Oxford Golf Resort hosts industry association summit in Pune

A brain-storming session in progress at the GIA summit in Pune last week.

By Rahul Banerji

Experts, developers, and industry stalwarts turned out in large numbers at the Golf Industry Association’s summit in Pune last week, where turf management was the focus.

Attendees from courses and driving ranges across India were given insights and practical knowledge on topics essential to turf care and maintenance to enhance their skills and expertise in the field.

Agronomist Brad Revill of BRT Agronomy joined the workshop digitally and addressed the attendees.

Hyderabad Golf Association superintendent Prateek Shah moderated an insightful discussion on sustainability practices.

The discussion included Andrew Harvey Johnston of Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club, Gareth Knight from the Toro Company, Clinton Southorn of golf management company Troon International and Bombay Presidency Golf Course superintendent Dr R.P. Singh.

Turf tips

A workshop on ‘50 Years of Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned’ by Bruce Williams of Brandt followed. ‘Factors Affecting Nutrients Absorption for Turf’ was another research-based session curated by agronomist P.N. Nagabhushan of Irrigation Products International.

The Greens section of the summit concluded with an interaction of golf club owners on the topic ‘Financial Sustainability in Golf Club Management: Maximising Revenue Streams and Controlling Costs.’

The events underlined a commitment to advancing standards of golf and turf management in India, fostering a collaborative environment for learning and networking among industry professionals.

Participants engaged in intense discussions and hands-on sessions, reinforcing the summit’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange.

As happens every year, a golf tournament was held for participants with Southern Command GoC Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, a keen golfer leading the tee-off for the 18-hole event playing alongside GIA president Anirudh Seolaker and top metropolitan officials.