THE Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Region 10 teamed up recently as they officially unveiled the golf programme in all 7 secondary schools.
They are Mackenzie High, Linden Foundation, New Silvercity, Christianburg/Wismar, Wisburg, Kwakwani and Harmony who are among the latest on board.
This move was certified by Regional Education District Officer (REDO) Nigel Richards and will see over 600 students have immediate access to the sport and an additional 1 400 when school resumes normal operations.
Mr Richards, speaking at the launch, expressed his gratitude to the assembled Physical Education teachers, Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit, represented by Nicholas Fraser and Lindley Langhorne, and GGA president Aleem Hussain, for the rapid response to the introduction of the game, especially since it’s the only fully compliant COVID-19 activity for the kids.

“I have always wanted to try the sport myself and want to thank Mr Hussain for his extraordinary efforts to make this possible for our children. In Region 10 it is said that ‘we lead, others follow’ and again we are proving that is the case.”
The REDO was joined by Ms Gordon-Bynoe (Graduate HoD English); Ms Greene-Brewster (District Education Officer, Primary); Ms Daniels (District Education Officer, Secondary); Ms Anderson (District Education Officer 1) and took the time to receive his first lesson and proved that his natural talents extended to golf.
“There is no reason that Linden and Region 10 cannot produce the next PGA player to rival Tiger Woods and we have the raw talent, knowledge, desire and I will support all efforts to make it possible.” The training programme held at Wisburg Secondary was organised by Lindley Langhorne in coordination with Nicholas Fraser from the MOE Allied Arts Unit and saw teachers take part in theoretical and practical training sessions to prepare them for their individual schools.

With training for teachers from at least 30 additional schools scheduled for August, the goal of 5 000-6 000 new players by the end of 2021 now certainly seems achievable, when you look at the numbers and response from students, parents and teachers.
Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell and her high level management team met with GGA president after the training and discussed working together to develop a golf course in Linden that would be able to fulfil the needs of the community while at the same time attracting golf tourism dollars. “We feel that it is time that Linden capitalises on the growth and potential that golf offers and we plan to move aggressively to accommodate Mr Hussain.”
According to Hussain, this fits into the growth plans for the development of the game as the construction of the first modern-designed course on West Coast Demerara will commence shortly. “We hope that communities will see the need to add golf facilities to their areas and the GGA will assist with the design and logistics for development.” (Clifton Ross)