As the son of a greenkeeper, Arnold Palmer always appreciated the many and varied challenges faced by those entrusted with maintaining golf courses.
Palmer, one of the greatest players and ambassadors golf has ever known, passed away last month at the age of 87.It was fitting, therefore, that Emeralda Golf Club, home to one of only two courses he designed in Indonesia, was the venue for the 17th ASPGI (Asosiasi Superintendent Padang Golf Indonesia) Turf Management Seminar.
It was the fourth time the event had been staged in collaboration with the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).
Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “With the recent passing of Arnold Palmer, it was especially poignant that we should celebrate this occasion at one of the courses that will remain a legacy of his in Asia.”
The event attracted more than 110 golf course managers, course superintendents, club managers, greenkeepers and mechanics from across Indonesia as well as delegates from Brunei, Malaysia and Thailand.
Among the well-known speakers were industry stalwarts Bruce Williams, Tony Taylor, John Pryor and Wee Peng Siong, a Board Member of the AGIF.
Also imparting their words of wisdom were Khairul Tanjung from the Landscape Architectural Association of Indonesia, Dr Rahayu, Research Lecturer from Sebelas Maret University Surakarta, Emeralda Golf Club Course Superintendent Juhana and Dr Budi Tjahyono, the ASPGI’s Chairman of the Board.
Engkos Raharjo, the ASPGI President, said: “Our association was pleased to work together with the AGIF once more to showcase speakers from home and abroad, who are experienced practitioners in their respective fields in golf course maintenance.
“This event is very much in keeping with the ASPGI’s commitment to continuous education. 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.”
Lynge added: “We were delighted to return to Indonesia and thank Pak Engkos and the ASPGI for all their support. We are also grateful to the management and staff at Emeralda Golf Club for being such gracious hosts and allowing us to make use of their outstanding facilities.”
While turfgrass issues were the focus of attention on day one, the morning of the second day was set aside for a three-hour field demonstration at which companies showcased their latest golf course maintenance products.
Emphasising the AGIF’s aim to support the entire industry, the field day was open to members and non-members of the Federation.
Gold sponsors were Toro and John Deere; Silver sponsors were Rain Bird and Sustane while Bronze sponsors were Jacobsen and Quality Golf.
The ASPGI Turf Management Seminar was the fourth event in the AGIF series of Turfgrass Management Seminars and Field Days in 2016.
Asian Golf Industry Federation www.agif.asia