British architect Howard Swan has been elected as treasurer of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, the only European on the federation’s board.

The federation aims to represent and co-ordinate efforts on behalf of all those working in golf and golf development in Asia. Secretary Mike Sebastian said: “It is fantastic for us to have someone with Howard’s passion and energy for golf taking such a major role in the organisation. The effort he puts in to promoting the game around the world is phenomenal and being the only European voted on to the board just goes to show his standing and respect within the industry.”

Swan has been working in Asia for many years, on projects such as the St Andrews International Golf Club in China, and the renovation of the Karnataka Golf Association course in India.

Swan also introduced the Firstgolf initiative to Asia. Firstgolf aims to make golf available, sustainable and affordable for the next generation of players.

Swan said: “Asia remains a growing region in economic and golfing spheres and the coordination of real professional effort among us all must augur well for its future.”