First IGOLF Singapore Golf and Environment Forum

One highlight was the proposal that Singapore is well-placed to become Asian Center of Golf Excellence, including environmental concerns.

The event was hosted by IGOLF- International Golf and Life Foundation, a Swiss-based international non-governmental organization which promotes environmental and social responsibility in golf worldwide.

The Forum, the first organized by IGOLF, was held at National Service Resort and Country Club (NSRCC), SAFRA Resort, Singapore, on 23 October 2008.  NSRCC is recognised as an IGOLF Laureate Course as it adheres to the eight-point IGOLF Charter. It practices and promotes environmental-sustainability in its operations.

Similar events are being planned for Indonesia, India, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The Forum was chaired by Daniel Navid, IGOLF president and CEO.

Opening remarks

In his opening remarks, Col (Ret) Peter Teo, general manager of Singapore Golf Association, supported the need for courses to be environmentally and socially-responsible. He suggested that Singapore, which already is a world leader in numerous fields, such as aviation,  could also take the lead in golf excellence. Such a positioning, which would require multi-shareholder involvement by the clubs, government agencies, NGOs and the private sector, would show the Singapore cares deeply about nature conservation and that every stakeholder can participate.

Several highlights of the event

• Overview and challenges
  Mr Paul Sochaczewski, IGOLF chairman, spoke about the three challenges facing golf course owners - environmental, social and intangible (elitism), and suggested ways by which courses could address these challenges.  He also outlined the IGOLF 8-point Charter and the IGOLF Laureate Course program, giving several examples. See his presentation "Can golf be on the side of the angels?".
  He also welcomed Keppel Club of Singapore as the newest IGOLF Laureate Course from Singapore.
• Biodiversity
  Dr Richard T. Corlett, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore and Dr Hugh Tan Thiang Wah, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore spoke about the overall ecology of Singapore and specific ways by which courses can enhance biodiversity.  One main message: it’s relatively easy to improve habitats for biodiversity conservation. See their presentation.
  They were joined by panellist Mr. Rodney J. Mckeown, course superintendent of NSRCC Kranji.
• Water management
  Ms Cheryll Manzano, environment manager of Manila Southwoods Golf Club presented on experiences at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in the Philippines.  The water issue is more complicated, she advised, requiring an analysis of topography, meteorology, course construction.  Significant economic, as well as environmental savings can result, however, when a course develops a water management program.  See her presentation. 
  She was joined by panellists Mr. C.K. Tan, managing director of Irrigation Golf Sdn. Bhd. and Dr Hans Eikaas, senior manager and head (Waterways Health and Limnology) of the Public Utilities Board.
• Integrated Pest Management
  Mr Adam Mortimer, golf course superintendent at Marina Bay Golf Course, stressed the importance of the precautionary principle and provided examples of how courses can manage turfgrass without resorting to excessive chemical applications.
  He was joined by panellist Mr. James Sua, certified golf course superintendent, manager of course maintenance at NSRCC.
• National Environment Agency (NEA)
  Mr. Daniel Low, senior executive of the 3P Partnership Department at the National Environment Agency, outlined the numerous opportunities that NEA offers to Singapore golf courses for environmental improvement, development of new technologies and various award schemes.  The use of appropriate and novel technologies for energy generation, waste removal and recycling was noted by several speakers, as was the need for an integrated, overall approach to golf course management. 

Closing remarks

Forum Chairman Daniel Navid thanked the participants for the high quality of presentation and active discussions.  He stressed the opportunities that Singapore has to position itself as a world leader in environmentally- and socially-responsible golf, and noted that IGOLF would be pleased to participate in that process.

Why Singapore?

"We chose Singapore as the host city for our first seminar because of the interest and opportunities in this region, and because of Singapore’s leading position in promoting environmental sustainability in golf and other forms of land use," noted Paul Spencer Sochaczewski, IGOLF chairman.

"One reason the standard of golf course management in Singapore is relatively high is because Singaporeans value every square inch of the limited resources they have.  We are encouraged by the strong initial response from course managers, which to us indicates a desire to improve even more," noted Guy Goh, IGOLF International Board member and vice-president of Asian Operations.  "We anticipate that a successful Singapore seminar will lead to similar seminars elsewhere in the region." 

Mr Tang Mun Poh, general Manager of NSRCC, related an example on how golf courses can be good for wildlife. According to Mr Tang, NSRCC had put in efforts to transform a pond into a wetland nature reserve. NSRCC also maintains several parts of the golf courses for preservation of wildlife habitats. In addition, these golf courses recycle water and use affluent water in their irrigation systems.

Partners

Hosted by National Service Resort and Country Club, the seminar was organised by IGOLF and supported by TEHC and AUM Business Creations, both members of the IGOLF Corporate Advisory Council.

Partners for this event include: 

• AGCOA - Asian Golf Course Owners Association, member of IGOLF Partnership Council
• Asian Tour – professional golf tournaments
• National University of Singapore
• National Parks Board of Singapore
• NEA – National Environment Agency of Singapore
• PUB – Public Utilities Board of Singapore
• Singapore Sports Council
• Singapore Golf Association
• Indonesian Golf Association, member of IGOLF Partnership Council
• Malaysian Golf Association

Mr Dick Toh, managing director of TEHC, a leading landscape consultant and contractor, added "We feel that the corporate world has a responsibility to support environmental training activities such as this. A well-managed golf course can play an important role by conserving nature, purifying and managing water resources, providing jobs and contributing to the economy. This event matches well with our corporate philosophy."

Mr Per Dahlen, managing director of AUM Business Creations, which produces the Aumgas biogas generator, said, "Golf courses can, and should, do many things to improve their environment.  Some initiatives might be large, like building reservoirs, or planting the right kind of grass. But smaller efforts, such as converting food waste and horticultural waste into cooking gas and organic bio-fertilizer, can often reduce pollution and save significant amounts of money."