The Guyana and Barbados Golf Associations yesterday announced the formation of a partnership to facilitate and promote the development of the sport, especially amongst women and youth.
This is according to a release disseminated to the media yesterday.
According to the release, the two associations will share information and player development strategies, plan and host inter-country and regional championships and work together to build golf tourism packages that will benefit both countries.
“Just as Prime Minister Motley and President Ali have forged strong relations in other areas of interest, our mutual golf associations feel this is just another step in strengthening ties between our countries” said President of the Guyana Golf Association, Aleem Hussain.
Hussain added, “This is a great initiative since Guyana can learn a lot from our counterparts in Barbados on how to promote sports tourism and operate golf tournaments at the highest level. Similarly, Guyana can share our player development strategies and school programs in which we are now the leader, with Barbados,” said Hussain.
President Irfaan Ali has indicated that sports tourism is important to Guyana by implementing a hospitality service industry training program with Barbados and announced that a golf course is included in the massive Silica City development designed to transform the landscape of Guyana. According to Vice President of the BGA David Philips, “With our knowledge, facilities and years of experience in Barbados, coupled with Mr. Hussain’s drive and programs, golf in our region has tremendous growth potential.”
He also emphasized the potential for golf to be a major source of tourism revenue since many people were choosing Barbados as a holiday destination because of its growing reputation for having world-class golf courses.
As an opening gesture of goodwill, Mr. Philips extended an invitation to Guyanese golfers to attend the Barbados Golf Open scheduled for September 15-17 at the Barbados Golf Club. Barbados has been a strong force in golf tourism with world class facilities and tournaments and golf is set to take on a higher profile in the island’s tourism marketing.
Meanwhile, the GGA in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Tourism Authority will host the first ever Savannah Milk National Junior Golf Championship. Regional competitions will be hosted in Essequibo (Aug 10); West Coast (Aug 11); Georgetown (Aug 12); Rosignol and Albion (Aug 13) with the National Finals on August 19th at the Nexgen Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue.
The competition is open to ages 10-22 at all skill levels with Coaches on hand to assist first time players. Top performers will be selected to represent the country in Barbados, Trinidad and Suriname.
