Golf industry stalwart Zainal Mohammad Shah has been appointed as a senior advisor to the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).
In his role, Zainal will represent the AGIF, the region’s umbrella golfing body, in Malaysia. He will seek to recruit new members and work on expanding the federation’s educational programmes in club management and turfgrass management, while assisting the AGIF in conducting research on the golf market.
Over 40 years in the golf industry, Zainal has been involved in a variety of high-profile roles, including managing five golf courses in West Malaysia and working with local and international companies associated with golf buggies, turf maintenance equipment and chemicals/fertilisers.
“Zainal is widely respected in Southeast Asian golfing circles. We’re grateful for the ad hoc support he’s been able to give us in recent years. Now that we’ve formalised our relationship, we look forward to his increased involvement in the development and operation of our Certificate in Greenkeeping and Certified Club Manager education programmes,” said AGIF chief executive officer Eric Lynge.
“With Zainal’s support, we’re certain we can establish a stronger base for the AGIF in Malaysia and bring a wealth of knowledge and educational programmes to support Malaysia’s expanding golf market.”
Zainal is the second individual to be appointed as a senior advisor to the AGIF, joining Seoul-based Oh Sang-jun who was confirmed for the role in Korea late last year.
“Golf course superintendents and those in club management in Malaysia and around the region are now able to grow their careers through the educational programmes that the Asian Golf Industry Federation organises,” said Zainal.
“I gained my knowledge about turfgrass and the golf industry by attending courses and networking. Education is crucial for individuals to progress and through my role with the AGIF I hope I can make a contribution to the betterment of the industry.”
Lynge noted that the appointment of senior advisors in key markets around the region is part of the AGIF’s expansion strategy. “The Asian Golf Industry Federation has much to offer for companies and individuals in the golf field around the region. We believe there’s an increasing demand for us to deliver more education for those in club management and turfgrass management.
“By working with our senior advisors to grow the federation’s presence, we aim to be able to offer greater educational opportunities and the potential for networking. We’re excited to see what can be achieved,” he stressed.
