Singapore: Philip Hassall and General Abdulla Al Hashmi have been confirmed as the next Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the region’s ruling golfing body.
Prominent figures in the golfing industry in the region, New Zealander Hassall and General Abdulla from the United Arab Emirates will assume their posts when Taimur Hassan Amin completes his term in office at the Confederation’s annual general meeting in Dubai in late October.
Amin said: “These are exciting times for Asian golf in general, and for the APGC in particular. I have every confidence that the new Chairman-designate Philip Hassall and Vice Chairman General Abdulla will guide the Confederation with wisdom and vision. Under their leadership. I’m sure the region’s rise in the global golfing world will continue.
“We are indeed fortunate to have such experienced individuals stepping into these roles. Both have dedicated many years to the game and are deeply respected, not only in their home countries but also throughout Asia-Pacific.”
Hassall, who has served as a Director of the APGC for 15 years and is currently Vice Chairman and Treasurer, will be the fifth Chairman of the Confederation following Malaysian Tommy Lee (1999-2014), Australian David Cherry (2014-2017), Japan’s Kei Muratsu (2017-2019) and Amin (2019-2025).
“I’m excited at what the future holds for golf across the Asia-Pacific region – and for the APGC,” said Hassall, who’s also been a key figure within Golf New Zealand, acting as Chairperson of the amalgamated Men and Women’s Golf New Zealand for seven years, followed by six years as Golf New Zealand President.
“The potential for the game to continue growing is tremendous with the APGC at the forefront,” added Hassall, recently retired as Chief Executive of Hamilton Radiology and Midland MRI Ltd after 21 years of service. The companies have 17 clinics, employing 144 staff across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region.
General Abdulla, meanwhile, joined the UAE Air Force as a pilot, going on to become flight commander and base commander in charge of training in the Air Force.
In 2008, he became the UAE Defence Attaché to Australia and New Zealand. Returning to the UAE in 2013, he was appointed as Assistant Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Defence.
During his youth, he excelled at volleyball and represented the UAE in ice hockey before going on to captain the UAE Air Force soccer team. It was during his spell in Australia that he took up golf and developed a love for the game.
Now retired, General Abdulla currently serves as President of the Emirates Golf Federation as well as being a Board member of the UAE National Olympic Committee.
“I’m honoured to be appointed as Vice Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation and look forward to contributing to further elevating the status of golf in the region and the APGC on the global stage,” said General Abdulla.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chairman, Amin said: “For me, it has been a privilege and a true honour to serve as Chairman of the APGC over the past six years. I look back with pride on what we have been able to achieve together – the resumption of our championships after the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the strengthening of our relationships with The R&A and Augusta National, and the continued association with our long-standing partners Rolex and new sponsors Kabaya Ohayo Holdings, with whom we have teamed up to stage The Royal Junior championship in Japan.
“We’ve also seen the launch of new events such as the APGC Mid-Amateur Championship and the introduction of the APGC Senior Ladies Championship, while our ties with the European Golf Association (EGA) have further developed. Some of the most memorable moments came when our teams triumphed against strong EGA line-ups in the Bonallack Trophy in 2023 and 2025, and this year’s Patsy Hankins Trophy. These victories showcased the strength of golf in our region and the talent we are nurturing for the future.
“As I step down, I do so with immense gratitude – to my Board members, to our member National Associations, our small team of hard-working staff, and to the many friends I have made along this journey. While my tenure as Chairman comes to a close, my commitment to the game and to the APGC will always remain. I look forward to seeing the Confederation grow even stronger in the years ahead.”
