The inaugural UAE cohort of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Certificate in Greenkeeping (CIG) course has successfully graduated, signifying a noteworthy achievement in the region's golf sector.
Francis Rodriguez from Jumeirah Golf Estates topped the UAE class, followed by Glenn Canonaso of Montgomerie Golf Club in Dubai, who secured second place. Miguel Murillo from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Jay Castillejos from Al Badia Golf Club tied for third.
The graduation followed a rigorous series of courses, beginning with an Introductory Course at Montgomerie Golf Club last year, a Progression Course at Emirates Golf Club in April, and culminating with the Confirmation Course held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club recently.
Richard Walne, Chairman of the AGIF’s CIG committee, congratulated the graduates, stating, “It’s been inspiring to see the eagerness for knowledge among superintendents and greenkeepers in this region.” He also expressed special gratitude to Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and their Course Superintendent, Harry Wells, for their unwavering support.
Fourteen students participated in the Confirmation Course, including 12 from various UAE golf clubs, one from a local sports club, and one from a golf club in Oman. To graduate, students had to pass five practical assessments and written assessments in turf botany, surface management, root zone management, and pest and disease management. Additionally, they presented on two chosen topics, evaluated by a panel including Jordan Fairweather, Matthew Perry, Harry Wells, Brad Cheng, and Patrick Samonte.
All 14 students received a Certificate of Achievement, bringing the total number of CIG graduates to 94. Francis Rodriguez (Jumeirah Golf Estates) led the UAE class, with Glenn Canonaso (Montgomerie Golf Club, Dubai) in second place, and Miguel Murillo (Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club) and Jay Castillejos (Al Badia Golf Club) tying for third. The top four students excelled with scores exceeding 90% across practical, written, and oral assessments.
PK Ong, AGIF’s CIG coordinator, and Tara McLeod from the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI) acknowledged the significant support from Fairweather, Perry, and Wells. They highlighted the progress of students, some of whom were involved in course renovations or recovering from April's storms in Dubai, still completing their online CIG assessments.
Fairweather, mentoring three students, noted the enhanced confidence in the students' work performance, bridging the gap of formal training previously lacking.
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