Greenkeeper and superintendents Associations
Gather in Australia

The Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association (AGCSA) were the hosts of the 2012 International Summit, recently held in Melbourne Australia.

Associations present at the Summit were, Australia (AGCSA), BIGGA, GCSAA, New Zealand, Norway, and FEGGA.

The Summit focused on three main areas, these including; Education standards and levels that are currently available, and how these can be used to create more continuity across the globe. The European Standards that had been created by the European Education Unit (EGEU) were recognised as being benchmarks that could be adopted and used across the world. The Standards are also supported and endorsed by the R&A, adding real value for the industries commitment to supporting the game of golf.

The Environment was also a major focus within the Summit and discussion took place on what is being done, both currently and also looking to the future. There is no doubt that there is tremendous commitment from all areas of golf, but more has to be done to support this in reaching out beyond Golfers. The GCSAA presented a very substantial draft document aimed at the Sustainability and Environmental principles. All agreed that this was something for all associations to review and aim to adopt as a global commitment to managing and conserving resources and inputs, and reducing wastes while providing quality playing surfaces for Golfers of today and tomorrow.

The Summit also Continued to look at improving the worldwide recognition/branding of Superintendents, Course Managers and Greenkeepers, and looking at the profile of the profession, and how best to develop with a unified voice.

Dean Cleaver commented following the Summit "The Summit provided a really opportunity to focus on core aspects of association work and the challenges that we all face. It was also rewarding to see some of the great work that is currently being done to aid the sustainable benefits to Superintendents, Course Managers, Greenkeepers, and the game of golf. We need to continually work on ways of delivering our message to the wider world. It was also great to spend time visiting the Conference and Show of the AGCSA which followed the Summit and spend time with Superintendents that had gathered in the wonderful city of Melbourne."

For further information please use the click below:

http://www.agcsa.com.au/enewsletter/150612