SGA appoints Jones as High Performance Manager

Singapore, April 22: The Singapore Golf Association (SGA) has appointed Gareth Jones as High Performance Manager (Professional Squad), in a move aimed at strengthening support for its growing pool of professional golfers.

Jones will oversee the SGA Professional Program, which currently comprises 11 full-time touring professionals, and is in Singapore this week to prepare the players for the Singapore Open presented by The Business Times.

The Australian brings over 20 years of international experience, having previously served as National Team Head Coach for the Japan Golf Association, and held roles with Golf Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport.

He has worked with leading players, including Ren Yonezawa, as well as former World No. 1 amateurs Keita Nakajima and Takumi Kanaya. He also mentored McCormack Medal winners and led teams to success at the Asian Games, Nomura Cup, and Bonallack Trophy.

His role will focus on performance planning, athlete development and tournament preparation, working alongside players’ individual coaches to ensure a coordinated, athlete-centric system.

The appointment builds on the support SGA professionals have been receiving through the national programme, alongside corporate partners including Radar Tyres and EFG Bank.

Singapore’s professionals have made encouraging strides internationally. Shannon Tan enjoyed a standout 2025 season with multiple Ladies European Tour wins and the Order of Merit title, while James Leow and Nicklaus Chiam secured breakthrough victories on the Asian Development Tour, after their respective wins at the Aramco Invitational Tournament and PKNS Selangor Masters last December and February.

SGA CEO Joshua Ho said: “We are pleased to welcome Gareth, whose experience will further strengthen the structures supporting our professionals. With the backing of partners such as Radar Tyres and EFG Bank, our players are now better supported in competing internationally. We are seeing real progress, and Gareth’s role is to build on that momentum through a more integrated high-performance framework.”

Jones added: “I’m excited to work with Singapore’s players and contribute to their continued progress. The focus is on helping them perform consistently at the highest level, while complementing the work already being done with their personal coaches.”

SGA professional Nicklaus Chiam, who is the highest-ranked Singaporean on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), welcomed Jones’ appointment and said: “Being part of the SGA Professional Program has been instrumental as the program has provided us with consistent training and support throughout our journey.

“Having that backing makes a real difference to our development. Gareth’s appointment is a strong addition as he brings a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives and ideas that will help us continue improving as we progress in our careers.”