Jacobsen extending golf frontier into Myanmar
Jacobsen, through their local distributor Forest Park Co Ltd of Yangong, have recently organised a two day educational training seminar for the Myanmar
Golf Federation and greenkeepers from the country’s golf courses, which number over 100, with many that are vestiges of the British colonisation of
the area.
The country of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was originally governed by the British along with Malaya to the South and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
and India to the North West. It is a resource rich country which is currently expanding its economy at a rapid pace, allowing a resurgence of golf
to gradually develop.
The seminar included a day of educational presentations by Peter Morison and Glenn Wright of Jacobsen, who set out the approach that the manufacturer has
to providing machinery and service in the region. They provided maintenance best practice advice and this included how to set up a professional workshop
and greenkeeping facility.
Chris Gray and David Paterson of Rainbird were also present and gave technical presentations that included the provision of modern irrigation systems and
touched on the important subjects of water sourcing, storage, use of sewage and grey water as well as the importance of monitoring soil moisture content
through a new system which the company has recently introduced into the marketplace.
In addition Howard Swan, golf course architect at Swan Golf Designs, talked to the 120 strong body of delegates about professional golf course design,
the renovation of existing courses and the provision of new courses. He also spoke eloquently on how the game could be expanded throughout the country
at grass roots level by providing simple and economic short courses, driving ranges and academies, which could reach out to local communities and involve
opportunities for vocational and craft skills development training.
The second day of the event was centred at Yangon Golf Club (originally the Rangoon Golf Club) where Peter Morison, Glenn Wright and Thaik Din of Forest
Park hosted a training demonstration of greens and other golf course mowing equipment. This focused on the ability of the Eclipse walking greens mower
to change its frequency of cut, which improved the trueness and smoothness of the ball roll and increased green speed.
Commenting at the close of the event, Howard Swan said the opportunity in Myanmar, as well as the relatively undeveloped parts of this region of Asia,
is immense.
“Considerable anticipation is held by all the parties for their future involvement in the expansion of golf in the country. I applaud Jacobsen for their
time and effort in putting this event together; it was certainly appreciated by the very enthusiastic group that attended the event,” Mr Swan said.
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