Golf clubs encouraged to become leaders in their communities

Golf facilities should take the initiative in enhancing their reputations within the local communities in which they operate, says a specialist in agronomy from world golf governing body The R&A.

“The R&A strongly advocates for individual facilities and golf associations to be proactive in sustainability, fostering nature, conserving resources and supporting communities,” said Chris Gray, head of sustainability & agronomy – Asia Pacific with The R&A.

Gray urged golf clubs across the Asia-Pacific region to accentuate the positives at their facilities and sign up with the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) Foundation’s oncourse programme.

Gray said: “We believe that it’s important for commitments to be backed up by evidence of progress and results. This is why we have contributed to the establishment of oncourse, which is a support programme for golf facilities and a platform for industry associations, developed by the GEO Foundation.

“We believe oncourse is important to the long-term strength and viability of the sport at all levels and the key to improving golf’s image and reputation.”

Oncourse for golf facilities is an easy-to-use on-line application that’s been custom-built for golf courses, club managers, committees and staff to integrate sustainability across operations, generate new business opportunities and quickly establish the facility as a leader in their local community.

Gray said: “With oncourse, you’re able to review and evaluate current performance against industry best practices, gain new ideas and identify opportunities to enhance the course, save resources and money and generate new publicity.

“It’s also a great tool to gather and track key data and report on monthly and annual trends.”

Hailing from the Australian state of Victoria, Gray has more than 30 years of knowledge and experience having worked extensively as an agronomic consultant, golf course superintendent and golf course project manager in the Asia-Pacific, central Asia and Middle East regions.

Before assuming his Singapore-based role at The R&A last year, Gray held the position of director of agronomy and golf redevelopment at The Singapore Island Country Club and has been an agronomic consultant on a number of PGA Tour, European Tour and LPGA tournaments in the region.