By Mike Orloff
The Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) has confirmed that its Annual International Summit will return to Malaysia for the next two years, following the success of its 2025 gathering, which saw attendance almost double compared to the previous year.
The AGIF announced the industry showpiece will be hosted again at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in 2026 and 2027, coinciding with the same week as the prestigious LPGA Maybank Championship.
The fourth edition of the Summit attracted more than 140 attendees from no fewer than 18 countries, including Australia, China, India, Korea, and the United States. Delegates praised the week-long event, which included the inaugural AGIF Business Leaders’ Invitational tournament, a glittering Awards programme, and the opportunity to watch the world’s best female golfers compete.
AGIF President Chris Gray highlighted the commitment to expansion, noting the new additions were well-received. “Overall attendance at this year’s Summit was almost double to 2024 and the addition of the Business Leaders’ Invitational and the AGIF Awards Gala Dinner certainly provided new dimensions. The Asian Golf Industry Federation is committed to continuing to grow our Annual Summit,” Gray said.
The Summit focused on four core themes crucial to the industry’s future: innovation and future trends, operational sustainability, education and demographics, and tourism.
A total of 40 speakers, respected experts in their fields, shared their insights. A highlight included an exclusive pre-recorded interview with six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, who discussed the evolution of golf course architecture and the global appeal of Asia for golf tourists.
During a compelling keynote address, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia and the Event Partner, called for bold regional collaboration to grow the golf tourism sector. He urged operators and travel distributors to design comprehensive, multi-country products—such as linking Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands with Northern Vietnam or combining Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok—to attract high-yield visitors who combine golf with culture, wellness, and natural attractions across Southeast Asia.
The 2025 Summit also saw the debut of the AGIF Awards Gala Dinner, which recognised nine world-class clubs from across the region for their Outstanding Contribution to the game.
AGIF President Chris Gray stated that the Awards aim to highlight the venues that have positively influenced the game and helped place Asia on the international golfing map.
Clubs from nine nations were commended for their excellence, including:
