Philippine Golf Course Management Conference Set for Orchard Return

Manila, Philippines: A host of leading turf grass experts from around the region will share their knowledge at next month’s Philippine Golf Course Management Conference.

Organised by the Federation of Golf Clubs Philippines in co-operation with the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the two-day event in Dasmarinas City is presented by the Asian Golf Industry Federation [AGIF].

More than 125 golf course superintendents, course maintenance managers, golf directors and club managers are expected to be present at The Orchard Golf and Country Club, a Golf Facility Member of the AGIF.

Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased that the AGIF is once more returning to The Orchard Golf and Country Club for what has historically proved a highly successful event.

“We are extremely grateful, therefore, to sponsors, speakers, delegates and all those involved with the organisation.

“Last year the Orchard gathering attracted a record attendance. The AGIF is hopeful the number of people joining for this year’s conference will surpass the 2015 turnout.”

In keeping with previous years, Lynge said a full day of seminars is scheduled for the opening day, May 5. The following day will feature field demonstrations and an equipment exhibition.

Underscoring the AGIF’s aim to support the entire industry, the field day is open to members and non-members of the Federation.

The programme will tee-off with welcome remarks from Conrad Benitez, President of The Orchard Golf and Country Club and Vice-President of the Federation of Golf Clubs Philippines and the NGAP.

Among the notable course superintendents who will be making presentations are Royal Selangor Golf Club’s Jack Cheong, also President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Malaysia, and Andrew McDaniel, from Japan’s Keya Golf Club.

Also on the agenda are Jose Dagdagan, General Manager at Ayala South Links in the Philippines, Jack Imperial, Tournament Director of the Philippine Golf Tour, Michael Lu, President of the Wild Bird Club of Philippines, and The Orchard’s Golf Course Management Director Denis Nuevo.

Book-ending the seminar will be Bruce Williams, a former President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Managing Change in Golf Course Operations is the title of Williams’ opening presentation while Communicating Maintenance Programmes with the Board and Membership is the closing topic he will address.

Lynge said: “Once again our thanks and appreciation go to President Benitez and his team at The Orchard.

“Without their generous support and the backing of our sponsors it would not be possible to stage events such as these.”

Confirmed sponsors are Atlas Turf, Bernhard, Flowtronex, Foley United, Jacobsen, Rain Bird and Toro.

Benitez said: “We are always pleased to act as host venue to this important annual event in Philippine golf that does much to educate golf course superintendents and introduce them to new ideas … as well as provide the opportunity for them to test out the latest golf course machinery from the world’s leading golfing hardware companies.”

The Philippine Golf Course Management Conference is the second event in the AGIF series of Turfgrass Management Seminars and Field Days in 2016.

Last month saw the staging of the AGIF Turfgrass Management Exposition in Pattaya, Thailand. Other events this year will be held in Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Lynge said: “The over-riding objective of the AGIF in collaborating with the respective local golf associations is to bring about these type of events for the benefit of the Asian golf industry.

“The Federation will continue to invest in gatherings such as this as they have such a positive impact on the industry as a whole.”

For further information and to book exhibition space, please contact the AGIF Secretariat at pk.ong@agif.asia