As the newly elected President of the Hong Kong Golf Association I would like to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor, Peter Aherne, the Executive Committee and all the staff at the HKGA for their efforts during the past 12 months. It is my belief that golf in Hong Kong has never been stronger and I look forward to another successful year of helping to grow the game in our city.
During my first term as President, during the 2009/2010 season, the HKGA worked hard in developing the game at a junior level. This theme has continued in the intervening years – with fantastic results. Young golfers from Hong Kong have enjoyed significant success on both the regional and global stage, with many earning coveted golf scholarships at universities and colleges in the United States and elsewhere. This speaks volumes for the effort that the Association, and in particular National Coach Brad Schadewitz, has put in during this time and we are excited for the future. My thanks must also go to EFG Bank, sponsors of the junior development programme, which have been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals.
This summer will see change at the HKGA with Iain Valentine retiring from his position as Chief Executive after 11 years in the position. Iain, who will be standing down at the end of this month, has been a fantastic figurehead for the Association and has overseen a number of important initiatives during his tenure, including the expansion of HKGA handicapping, and has played a vital role in the establishment and implementation of the aforementioned junior development programme. His reputation in the golfing world has also enabled the HKGA to maintain its relationships with government, golfing bodies and international associations at the highest level. Iain will be missed and on behalf of everyone at the HKGA I wish him the very best in the future.
Iain’s replacement will be Tom Phillips, who joins us from his position as CEO of the Faldo Series, Sir Nick Faldo’s industry-leading golf development programme. Tom’s credentials are second to none and I am very much looking forward to working with him as the HKGA enters this new and promising chapter.
Best wishes to you all for a successful summer on the course.
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