Chinese company Forward Management Group has become the first non-US charter member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America.

“Receiving strong international support is very important in widening the overall scope of our organisation,” said GCBAA executive director Paul Foley said. “Our industry has stretched around the world and the GCBAA uses the presence of its international members to support those efforts.”

FMG was founded in 2000. The company's mission is to dedicate and promote the game of golf with the goal of becoming a leader in China's golf industry. Its work covers course construction and design, management, event organisation and industry management.

Working with the GCBAA Foundation and its partner National Recreation and Park Association, FMG is funding the Sticks for Kids program in China to promote the sport to the country's youth.