Attendees at the CIG’s Progression Course in India at Prestige Golfshire Club.
Just as the IGU organised a program to upskill India’s leading coaches, so India’s Greenskeepers were working on the inaugural Certificate in Greenkeeping (CIG) program convened at Prestige Golfshire Club, Bangalore for their Progression Course, following their initial training at Karma Lakelands near Delhi. The program, facilitated by the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) in collaboration with The R&A of St Andrews, aims to elevate course maintenance standards across Asia.
The second phase of this training attracted 23 students from 21 Indian clubs and one each from Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. Benjamin McLean, Golf Course Superintendent at Prestige Golfshire Club, further provided insights into maintenance practices and addressed queries regarding fertilizers and machinery use.
Due to the program coinciding with Bengaluru’s dry and hot spell, discussions extended to water management and High Degree Days. Notably, the CIG program uniquely exposes students to diverse environments across the country, enhancing their learning experience. The AGIF, in partnership with The R&A and New Zealand’s Sports Turf Institute, ensured seamless program delivery without disrupting regular club activities.
The CIG program for the Asia Golf Industry Federation, endorsed by The R&A, serves as a professional development platform for greenkeeping staff across Asia, with over 165 participants from 12 countries benefiting from its blended workplace learning approach. Supported by industry leaders, the program equips greenkeepers with essential skills to efficiently manage golf courses, contributing to the region’s golfing landscape.
Photo – AGIF