In recent years, the sport of golf has risen to new heights and the newly-formed Guyana Golf Association (GGA), in coordination with NexGen Golf Academy, has seen the opportunity to use this developing arena to create a special programme that will encourage persons of all ages to engage in physical activity.
GGA President Aleem Hussain
According to a release from the Association, the first facility will be in Georgetown, close to Queen’s College with a second scheduled to follow shortly thereafter. The GGA hopes to establish three regional locations by the end of the year so that more persons could be exposed to the sport.
GGA President Aleem Hussain was visibly excited in announcing the project, “I see the benefits of exercise in combating the effects of stress, diabetes, and hypertension. The fact that many people are not into team sports prevents them from getting involved in physical activities and this is a solution.”
Over three years ago, Hussain discussed the idea of this project with major companies and various ministries and it became a subject of considerable interest, but logistics and implementation were a concern.
“Today, we have resolved those issues and I am proud to be in a position to launch the programme as soon as things return to normal.”
“This is not traditional golf!” said GGA Treasurer Rudy Ramalingum. “It is a way to learn the sport, interact with family and friends and have lots of fun while getting some exercise. At the same time, for experienced golfers, it provides them with the opportunity to sharpen their skills and prove to their friends, just how good they really are!”
The Academy plans to add floodlights to the ground which will be opened daily and will have extended hours late at night to accommodate persons who prefer to practise in the cool evening breeze, hotel guests, students, and business owners.
There will be lots of prizes if persons can hit the targets, and the Academy plans to have players hit unlimited balls for a small fee (children and beginners free of charge) and will provide access to coaching to all interested persons. Equipment will be available at no cost.
Partnerships with local suppliers mean that tasty food and all types of healthy beverages will be available for visitors who want to play or simply spectate.
The goal of the Academy is to have at least 300 students actively involved in the sport by year end and it hopes to field an Olympic team in the next five years.
It is important to note that golf is a recognised Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) subject that is now approved for teaching in all schools, and the Academy hopes that this will lead to more and more students all over the country getting involved.
GGA Vice President Rajindra Persaud said, “I am a fan of golf, but never played and now this gives me and a lot of other interested persons the opportunity to start. I also learnt that scholarship opportunities are available, especially for girls and women who are involved in golf and feel that we should take full advantage of such.”
The GGA added in its release, “Members of Team Macorp, Marriott, New Trend Auto, Assuria General Insurance and other major supporters of the Academy will be on hand for the launch and eagerly demonstrate their skills for the crowd.”
For more information on the upcoming launch or how to sign up for the Academy, visit Nexgen Golf Academy Facebook page or call 645-0944.
