SN Farhana Hamzah has received rich praise for her bold presentation at this week’s Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Conference about the challenges faced by female golf course superintendents.
Entitled The Challenges as a Woman Golf Course Superintendent, Farhana articulated how she has tackled gender bias to forge a successful career in the turf grass industry, traditionally a male stronghold in the region.
Chris Gray, President of the AGIF, said: “As we seek to break down barriers and make the golf industry more diverse and inclusive, Farhana is a true pioneer in Malaysia and Asia.
“Not only is she an inspiration to women wishing to work in golf, but also a fabulous role model. Through a combination of hard work, resilience, a desire to continue learning, and talent, she has shown to others what can be achieved.”
As well as being Cluster Course Superintendent at the 36-hole Glenmarie Golf & Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Farhana holds the distinction of being the first female President of the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Malaysia (GCSAM).
During her 40-minute presentation at the Sime Darby Convention Centre, mother-of-four Farhana discussed the physical demands and long hours required of a course superintendent, and the importance of a work-life balance and a strong family network.
She also took time to thank past employers and mentors for the support and encouragement they have offered on her journey.
Farhana also referenced the importance of education and expressed gratitude to the Asian Golf Industry Federation for its acclaimed Certificate in Greenkeeping (CIG) programme from which she graduated in 2022.
Richard Walne, Chairman of the AGIF’s Education Committee and the driving force behind the R&A-backed CIG programme, said: “We are extremely proud of Farhana and the well-deserved success she has had.
“We’re also proud that we have surpassed 100 graduates from the Certificate in Greenkeeping programme and that Malaysia has had the highest number of female graduates from all the countries we’ve visited.
“What makes us especially pleased is that since graduating for the CIG programme, Farhana has become a mentor to other superintendents in Malaysia.
“Her dedication to the profession and her willingness to share knowledge with her peers is a shining example for us all.”
Sponsors of the 2024 AGIF Conference were Centaur Asia-Pacific, Club Car, Jebsen & Jessen, Rain Bird, Sports Turf Solutions, The R&A and Trojan Battery,
