A record attendance of more than 100 golf course managers, course superintendents, club managers, greenkeepers and mechanics ensured the resounding success of the 16th ASPGI (Asosiasi Superintendent Padang Golf Indonesia) Turf Management Seminar.
Water and turf, design and renovation and pest control all featured on the agenda at the Klub Golf Bogor Raya.
It was the third time the event had been staged in collaboration with the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF), but the first since 2011.
Engkos Raharjo, the ASPGI’s President, said: “We are aware of the necessity for superintendents in Indonesia to continue to upgrade their knowledge and skills, especially in view of the rapid developments in golf course maintenance.
“Our Association was pleased, therefore, to work together with the AGIF to showcase speakers from home and abroad, who are experienced practitioners in their respective fields in golf course maintenance.
“This event was very much in keeping with the ASPGI’s commitment to continuous education and the turnout was excellent. We hope this seminar is just the first of many that we will stage in conjunction with the AGIF in the years ahead.”
Speakers included Carmen Magro from Stevens Water, Laurie Walsh from IMG Golf Course Services, Atlas Turf’s Kirk Buchanan, Dr Budi Tjahjono, the ASPGI’s Chairman of the Board, Dr Rahayu, Research Lecturer at the University of Surakarta, Qamal Mutaqin, a golf course consultant with PowerTech Prima, AM Yusuf from the IGA and Wee Peng Siong, General Manager at Riverside Golf Club.
The morning of day two was set aside for a Field Day at which golf course maintenance machinery was shown and demonstrated.
Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The initial feedback we have received from attendees has been exceptionally positive. The speakers and the topics they addressed were welcomed.
“We are grateful for the support and encouragement from the ASPGI, the staff and management at Klub Golf Bogor Raya and all sponsors, speakers and delegates.
“With education being one of the core elements of the Asian Golf Industry Federation in 2015, we are committed to raising the profile and standard of turfgrass maintenance in the Asian region through events such as this.
“In total, we are putting on eight Turfgrass Management Seminars and Field Days in eight different countries this year – testament to the backing we have received from sponsors and delegates.”
Lynge also thanked The R&A and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for their on-going support. Gold sponsors for the Indonesian event were Jacobsen and Toro, both Executive Members of the AGIF.
Centaur Asia Pacific and Rain Bird were Silver sponsors while fellow AGIF members Atlas Turf, Foley United and Maredo all contributed as Bronze sponsors.
Local sponsors were Medinda Agro Utama, Transtechnology, Bestonindo Central Lestari and Kokoh Bangun Persada.
Prior to visiting Indonesia, the AGIF had this year staged educational events for superintendents in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Before the end of 2015, further AGIF educational events will take place in China (October 25-30) and Taiwan (November 9-10).
AGIF www.agif.asia