Singapore: Eddy Putra, one of Asia’s best-known and most respected golfing officials, has been appointed to the role of General Manager at the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC).

A prominent Rules official and instructor, Putra has acted as the APGC’s Chief Referee since 2016 and been an Advisory Member of The R&A Rules Committee (2016-2021). He’s also been the Indonesian Golf Association’s Head of Rules for more than a decade.

Taimur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the APGC, said: “We’re delighted to be able to call on the experience and expertise of Eddy, with whom we’ve been closely associated for many years.

“As well as his refereeing duties, Eddy has acted as the APGC’s Technical Delegate at both the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the Asian Games.”

The APGC is the representative body for 46 male and female national golf associations.

As well as acting as the hosting partner for major amateur events in the region, the APGC supports member organisations in the development of golf in their respective countries.

The APGC also works to ensure adherence to the Rules of Golf as approved by The R&A, and partners with The Masters Tournament and the International Golf Federation in the promotion of golf.

Amin said: “Given the increasing activity in golf across the Asia-Pacific region, the APGC believes the time is now right to bring in a General Manager to oversee the many exciting developments that are taking place. Eddy is the ideal man for that role.”

As well as being a Rules Official at events for the Asian Tour and European Tour since 2009, Putra officiated at The Open Championship between 2013 and 2019.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the APGC at such an exciting time,” said the 52-year-old Indonesian.

“It’s been wonderful to see how the APGC’s relationship with The R&A and the Masters Tournament has been strengthened over the past decade though the launch of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific.

“Not only have these events, with their incredible rewards, set the benchmark for players around the region, but they’ve proved to be a pathway to global success for the likes of Hideki Matsuyama, Cameron Smith, Atthaya Thitikul and Yuka Saso.”

The APGC’s growing roster of events also includes junior and senior tournaments for males and females.

Putra said: “Golf is continuing to gain in popularity in Asia – and there is still so much more room for growing the game at all levels.

“I’m looking forward to working with our affiliated golfing associations and federations and further cementing the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation’s reputation as one of the foremost golfing bodies in our part of the world.”