By Clifton Ross

ONE of Nexgen Golf Academy’s newest head coaches, Dr. Joaan Deo, is calling on more women to take up the sport, adding that the academy’s facility is ideal for teaching the fundamentals which is a key part in development.
Nexgen Golf Academy recently unveiled their two new coaches in reigning 10-time Guyana Open Golf Cup champ, Avinash Persaud and former Women’s champion and current Suriname Open Cup champ, Dr. Joaan Deo.

Deo, has also been conducting a number of coaching sessions in the past at her club– the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC)– as well as a number of academically-oriented training sessions at the University of Guyana as part of their Sports faculty’s programme.
During a recent interview, Dr. Deo told Chronicle Sport that her recent appointment, while significant, is just another chapter in her career as a professional player/coach, simply geared towards the continued development of golf and its future stars.

“It wouldn’t be that big of a step for me cause I have coached many youths before and this is something I know and love. Golf is a sport which I think a lot of people should be playing and your age doesn’t matter because the handicap system puts everyone at par”, said Deo.

Assessing the town facility, having played nearly most of her golf at the Lusignan course, Deo said the academy’s system is one ideal for teaching beginners the basics which will better equip them for when they take it to the actual Greens, while pros can also work on key areas of their general game for competitions.
“Regarding the right equipment and facilities, I think what Aleem has set up here is a good starting point. Before one ventures to the tee box, one should be familiar with the basics of a golf swing, and having a range available is important in that regard”, said the former champion.

One of the premier women in the country’s golf history and one of the few women to capture the prestigious Guyana Open Cup title, Deo said she was overall elated to see more women being involved in golf, but called on more ladies to take up the sport as it helps to maintain both mental and physical health regardless of age.

“My problem is not regarding young women, but women on the whole. Young, middle-aged and older women should all be playing golf in Guyana. While having strength is important, having a good swing is three times more, any woman, regardless of age, could develop a good golf swing with sufficient practice”.

With sports given the permission to restart their activities under strict Covid-19 conditions, the former national champion wrapped up by saying she will use her stint with the academy to further encourage more Guyanese to the sport.
“My goal is simple: it’s to introduce as many people as possible to the ancient but modern game of golf”, Deo ended.