Persaud etches name in local golf history books

The star golfer, now 9-time Guyana Open Cup champ Avinash Persaud, has stormed his way into the local history books with his record number of title wins coupled with his in-game feats. He has achieved what has hitherto never been achieved locally.

Stooping, from left, are: Parmanad Persaud, Patanhalee Persaud, Richard Haniff, and Ayube Subhan. Standing, from left, are: Captain Chatterpaul Deo; Apti Shaw; Jalem Raman; Joaan Deo; Aasrodeen Shaw; Christine Sukhram; Esau Shamshudin (partly hidden); Mahendra Bhagwandin (also partly hidden); another winner; Troy Cadogan; John Somwar, winner and 9-time champ, Avinash Persaud; a supporter; Avinda Kishore; Kevin Dinanauth, and President Aleem Hussain

Persaud walked away as retainer of the title he’s been defending for some time now after he finessed his way across the Greens this past weekend to outplay a number of local and international pros. This is especially remarkable considering that some 89 of the registered 100 golfers from Canada, USA, Suriname and other countries had participated in the biggest Guyana Open tournament yet.
In addition to winning the title and Best Gross, Persaud created even more history by returning a gross of 1 under-par for the 1st day of the Guyana Open — a feat never before achieved in local golf.
The “caddy turned arguably the best golfer in Guyana” told this newspaper recently that he was confident of retaining his title, and was merely focused on working on his chipping and putting.
Commenting on his momentous win on Sunday evening, especially remarkable because he was playing with an injured ankle, Persaud said, “Since the Guyana Open last year, I was confident that I would win this year again. I determined that no foreigner or local player would better me”.
At the awards ceremony held after the tournament, club president Aleem Hussain expressed gratitude to the large number of sponsors who contributed towards making the Guyana Open a success. Hussain also urged the Government to back Persaud, as well as female champ Christine Sukhram who also retained her title.
He noted that the two golfers, especially Persaud, are at the peak of their careers, and opined that with golf being an Olympic sport, it is crucial to keep athletes such as Persaud, Sukhram and others — who play a role in putting Guyana on the international sports map — at the forefront of the agenda in regard to sports development. (Clifton Ross)