November 16, 2001
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Asian PGA Services has secured a landmark agreement where it will take over the management
and operation of Royal Palm Springs Golf Club in Port Dickson from 2002 for the next 10 years.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed Nov. 2 between Asian PGA Services and Palm Springs Resort Berhad, the
owner of the five-year-old Royal Palm Springs Golf Club. The deal signifies the first time that a consultancy company
has been given the task of managing a golf property in Malaysia.
Asian PGA Services was formed in February this year by the Asian PGA, which is the governing body for professional
golf in the region. The objectives of Asian PGA Services are to offer wide-ranging professional and quality services
in golf management, operation, maintenance and course designing for golf clubs in Asia.
Asian PGA Services Chairman Ramlan Dato' Harun signed the MoU on behalf of the company while Aznan Abdul Aziz,
Tanco Holding Berhad's Deputy Chairman was the other signatory.
"This is a milestone in the golfing industry. It is a major step forward for Asian PGA Services as it marks
the first time that a consultancy company has been appointed to take over the entire management and operation of
a golf club in Malaysia and probably in Asia as well," said Ramlan.
The agreement takes effect from March 2002 and Asian PGA Services will be responsible for generating profits from
the club's operations. The deal includes maintaining the par 72, 6,290-meter golf course, all marketing functions
of the club and managing the staff operation, pro shop, driving range and other non-golfing facilities.
"We will assume the responsibility of generating revenue but this arrangement involves the risks of financial
losses as well. Led by our managing director Simon Shepherdson, who has 17 years of experience in the golfing industry
in Asia, we will impart our vast knowledge and expertise at Royal Palm Springs with the aim of transforming the
property into a golfing haven," said Ramlan.
Palm Springs Resort Berhad is equally confident the partnership with Asian PGA Services will escalate the status
of Royal Palm Springs, which is situated on the outskirts of Port Dickson.
"This MoU charts the roadmap to the future for Royal Palm Springs. The Asian PGA has set the benchmark in
course preparation for its tournaments around Asia in the past few years and we believe our partnership with Asian
PGA Services will be extremely beneficial for our property," said Aznan.
Apart from an 18-hole golf course, which was designed by Instangreen Corporation Bhd, Royal Palm Springs also boasts
of a 16-bay driving range, a fully equipped clubhouse, restaurants, swimming pool, pro shop and tennis courts.
It also provides recreational facilities such as a caravan park and service apartments.
Asian PGA Services has also conducted consultancy work for Royal Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur, True North
Golf and Country Club in the Philippines and a new course development in Space City, India.
For further information, please contact Asian PGA Services Managing Director Simon Shepherdson at Tel: 852 2147
3534 or Fax: 852 2576 7470 or Asian PGA's Chuah Choo Chiang at Tel: 603 7492 0099 or Fax: 603 7492 0098.