Asian Golf Industry Federation conference champions sustainability and innovation in Bangkok
Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) recently organised its Club & Turf Management Conference on May 27, 2025, at the Flora Ville Golf & Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand. This highly anticipated event attracted over 80 professionals, including superintendents, general managers, agronomists, and industry experts, all eager to engage in meaningful discussions on the future of golf in Asia. The conference represented a collaborative endeavour with the Thai Golf Course Association, underscoring its commitment to addressing critical issues relevant to the industry.
Central to the conference was a series of high-impact discussions focusing on manpower development, sustainable practices, golf tourism, and technological advancement. Chris Gray, who serves as the AGIF President and oversees Sustainable Golf & Agronomy at The R&A, delivered a keynote address that emphasised sustainability best practices in agronomy tailored to the unique challenges faced in Asian golf operations. This theme of sustainability is not merely a trend, but a growing imperative in the industry, particularly as climate concerns and resource management gain increasing prominence.
The panel discussion titled “Manpower Challenges – Attracting, Training and Retaining Greenkeepers” featured notable industry leaders such as Daniel Boongullaya of Flora Ville GCC and Jack Hedges from Thai Country Club. Moderated by Rishi Narain, Head of Sponsorship, Events & Memberships at AGIF, this session provided attendees with actionable strategies to develop a robust workforce capable of meeting current and future demands in turf management. Talent attraction and retention, particularly in a sector grappling with rapid technological changes, has emerged as one of the pressing issues within the industry.
Adding to the conference's depth, Mark Siegel, Managing Director of Golfasian, highlighted the significance of golf tourism in bolstering Thailand’s reputation as a premier global golf destination. As golf tourism continues to evolve, understanding its nuances and aligning with international standards will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness. Concurrently, Yeon Im-wook, CEO of Smartscore Global, delved into digital innovations reshaping the golf experience, reinforcing the notion that technology is integral to the sector's future.
The conference also included practical demonstrations from leading solution providers. Delegates were introduced to innovations like the Echo Autonomous mower and Jacobsen electric mower, showcasing advancements in equipment that enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. This focus on product demonstrations aligns with AGIF's broader mission to facilitate education and networking while showcasing the latest technological advancements pertinent to golf course management.
The AGIF Conference has solidified its role as a critical regional platform for collaboration and professional growth. With participation from clubs and experts from countries including Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, the event not only served as a forum for knowledge exchange but also as a testament to the growing interconnectedness of the golf community across Asia.
Reflecting on the event's success, Rishi Narain expressed gratitude to all who contributed, stating, “The quality of discussions and the enthusiasm shown by the attendees reaffirm AGIF’s commitment to delivering world-class educational and networking forums across Asia.” The ambitious agenda speaks not only to the current state of the golf industry but also positions AGIF as a beacon of innovation and leadership within the sector.
As a follow-up to the Bangkok summit, AGIF has announced further key events in 2025, including an Annual Conference in Kuala Lumpur at the Sime Darby Convention Centre from October 29–30, and a Turf Management Conference in Vietnam on November 1–2. These upcoming gatherings promise to further reinforce AGIF's commitment to advancing the standards of golf and turf management across the region.