(L-R) Dandelly Nguyen (MD, 54 Vietnam), Jack Hedges (GM, Thai Country Club), Daniel Boongullaya (GM, Flora Ville Golf & Country Club), Michael Wong (Director of Golf & Sports, Singapore Island Country Club), and Rishi Narain as moderator
Bangkok, Thailand – May 29, 2025 — The Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) proudly concluded its highly anticipated Club & Turf Management Conference on May 27, 2025, at the prestigious Flora Ville Golf & Country Club in Bangkok. The one-day summit drew over 80 influential figures from the golf and turf management sectors — including superintendents, general managers, agronomists, and industry experts — for a dynamic exchange of knowledge, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies.
Held in close collaboration with the Thai Golf Course Association, the conference delivered high-impact discussions around the most pressing topics shaping the future of golf in Asia — including manpower development, sustainable practices, golf tourism, and technological transformation.
Khun Kittisak (L) of Thai Golf Course Association with Mark Donohue (R) of Rain Bird, Treasurer of AGIF
The event commenced with an insightful keynote by Chris Gray, President of AGIF and Head of Sustainable Golf & Agronomy – Asia-Pacific at The R&A, who provided a compelling overview of the R&A’s sustainability best practices in agronomy and their application in Asian golf operations. This was followed by a high-level panel discussion addressing “Manpower Challenges – Attracting, Training and Retaining Greenkeepers,” featuring thought leaders Daniel Boongullaya (GM,Flora Ville GCC), Jack Hedges (GM,Thai Country Club), Dandelly Nguyen, MD Vietnam of 54 and Michael Wong, (Director – Golf & Sports, Singapore Island CC). The discussion was skillfully moderated by Rishi Narain, (Head – Sponsorship, Events & Memberships, AGIF), and explored actionable strategies to nurture talent and build long-term workforce capacity in the turf sector.
Chris Gray (L) – AGIF President, with Rishi Narain – Head of Events, Sponsorship, and Membership at AGIF
The conference agenda was further enriched with compelling presentations by leading industry voices. Mark Siegel, Managing Director of Golfasian, shared a visionary outlook on “Golf Tourism: Maintaining Thailand’s Leadership,” emphasizing the nation’s leadership position as a global golf destination. Yeon Im-wook, CEO of Smartscore Global, presented cutting-edge digital innovations that are revolutionizing the golf experience. Andrew Knott of the All Thailand Golf Centre highlighted critical aspects of aligning practice facilities with modern course designs, while Darren Moore of Stonehill offered an expert perspective on course preparation for big club tournaments. Long Nguyen of Jebsen & Jessen presented Toro machinery which is shaping the future of course maintenance.
Live product demonstrations enriched the experience
Delegates also benefited from live product demonstrations by premier solution providers including an Echo Autonomous mower by Centaur Asia Pacific, Jacobsen electric mower by Links Golf, and USGA’s GS3 tech ball demo by Chris Gray of R&A .
Andrew Knott – Director, All Thailand Golf Centre, making his presentation
Dozens of the top clubs from the region were well represented, alongside senior delegates from Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam — underscoring the AGIF Conference’s stature as a truly regional platform for collaboration and professional growth.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Rishi Narain, Head of Events, Sponsorship, and Membership at AGIF, stated: “We’re deeply appreciative of the speakers, partners, and delegates who made this conference a resounding success. 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.”
To view some glimpses from the conference, click on the link below:
Game-Changing Golf Insights! AGIF Club & Turf Management Conference 2025 | Bangkok Highlights
Following the success of the Bangkok summit, AGIF has confirmed two more key events in 2025:
- October 29–30 – Annual Conference at Sime Darby Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur (aligned with the Maybank LPGA Championship)
- November 1–2 – Turf Management Conference in Vietnam
Media & Sponsorship Inquiries
For more information about upcoming events, partnership opportunities, or AGIF memberships, please contact:
Rishi Narain
Head – Events, Sponsorship & Membership
membership@agif.asia
www.agif.asia