Richard Walne, Chairman of the Asian Golf Industry Federation’s Certificate in Greenkeeping committee, has confirmed that the first introductory course in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be staged at the Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai.

The course will take place from November 27 to December 1. The Progression Course and Confirmation Course will both be held in 2024 at different locations within the UAE.

“This is another exciting development for the Certificate in Greenkeeping of which we are proud,” said Walne.

“We’re delighted to be launching the CIG in the United Arab Emirates and are looking forward to seeing many new milestones in the programme in the months and years ahead.”

Core knowledge and skills

The focus of the course is on the core knowledge and skills required to operate safely and efficiently as a greenkeeper on a golf course, and in a way that protects the turf, prevents damage to the reputation of the course and improves productivity.

Walne continued, “With continued support from the R&A and our education partners Jacobsen, Jebsen & Jessen, John Deere, Syngenta and Toro, we believe there is great potential for further growth.”

So far, over 120 students have participated in the course. This included people from Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE and Vietnam.