Asian Club Business – September 2014

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Issue #68 SEPTEMBER 2014

Official Magazine for CMAA-Asia Pacific Chapter asiapacificgolfgroup.com | golfconference.org | cmaa-asia.com

SPEEED KILLS

BY JAMES PRUSA

TECHNOLOGY:

GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE GOES HI-TECH UP CLOSE WITH ASIAN GOLF SURVEY: TOP HONCHOS: NEW COURSE DEVELOPMENT ...

JASON STRAKA A LOOK BACK AND A LOOK FORWARD

CALL TO DOCTOR GOLF’S D.N.A.

GENERAL NEWS // MNC LAND GOES WITH “THE BIG EASY” // CLUBCORP BULKS UP BIG TIME! ASIAN GOLF SURVEY // The Asian golf Industry finally Get’s Mapped!

PUBLISHER's OFFICE MIKE SEBASTIAN

mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com

Top Class Education Lined Up For Clubs After close to a year of planning, the CMAA Asia Pacific Chapter is ready to launch an ambitious education and training programme for the club industry throughout Asia.

The programme is primarily focused on key areas like the delivery of quality service, membership programmes and leadership and performance development.

Training Vision

The programmes will be delivered in conjunction with key strategic partners made up of best of breed training and education organisations.

Official Website: www.ntuclearninghub.com

The partnership is now being formalised and will include the following organisations:

Singapore Human Resource Institute (SHRI) Official Website: www.shri.org.sg

SDH Institute

Official Website: www.sdh.edu.sg

Singapore Training & Development Association (STADA) Official Website: www.stada.org.sg

Official Website: www.trainingvision.com.sg

NTUC Learning Hub

“We are excited with the partnership because together with these players, the CMAA Asia Pacific will be able to bring world-class, leading edge training and education to the club industry,” declared Lawrence Young, director of education for CMAA-APC.

Most of the training programmes will come complete with recognized certification. Full programme and course details for the final quarter of 2014 and next year will be uploaded onto www.cmaa-asia.com within the next few weeks.

Publisher/Editor: Mike Sebastian Executive Director: Angela Raymond Art Director: Saiful Sufian Video EDITOR: Editor Wayne Lwee Finance: Myra Paras Marketing Executive: Alice Ho PUBLISHED BY: Asia Pacific Golf Development COnferences Pte Ltd Contact: mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com CMAA – Asia Pacific Chapter: President: Mike Sebastian Director of education: LAWRENCE YOUNG OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.cmaa-asia.com OFFICIAL AFFILIATED Websites: www.asiapacificgolfgroup.com; www.golfconference.org; ; www.asianjuniorGolffoundation.com; Office ADDRESS: Suite 05-06, Hong Aik Building, 22 Kallang Avenue, Singapore 339413 Tel: +65-6323 2800 Fax: + 65-6323 2838 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of Asian Club Business may be reproduced in any form or means without the written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed by writers and advertisers within Asian Club Business are not necessarily endorsed by Asian Club Business. Asian Club Business accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. Manuscripts, photographs and artwork will not be returned unless accompanied by appropriate postage.

Asian Club Business

SEPTEMBER 2014  02/03

PG8 COVER STORY

A Brand New D.N.A. For Asian Golf!

The countdown for the 2014 Asia Pacific Golf Summit has started and it is stacking up to be one of the best in the series to date. It is a knowledge event that has been programmed to address the most pressing challenges facing the golf industry in Asia and the best qualified speakers have been assembled to provide innovative and cutting edge solutions.

CONTENTS ISSUE #68, SEPTEMBER 2014 – CALL TO DOCTOR GOLF'S D.N.A. ASIAN GOLF SURVEY The Asian Golf Industry Finally Gets Mapped! Pg16 The launch of this innovative project marks the coming of age for the Asian golf industry and more significantly, it heralds the dawn of a new era where finally the golf industry will have credible market intelligence on the size and nature of the golf industry in Asia.

Pg16

New Course Development – A Look Back And A Look Forward Pg18 Golf development in South East Asia is not without its challenges.

Early responses to the Asian Golf Architects Survey indicate that dealing with unreliable contractor/s, environmental pressures and opposition, overall project logistics, and securing project finance are currently the challenges impacting the development of new course projects. Jeff Blunden reports.

Pg18 UP-CLOSE WITH TOP HONCHOS Fry/Straka – On The Move Upwards! Pg20 Award winning golf course architects, Dana Fry and Jason Straka are powering on and maintaining a high profile in the challenged world of golf architecture. Just after two years in business, this pair has charted an impressive track record of projects all over the world. Asian Club Business had a sit-down session with Jason Straka recently to get a thorough insight to the two-year old operation.

Jason Straka

Dana Fry ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER 2014  04/05

CONTENTS ISSUE #68, SEPTEMBER 2014 – CALL TO DOCTOR GOLF'S D.N.A.

Pg34

TurF MATTERS WITh JAMES PRUSA Speed Kills Pg34 Green speed is a complete misnomer. The average ‘ball roll distance’ at a set initial velocity over a level putting surface is more the precise description that we are all referring to in our golf conversations. For common understanding, the phrase green speed will be used in this writing – even though it perpetuates misuse of the English language. So how do we actually measure green speed objectively?

James Prusa shares his findings.

TECHNOLOGY It’s Not Science Fiction – Golf Course Maintenance Goes High-Tech Pg42 This special report is intended to send a timely wake-up call to golf course owners, general managers and general committees to sit up and become aware of some rapid changes taking place in the world of golf course maintenance. Besides the adoption of the power of information technology in cultural practices, there are new breeds of grass, more weather-tolerant and pest-resistant which will reduce maintenance costs.

Pg54

The rise in GPS mapping has already led to the development of automated mowers and other equipment that can be controlled from a computer screen. One golf course in Asia that has plunged into the use of information technology is Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore.

The world-class facility is an early adopter of IT in many areas of its day to day operations and ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS sat down with the facility’s general manager, Andy Johnston to get a thorough insight to how he is leading the IT revolution at the club.

GENERAL NEWS  MNC Land Goes With “The Big Easy” Pg50  ClubCorp Bulks Up Big Time! Pg52  Dick’s Ducks Out From Golf! Pg54 06/07  SEPTEMBER 2014

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

It’s Cataclysmic!

A GAME CHANGER! The First Ever Golf Industry Survey Covering Southeast Asia

An Industry Milestone Undertaken By Golf Business Advisory Services and the Asia Pacific Chapter of The CMAA.

EXC EL L E N T If you are engaged in the golf industry and would like to participate in this break-through market research project, visit www.golfbas.com

P PRESENTS

ASIA PACIFIC GOLF GROUP PRESENTS

Presented By The Asia Pacific Golf Group Asia Pacific Golf Summit | Asian Golf | Asian Club Business | Asian Golf TV ASIA PACIFIC CHAPTER

ASIA PACIFIC CHAPTER

A CMAA-Asia Pacific Chapter Initiative with Golf Business Advisory Services (GBAS)

COVER STORY ASIA PACIFIC GOLF SUMMIT 2014

“... we know that the golf industry is challenged but rather than mope and hang our heads in despair, we need to roll up our sleeves, put on our thinking caps and work on effective solutions before we get hit by the disease that is causing many in the West to pronounce the death of golf!”

– Mike Sebastian Chief Executive Officer Asia Pacific Golf Group

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

A BRAND NEW D.N.A. FOR Asian Golf ....

The countdown for the 2014 Asia Pacific Golf Summit has started and it is stacking up to be one of the best in the series to date. It is a knowledge event that has been programmed to address the most pressing challenges facing the golf industry in Asia and the best qualified speakers have been assembled to provide innovative and cutting edge solutions.

The 2014 Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS) will once again take the lead role to prepare Asia to effectively manage changing trends in the global golf industry.

This year’s Summit will examine various bold initiatives designed to not only meet the challenges posed to the industry but to also come up with innovative measures to help keep golf growing and relevant in a rapidly changing leisure and recreational landscape in Asia.

“There is a never-ending stream of negative reports emanating from the West about how the game of golf is being hammered with golfers dropping off the game, rounds played plummeting and revenues nose-diving at golf courses – nothing that we hear is good news,” lamented Mike Sebastian, chief executive

officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the owner and producer of APGS 2014.

“In Asia, we refuse to be sucked into this malaise – we know that the golf industry is challenged but rather than mope and hang our heads in despair, we need to roll up our sleeves, put on our thinking caps and work on effective solutions before we get hit by the disease that is causing many in the West to pronounce the death of golf!” Sebastian stressed.

APGS 2014 will be staged in the bustling city state of Singapore which is widely regarded as a hub for global change – a city that constantly keeps re-inventing itself to stay well ahead of the cycle of change.

“Singapore is without doubt the world’s

Mike Sebastian laboratory for change and this is where many new ideas and concepts are born, developed and implemented – it is an exciting city that will provide the golf industry in Asia with a springboard to boldly push Asian golf into new realms of growth and expansion,” he explained.

SEPTEMBER 2014  08/09

COVER STORY ASIA PACIFIC GOLF SUMMIT 2014

“Being successful in the golf industry will all come down to management being able to sense new directions and harness new energies that can be used to revitalise the industry and keep it on track for continued success in the future,” BIll Sanderson

Managing Director Bill Sanderson Ltd

James Prusa

Director Sky 72 Golf Club

Gregg Patterson

General Manager Long Beach Club (USA)

Some of the key areas of business that will be discussed at APGS 2014 will include the following vital topics:  Service standards to make golf relevant to a multigenerational clientele;  Dynamic training and development of human capital for the golf industry;  Developing the next generation of golfers and club members;  Understanding future trends and getting ready for it; The golf industry in Asia needs to be fully aware of future trends that can and will impact the industry and swing into a mind-set to cope with change effectively by confronting challenges with well-trained manpower fully capable of harnessing both technology and new work practices to get the job done.

One area that is going to be highly instrumental in preparing for change is a suite of research projects that will provide the industry

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

James Cronk

President Cronk Group

Joe THIEL

Master Golf Coach Mizuno Golf School Japan

with timely market intelligence which has heretofore not been available in Asia.

“This is only the beginning and the Asia Pacific Golf Group, in conjunction with the CMAA-Asia Pacific Chapter and Golf Business Advisory Services has ambitious plans for 2015 to produce a number of useful market intelligence tools for the industry to use to navigate itself going forward,” Sebastian revealed.

APGS 2014 will be a highly focused business conference and is a MUST ATTEND event for any serious stake-holder in golf in Asia.

The speakers who have been confirmed include a stellar line-up of some of the most brilliant thinks in the golf industry.

Topping this list is one part of the duo who are rated as Asia’s most powerful men in golf – Tenniel Chu, the Vice Chairman of the Mission Hills Group, the biggest golf resort in the world.

Chu will deliver a major address that will show how as the world's largest golf operator, Mission Hills has brought about a blend of great golfing experiences mingled with the fun and excitement of

TENNIEL CHU

Vice Chairman Mission Hills Group

"Chu will deliver a major address that will show how as the world's largest golf operator, Mission Hills has brought about a blend of great golfing experiences mingled with the fun and excitement of a resort cum tinsel town experience." a resort cum tinsel town experience.

It's like having Pebble Beach, Disneyland and Hollywood all wrapped up in one spell-binding package. This is really a showcase presentation to the world on how to make golf a total experience and to reach out to target groups that go beyond just the golfer.

Always entertaining and always at the cutting edge of the club management industry is the effervescent Gregg Patterson, general manager of the Beach Club in California.

Popularly known as the “god of love”, he will lead Asia in an adventure to make golf sexy again. A spell-binding speaker who has enthralled thousands all over the world, will give his unique take on how to make the club experience special.

“I recognize the challenge that our industry faces all over the world.

The game is not growing and more are walking away from our clubs,” said Patterson. In an impassioned appeal, he urged, “We have to make the whole experience of golf and the golf club environment appealing to all generations – baby boomers, Gen-Xers, Gen-Ys and the Millennials and this is quite a challenge.

”The 2014 Asia Pacific Golf Summit has engaged golf’s “God of Love” to lead Asia in an adventure to make golf sexy again.

The “professor from Stanford” James G. Prusa has been investing countless hours on computer simulations to make sense of megatrends and how these important indicators have a bearing on how the golf industry in Southeast Asia prepares for the future.

Prusa will help the industry understand how it will be impacted by the megatrends and where the industry should focus preparations for what is fast coming approaching. “The winds of change are speeding up – owners and general managers will either find themselves struggling unprepared or capitalizing on the opportunities with prepared strategies. In which group will you find yourself?” is the question that Prusa will pose to the industry and help make sense of what needs to be done.

One of the best business gurus of golf in the world is undeniably Bill Sanderson. This man’s vision on what is going to impact the club management industry in the future is priceless. He draws analogies from the corporate world to show how companies who lost their relevance to their respective marketplace had to subject themselves

SEPTEMBER 2014  10/11

COVER STORY ASIA PACIFIC GOLF SUMMIT 2014 “We need to make golf FUN and EXCITING for kids to opt for golf. We need to make golf competitive so that kids will embrace it instead of walking over to other more team-oriented sports or even the massively large hand-held video games arena which is proving to be more compelling than any other recreational activity available,” – Joe Thiel to the inevitable – total demise. “Being successful in the golf industry will all come down to management being able to sense new directions and harness new energies that can be used to revitalise the industry and keep it on track for continued success in the future,” according to Sanderson.

“Bill is an institution with us because he gets it – he fully understands the challenges faced by our industry and he is refreshingly different in addressing these challenges – he is all about a positive mind-set that is focused on producing solutions – he is the guy who will be the invigorating revival tonic and the mixer of the power-cocktail to pump up the industry,” said Sebastian.

Another management guru who specialises in golf is James Cronk, principal of the Cronk Group.

A man who is highly sought after in North America on matters relating to innovative management practices, Cronk believes that in today’s challenged industry, those facilities that are able to articulate their passion for golf will be successful in growing the game, growing their customers and growing their profits. His speech, entitled “WHY GOLF

WILL SAVE THE WORLD – Growing the Game One Soul at a Time!” will be an entertaining and educational session where Cronk will rekindle everyone’s passion for the great game of golf.

Talking about passion, master golf coach Joe Thiel is the epitome of passion itself. He will focus on the importance of the industry reaching out to kids on a large scale.

“We need to make golf FUN and EXCITING for kids to opt for golf. We need to make golf competitive so that kids will embrace it instead of walking over to other more team-oriented sports or even the massively large hand-held video games arena which is proving to be more compelling than any other recreational activity available,” said Thiel. According to him, golf needs to take on a mission that is on a biblical scale – to evangelise and get kids excited about the game and to want to learn and play it.

To get the ball rolling, the celebrated and renowned three-time PGA Teacher Of The Year and Master Coach of the Mizuno Golf School of Japan will speak on why juniors have to be courted immediately to take up the game.

Other featured speakers FOR APGS 2014 include:

Mike kerr

Chief Executive Officer Asian Tour

ROBERT YEO

CEO & Executive Director Singapore Training and Development Association

12/13  SEPTEMBER 2014

Matt Kamienski

Vice President – PGA Tour Executive Director – 2015 Presidents Cup

Stephen Bernhard

Chairman Bernhard Company Limited

Brian Curley

Principal Schmidt-Curley Design

Jeff Blunden

Managing Director Golf Business Advisory Services

Andy johnston

General Manager Sentosa Golf Club

ANDY STANGENBERG

President & Founder Q-Principal Inc.

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

Marina Bay SandS速 SinGaPOrE

24/7 Redefined

Knowledge Gets Ready To Flow In Singapore!

Some of the most innovative minds in golf will be descending on Singapore to share their revolutionary thoughts on the future of the game at the 2014 Asia Pacific Golf Summit.

APGS 2014 is the perfect platform for this exciting discourse on how golf should be managed in the rapidly changing growth dynamics of the region.

Singapore, the host nation for APGS 2014, a truly dynamic and forward thinking global hub is the perfect setting for the event’s theme which calls for a “New Drive. New Energy. A Revitalised Industry”.

APGS 2014 is the ideal event for likeminded executives from the golf club industry and golf trade to come together

and network for the common good of golf.

The venue for APGS 2014 is the spectacular Marina Bay Sands hotel, one of the true wonders of the modern world. To share in new knowledge and discover new ways to grow golf in Asia, there’s no better conference anywhere in the region than APGS 2014.

See you in Singapore! Book your seat for APGS 2014! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ENDORSED BY

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ASIAn GOLF SURVEY ANALYTICS & SURVEYs

The Asian Golf Industry Finally Gets Mapped!

There is no doubt in anybody’s mind that to be a major player in virtually any field of global business, Asia MUST be a major consideration. This continent is home to the largest percentage of the globe’s population which stands at over 4.2 billion. In comparison, the combined population of North America and Europe is slightly over 1.2 billion. Another measure of Asia’s importance is the value of its combined economic force. Based on the year 2013, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the continent’s Gross Domestic Product registered at a staggering US$19 trillion dollars and growing at a steady rate.

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

While the size of Asia in terms of its population and its GDP is properly chronicled, it may come as a surprise that very little is known in terms of “universally accepted” market intelligence on the nascent golf industry In Asia. The golf industry in Japan has been properly measured for many years and to a lesser extent, maybe South Korea.

But the rest of this massive continent has been untouched in terms of serious, industry wide research.

The absence of research and the ready availability of reliable market intelligence have been generally disregarded by most industry players. We do qualify that some research projects have been undertaken by certain companies but these have been projects confined to defined groups mostly made up of their own customers.

To date, there has been no independent research conducted to determine the state of the golf industry in Asia, trends impacting its development and indicators pointing to its future. However, all this is set to change because of a bold initiative undertaken by the Asia Pacific Golf Group in partnership with the CMAA – Asia Pacific Chapter (CMAAAPC) and the Golf Business Advisory Services (GBAS) of Australia.

The research project incorporates three very distinct surveys which include:  The Asian Golf Consumer Survey  The Southeast Asian Golf Industry/Facility Survey  The Asian Golf Course Architects Survey All three survey projects are market-driven and the primary objective is to be able to obtain a good fix on each given area of the industry that is being surveyed. This research comes at a point in time when serious stakeholders in the game are looking for market intelligence to grow golf on the giant Asian continent.

“The launch of this innovative project marks the coming of age for the Asian golf industry and more significantly, it heralds the dawn of a new era where finally the golf industry will have credible market intelligence on the size and nature of the golf industry in Asia,” remarked Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group and president of CMAAAPC.

“Working with the highly regarded Jeff Blunden and his team at Golf Business Advisory Services in Australia, we are confident that the Asian Golf Survey will provide what the golf industry in Asia has needed for many years,” he added.

The one thing all of the stakeholders in Asian golf have in common is the consumer.

Right now the consumer is the king. “As the survey covers participation traits, golf club satisfaction, equipment use and golf travel habits, the outcomes that will emanate from this research will provide great insight into the consumer’s current thinking,” said Jeff Blunden, managing director of Golf Business Advisory Services (GBAS) Blunden went on to explain, “How close the key industry stakeholders, including the national tourism organisations, the equipment manufacturers, the private club managers and the resort owners, are aligned to this thinking, or how quickly they choose to align, will have a large bearing on the future success they do or do not achieve and those stakeholders who can better deliver what the consumer wants will certainly be best positioned moving forward.”

Golf Business Advisory Services is one of the leading providers of independent golf industry advisory services in the Asia Pacific market. The firm’s knowledge and expertise is grounded in both market and consumer research, evidenced by the major industry research projects and reports that it has authored in recent years in Australia.

The Asian Golf Consumer Survey will poll golfers in the following countries – Japan, Mongolia, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“It is a very extensive geographic region and we have assembled a large universe to be polled over the next few weeks,” revealed Blunden.

It comes hot on the heels of the recently launched Southeast Asian Golf Industry Survey and the Asian Golf Architects Survey, both launched by the same organisations involved with the Asian Golf Consumer Survey.

The 2014 Southeast Asia Golf Industry/ Facility Survey will be conducted in ten countries over a two month period. “We will be reaching out to a good cross-sectional sampling of golf course owners, operators, general managers, golfing managers, course superintendents, the golf trade and national tourism organisations to obtain a good fix on the spread of the industry and a number of important trends vital to understanding the state of the industry,” revealed Jeff Blunden.

This inaugural industry/facility survey will form part of an on-going commitment to research by the CMAAAPC and the club industry in the region can expect more specialised research projects to be launched from now on.

The countries that will be covered will include the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. The survey will be very comprehensive and will serve up data that has heretofore not been available to the golf industry.

Blunden’s expertise is grounded in both market and consumer research, evidenced by the major industry research projects and reports that he has authored in recent years in Australia. Highly skilled in financial analysis and modelling, with a deep understanding of current industry trends, Blunden’s client base has covered the entire industry spectrum as he has successfully delivered a broad range of feasibility, operational and research projects for clubs, resorts, developers, administration and tourism bodies, banks, and legal firms.

Blunden will present some of the key findings of the 2014 Southeast Asia Golf Industry Survey at the 2014 Asia Pacific Golf Summit to be staged in Singapore from November 14 – 15 which is owned and organised by the Asia Pacific Golf Group.

The release of the findings of these research projects will mark a major milestone in the evolution of the golf industry in the region and it will herald a new era in the way the business of golf is conducted.

Blunden will present some of the key findings of the Asian Golf Survey at the 2014 Asia Pacific Golf Summit to be staged in Singapore from November 14 – 15 which is owned and organised by the Asia Pacific Golf Group.

SEPTEMBER 2014  16/17

ASIAn GOLF SURVEY GOLF BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICES ASIA PACIFIC (GBAS)

Jeff Blunden

New Course Development

a look back and a look forward The fundamental assumption behind any new course development is, in most cases, that golf demand does, or will exist at a sufficient enough level that the facility operating economics will make sense on an annual basis. Whilst operational returns from golf are one potential attraction for development, the other key driver of new golf development has been the role golf plays as an amenity, be it resort or residential, within a wider development.

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

Whilst the above attractions exist, golf development in South East Asia is not without its challenges. Early responses to the Asian golf architects survey indicate that dealing with unreliable contractor/s, environmental pressures and opposition, overall project logistics, and securing project finance are currently the challenges impacting the development of new course projects.

The existence of these challenges collectively increases the need for and importance of active demand markets. In more recent times the value of golf as a driver of international tourism has and is increasingly being recognised at government level. A new campaign is underway in Malaysia and in 2013 Indonesia announced that it wanted to capture a larger piece of the golf tourism market. These initiatives are on top of a long established golf tourism focus in Thailand, and the development of many non-government regional alliances by groups of facilities in order to develop greater marketing efficiencies.

As new development continues in some markets and as we seek to establish the new course supply pipeline proposed for South East Asia, the following course development summary outlines the recent patterns evident in new course construction, where and when they occurred and the level of activity evident across the golf course architects in the region.

Analysis of the GBAS Asia Pacific Course Database reveals the following key findings with regard to course development within the Asia Pacific region over the period 2004 to 2014.  96.5 18-hole equivalent courses have been built and opened across 89 facilities.  Approximately 80% of the new facility mix is 18-hole courses.  The country receiving the most number of new facilities has been Thailand followed by Vietnam with 34% and 32% of the courses respectively built in these markets.

New Course Supply 2004-2014 Thailand 34% Vietnam 32%

Diag-1.

4%

The % of new 18-hole equivalent courses developed by Country since 2004 are illustrated in Diag-1.

10% 5%

32%

9%

Indonesia 10% Malaysia 9% Philippines 6%

34%

Laos 5% Cambodia 4 %

6%

Source: GBAS Asia Pacific Course Database.

New Supply Pace

The pace of these new developments was reasonably steady over the first half of the period, averaging approximately 9 new courses per year from 2004 to 2009.

New course openings peaked at 15 in 2010.

Since 2010 annual openings have slowed considerably, averaging just under six per year to the mid-way 8 7.5 point of 2014.

14.5

12 11 10 9 7.5

6.5

New Course Supply

by THE YEAR

Source: GBAS Asia Pacific Course Database.

5

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

5.5

2014

Course Designers

Design work in South East Asia over the period 2004 to 2014 has been very competitive.

There are 51 different companies currently noted as leading the design on the 96.5 18-hole equivalent courses developed over this time. Some design firms however have been more active than others, with work completed by 14 of the course design companies accounting for 50% of all course design work completed during the period. The three busiest companies have delivered approximately 20% of this work.

The Future

What does the future hold? As part of the recently launched South East Asian Golf Industry Survey, more is to found regarding the future course supply pipeline. With all active course designers being surveyed, the results will identify the number of new courses expected to be delivered in the coming years along with the countries where new course growth is expected to occur. These findings will be contained within the South East Asian Golf Report, to be launched at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit in November.

SEPTEMBER 2014  18/19

UP-CLOSE WITh TOP HONCHOS AN INTERVIEW WITH JASON STRAKA – FRY/STraka GLOBAL GOLF COURSE DESIGN

"We are a hands-on firm and we insist on keeping our company very detail oriented and a point in our careers and our lives that we wanted to work only on a handful of project extended. We also have a highly skilled and diversified team who are strategically located capitalize on each others’ strengths and cover a larg

Jason Straka

Dana Fry

On The Move Upwards ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

client driven. Dana and I both got to ts at any given time and not be overaround the world. This allows us to ge geographical area in our projects."

wards!

Award winning golf course architects, Dana Fry and Jason Straka are powering on and maintaining a high profile in the challenged world of golf architecture.

Just after two years in business, this pair have charted an impressive track record of projects all over the world.

Fry/Straka is not really a new partnership in the truest sense of the word because both had worked together for nearly 20 years at Hurdzan / Fry Environmental Golf Course Design.

Although Fry and Straka collaborate on all projects, it is not uncommon for the partners to be traveling on opposite sides of the world so they can serve their global clients with ease, efficiency, and the utmost in professional dedication.

Every golf-course design project undertaken by Fry/ Straka Global Golf Course Design assumes a position of great importance, as evidenced by the level of attention bestowed on each one. “With a noticeably hands-on approach, especially in such critical phases as environmental planning and construction-field observation during the shaping phase, Fry/Straka sets the standard for diligence and mindful adherence to the highest professional standards,” said Fry. SEPTEMBER 2014  20/21

UP-CLOSE WITh TOP HONCHOS QUALITY AN INTERVIEW SERVICE WITH JASON STRAKA – FRY/STraka GLOBAL GOLF COURSE DESIGN

Asian Club Business had a sit-down session with Jason Straka recently to get a thorough insight to the two-year old operation and the following are highlights of that discussion:

Jason Straka

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS: The firm is picking up some prestigious awards, which gives it both national and international validation and recognition. You folks must be doing something right to get selected for these big industry awards. What is it that makes things happen for the firm?

the best of health, although both of you had the right breeding, pedigree and track record in terms of golf course architecture. Today, the industry is still not out the woods.

How have you cut it into what is effectively a very tough marketplace, especially in the United States?

JASON STRAKA: Dana and I are extremely involved in every project

We are a hands-on firm and we insist on keeping our company very detail oriented and client driven. Dana and I both got to a point in our careers and our lives that we wanted to work only on a handful of projects at any given time and not be over-extended. We also have a highly skilled and diversified team who are strategically located around the world. This allows us to capitalize on each others’ strengths and cover a large geographical area in our projects.

we take on. We have a very hands-on approach and spend a lot of time on site. This has a tremendous positive impact on the quality of our design work. While working on a recent project for Marriott, we made more than forty site visits during the construction phase alone.

Also, we have been fortunate to have clients like Marriott, who are like-minded in their golf principles, such as environmental stewardship. Partnerships like this have allowed us to create some truly special courses, which gives our talented PR team something unique to talk about.

What would you describe as your major milestones since launching the firm?

Sally J. Sportsman, who heads up our public relations efforts, has certainly helped us to gain notoriety. In addition to her efforts, we have also been fortunate to partner with some of our other wellrespected industry clients like Eagle Golf and CTS Tycoon in the promotion of our courses.

Some of our proudest moments were certainly when we signed our first new projects under the new Fry/Straka banner. We were thrilled to be selected as the golf architects for the LA Quail Ranch project in California and the Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai, among others.

Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design was established at a point in time when the golf industry was not in

Another big accomplishment for us was being recognized as the 2013 Golf Course Design Firm of the Year by The Boardroom Magazine, which is endorsed by the Club Managers Association of America.

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

"Some of our proudest moments were certainly when we signed our first new projects under the new Fry/Straka banner. We were thrilled to be selected as the golf architects for the LA Quail Ranch project in California and the Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai, among others. Another big accomplishment for us was being recognized as the 2013 Golf Course Design Firm of the Year by The Boardroom Magazine, which is endorsed by the Club Managers Association of America." – Jason Straka

Camelback Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

SEPTEMBER 2014  22/23

UP-CLOSE WITh TOP HONCHOS QUALITY AN INTERVIEW SERVICE WITH JASON STRAKA – FRY/STraka GLOBAL GOLF COURSE DESIGN Your firm is international in its coverage of the industry. How would you assess each marketplace that you are in, in terms of the state of the overall business mood vis-à-vis golf course construction and in importance to your firm?

Since we are American, a significant amount of our work will always be in North America. The economy here is improving and we are fielding more phone calls from potential clients, both large-scale renovation and new courses, in the United States and Mexico. While the market has recently slowed in China, we are still dedicated to servicing that market and we have recently signed new work there. South America is a smaller market for us, but we still have a handful of significant projects, particularly in Brazil. In Western Europe, the economy remains slow, but we are beginning to see some rebound and have been fielding some phone calls for potential projects there as well.

There is talk on and off in the developed markets of new golf courses being built and many put this down to just blips on the radar, as opposed to real surges in the business. Do you see trends in some areas where a pick-up in development is possible and, if so, will this be sustainable in the long run?

We believe that some of the real surges in the market will be in renovations. Many golf courses have been neglected for years under the recession. New courses may still be blips on the radar, as you suggest, but there do seem to be more of them, which is certainly a positive sign. A lot of these projects were likely in some stage of planning before the recession came and now they are being reimagined to fit new criteria in the current marketplace.

China was the one-time darling of golf course architects, but things have tanked in recent times in that country. What is your read on China? Is it a market where golf can look forward to growth or is it a market driven by hungry landgrabbers focused on making a killing on real estate built on golf landscapes?

We believe in the potential for growth in the Chinese market. But first, the government needs to come to terms on how to handle the permitting of golf courses. Once there are definitive parameters put in place, the development of these facilities can happen legally. We still have confidence in the Chinese market, but we also think that developers there would be wise to learn from mistakes made by many North American developers prior to the recession, who were building only high-end expensive golf courses. For golf to be successful, we believe there need to be affordable and accessible golf courses to serve the larger majority of the population, in addition to those courses that cater to the financially elite.

Besides the so-called moratorium on golf development and the current regime’s concerns on social changes in China, ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

Dana Fry (middle) with counterparts in China

there are also problems with regard to water and land scarcity, to name a few. Are the challenges too severe for golf development to make a come-back? Your thoughts?

Golf needs to be developed in a truly environmentally sustainable manner. Marketing environmental sustainability is popular, but truly creating environmentally sustainable golf facilities is another matter.

There is a lot of science and technology that goes into creating sustainable golf facilities.

But it is also those types of facilities that can overcome challenges in regard to resource scarcity and social antagonism.

Another point that sometimes gets overlooked is that golf, in its birthplace of Scotland and the British Isles, is a game of the masses.

Golf has that possibility in China and elsewhere in Asia, but it is going to take some foresight by creative developers and government to make that happen.

Your firm has demonstrated that there is life for a lot of old courses. Your awards for renovation projects are proof positive that renovation is an area that offers scope for business growth. That aside, don’t you think that renovation

Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shenzhen China.

"For golf to be successful, we believe there need to be affordable and accessible golf courses to serve the larger majority of the population, in addition to those courses that cater to the financially elite." – Jason Straka can also help to kick-start a languid golf industry? Golfers love to play on new and exciting courses as opposed to tired, old and boring courses. Renovated courses can be a definite boon to growing the game of golf – you agree?

In today’s marketplace, there are a lot of reasons to renovate golf courses. In some instances, golf courses built several decades ago were done so with large maintenance budgets, which are no longer financially sustainable.

Current renovations can make golf courses easier and less costly to maintain. Renovations can also assist in altering the maintenance practices to use less water, pesticides, fertilizer and fossil fuels. To do that, we have to implement new technologies and remove manicured turf in non-play areas.

Renovations can also broaden the appeal of a course by altering the design to cater to a wider diversity of skill sets. Many of the older golf courses were built too difficult for the people who ultimately pay the bills. Renovated designs can encourage them to play these golf courses, whereas perhaps they wouldn’t have in the past.

Plus, you mentioned tired, old and boring … breathing new life into the beauty of a course cannot be overlooked, either.

Let’s change the focus and look at Asia – the continent is due for a make-over with a high percentage of golf courses that have already gone past the 20-year mark. Wouldn’t you think that Asia is ready for some big-time course renovation projects?

Yes, and a couple of our most recent Asian projects are of the largescale renovation variety. CTS Tycoon and Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shenzhen and Shanghai, respectively, are two examples. Chances are potential upcoming governmental regulations may even trigger more renovation work.

Many owners that we speak to are concerned about the cost of renovations and the ROI on these investments. But things have changed drastically in the industry since their initial investment. We now have better and improved varieties of turf highlighted by less water consumption, pest resistant and robust under most weather conditions. Combined with IT-driven machines and cultural maintenance practices, operating a golf course is a whole new ball game with the SEPTEMBER 2014  24/25

UP-CLOSE WITh TOP HONCHOS QUALITY AN INTERVIEW SERVICE WITH JASON STRAKA – FRY/STraka GLOBAL GOLF COURSE DESIGN

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"Renovations can also broaden the appeal of a course by altering the design to cater to a wider diversity of skill sets. Many of the older golf courses were built too difficult for the people who ultimately pay the bills.

Renovated designs can encourage them to play these golf courses, whereas perhaps they wouldn’t have in the past. Plus, you mentioned tired, old and boring … breathing new life into the beauty of a course cannot be overlooked, either."

– Jason Straka

Columbia Country Club (USA) – One of the recent projects by Jason Straka.

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UP-CLOSE WITh TOP HONCHOS AN INTERVIEW WITH JASON STRAKA – FRY/STraka GLOBAL GOLF COURSE DESIGN "There are literally dozens of other examples of emerging technology, some of which would include improved irrigation delivery systems, soil and salinity moisture sensors, drought and pest resistant turf, laser imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR), improved drainage materials, and improved soil erosion prevention materials and turf health monitoring equipment, sometimes referred to as precision turf technology. Once we begin to apply these technologies and build a portfolio of successful golf course projects, more existing golf courses can use those as precedents for their own facilities." – Jason Straka

Jason Straka discussing the Hurdzan/Fry/Whitten designed Erin Hills , site of 2017 US Open with Devoted Golfer.TV editor Biv Wadden – WATCH VIDEO

potential for lots of savings. What role can golf architects play in bringing about a paradigm mind-set shift to get owners to see matters in a different light?

One such method for architects is to use GPS technologies in highly analytical fashions to determine areas that could be naturalized. This technology also helps us identify bunkers that perhaps don’t come into play that could be removed or perhaps raked only once per week.

This technology can also help us to analyze the efficiency of maintenance and golf cart traffic, allowing us to make adjustments to improve the speed of play, reduce wear patterns and even make golf courses safer.

This technology also can be used to help us identify the most efficient ways to move maintenance personnel throughout the course and even determine the most efficient mowing patterns to conserve fuel.

A few years ago, this highly analytical process was not even possible.

Yet today, all of these factor into reducing maintenance costs, getting more people through the golf course and making the golf experience more enjoyable, which in the end all leads to a better ROI. There are literally dozens of other examples of emerging technology, some of which would include improved irrigation delivery systems, soil and salinity moisture sensors, drought and pest resistant turf, laser imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR), improved drainage materials, and improved soil erosion prevention materials and turf

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health monitoring equipment, sometimes referred to as precision turf technology.

Once we begin to apply these technologies and build a portfolio of successful golf course projects, more existing golf courses can use those as precedents for their own facilities.

Would you agree that there has never been a better time to either build a new golf course or undertake a renovation, given the sea-changes that have taken place in the industry vis-à-vis operational and maintenance costs?

There is a great opportunity to adapt older facilities to a changed customer base. More of today’s golfers want a fun place to play where they can do so quickly, whereas in the past, much of the focus in the industry was about building long and difficult golf courses. As far as new courses go, we have the ability to build them less expensively, yet better for the environment and highly adapted to today’s golfing population. Perhaps the bigger trick, though, is building new facilities and renovating older ones to attract newcomers to the game.

Given the potential for renovation projects in Asia, can we expect to see a heightened profile for the firm in the near future?

We sure hope so, yet we remain committed to building a few projects a year, so that we can maintain the high quality of our work and dedication to our clients.

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Golfers d a i r s e a P Come and Discover What Playing Golf in Paradise Really Feels Like Long Thanh Golf Resort is a true paradise for any golfer.

Two world-class golf courses – one that traverses hilly terrain while the other meanders through spectacular lakes.

Both the Hill Course and the Lake Course are fascinating showcases of breath-taking landscapes

populated by a wide array of flora and fauna.

Golfing in Long Thanh Golf Resort is an experience of world-class golf combined with a unique brand of service and the warmth and friendliness of Vietnam.

All this delivered in a tranquil setting located in the southern economic triangle and just 40 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City’s centre.

Long Thanh Golf Resort -A Golf Paradise Like No Other! www.longthanhgolfresort.com National Highway 51, Tan Mai 2 Hamlet, Phuoc Tan Village, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam Tel: +84 61 3 512 512 Fax: +84 61 3 512 513

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VIEW VIDEO – DISTANCE FOR ALL

TURF MATTERS with JAMES PRUSA GREEN SPEED

SPEED KILLS Written by James Graham Prusa

“In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essay on Prudence, 1803-1882, Great American Poet

The concept of kinematics, the use of stimpmeters and how they impact and regulate green speed are discussed.

One of my favorite writers and poets of the 19th Century, Ralph Waldo Emerson, wrote a highly regarded essay on the virtue of prudence. Like the ancient sages of Asia, Emerson advises us in his essays on the practical applications of wisdom and acknowledges that at times there are advantages to having “speed.” However, I think that if Emerson were alive today and in the golf business he would wisely advise that, when it comes to the safety of managing golf greens, we should ‘keep off of dangerous thin ice with our golf greens by keeping the speed under control.’

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Golfers around the world commonly use the phrase ‘green speed’ in our sport. Let us first, and importantly, recognize that the speed at which a ball rolls on a golf putting green does not really change – within the laws of physics, speed has little to do with that little ball rolling from putter to hole. Green speed is a complete misnomer.

It takes very little skill to make greens fast. Just scalp the putting green grass down and dry things out. Of course, in doing so you are likely to cause serious and irreparable harm to your golf course and business. And even if you don’t suffer immediate harm with high green speeds you will be adding stress to turf and increasing the risk of severe damage.

The average ‘ball roll distance’ at a set initial velocity over a level putting surface is more the precise description that we are all referring to in our golf conversations. For common understanding, the phrase green speed will be used in this writing – even though it perpetuates misuse of the English language. So how do we actually measure green speed objectively?

Getting greens to roll 3.0 – 3.4+ meters on the Stimpmeter for brief special events such as amateur and tour championships can be done safely with proper preparations. However, keeping greens at 3.0+ over an extended period is difficult and even dangerous at times – this is especially true during summer high-stress conditions, when doing so greatly increases risks of catastrophic failures of greens.I recall, not long after the Stimpmeter was widely released by the USGA in the late 1970s, that clubs and many fine courses around Chicago, USA fell into a competition over who had the fastest greens. With pressure from Green Chairmen each armed with a Stimpmeter, superintendents began pushing green speed on their courses into the danger zone.

In order to precisely measure ball roll distance, a patented wooden device was invented for this purpose by Edward S. Stimpson, Sr. way back in 1935. The original instrument hasn’t changed much in the nearly 80 years since its inception and we all are familiar with today’s metal version of the StimpmeterTM. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that this device became commonplace when the United States Golf Association (USGA) made it available to member clubs and golf course superintendents after doing studies to establish reasonable standards for green speed. I was provided my first Stimpmeter in 1977 and still use it today.

However, while the Stimpmeter was originally intended for golf course superintendents and clubs to be used to prevent unfair, inconsistent and excessively fast greens, its use today has had almost the opposite affect. In the hands of too many the Stimpmeter is a grass-killing tool used to satiate emotional perceptions that somehow fast greens give greater golfer satisfaction. Scientific studies of customer satisfaction prove the contrary and lay bare the fact that speed kills.

This soon resulted in a disaster with some Chicago courses experiencing catastrophic failures of greens a year later. There was even talk in superintendent circles after that debacle of demanding a ban of the sale of the Stimpmeter!

Before considering how to gain high green speeds, it is important to objectively review all the real facts surrounding green speed.

What do the USGA Study Recommendations Say? The USGA has continuously studied green speed factors for decades and the association (along with the RandA) recommends the following as a reference for what golfers are actually able to perceive about speed of greens.

Any Idiot Can Make Fast Green Speeds The Stimpmeter instrument was originally developed and tested by the USGA solely for the purpose of helping golf course superintendents to get all 18 greens on a golf course to be at a reasonably consistent roll. The device was never intended to create competitions between golf courses for who has the ‘fastest’ greens.

For the last 40 years since the common use of the Stimpmeter spread there have been endless articles written about this very fact.

SEPTEMBER 2014  34/35

TURF MATTERS with JAMES PRUSA GREEN SPEED The overwhelming, simple fact is that good golfers are well satisfied that green speeds are FAST when they are between 2.5 to 3.0 meters on the StimpmeterTM. Independent studies have repeatedly demonstrated and confirmed these ranges identified by the USGA.

MYTH – Better Golfers Know Green Speeds Better and All Want Faster Speed In 2009 an extensive study was conducted on 29 golf courses and surveying 448 individual golfers.

This research was done at the University of Connecticut by Dest, W. M., Guillard, K., Rackliffe, S. L., Chen, M. H., and Wang, X. and published in 2010 by the Plant Management Network: www.plantmanagementnetwork.org. These researchers published a paper entitled “Putting green speeds: A reality check!” and it can be sourced online: www.green-resource.com In this study (see fig.1), using objectively blind testing, it was shown that the ability to estimate green speed (1) showed very little difference between low and high handicap golfers; (2) that most golfers greatly underestimate green speed (they say it is slower than actual) green speed; and that (3) very few golfers over-estimate (say it is faster than actual) green speed.

MYTH – Higher Green Speeds Provide Greater Golfer Satisfaction For the most part, golfer satisfaction does not seem to factually correlate at all to green speed at slower or faster speeds. Very likely golfers simply want consistent, smooth ball roll and speed is simply not that much of a factor. This excellent golfer satisfaction study (see fig.2) by Dest, Guillard, Rackliffe, Chen, & Wang concluded the following:

“These results suggest that the typical golfer is generally satisfied with green speeds regardless of measured or perceived speed. The presumption is that as long as conditions are uniform and consistent from green to green on a course, the majority of golfers will be content with playing conditions. This outcome was envisioned as the original goal of the Stimpmeter, and the primary function of this tool in guiding the superintendent to produce consistent, uniform greens throughout the course should be reemphasized.”

Fig.1 DATA FROOM – “Putting Green Speeds: A Reality Check!”

Percentage of golfers whose rankings of green speed underestimate, correctly match and overestimate USGA Regular play speed categories.

Dr. Milt Engelke in Texas to examine Zoysia grasses that he is licensing on behalf of Note that there is insignificant difference between skill levels of Bladerunner Farms. golfers when it comes to estimating green speed.

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UNDERESTIMATE

DATA FROM – “Putting Green Speeds: A Reality Check!”

Fig.2 Too SLow

Satisfactory

TOO FAST

Attaining 3.0+ Meter Green Speeds The process to get high green speed on golf courses demands planning and long-term efforts – and, once again, this should only be done intermittently for brief periods or it will result in another proof that speed kills.

To be readied for high-speed stress, putting greens must be prepared with the degree of care and engineering that would be expected of automotive technicians preparing a Formula One racecar.

It is essential for an aggressive preparation regime of weekly nutrient management, of good nitrogen fertility, grooming, light sand dusting and especially regular ‘venting’ to develop both good density and depth of rooting – too many look only at the surface of greens to think they are ready for the race.

The rooting is critically important to watch everyday, because that is what provides the ability to accept stress and to recover from over-stress if conditions combined with fast Stimpmeter readings suddenly begin to deteriorate the greens.

There are times when too many other stresses (such as high heat, low light, heavy play, continual rain, disease, etc.) cumulatively impact greens and this is when the superintendent MUST back off on ‘speed stress’ in order to preserve the health of the greens. It is said in driving an automobile that ‘speed kills.’ This is also true on managing championship putting greens – you have to know when to back off or death of greens will be assured.

Marketing Considerations Between Clubs and Golf Courses Most highly experienced golf course managers know well that golfers cannot accurately estimate real green speed (within 0.5 meters) – neither low or high handicap golfers. But, of course, most will emotionally insist that they can, even when they cannot. So, the quest for ‘green speed’ becomes more of a marketing ploy than a sound agronomic or factual based effort.

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TURF MATTERS with JAMES PRUSA GREEN SPEED

Today's Green Speed

Fig.3

SLOW

FAST

≤ 1.4 m

≥ 2.6 - 3.0 m

TOUR

TOUR

≥ 3.2+ m

MEDIUM FAST 2.3 - 2.6 m

≤ 2.0+ m

TOUR

TOUR

2.0 - 2.6 m

2.9 - 3.2 m

TOUR

2.9 - 2.6 m

MEDIUM 2.0 - 2.3 m

In my personal experience in dealing with the world’s greatest golfers on the PGA Tour and with the LPGA, I know that most of them cannot factually tell the difference between 3.3 meters or 3.7 meters – though most of the world’s top best would ‘generally’ know the difference between 2.7 and 3.3 meters (but they could not accurately identify a number).

I hope we can soon test this out with professional tour players as it would help golf courses today combat this misunderstood quest for speed. In that golfers simply are unable to accurately distinguish green speed differences of 0.5 meters, I dare say that most properties arbitrarily say that their greens are “3.0+” at all times.

Telling customers, members and guest that green speed is 3.0 – 3.+ meters is impossible for most golfers (even very good ones) to verify.

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MEDIUM SLOW 1.4 - 2.0 m

The outside circle shows USGA speeds for Regular Play and the inside circle titled as “Tour” is for Championship Play speeds.

I could even wager large sums of money and win 99% of the time in having any golfer blind test and estimate the precise Stimpmeter measurement of a green.

Emotionally they will always say they know – but hard facts show otherwise. At best, only 20% of golfers, in all handicap skill levels, can accurately group ranges of USGA green speed categories. They will know Fast and Very Fast, but a Stimpmeter number is meaningless.

Suggested Use of Data at Your Course What makes the most sense for informing golf customers and members about the daily green speed at your club or golf course? I say keep it simple and recognize what all the data is telling us.

"Smooth and consistent are more important factors to golf customer and member satisfaction than some artificial green speed that is too fast for most and too risky for business."

– Jim Prusa

Rather than posting exact Stimpmeter reading I have come to conclude that the best customer service you can provide is to simply make up a clock-like, graphic display that follows the USGA play grouping speeds similar to what is shown in Fig.3.

Those at golf courses who constantly generate pressure to keep high green speeds exceeding 3.0 meters (or whom are not wiling to back off of even 3.0 meters when greens are under other cumulative stress) must also be willing to accept

Most every golfer, however, will accurately know if the roll of the ball is not smooth and consistent from green to green and golf course managers will hear about it loudly. Smooth and consistent are more important factors to golf customer and member satisfaction than some artificial green speed that is too fast for most and too risky for business.

that (A) costs of greens’ maintenance will be significantly more expensive; and that (B) they must accept responsibility if golf greens experience damage or revenues suffer from catastrophic turfgrass failure. When it comes to golf greens that are under stress anywhere in the world, it is an uncontroverted fact of science that speed kills.

SEPTEMBER 2014  38/39

TECHnOLOGY Golf course maintenance

IT's NOT SCIENCE FICTION Golf course maintenance GOes HI-TECH!

Short presentation of PROBOTIQ's Autonomous Mowing Control System – Fully autonomous fairway mower using patented Teach&Playback technology.

This special report is intended to send a timely wake-up call to golf course owners, general managers and general committees to sit up and become aware of some rapid changes taking place in the world of golf course maintenance. Besides the adoption of the power of information technology in cultural practices, there are new breeds of grass, more weather-tolerant and pest-resistant which will reduce maintenance costs. The rise in GPS mapping has already led to the development of automated mowers and other equipment that can be controlled from a computer screen.

This is not SCIENCE FICTION! IT’S REALITY AND IT’S HAPPENING!

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Andy Johnston

General Manager – Sentosa Golf Club It is not all surprising that there are some courses in the world where all the maintenance is done at night by people sitting at a computer controlling mowing equipment by satellite. It’s early days but with quantum leaps in technology, this will become common practice in golf courses worldwide.Spray rigs will also be controlled with precision through GPS coordinates which will direct where the machines are to spray chemicals on fields.

PROBOTIQ, which is a combination of the words Professional Robotic Intelligence, is a Netherlands-based company that debuted its first Toro-brand unmanned mowers in 2011. With a 3D touchscreen computer terminal on the armrest and a GPS antenna on the rollbar, the machine can be taught the proper patterns by a human operator and then repeats its assigned routes. If a problem arises, the machine comes to a controlled stop and will automatically send a text message to the user’s smartphone.The golf course maintenance sector is poised to see major changes in how maintenance procedures are executed daily on golf courses through the power of information technology.

One golf course in Asia that has plunged into the use of information technology is Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. The world-class facility is an early adopter of IT in many areas of its day to day operations and ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS sat down with the facility’s general manager, Andy Johnston to get a thorough insight to how he is leading the IT revolution at the club: ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS: Technology, especially information technology has become quite commonplace in golf today. Computers and sensor-driven devices are being used to measure everything from swing speeds to ball speeds and a host of other game improvement techniques. It’s all proving to make the game a lot easier to play. What about golf course agronomy – is information technology making its presence felt in this area?

Andy Johnston: We have invested in many items to utilize technology to the fullest in our agronomy department. Some are

expensive and some are extremely common; it’s just a matter of thinking outside of the box and utilizing the tools that we have at our disposal. Just a few technology highlights are listed below.  Social Networks (Twitter) are used to share agronomic updates during tournament prep and keep others in our industry up to date with the work we are doing.  Blogs (Agronomy Blog) are used to update members and as an agronomy recruiting tool.  Texting Apps (Whats App) is used by the Agronomy team to keep everyone on the team updated constantly. Several channels have been made (Golfing Office, F&B and Agronomy) to keep all informed of a special guest, weather situation or a work detail needing attention.  Apple TV connected to our projector allows us all to connect wireless with our smart phones to the projector in

SEPTEMBER 2014  42/43

TECHnOLOGY A SPECIAL FEATURE groups showing images that were taken on course to share and explore improvements or to quickly allow team to partake in real time presentations with everyone so that we can visualize work and performance expectations.  SubAir removes moisture form the green profile and adds needed oxygen. Soil sensors with Web-based wireless technology allows us to quickly check moisture, temperature and plant health.  Weather stations with Web-based data and intuitive diseases tracking.  Radar allows us to check on rain systems and lighting proximity for on course guest and employee safety.  WERECON Fertigation Systems with Web-based sensors provide multiple product input capabilities simultaneously.  Lasers for activation of on-course Turf Breeze fans.  Turf Breeze Fans cool down surfaces.  Prisms on flags for distance control.  Lighted flag sticks for dinner functions.  Lighted Cups for night functions.  Google Earth for key course feature identification, such as tree inventory.  My Turf by Toro for tracking equipment maintenance as well as part inventory. Rain Bird irrigation control conversion which allows smartphone technology to operate the irrigation System.

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 Rain Bird Moisture monitor system measures real-time rainfall.

The system automatically tracks current precipitation and should it occur at nighttime this device will shut the irrigation system down to save energy and keep the course form becoming over saturated.  Brushes customized and placed on the front of greens mowers to eliminate grain.  SmartPhone Task Reminders are seen by the entire management team to keep punch list goals visible to everyone.  LED Light kits are used to light up greens and bunkers in the early mornings before the sun rises, allowing safety and precision for the agronomy team.  SKYPE allows us to communicate with labs and other superintendents in the network to share our successes and help the industry to improve.  High Power Digital Microscopes allow us to send images of current agronomic conditions directly to the labs for quick identification of diseases pressure.  Single Head Control of irrigation system provides for better water resource management, maintenance cost savings, and maximum control of the moisture needs on the golf course.  Pumpstation with wireless technology allows us to monitor the pumpstation in the cloud. Not only does it allow the agronomic team to address any issues which arise faster, automatic development of flow charts of the pumpstation match the irrigation’s flow charts for improved efficiency of irrigation cycles and smaller water windows.

You have made specific reference to numerous IT applications in agronomy. How extensively are these applications currently being used on golf courses?

Some of the things we are doing are fascinating, at least to us and our peers. However, only a small elite group worldwide is actively using the most modern advancements at the level we are. We are the first in Asia to invest in most of these tools.

Are you engaging these technologies on your golf course?

We now have a wireless Agronomy Center at our workshop with many of our tools running on the Web and in the cloud.

We have been using SubAir eight years but recently we upgraded with new wireless sensors in all of our greens. This gives us real-time info of our conditions and is Web based in the cloud for quick access to the information. These sensors are so powerful they can be set up to monitor thresholds, so if we get a thunderstorm event in the middle of night they will activate they system to come on automatically.

Additionally, they can sense when the green is getting too hot or too dry and alert us so that we can address any stress issues.

Our Rain Bird irrigation upgrade now is also Web based and stores our programs in a cloud this allows us to see the entire course on our smart phones. We can access schedules, turn water on and

off at a moment’s notice which is a tremendous advantage for our productivity.

Wercon Fertigation System monitors the water quality around the clock and automatically applies products to enhance the water quality, updating instantly should water quality change, which often occurs when it rains. They system also operates in a cloud and is Web based. In addition to adding water quality enhancements, the Wercon system will allow us to add wetting agents, fertility and iron all at the same time through four different metered devices that mirror irrigation programing.

Our new reel grinders allow us to grind seven times more reels than in the past as they are now programed to handle the entire machine rather than break the machine down to grind. Improving our production.

The Weather Station is Web based and runs in the cloud. The system provides several useful data: soil moisture, soil temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and humidity. It sends the data back to a lab in Australia every 30 seconds where they monitor our conditions. Should the lab sense that we are evolving into a possible disease cycle it will alert us so that we can monitor or begin preventive applications to avoid an outbreak.

MyTurf is a powerful system which operates through the use of wireless hour meters which can be inserted into any piece of equipment. The system operates in the cloud and provides the superintendent with reports on equipment use, even providing the

WiFi USB Microscope Adapter

Rain Bird Moisture Monitor System

SEPTEMBER 2014

TECHnOLOGY A SPECIAL FEATURE superintendent with feedback on appropriate maintenance schedules, and repair and replacement timetables. This produces work schedule for the technicians based on equipment usage. It is so intuitive it can even order the parts for you so they are ready with the work schedule is produced. The system has manuals on line in the cloud for technicians to access with their smart phones.

Apple TV, a Web based system which allows everyone on the agronomy team to connect to a common projector with our smart phones. This is one of the best communication tools we have employed as each team member can flash up images taken with our smart phones through the day with the entire crew to help articulate areas needing improvement. It is fast and needs no set up time. As on many courses we are a collection of many nationalities in the agronomy team, and pictures are in many ways a universal language—they truly can replace 1000 words.

What are the direct benefits that you have been able to draw from the use of information technology on your course?

Improved communication, reduced down time, increase in productivity, greater dedication in the work force which seems to take greater pride in work quality and most of all the best turf conditions possible for our members and guest to enjoy.

Now that you are driving most of your daily applications through information technology, how has this impacted your labour force? Are you re-directing your labour force

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to other operational areas?

As a team, our productivity had improved which is a direct result of each member becoming better informed. Also, the learning curve has improved exponentially throughout the entire crew as they are all more connected to the means and measures, goals and objectives.

The use of information technology certainly sounds exciting besides being productive. Do you see this becoming common practice on golf courses in Asia?

We hope this is just the beginning. We have seen and have our eyes on some other very exciting new technology soon to break through, such as GPS-driven greens mowers.

What are the main obstacles that will prevent the adoption of information technology in golf course maintenance practices and what role can training play to overcome the obstacles?

Obstacles that can hold back our industry is usually centered around funding. Without proper funding it is difficult to invest in technology.

Additionally, although the benefits are clearly seen on many emerging courses, it can be difficult for some agronomists to embrace some of the non-traditional concepts we have discussed. My goal is to share with everyone how much more powerful these tools can make a club’s maintenance team. But, the tools still cannot replace the basic fundamentals of looking at your greens daily and inspecting

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

TECHnOLOGY A SPECIAL FEATURE "Obstacles that can hold back our industry is usually centered around funding. Without proper funding it is difficult to invest in technology. Additionally, although the benefits are clearly seen on many emerging courses, it can be difficult for some agronomists to embrace some of the non-traditional concepts we have discussed. My goal is to share with everyone how much more powerful these tools can make a club’s maintenance team. But, the tools still cannot replace the basic fundamentals of looking at your greens daily and inspecting your turf quality.

The intuitive skill of agronomics or a sophisticated Superintendent must still be utilized in combination to achieve the best result." – Andy Johnston

your turf quality. The intuitive skill of agronomics or a sophisticated Superintendent must still be utilized in combination to achieve the best result.

With energy and water conservation becoming a major issue with golf course maintenance, can you give us a sense of what is being done in these areas to harness technology to find new and less expensive ways of using energy and water?

We are on the verge of upgrading our irrigation system to single head control and implementation of the soil sensors throughout the property. This will reduce our water and power consumption by up to 35%. Irrigation is one of the single most important items not focused on enough in all courses. Especially the new ones who cut corners on the benefits of modern systems can produce.

On water usage, which is a major requirement to keep turf looking green and healthy, are new species of super grass coming on stream that require less water?

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Over-watering affects 90% of golf course programs worldwide.

Excessive water adds to weak turf conditions and accelerated diseases.

One thing is clear, the most important thing we can all do to improve turf is to reduce the amount of irrigation we put on our golf courses.

No investment in technology is needed to make this improvement.

What about new super grasses that require the use of less fertilisers and pesticides? Would this be yet another way to keep costs down while maintaining high turf quality standards?

New turf species will continue to improve agronomy and golfing standards. There are some amazing advancements which we see, such as Round Up ready grasses, which are grasses that are resistant to Round Up, a non- selective herbicide.

However, many agriculture departments are still researching the advantages and disadvantages of these new recipes. We have seen some fascinating developments in Pasaplums, Zoysias and Bentgrass that are all more resistant to less sun light, insects and have higher drought tolerance. These new grasses will give any golf course an advantage.

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

FIT FOR KINGS! FEEL LIKE GOLF ROYALTY FOR A DAY AND PLAY LIKE A KING! Long Thanh-Vientiane Golf Club is a rare gem in the exotic Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Known to most of the outside world as Laos, this is an ancient land that was once a royal kingdom between the 14th to the 18th Centur y. Imagine

playing on a US$100 million golf development fit for kings.

supermarket, restaurants and a host of other facilities.

Long Thanh-Vientiane Golf Club is planned as a 36 hole course and is part of a mega US$1 billion multi-project development plan that will include golf residences, a five-star hotel, hospital,

If you’d like to experience a leisurely round of golf in a natural and beautiful setting, this is a facility that must be on your golfing schedule.

A member of the KN Vientiane Group. www.longviengolfresort.com

LONG THANH–VIENTIANE GOLF CLUB – UNMATCHED IN LAOS! KN VIENTIANE GROUP CO., LTD: Km 17 Thadeau Road, Dongphosy Village, Hatsaiphon District, Vientiane Capital, Laos P.D.R Tel: (856) 21. 33 50 08 Email: JULYcontact@longviengolfresort.com 2014 06/07

GENERAL NEWS Ernie Els Design

Existing 18-hole golf course at Lido Resort.

MNC Land Goes With

Ernie Els on design site visit with team

“The Big Easy” Ernie Els Design has been selected by MNC Land to work on the renovation of the existing 18-hole golf course at Lido Resort in Sukabumi, West Java in Indonesia.

The MNC Group acquired the existing Lido Resort in July 2013 and has plans to develop hotels, villas, a theme park and other supporting infrastructure as part of the master development plan over the coming years. Budi Rustanto, President Director of MNC Land commented, “We are very pleased to have Ernie Els join us for his first ever golf course design project in Indonesia.”

Commenting on the deal, Els said, “Ever since my initial meeting with MNC in Indonesia last year, I have been impressed with their vision for the total renovation and upgrading of this golf course and

50/51  SEPTEMBER 2014

the overall resort. I am excited that my first design in Indonesia is on such a great piece of land that not only will allow us to create a great golf experience, but also offers tremendous views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.”

The Ernie Els Design renovation will create five completely new golf holes while utilizing many of the existing golf corridors to improve the revised master plan of the resort.

The world-class golf course is due to reopen in early 2016.

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

EXPERIENCE IT FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE ROPES Play Chambers Bay, site of the 2010 U.S. Amateur and the 2015 U.S. Open

The U.S. Open is coming to the Pacific Northwest for the first time in history. Play the course that’s bringing it here.

At Chambers Bay you will experience pure links golf while taking in incredible panoramic views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. It’s a public access course designed to be enjoyed by players of every ability, and it’s waiting just for you.

U N I V E R S I T Y P L AC E , WA | C H A M B E R S B AYG O L F.CO M /A S I AG O L F

JULY 2014

8 7 7. 2 9 5 . 4 6 5 7

06/07

GENERAL NEWS CLUBCORP

ClubCorp Bulks Up Big Time!

ClubCorp is now the largest owner of golf courses in the world and the second largest management company.

This has all come about through its acquisition of Sequoia Golf for US$265 million. Sequoia was founded by Joe Guerra, president and his brother Ken in 2002 with funding from Parthenon Capital, which has worked with the company since its inception.

The publicly traded ClubCorp, which already manages 110 golf facilities with a combined 140 18-hole equivalent golf courses, will add 30 owned, three leased and 17 managed properties to its portfolio. When the acquisition is complete, it will operate 157 facilities with 194 18-hole equivalent courses. It will own 174 18-hole equivalent courses, 15 more than Japan's Accordia Golf, which was the leader in ownership.

Only Troon, with 207 18-hole equivalent courses, is larger. But Troon is a third-party operator. ClubCorp owns the bulk of its properties, and with this acquisition it will enter the third-party management business.

52/53  SEPTEMBER 2014

Industry experts said the US$265 million sale price appeared to be at market rates.

“This was a great opportunity for ClubCorp to buy at the bottom of the market and ride the appreciation up and a good opportunity for Joe Guerra to get rid of the burden of a high debt load and recapitalize the portfolio,” said Steven Ekovich, managing director of National Golf & Resort Properties Group at Marcus & Millichap.

ClubCorp has been aggressive on the acquisition front, as it looks to grow its revenue base at a time when its existing private clubs are showing more moderate growth. Membership is growing by only 1 percent with revenue up a healthier 4 percent.

Affeldt said ClubCorp will continue to be active in looking at acquisitions and it still has US$135 million in capacity for further deals.

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

Spring City Golf & Lake Resort Kunming, China

GOLF TO GREATER HEIGHTS Swing by the idyllic fairways with panoramic views of the Yangzonghai Lake or South China Sea. Plan your next golf vacation at Keppel Land Hospitality’s award-winning courses in Spring City Golf & Lake Resort and Ria Bintan Golf Club.

Spring City Golf & Lake Resort presents a 2-night accommodation and golf package from RMB 3,850 nett per golfer.

Enjoy complimentary room upgrade and souvenir with Ria Bintan’s Stay & Play Package from SGD 209 nett per golfer.

Day Trip Package starts from SGD 149 nett per golfer.

Call (65) 6546 7555 and quote AGM 2014 to enjoy these special offers. Book before 15 October 2014 for travels before 31 December 2014.

For more information on the golf courses, visit www.springcityresort.com & www.riabintan.com.

Ria Bintan Golf Club, Bintan, Indonesia

(65) 6546 7555

www.keppellandhospitality.com

contact@keppellandhospitality.com

JULY 2014

06/07

GENERAL NEWS DICK'S SPORTING GOODS

Dick’s Ducks Out From Golf!

America’s number one sporting goods store, Dick’s Sporting Goods, has thrown in the towel on golf. This comes just weeks after it cut hundreds of jobs in its golf division, blaming its second-quarter profit which plunged 17% as results were hurt by higher costs and a restructuring charge.

Reeling from a sustained decline in sales, mounting inventories and little recovery in participation rates in the sport, the retailer said it expects the category to fall to about 10% of its business over the next three to four years from 15% today and 20% a few years ago.

"Golf, from a participation standpoint and how it translates to retail, is in a structural decline, and we don't see that changing," said Joseph Schmidt, the company's chief operating officer.

Instead, the company is looking to expand other categories, such as its women's and youth apparel business, to which it is devoting more store space.

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The shift away from golf is notable for a retailer that over the past decade had made broad efforts to increase its footing in the golf industry. Dick's stores have been marking down golf inventory and hosting steep sales.

The broader golf industry has faced mixed results in recent years.

Participation rates have mostly stabilized at roughly 25 million players in the U.S., down from a peak of about 30 million in 2003, according to the National Golf Foundation.

Participation among people aged 18 to 34 fell about 13% in 2013 from 2009, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

ASIAN CLUB BUSINESS

%GUV &QWTUG KP $UKC 3CEKæE Best Course in Thailand 2002 – 2010 1st Runner-up 2010 & 2011 1st Runner-up 2011 & 2013 Best Clubhouse in Asia Best Par-3 Signature Hole (#6) Best Championship Course 2001 – 2003 in Asia 2008 Eight times since 2000

Website: www.thaicountryclub.com

E-mail: inquiry@thaicountryclub.com

Tel: (66 38) 570 234

Fax: (66 38) 570 225

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