Hills Golf Resort.

A horticulture graduate and long-standing member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Henry is widely recognised for his expertise in sustainable turf management and agronomic innovation. He also serves on the Board of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF), contributing to the advancement of education and best practices across the region.

PROFILE :
Dr. Brett Morris is a leading turfgrass scientist and agronomist with more than 35 years of experience in golf course management, research, and environmental sustainability. Currently with The R&A, he works closely with golf facilities across the Asia-Pacific region to advance sustainable agronomy and environmental best practices.

Holding a PhD in Turfgrass Science from the University of Sydney, Dr. Morris is widely recognized for his contributions to turfgrass research, biodiversity initiatives, and climate-resilient golf course management. He is a respected international speaker and advisor on the future of sustainable golf.

PROFILE :
Mark Donohue is the Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Rain Bird Corporation, where he leads the company’s growth across the region’s golf, landscape, and irrigation markets. With extensive experience in sales leadership, business development, and distribution management, Mark has played a key role in expanding Rain Bird’s presence across Southeast Asia.

He previously served as Rain Bird’s Regional Manager for Canada, where he built a high-performing sales team and strengthened the company’s distribution network. Mark is also a Treasurer of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) and brings strong industry knowledge and leadership to the development of sustainable golf and irrigation solutions across Asia. 

PROFILE :
Bryan Littlejohn is the Area Sales Manager – Projects & Equipment at Centaur Asia Pacific, with more than 25 years of experience in greenkeeping, sales, and service within the turf management industry. Based in Malaysia, he oversees regional operations while supporting projects, equipment, fertilisers, pesticides, and turf solutions across Southeast Asia.

Bryan brings extensive practical knowledge of golf course maintenance and a strong commitment to delivering effective solutions for golf and sports turf facilities. He also serves as a Board Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF), contributing to the development and advancement of the golf industry across Asia.

PROFILE :
Mark Siegel is a pioneering figure in Asian golf tourism and the Founder & Managing Director of Golfasian, one of the region’s leading golf travel companies. With nearly three decades of experience, he has played a significant role in promoting Thailand and Southeast Asia as premier golf destinations for international travelers.

Through his leadership, Golfasian has become a trusted partner for golfers worldwide, delivering world-class golf travel experiences across Asia. Mark is widely recognized for his expertise in golf tourism, destination marketing, and international travel development.

PROFILE :
Dandelly Nguyen has over 15 years of experience in business development and marketing communications across the hospitality and sports industries.

She has played a key role in shaping impactful projects and partnerships, successfully managed communications for prestigious international golf tournaments, and is an expert in designing innovative marketing strategies for luxury golf properties. She is passionate about creating value-driven brand experiences and redefining excellence in golf and hospitality.

PROFILE :
Michael Wong is the Director of Golf & Sports at the Singapore Island Country Club, one of Singapore’s most prestigious private members’ clubs. With extensive experience in golf operations and sports management, he plays a key role in overseeing the club’s golf programmes, member engagement and sporting activities.

The club features world-class facilities and multiple championship courses that have hosted major regional and international tournaments. Singapore Island Country Club, is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Singapore’s golfing community and continues to set high standards for club operations and sporting excellence.

PROFILE :
Rishi Narain is one of Asia’s most influential figures in the golf industry, with a career spanning more than four decades as a player, administrator and marketer of the sport. A gold medallist at the 1982 Asian Games, he later competed professionally before becoming a key driver of golf development across India and Asia.

He currently serves as Head of Events, Sponsorship and Membership at the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) and is the founder of RN Sports Marketing. Rishi is also the editor of India Golf Weekly and has authored over 1,000 sports columns, while leading major initiatives such as the India Golf Expo. His leadership and contributions have played a significant role in shaping the modern golf ecosystem in India and across the Asia-Pacific region.

PROFILE :

Adam Calver is the General Manager of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC), one of Malaysia’s most prestigious championship golf destinations, where he leads club operations, member experience and strategic development. With over two decades of international experience in golf club management, agronomy, and destination marketing, Adam has held senior roles across the Middle East, Asia and Canada, driving world-class performance and tournament-ready standards.

He also serves as Vice President of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) and is the Official Representative for Faldo Design, working closely with Sir Nick Faldo on golf course design and restoration projects globally. Adam’s leadership has helped elevate course prestige, sustainability and player experience at elite venues throughout the region.

PROFILE :

Owen Hester serves as the Managing Director of Green Dynasty Pte Ltd, a globally recognised leader in Golf Construction Management with offices located in Singapore, Dubai, and the United States.

Green Dynasty has overseen significant redevelopment and renovation projects at prominent golf facilities across Asia, including Sentosa, Seletar, Sembawang, and Laguna in Singapore, Royal Selangor and KLGCC in Malaysia, as well as notable works in the Philippines and Brunei.

The company's expertise lies in developing tailored methodologies for each course, enabling effective project execution while appropriately managing member expectations, club resources, and budget constraints.

PROFILE :

Mark Ray is an experienced business leader with over 25 years of expertise in sales, technical support, operations, and business development across the golf and industrial sectors. As Regional Sales Manager – APAC for Trojan Battery Company, he works closely with golf courses, OEMs, and distributors to deliver innovative energy solutions that enhance operational performance.

Having spent nearly two decades in the golf cart industry, Mark is recognised for his deep technical knowledge of battery technology and sustainable power solutions. He is a respected industry speaker, bringing practical insights into innovation, electrification, and the future of energy in golf operations.

PROFILE :

Catalina Tapia has spent more than two decades creating brands, building businesses and shaping how organisations present themselves to the world.

An award-winning Creative Director and brand specialist, her career has taken her from Sydney and London to Dubai, Europe and Asia, working across luxury, hospitality, tourism, professional services and emerging businesses. Her client and career portfolio includes Tiffany & Co., Four Seasons, Shangri-La, Mövenpick, Radisson Blu, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Ashurst, KPMG, Deloitte, AECOM and Ogilvy PR, alongside entrepreneurs and businesses building their brands from the ground up.

In Dubai, Catalina co-founded and ran Havoc Creative, an award-winning independent creative agency. She has created complete visual identities, led global rebrands, developed brand guidelines and campaigns, designed customer experiences and helped businesses translate what makes them different into something customers can immediately see, understand and remember.

Her experience in hospitality and tourism has given her a particular understanding of the relationship between brand and experience: the details that create expectation before a customer arrives, shape perception while they are there and influence what they remember, recommend and return to.

Catalina also writes for The Raven Reports, as the Global Beauty Editor covering beauty, luxury hotels, travel, and the brands shaping contemporary luxury. This gives her another perspective on branding: not only how brands are created, but how they are experienced by customers and ultimately communicated to an audience.

Having built agencies and businesses herself, Catalina understands that good branding cannot exist purely for aesthetics. It has a job to do.

Her approach is practical, commercially focused and refreshingly uncomplicated: make the business clear, make it distinctive, make it consistent, and give customers a reason to choose it.

PROFILE :

Nick Brown has been appointed Export Sales Manager at Campey Turf Care Systems. With over 20 years of experience in golf and sports turf, and extensive knowledge of international markets, he brings deep regional expertise across Asia and Australasia, focusing on innovation, customer relationships, and global market growth.

PROFILE : 

Bähmän Doaeian is Head of Global Sales at Soil Scout, working at the intersection of turf, technology, and business.

He has helped bring Finnish soil-monitoring innovation to leading golf courses and sports venues worldwide, connecting turf professionals with continuous, real-time root-zone intelligence. Bähmän is passionate about transforming turf management from observation and reaction into proactive, data-driven decision-making.

His work focuses on improving playing conditions, resource efficiency, and long-term turf performance through smarter use of technology.

PROFILE :

Ian Roberts is a Lecturer in Sustainable and Ethical Banking at Bangor Business School, bringing over 27 years of experience in finance, strategy, and leadership to his teaching and research. He specialises in financial ethics, regulation, credit & lending, and financial crime, and leads modules for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive programmes including Chartered Banker MBA courses.

Ian is also recognised for his work empowering AI literacy in education and embedding ethical banking practices in curricula, underscoring his commitment to responsible finance and professional integrity. His contributions to academic discourse and his dynamic engagement with students and industry make him a compelling voice on sustainable finance and ethical leadership.

PROFILE :

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.

PROFILE : 

Mohd Nizam Othman, CGCS is the Director of Agronomy at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) and one of Malaysia’s most experienced golf course management professionals. A Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) and GCSAA Class A member, he has extensive expertise in agronomy, turf management and championship course preparation.

He has prepared KLGCC for numerous international tournaments across the PGA, European and LPGA Tours, including the Maybank Championship. Media A respected industry speaker and mentor, Nizam is passionate about sustainable turf management, developing greenkeeping talent and maintaining world-class playing conditions.

PROFILE :

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.

PROFILE :

Steven Harris is Managing Director at Jebsen & Jessen Technology – Turf & Irrigation, where he leads business development and solutions in turf care, irrigation systems, and agronomic technology for golf and sports facilities across the region. He brings extensive industry experience and strategic insight into enhancing course performance, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

A respected figure in golf facility technology and turf management, Steven regularly engages with professionals on best practices and innovative approaches to turf and irrigation challenges. His leadership helps bridge technical innovation with practical application for premier golf and sports venues.