Asian PGA establishes institute of Golf at Sofitel Palm Resort, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

The Asian PGA and Palm Resort Golf & Country Club have agreed to establish the region's first Institute of Golf as the primary centre of golf in Asia.

Palm Resort Golf & Country Club was chosen by the Asian PGA as a base because of its world-class facilities and strategic location - situated at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia and within 30 minutes drive to Singapore.

During the first year The Asian PGA at Palm Resort Golf & Country Club aims to provide the highest quality of coaching by qualified professionals to aspiring golfers from all over Asia. Instruction will start for the most basic beginners up to people who dream of a career in professional golf. Past golfers who have received coaching from the Asian PGA and gone on to join the professional ranks include Jeev Singh, Thongchai Jaidee, KJ Choi, Daniel Chopra and Arjun Atwai.

Asian PGA will also provide instruction to groom future club managers, world-class golf instructors, teaching professionals, agronomists and tournament directors, offering a well-rounded curriculum in all aspects of the game.

Live-in facilities will be provided at the adjacent Sofitel Palm Resort, allowing golf students to stay for long periods under the tutelage of the Asian PGA.

Two major events have already been confirmed at Sofitel Palm Resort under the agreement, including the Davidoff Nations Cup in October 2002, and the Asian PGA Tour Qualifying School in January 2003.

Palm Resort Golf and Country Club Managing Director, Tim Hallett, said the agreement would help raise the quality of golf in the region on all levels.

"We are delighted to reach this agreement with the Asian PGA and believe it will enhance the reputation and image of Palm Resort Golf and Country Club in the region as well as worldwide. The ultimate aim of Asian PGA is to make this a dynasty in Asian golf."

Asian PGA Executive Director, Ramlan Dato' Harun, said: "This is an exciting time for all involved in Asian professional golf. We feel this is a good opportunity for the Asian PGA to become involved in the teaching and learning process of the game and to build on what we have achieved with the Davidoff Tour. 

"The success around the world that we have seen from some of our Asian PGA members continues to grow from strength to strength."

According to Accor Director of Operations - Special Projects - Asia, Patrick Basset, the Sofitel Palm Resort and the adjacent Palm Resort Golf & Country Club were a good fit with the Asian PGA.

"The combination of three world-class 18-hole golf courses and the Sofitel Palm Resort, with its extensive sports, leisure and conference facilities, are an excellent home for the Asian PGA Institute of Golf. We are pleased to welcome the Asian PGA and help make it the region's top golf learning centre for young golfers of all nationalities.

"They will be able to enjoy top quality accommodation in a lush and green resort environment, as will families and travelling executives looking for a short and enjoyable golf experience."

Palm Resort is an integrated golf, leisure and business destination consisting of Palm Resort Golf & Country Club Malaysia and Sofitel Palm Resort.