– former golfer/designer Jack Nicklaus to spearhead project
Guyana’s golf fraternity is set for a major expansion as former international pro-turned-course-designer Jack Nicklaus is expected to build a whopping 18-hole course to further complement the constantly upgraded Lusignan Golf Course.
Jack Nicklaus
The huge announcement was made during Thursday’s Guyana Cup Open held at the Marriott Hotel, where LGC President Aleem Hussain and Minister of Social Cohesion/Sport Dr George Norton unveiled the plans to have the mega-course constructed, with works likely to commence in the near future.
Hussain said the famed golf course designer has signal intention to personally use his own finance to expand the level of golf in Guyana by putting the country on par with others of international standing as the only one in the Caribbean to have a course designed by Nicklaus.
During his time on the Greens, Jack, most notably called “The Golden Bear” around the fraternity, was regarded by many as the greatest golfer of all time, and most especially his era. With a career that spanned more than 25 years after teeing off in the 1960s, the American has record 18 major championships while producing 19 second-place and 9 third-place finishes.
Aleem Hussain
Minister Norton outlined that the move would help to put Guyana on par with countries which have international courses. Hussain, meanwhile, explained that the move will see a huge growth in the economy with regard to tourism. He believes that, coupled with the stamp of the world-renowned Nicklaus who created courses in places such as Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, and Mexico, Guyana could gain a significant buff.
Minister George Norton
The President stated that due to the Golf Hall-of-Famer’s prized work, he has since amassed a high-profile following of pros from around the world, who travel to anywhere the former world-class has set up a playing course.
Hussain believes that a new course will breed a higher level of competition, as Guyana’s players have been doing extremely well on a 9-hole course over the years.
Regarding the demographic location of the new course, it is to be announced in the future where such a facility will be erected. Minister Norton nevertheless confirmed that the Government of Guyana will be in full support of the project, identifying as early as next year a possible start to the construction of the course. (Clifton Ross)
