GAME CHANGER! ZEON ZOYSIA. The Grass Of The Rio Olympics Is In Asia

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1 Asian Club Business e-bulletin #16 ZEON ZOYSIA GAME CHANGER! The Grass Of The Rio Olympics Is In Asia Publisher/Editor: Mike Sebastian Executive Director: Angela Raymond Art Director: Saiful Sufian Finance: Myra Paras Marketing Executive: Alice Ho PUBLISHED BY: Asia Pacific Golf GROUP (2014) Pte Ltd CLub Managers President: Mike Sebastian Director of education: LAWRENCE YOUNG OFFICIAL Websites: Office ADDRESS: Suite 06-06, Hong Aik Building, 22 Kallang Avenue, Singapore Tel: Fax: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of Asian Club Business ebulletin 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 ebulletin are not necessarily endorsed by Asian Club Business ebulletin. 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. Socialize with Asia Pacific Golf Group From Left: Team Zoysia International Arthur Milberger, Don Roberts and Dr Milt Engelke with Ning and Brad Burgess More than a year ago, we received word about an exciting development in the turf grass industry back in North America. It involved the evolution of a new species of an already well known and proven turf grass. What got our attention besides the new species was the name of the company behind the cultivation of this grass. Just imagine a company that deals in grass called Bladerunner Farms. How cool is that!

2 Now, more than twelve months later, the grass is in Asia and it is already proving to be a major game-changer for the golf course industry. The grass is Zeon Zoysia, the number one selling Zoysia Grass in America. The company that has brought about this revolution is Sports Turf Solutions (STS), a pioneer in the field of providing turf and maintenance products and services throughout Southeast Asia. Owned by Brad Burgess whose name is synonymous with anything to do with golf course management in Southeast Asia, STS has again proven to be both a pioneer and innovator in bringing the best to the region. Burgess started STS because he wanted to give some real value back to the golf course owners. One reason we pursued the license for Zeon is because we believe if someone was going to spend his own money to build a golf course, then it is only proper that he gives golfers a great playing experience and at the same time keep maintenance costs in check made possible by low inputs in the maintenance of this grass, Burgess pointed out. We currently have licenses for all of Southeast Asia with a Certified Zeon Zoysia Farm located in Hua Hin, Thailand, Burgess revealed. According to him, the farm was made ready and planted in June, 2014 and the farm has already supplied grass to two projects. One of the projects is in Mandalay, Myanmar (Myotha Mandalay Golf Course Schmidt & Curley Design) and the other course is in Bandung, Indonesia (Parahyangan Golf Course Designed by Bob Moore). The affable Australian said, The farm when completed will be 7Ha and we already have started securing land for farms set up this year in Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia and this is all primarily due to the big demand for Zeon Zoysia. Currently, STS has enough inventory in Thailand to supply grass for at least eight golf course projects. The grass is growing extremely well and developers and owners that see it and hit a golf ball from it, immediately fall in love with the grass, Burgess pointed out. Other turf grass producers inspecting the Zoysia Green Trials. Proof is all here with Dr Milt Engelke.

3 We currently have licenses for all of Southeast Asia with a Certified Zeon Zoysia Farm located in Hua Hin, Thailand, Burgess revealed. According to him, the farm was made ready and planted in June, 2014 and the farm has already supplied grass to two projects. One of the projects is in Mandalay, Myanmar (Myotha Mandalay Golf Course Schmidt & Curley Design) and the other course is in Bandung, Indonesia (Parahyangan Golf Course Designed by Bob Moore)." Brad Burgess (inset photo)

4 Zeon delivered to Parahyangan Golf Club in Bandung Drenching the Zeon Zoysia. Zeon stolons wash and treated ready for shipping. Zeon at 5 weeks old. Zeon Zoysia grass after 40 days. "... Currently, STS has enough inventory in Thailand to supply grass for at least eight golf course projects. The grass is growing extremely well and developers and owners that see it and hit a golf ball from it, immediately fall in love with the grass, Brad Burgess As stated earlier, Zeon Zoysia is the number one selling Zoysia in America. And for good reason! This fine textured grass has been called the most beautiful zoysia on the market today. Turfgrass professionals and consumers alike often note Zeon s Wow Factor. University tests agree, Zeon Zoysia is truly something special. In NTEP (National Turfgrass Evaluation Programme in America) testing, Zeon Zoysia ranked number one in turf quality. NTEP also confirmed that Zeon Zoysia produces far less thatch than other Zoysia grasses tested. The following are some of the outstanding qualities of Zeon Zoysia: Versatile: Use for lawns, golf courses, sports fields, resorts Adaptable: Thrives in a wide range of soil conditions Drought Tolerant: Less water requirements. Salt Tolerant: In salty environments, simply mow the grass and remove clippings to remove salt from the soil. Easy Care: Less thatch than other standard zoysias. Shade Tolerant: Grows in full sun or moderate shade.

5 "Zeon Zoysia is most definitely a game-changer for Asia. Besides its numerous qualities, it is disease and insect resistant, and considered to be the replacement for Emerald Zoysia." Zeon Zoysia Farm Zeon Zoysia is the grass of the 2016 Olympics in Rio. When golf returns as an Olympic sport to the 2016 Games, the grass the golfers will be playing on is Zeon Zoysia. The grass was selected for use on the tees, roughs and fairways of the course being built specifically for the Olympics. Zeon s beauty and playability contributed to the choice. More important, Zeon s low water use and low fertilizer requirements were critical for the Olympic Committee s desire to build a sustainable golf course. Zeon is a fine-bladed Zoysiagrass and it has a beautiful dark green colour and soft leaf texture making it a true barefoot lawn grass, Burgess said. Zeon Zoysia s extensive root system allows it to quickly recover from drought, it can handle full sun, and has excellent shade tolerance only requiring as little as 3 hours of direct sunlight. Zeon Zoysia is most definitely a game-changer for Asia. Besides its numerous qualities, it is disease and insect resistant, and considered to be the replacement for Emerald Zoysia. Burgess is a busy man right now supervising his numerous Zeon Zoysia farms in the region but he took time to tell Asian Club Business: STS is proud to bring the most sustainable grass to Asia that will help golf course owners and operators to improve their bottom line while giving the players an awesome experience. Golf course owners and operators interested to know more about Zeon Zoysia can reach Brad Burgess at the following contact points: Sports Turf Solutions Pte Ltd. New Address: brad@sportsturfsolutions.com Mobile (Thailand): Skype: burgo72 Website:

6 Advertisement Golf s First Ever Town Hall Debate It s DIFFERENT. It s REVOLUTIONARY. It s GAME-CHANGING! It s a refreshing change. Golf club management professionals and the golf industry will engage in a highly exhilarating discourse over two days that will feature the industry s most engaging and engrossing dialogue led by delegates to the Summit. It will be all about the vocal cut and thrust of debate at its very best. Delegates will share thoughts and ideas, challenges and frustrations and discuss trends shaping the future of the golf club industry. The dialogue sessions will be moderated by world class public speakers. Come and be part of golf s first ever Town Hall Debate. The dates are October 14 and 15 and the venue is the award winning Orchid Country Club & Resort in Singapore. WILSON STAFF PREFERRED LOCKUP Official Venue & Hotel Albatross Sponsorship Eagle Sponsorship WILSON STAFF PREFERRED LOCKUP 1 Color Logo BROWN Pantone DS C C90 M100 Y100 K30 SKY BLUE Pantone C41 M C Num rung thread Sky blue 5032 Brown 6092 Grey 6068 Process Color: C10 M60 Y100 K60 Strategic Business Partners WILSON STAFF HORIZONTAL USAGE WILSON STAFF LOGO Official Business Partner For Beverages WILSON STAFF LOGOTYPE

7 Advertisement Process Color: C10 M60 Y100 K60 Book your seat now and be a part of golf s evolving history in Asia! 2015 Asia Pacific Golf Summit Exciting! Compelling! Totally Different! For More Details Visit Official Website To Register Go To Other Events Highlights Official Media Partners golfbus nessnews Essential intelligence for the business of golf REGISTER Voting Ends Tuesday, June 30, 2015 NOW Click Here REGISTER NOW Click Here Go to: agmawards.asiapacificgolfgroup.com Go to: tinyurl.com/apgs2015

8 Top Emmy Award Winner Signs On For APGS Keynote Address David Webster "Webster has acted, directed and produced live stage, television and films for twenty-eight years and during that time, he has trained thousands of actors and thousands of hospitality workers or associates to master their communication skills. His teachings speak to life and the simple formula of getting ahead while having easier, more enjoyable days." The 2015 Asia Pacific Golf Summit goes Hollywood with the engagement of two-time Emmy Award winner David Webster to deliver the keynote address. Webster began working in hospitality in He has made a lifelong study of the interaction between hospitality workers and guests or members. He earned both a degree in psychology and a degree in communication in his effort to understand how to flip any unhappy or complaining guest/ customer to feeling positive again. He honed his communication skills as an actor with audiences performing over 2,000 sold-out shows on-stage and for millions of people on television. Webster has acted, directed and produced live stage, television and films for twenty-eight years and during that time, he has trained thousands of actors and thousands of hospitality workers or associates to master their communication skills. His teachings speak to life and the simple formula of getting ahead while having easier, more enjoyable days. David is a master at everything he does and using improvisational theatrical techniques, he teaches people a formula of how to be in a good mood every day, how to head to work looking forward to any guest or member who is not happy and how to charm each unhappy guest or member to feeling positive again, said Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the producer and owner of APGS. Meanwhile, work has started in earnest on preparations for the 2015 Summit which will take on a Town Hall Debate format. It is the belief of the organisers that the time has come for golf course owners and operators to take

9 David is a master at everything he does and using improvisational theatrical techniques, he teaches people a formula of how to be in a good mood every day, how to head to work looking forward to any guest or member who is not happy and how to charm each unhappy guest or member to feeling positive again, Mike Sebastian, CEO of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the producer and owner of APGS. centre-stage and give their perspective on what is actually happening to the golf industry in Asia as seen through their eyes. We want them to come forth and share with the industry: As to whether rounds are up or down; If there are more golfers using their club facilities; Recruiting and retention of members; Innovative marketing and communication strategies; If their food and beverage services are to the taste and desire of members and golfers; If women and in fact taking up the game of golf; If more opportunities are being created for juniors to learn and play golf; Recruitment and training of operational personnel for clubs; Making and keeping clubs vibrant and profitable; All of the above are critical areas which need to be addressed and the industry needs to have the practitioners of the trade to step up to the plate and share with everyone their challenges and their victories, their highpoints, aspirations and their frustrations. Because therein lies the intelligence and direction to take the golf industry in Asia forward! APGS is going through a major overhaul and this has been necessitated by changes taking place in the golf club industry. There is a need to turn everything on its head and create a universal platform for the industry to provide a roadmap for sustainable growth that will serve as the guide to success for golf club owners, operators and the golf trade for every country that makes up Asia. The people best qualified to take charge of this will be those who have their hands on the very pulse of the club industry the general managers. The Town Hall Debate format is therefore designed to get general managers, golfing managers and other management personnel from Asian golf clubs to become PROACTIVE and to act as a POWERFUL and COHESIVE group to shift the club industry into a high gear going forward!

10 "The Town Hall Debate format will involve moderation of the floor by highly skilled experts who understand the art of directing group thinking in an orderly manner. Each debate session will be for duration of 90 minutes with the floor inter-acting for most of that time." The Grand Ballroom at Orchid Country Club The Town Hall Debate will be all about interactivity which in today s world is the only way to address issues. It s the sharing of ideas amongst like-minded people that will open up minds and make way for innovation and change for the better! The Town Hall Debate format will involve moderation of the floor by highly skilled experts who understand the art of directing group thinking in an orderly manner. Each debate session will be for duration of 90 minutes with the floor interacting for most of that time. This is not only going to be different but it is going to be participative, controversial, sometimes combative but that s what debates are all about we want to witness the high energy of the cut and thrust of debate involving the movers and shakers of the club industry in Asia, explained Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the owner and producer of APGS APGS 2015 will be staged in Singapore on October 14 and 15 at the award winning Orchid Country Club. Full programme details will be announced on the APGS web site. On-line booking to attend APGS 2015 is now open at:

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12 Asian Club Business e-bulletin #15 Mission Hills Swings It For Rio Olympics! Just fancy this 5,000 golfers taking part in a golf marathon! This can only happen at Mission Hills who have both the facilities and the panache to pull off an event on such a grand scale. The event is Mission Hills 12th annual Golfathon, one of the best-attended and influential amateur tournaments worldwide. The unique summer-long tournament, held across Mission Hills multiple courses in Shenzhen-Dongguan and Haikou, will culminate in a Grand Final with the winner receiving tickets to watch golf s return to the Olympics in Rio next year. More Olympic tickets will be up for grabs in a lucky draw for Golfathon players while group winners will receive tickets to the Presidents Cup in Korea this October. Tenniel Chu, the vice chairman for the Mission Hills Group said, This year, Golfathon players are swinging for the Olympics and proceeds from this tournament will be donated to an Olympics fund supporting the golfers who will represent China in Rio. Mission Hills support for the Olympic movement in general and, in particular, golf s return to the Games is well documented and we are delighted to be enhancing this via our world famous Golfathon. This unique tournament offers players

13 "Players in the Golfathon at Shenzhen-Dongguan will compete on 10 of the giant resort s 12 world class courses, all designed by legends of the game. Separately, participants at Mission Hills Haikou, located on the tropical island of Hainan, will play on all 10 courses there." of all ages and abilities a fabulous incentive to play golf throughout the summer across our world class courses. Over the past 11 years, nearly 50,000 players from 40 countries have taken part. This truly fulfils our vision to use golf to bring the world to China and to take China to the world. Mission Hills Group s involvement in the Olympic movement dates back many years to when the company s late Founder and Chairman, Dr David Chu, acted as Strategic Advisor in Beijing s successful bid to host the 2008 Games. Since then, Mission Hills has become the training base for China s Olympic Golf Team, with players and coaches able to utilise the club s state-of-theart practice facilities and world class accommodation. The Golfathon, which includes categories for male and female players from juniors through to seniors, was first staged in 2004 to celebrate Mission Hills being officially accredited as the world s largest golf club by Guinness World Records. Players in the Golfathon at Shenzhen- Dongguan will compete on 10 of the giant resort s 12 world class courses, all designed by legends of the game. Separately, participants at Mission Hills Haikou, located on the tropical island of Hainan, will play on all 10 courses there. The top 30 players in the Haikou event will join their Shenzhen and Dongguan counterparts for the Golfathon Grand Final on the Leadbetter Course at Dongguan on 30 October. Apart from Olympic tickets, the overall champion will receive a Golf and Hotel Package for Mission Hills Haikou valued at RMB24,420. Division winners and runners-up will also receive packages and all players who complete 180 holes will be given a certificate.

14 Industry News Golf Entrepreneur Introduces Polo To Vietnam Vietnam s leading golf entrepreneur Mr. Le Van Kiem has again demonstrated his leadership and vision by introducing the aristocratic game of polo to the country. Under his auspices, the 2015 Vietnam Charity Polo Cup was staged at a specially created polo field at the award-winning Long Thanh Golf Resort, south of Ho Chi Minh City. The inaugural match was played between the Long Thành Golf Pahang Polo which featured players from the royal Malaysian state of Pahang and the Viet Thai International Thai Polo. The polo ground was built on a sixhectare site located on the grounds of the golf club which occupies about 1200 hectares of land. The polo field was built in record time at a cost of US$8.6 million. Plans are now underway for the construction of a world-class club house for an investment of US$12.4 million. Commenting on the investment, Mr. Le said, We are pleased to introduce the sport of polo to Vietnam and we are confident that this venture will play a major role in promoting the growth of tourism to Vietnam in the years to come. As part of the Vietnam Charity Polo Cup more than US$200,000 was raised through an auction and these funds collected will go towards the support of three worthy causes. Part of the funds will go towards

15 Industry News the protection of wild elephants aimed at putting a stop to the senseless slaughter of elephants and the illegal trade in ivory. Another part will be donated to the Vietnam Wildlife Organisation to support the Vietnam Wildlife organization in its drive protect to support the Pangolin Conservation Program in Vietnam. The third beneficiary will be the Business Association of Vietnam War Veterans. Mr. Le personally purchased two items at the auction for US$38,000 and these proceeds went towards the charity. Mr. Le, one of Vietnam s best known philanthropist has donated more than US$30 million dollars towards various charitable causes. Present at the event was Queen Elizabeth s eldest grandson, Peter Phillips, who is himself an ardent polo enthusiast. Pangolin Conservation Program in Vietnam. A Canadian To Head European Tour The European Tour has head-hunted a big gun from Canada to lead its thrust in the European professional golf arena. Rogers Media President Keith Pelley (pictured left) is leaving his job to become commissioner and CEO and succeeds George O'Grady, who is taking a new position within the tour contrary to earlier reports that he was retiring. A former CTV and TSN executive, Pelley has been in the job since He was one of the key players in Rogers' 12-year, US$5.2-billion acquisition of the NHL TV rights. The 51-year-old Pelley says joining the European Tour is a "dream job." He adds: "I know I'll never be a professional golfer, so this is the next best thing."

16 LONG THANH GOLF RESORT, HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM NOVEMBER 1 & 2, 2015 Come and Be Part of the Region s Only Total Family Golf Event... The 2015 Asia Pacific Father and Son Golf Tournament! Asia Pacific Father and Son Golf Tournament is back again. Fathers and sons or direct related members of a family will do battle to see who emerges as the best of the best in the region. This prestigious tournament will be staged on November 1 & 2, 2015 and the host venue is the award winning Long Thanh Golf Resort in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The tournament is open to any combination of family members father, daughter, uncle/aunty and nephew/niece. This arrangement provides for a wider family involvement and participation. The winning team will walk away with the Asia Pacific Father and Son Trophy presented by Vietnamese philanthropist Le Van Kiem. Entry fee is set at US$450 per player and this will include Daily two-way transfer from the Sheraton Saigon Hotel to the golf course. Lunch, refreshment and dinner on both days. Prizes and goodie bags. One practice round on October 31. For any enquiries, please contact Alice Ho: alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com or call DOWNLOAD PDF RULES & REGULATIONS: ONLINE Registration is open at: The Father and Son Tournament is designed to promote greater family involvement in golf and clubs are encouraged to enter club teams to participate in what promises to be a fun tournament!

17 Advertisement C h a n g e A g e n t Extraordinaire A n d y S t a n g e n b e r g Andy Stangenberg is not just another speaker. He is a special performer who transcends all of the known norms and boundaries of public speaking. He is often described as a speaker from "another planet" and this is attributable to the fact that he does not conform to universally acceptable standard procedures. He is an un-boxed thinker and passionate about all aspects of service and its delivery; he is intense when he talks about leadership and performance; and he is committed to identifying and bringing out the best in everyone he touches. Andy connects and engages with his audience in a very interactive and personal manner and this is what sets him apart as a star performer. Andy entertains and keeps you at the edge of your seat throughout a session, he also imparts knowledge that will help make a definite difference to anybody who watches and listens to him. "Attending an Andy Stangenberg session is like watching something cataclysmic happening he is change in motion!" said Bill Sanderson, a noted international business coach. "I have seen many top speakers in my time but never have I witnessed so much energy, drive and innovative thinking to match the Stangenberg package. This guy will drag you through all the emotions and senses - he will make you laugh, cry and celebrate - all in one sitting. This is the magic of Andy Stangenberg," is how noted international speaker Gregg Patterson describes Andy. Be 'Touched' by Andy Stangenberg A Realty And Business Coach Like No Other! CMAA Asia Pacific Pte Ltd & Q-Principle Andy Stangenberg andy@q-principle.com or Call: ; Mobile:

18 Socialize with Asia Pacific Golf Group Publisher/Editor: Mike Sebastian Executive Director: Angela Raymond Art Director: Saiful Sufian Finance: Myra Paras Marketing Executive: Alice Ho PUBLISHED BY: Asia Pacific Golf GROUP (2014) Pte Ltd CLub Managers President: Mike Sebastian Director of education: LAWRENCE YOUNG OFFICIAL Websites: Office ADDRESS: Suite 06-06, Hong Aik Building, 22 Kallang Avenue, Singapore Tel: Fax: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of Asian Club Business ebulletin 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 ebulletin are not necessarily endorsed by Asian Club Business ebulletin. 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.