With most sports facing the brunt of the Novel Coronavirus, Golf in Guyana has been one of the few disciplines to strive in 2020.
According to president of the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy, Aleem Hussain, “As the pandemic literally stifled all other sports in 2020, the one discipline that flourished was golf, under the steady stewardship of the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy.”
Hussain noted that the body “took full advantage of the fact that golf is a socially distanced sport that conforms to COVID-19 guidelines adding that they have used every strategy to keep the game going.
Reflecting on the year, Hussain reckoned, “in hindsight, it was a fantastic year for golf, something that other sporting organizations in Guyana could not say. There were tremendous challenges faced in 2020, but we were able to do things that we planned and surpassed our goals set for the year. And we already have a fantastic 2021 in store for new and old golf enthusiasts.”
The GGA President, asked whether his controversial past was a hindrance to the success of the plans he has put out in the public, said, “Just as in golf, I believe that all persons who are put into tough situations have two choices, to look forward or backwards. What has already happened should not matter as much as what one does next. When the Guyana Golf Association was formed in February 2020, great expectations for the growth and promotion of the sport as a healthy viable COVID compliant activity were placed on my shoulders and I believe that the results and impact I have had on sports and business in the past 10 years speaks for itself.”
Hussain expressed his delight at seeing the sport attract a large following from the female community with around 1000 women taking part since the opening of the range. He highlighted that the attraction to new players stems from the affordable rates of $500 an hour which comes with qualified trainers at their disposal.
At the forefront of 2020 was the establishment of the Golfing Range located at the Scouts Association Ground, Woolford Avenue, which provides a convenient alternative way of playing the sport. The facility has developed into one of the few that could see action taking place under lights in a spacious and hospitable environment.
Among the other activities during the year, the body hosted a number of fundraisers for various organisations such as orphanages and cancer awareness as well as enticing tournaments for newbies and veterans in the heart of Georgetown.
With an eye on the future, Hussain indicated that the facility on Woolford Avenue will be teeing off the development of the sport with a putting green, sand bunkers and a short game practice area in the early part of 2021.
The sport is also entering the school system. Hussain pointed out that a collaborative effort between Head of the Allied Arts division, Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser and Teacher, Al Junior, will see a Pilot Golf Programme in eight secondary schools with the expectation of attracting 6000 children within the first year.
Additionally, Hussain said the hole in one be works on “at least five golf courses across the country” with courses planned for Soesdyke, Linden, Essequibo and West Coast Demerara.
“There are at least five golf courses in the works that will make Guyana a Golf Tourism destination, one of the highest sports tourism revenue generators. Maraiko Bay Golf and Country Club in Mahaica is expected to lead the way and be the first full length 18-hole PGA-standard golf course in the region with a 7800-yard course being built,” he stated.
Hussain added that with a championship golf course, the possibility of hosting major tournaments on a regular basis will swiftly become a reality, highlighting the relatively affordable nature of Guyana compared to other Caribbean countries.
Hussain said they recently signed a major marketing deal with Copa Airlines to brand and promote the sport.
This, he said, will result in consistent tournaments, contests and giveaways throughout the new year, beginning with a ‘hole-in-one challenge’ where the winner will walk away with a round trip ticket to any Copa Airlines destination.
In an effort to attract more players, Hussain informed that persons desirous of getting involved can come down to the range or contact the body via Facebook or call 645-0944.
