PROFILE :
As a PGA Master Manager, entrepreneur, and the founder & CEO of 59club, Simon is the global voice of customer service performance across golf and hospitality. The business he heads is in over 40 countries, works with well over 1300 outlets and has millions of data points on the leisure world.

With 18 years at the helm of 59club, 13 building a golf, travel and events business, and 14 driving The Belfry’s golf operations, Simon has built his career around a simple belief: great businesses start with great people and great customer experiences. “I just love the world of sport and leisure. The atmosphere that the people in the industry create is addictive to say the least.”

His approach combines the human side of customer service with the power of data — guiding golf and hospitality businesses to understand their performance, develop their teams and turn insight into meaningful improvements for customers and the wider industry.

PROFILE :
Vu Nguyen is the Secretary General of the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA), where he oversees the Association’s secretariat, national competitions, and grassroots golf development. He began his career with VGA in 2015, focusing on golf rules, tournament operations, and the development of Vietnam’s national handicap system.

A R&A Level 3 International Golf Referee, Vu has officiated at major international events, including The Open, becoming the first Vietnamese referee to do so in 2023. He also serves as a member of the R&A’s Golf Rules Committee and brings extensive expertise in golf administration, rules, competitions, and the continued development of golf in Vietnam.

PROFILE :
Jessie Lu is the Product Management & Marketing Manager, Asia at Club Car, where she focuses on developing market strategies and driving innovative mobility solutions for the golf industry across the region. Based in Shanghai, she brings strong expertise in product management, marketing, and customer-focused business development.

Jessie works closely with golf clubs, distributors, and industry partners to support the adoption of connected golf mobility and fleet solutions. She is a regular contributor to industry discussions on technology, sustainability, and the evolving needs of modern golf facilities.

PROFILE :
Vu Van Yen is the Founder and Director of Golf & Leisure Vietnam, one of the country's leading golf media and event platforms dedicated to promoting the growth of Vietnam's golf industry. A respected industry leader, he has played a significant role in connecting golf clubs, tourism stakeholders, and businesses through high-profile publications, events, and the prestigious Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards.

Passionate about advancing golf tourism and industry collaboration, Vu Van Yen continues to champion Vietnam as one of Asia's fastest-growing golf destinations. Ms. Yến advocates for technology in golf, promoting trends like screen golf to engage younger audiences and boost the sport’s appeal.

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 :
Long Nguyen Thuy is the General Manager of Jebsen & Jessen Vietnam Co., Ltd., where he leads business strategy, operations, and market development for one of the region's leading industrial solutions companies. With extensive leadership experience in Vietnam, he has played a key role in building strategic partnerships and driving sustainable business growth across diverse industries.

Recognised for his strong commercial acumen and collaborative leadership style, Long is passionate about innovation, customer excellence, and long-term value creation. His deep understanding of the Vietnamese market and commitment to business excellence make him a respected leader within the region's corporate and golf communities.

PROFILE :
Ms. Lana Krestinina is the CEO and founder of SkyWaterLand LLC, a luxury expert, an international speaker, an author of numerous articles, an international golf tourism and business development professional.

Ms. Lana has been working in luxury industry in Russia, Europe and the USA for over 25 years now. She has MBA of the California State University East Bay and the Master’s Degree of the Moscow State University which is the leading university in Russia.

Ms. Lana is invited to be a speaker at the All-Russian and international conferences, forums and exhibitions of several industries: aviation, tourism, golf and business.
Ms. Lana writes and publishes articles considering golf industry all over the world, luxury travel opportunities worldwide, the development of luxury industry and marketing tools she personally implemented while working in this industry.

Through the work in golf travel and destination marketing, Ms. Lana has helped to connect golf facilities, tourism stakeholders, and industry leaders across Europe and Asia. Passionate about growing the global game, Ms. Lana brings valuable insights into golf tourism trends, market development and international collaboration within the golf industry.

PROFILE :
IRE (Paul) Yang is a business development leader at SMARTSCORE Global, driving the expansion of innovative digital solutions for golf course operations across Asia.

He works closely with golf clubs and industry partners to implement smart technologies that enhance course management, tournament operations, and the overall golfer experience. Passionate about digital transformation, Paul is helping shape the future of golf through technology, operational efficiency, and innovation.

PROFILE :
George Allison is the Founder of The Golf Concierge, a Vietnam-based luxury golf travel company specializing in bespoke golf experiences and concierge services. Having lived and worked in Vietnam for over eight years, he combines deep local knowledge with a passion for golf, hospitality, and destination marketing.

Through The Golf Concierge, George curates premium golf journeys that showcase Vietnam’s world-class courses, culture, and hospitality. His expertise spans golf tourism, customer experience, and the promotion of Vietnam as a leading golf destination in Asia.

PROFILE :
Ernie Els is one of golf's most celebrated champions, with 80 professional victories, including four Major Championships, two World Golf Championships, and a record seven World Match Play titles. A former World No. 1 and World Golf Hall of Fame member, he has also established a global reputation as a golf course designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

Through the Els for Autism Foundation and the Ernie Els Foundation, he has transformed countless lives by supporting individuals with autism and creating opportunities for young golfers. His enduring impact extends far beyond the fairways, shaping the future of golf through innovation, leadership, and charitable initiatives.

PROFILE :
Eric Lynge is a respected golf industry strategist with more than 30 years of leadership experience across sports, media, research, and golf organisations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Having held senior roles with the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) and the Asian Tour, Eric is widely recognised for building strong industry partnerships and advancing the business of golf across Asia.

As Director of Sporting Insights Asia, he helps golf businesses, destinations, and governing bodies leverage market intelligence and research to drive strategic growth. As advisor for The Azalea Group, he is deeply involved in high end golf travel trade and media assisting leading golf courses and integrated hotels, and real estate complexes build their image and brands to their target markets.

PROFILE :
DJ Flanders is the Executive Vice President of Troon International, leading the global operations and strategic growth of the world's largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company across more than 20 countries.

With over 25 years of experience in golf club management, hospitality, and business leadership, he has overseen some of the industry's most prestigious golf destinations. Recognised for his people-first leadership and commitment to innovation, DJ is a respected voice on golf operations, customer experience, and the future of the global golf industry.

PROFILE :
Cameron Thompson is the Founder and Managing Director of Thompson Golf Management (TGM), a leading golf course management and consultancy firm based in Southeast Asia.

With more than two decades of experience in golf operations, agronomy, and strategic consulting, he has worked with golf clubs, resorts, and developers across the region to enhance operational performance and sustainability. Cameron is widely recognised for his expertise in golf course management, leadership development, and innovative solutions that help clubs achieve long-term success.

PROFILE :
Ben Styles has been a prominent figure in the Vietnam golf industry for nearly 20 years. Throughout his career, he has successfully led operations teams and has overseen the development of golf courses from concept to completion on multiple occasions. As a dedicated professional in the field, Ben has immersed himself in all facets of golf and sports within Vietnam and the surrounding region.

In addition to his commitment to advancing the sport, Ben has played a pivotal role in nurturing and developing many of Vietnam's emerging leaders in golf course management. His passion for the game and dedication to fostering talent have made a significant impact on the industry.

His career highlights include being named CEO of the Year (2015), hosting the Asia Tour in Vietnam and leading The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip and Hoiana Shores Golf Club into the Top 100 World’s Greatest Golf Courses.

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 :
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 : 

Chris Gray leads The R&A’s Sustainable Agronomy Service across the Asia-Pacific region, providing expert guidance to golf courses on environmentally responsible turf management and course development.

With deep experience preparing venues for major championships like The Open and the AIG Women’s Open, he helps clubs implement best practices in irrigation, turf selection, and resource efficiency. His work supports long-term sustainability and resilience in golf course operations amid climate and regulatory challenges.

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 :

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 :

PGA professional Luke Ringrose brings over 20 years of international golf coaching 
experience across the UK, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, China and Europe.

A University of Birmingham PGA graduate, Luke has coached elite players including Darren Clarke and Michael Campbell, as well as numerous Major, PGA Tour and European Tour champions.

He has held senior coaching positions at leading academies including Rightside Golf 
Academy, Glendale Golf Academy and Gary Edwin Golf Academy. Luke specialises in player development, performance coaching, talent identification and coach education, and currently serves as Head Coach at EPGA.

PROFILE :
Spencer Robinson is the Chief Communications Officer of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF), where he leads communications, media relations and industry engagement across Asia’s rapidly growing golf sector. A veteran sports journalist and commentator, Spencer began his career in England before moving to Hong Kong in 1984 to join the editorial team at the South China Morning Post, later becoming Chief Sports Writer and Deputy Sports Editor.

With more than four decades of experience in sports media, he has written for leading publications and worked as a broadcaster for networks including ESPN and Fox Sports. 
Spencer is also a regular moderator and speaker at major golf industry conferences and events across Asia, bringing deep insight into the development and future of the game in the region.