The recently formed Guyana Golf Association (GGA) intends to tee off a golf academy in the coming months.
Headed by the former president of the Lusignan Golf Club, Aleem Hussain, the executives comprise Rajindra Persaud (Vice-President), Nadia Kalika (Secretary), Sudama Ramalingum (Treasurer), Paul Jiwanram (Assistant Treasurer/Secretary), Bishop Guy Griffith (Public Relations Officer), Kenny Attai (Board Advisor) and Mayo Robertson (Legal Advisor).
According to a release from the body, “The newly-formed Guyana Golf Association 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 activities.”
It added, “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 end of year so that more persons can be exposed to the sport.”
Hussain said, “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.”
According to the release, Hussain has been in discussion for the past three years with major companies over the idea of bringing this to a realization.
“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,” the release stated.
According to 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 open daily and will have extended hours late at night to accommodate persons who prefer to practice 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 as well as free for children and beginners while providing access to coaching to all interested persons. Equipment will be available at no cost.
The body stated, “The goal of the academy is to have at least 300 students actively involved in the sport by year end.”
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 learned 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.”
