… No fees needed for entry

ASSURIA General Insurance and Nexgen Golf Academy will host its ‘Just For Beginners Golf Championships’, at the Scouts Association of Guyana ground, Woolford Avenue. Many years ago, golf was played in Thomas Lands and the National Park but its recent resurgence in popularity will see it being played in the heart of the city once again, as the unique three-hole Par 3 event will cater to players of every category and will be played under floodlit, cool night conditions at the Lusignan Golf Club. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, the ‘Just For Beginners’ competition will run from March 10 to 13 starting at 16:00hrs.
The tournament consists of three holes that are 145, 100 and 80 yards and players will have to complete the hole by putting out. All equipment and balls will be provided at no cost and at Assuria General’s request, there will be no tournament fee. Prizes and trophies will be presented for best scores to Juniors Under-12, Under-21, Women’s and Men’s categories and for beginners and recently-started players who do not have a handicap rating.

General Manager Yogindra Arjune spoke about the impact the game has had on him personally and the effects he was seeing nationally, “I was introduced to the sport by Aleem two years ago and have been hooked on it ever since. It’s a game that makes you strive for betterment at every opportunity, similarly with our business, and we will continue to support the development, especially in the schools and new players.” Arjune welcomed the return of competitive golf to the centre of Georgetown, saying that change was necessary for the sport. “For far too long, we have accepted that golf should only be played a certain way and by a select group of persons. That is about to change in a dramatic way with the plans by The Guyana Golf Association, Nexgen Global and support from hundreds of new players and sponsorsm,” said Arjune. The Three-Hole Championships will continue to be a part of golf development around the country according to president of GGA, Aleem Hussain.

“As we expand our facilities to Berbice, Essequibo, West Coast and Linden, our plan is to create leagues, inter-region, inter-company and parent-child activities that will see everyone involved in the only fully COVID-19 compliant sporting activity.” This tournament will be the first of many events that is aimed at allowing as many Guyanese as possible to experience the game at virtually no cost with the ultimate goal of building a national team that will represent the country at the Olympics.
The aim of this event is to get everyone to participate in physical activity and try something different that all ages can enjoy together. Three players will also have a chance to win a Copa Airlines ticket during the competition. Interested participants are asked to register in advance by calling 645 0944 or visiting the Academy no later than March 9, so that proper arrangements and groupings can be made.