Guyana’s golfers are coming out of hibernation after several months of inclement weather, as the 2012 season gets off to a late start with this week’s opening tournament sponsored by Stag Beer.
The game came to a virtual standstill over the Christmas holidays thanks to a combination of torrential rain and the inadvertent misapplication of fertiliser that succeeded in killing almost all the grass on the greens.
But along with the addition of a new tractor and a rejuvenated ground staff the course is returning to shape and ready for the usual suspects to take home the majority of the trophies.
Top among them, perennial placer Patrick Prashad whose consistent driving and short game make him a daunting opponent; Mike Mangal will also likely be among the top players in 2012 with his classic bump and run approaches and tested putting; Fazil Haniff had a great year in 2011 and can shoot low any given Saturday.
John Tracey, now returning to regular golf has also shown glimmers of very tidy play.
Don’t discount the methodical Colin Ming, the occasionally inspired William Walker, the quixotic Alfred Mentore or Clifford Reis to string a few pars together. Others to look for are former Guyana Open Champs Avinash Persaud, Imran Khan and long hitter Munaff Arjune.
Meanwhile with the foreign investment surge in the mining and oil sectors, membership of the club is expected to swell and newer members would look for better facilities.The club’s AGM is imminent and hopefully will bring a new executive with energy to execute longstanding plans that include moving the club bar upstairs, and upgrading the course. President Brian Hackett in an invited comment stated: “I wish all the players a successful year as they go about trying to better their games during 2012. As the year unfolds I trust that the golfing fraternity remains connected to the Lusignan Golf club even as it continues to be the oasis for golfers in Guyana”. Tee-off time this Saturday is 12.30 pm for a medal play competition, and Troy Cadogan, club treasurer and marketing executive for Ansa McAl, promises a well supported bar on the 19th hole.
