Club Management Mini Summit Focus on Sustainable Practices

POSTED ON January 5, 2018 @ 12:28 pm

Sustainable Practices in the Club Industry will be the theme at the first in a series of Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF)-organised Club Management Mini Summits in 2018.

To be staged at Sentosa Golf Club on the second day of the SMBC Singapore Open, the January 19 gathering will include a keynote presentation from Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the globally-recognised Golf Environment Organisation (GEO).

Smith, who has been involved with sustainability in golf for two decades, from field support to planning, working for golf and for governments, will discuss the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable practices.

Golf Course Agronomy Consultant Chris Gray is also among the speakers at the Mini Summit. Gray, who has 27 years’ experience in the golf industry and was previously International Marketing Manager for Rain Bird irrigation, implemented the GEO Certification process at Xili Golf Club in China when he was Director of Agronomy with IMG. He will give an overview of implementation and the process of involving government environmental officials in the process.

Smith and Gray will also participate in a panel discussion featuring Andrew Johnston, General Manager and Director of Agronomy at Sentosa Golf Club, which is in the final process of GEO Certification, and Patrick Feizal Joyce, Vice President Golf – Asia at Lagardère Sports, a Full Business Member of the AGIF.

Joyce will explain how Lagardère Sports, in partnership with SMBC and Sentosa Golf Club, has commenced a multi-year process of sustainable tournament operations.

The panel session will be moderated by Spencer Robinson, the AGIF’s Chief Communications Officer.

Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The AGIF Club Management Mini Summits are staged periodically throughout the Asian region to bring those involved in club management, maintenance, ownership and committees together to discuss relevant issues pertinent to the club industry in a three-hour interactive format.

“Environmental protection and sustainable practices are key issues that the golf industry in Singapore would be well served to learn more about and commence implementation to protect the environment which clubs occupy.

“The good news is that sustainable practice guidelines are available and do not have to involve incremental financing to implement. To review these opportunities, and in partnership with Sentosa Golf Club, the AGIF has the good fortune of having Jonathan Smith in Singapore the entire week of the SMBC Singapore Open. Jonathan and GEO are globally recognised as being among the leading not-for-profit advisors on environmental and sustainable practices for golf courses and clubs at all stages of development.

“This Mini Summit presents a wonderful platform for club management executives, golf course owners, club committee members and all those in our industry in Singapore and around the region to learn and understand more about this important topic.

“An additional incentive for those in club management is that the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) has allocated two education points for attendees at the Mini Summit, which is valuable for CCM certification.”

Following the Mini Summit, attendees will be able to enjoy world-class hospitality and networking opportunities while watching a high-class field headlined by Major champions Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen in action from the comfort of the Legends Lounge at the SMBC Singapore Open.

The Mini Summit is sponsored by AGIF Executive Members Club Car, Rain Bird and Toro and supported by the Singapore Golf Association, the Club Managers Association of Singapore, Sentosa Golf Club and Lagardère Sports.

Lynge said: “The Federation is committed to offering educational platforms aimed at improving overall standards in club management in Asia.

“We thank Lagardère Sports and Sentosa Golf Club for providing this opportunity, in conjunction with the SMBC Singapore Open. With CMAA credits being awarded for attendance, we’re expecting a strong response from those within club management in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.”

Lynge said there will be no charge for bona fide executives who work for clubs as well as committee members and owners. Limited seats are available and will be allocated on a first come-first serve basis.

Industry professionals interested in attending should contact AGIF Secretariat PK Ong at pk.ong@agif.asia to check availability and attendance fees.