HOT | Interview
Craig Francis
[HI] You have quite an extensive background in golf.
Going back to your school days,
what are some of your sporting
achievements?
[CF] I had the privilege of being
coached by one of the top golf
professionals of the day, Bob
Toski. The regular exposure to
golf at such a high level, as well
as the advanced tips he provided
allowed me to become an accomplished amateur golfer. My handicap at age 15 was 0, with my lowest USGA handicap reaching +2.
As a student at Le Rosey, the
Swiss International boarding
school, I was Champion of Swiss
independent schools in various
sports including the 100 meters,
long jump, discus and others.
Golf and sports have had a long
history in our family.
[HI] After school, you frequently played in amateur tournaments around the world. What
are some of the highlights?
[CF] In 1971 I was the top amateur golfer in both the Swiss
Open and the Agfa Open. In
the following years I won the
Luxembourg
International
Amateur Championship (3 times),
Swiss International Amateur
Championship (3 times), and the
Italian International Amateur
Championship . In 1982 I won
the Swiss Omiron tournament
which also included professionals.
Having spent a significant number
of years in sport and technology, it’s
a pleasure to have an opportunity
to interview someone whose experience in both golf and business far
exceeds mine.
Through the years, Craig Francis has been
a successful amateur golfer on the international circuit as well as an owner and
director of several multinational businesses. One of his newer ventures ties the
70 • HOTELIER INDONESIA | SEPTEMBER 2013
two together, as Founder and Director of
Quasar Group International.
Recently incorporated in Singapore, the
firm has been developing golf, spa and
leisure management systems by tying
together his colorful experiences in sport
and business. The direction Quasar has
taken surely has gained interest and
momentum. In this interview, I’m gaining
a bit of background in golf and business to
see how it all comes together.
[HI] With these top finishes, there must
have been some course records along
the way?
[CF] In competitions, I set amateur course
records that include:
Sunningdale Golf Club (UK)
66
Club Crans-sur-Sierre (Switz)
65
Münchener Golf Club (Germany)
65
Coral Harbour (Bahamas)
69
Lyford Cay Club (Bahamas)
63
Hollingwell Golf Club (UK)
71
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