THE Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/ Nexgen Academy has endured a strong 2021 despite a number of hurdles caused by the lasting effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the association had faced challenges – thanks to the pandemic – similar to that of other sport bodies, golf had found a way to allow players to still engage in the sport while observing the numerous COVID-19 protocols which are still in effect; vaccinated or not.

As such GGA has used this down-time of actual weekly competitions and tournaments, to focus more on the development of the sport and the youths. This move has seen a number of local learning institutions such as Texila American University, School of the Nations and a number of government schools across the regions, add golf to their curriculum.

With the sport being a Olympic one, the horizon for GGA seems broad as president Aleem Hussain said that the focus on schools is ideal for the expansion of the sport but more importantly, it proves a base for students to come and further engage in a game which is universally adored and used by most as a way to unwind, especially in the bustling lives of businessmen and athletes alike.

Now with the added support of a majority of the schools across places like Berbice, Linden and of course Georgetown being premier hubs for learning golf,. Hussain said he also was pleased that the sport had managed to reach the corporate world, as a number of prominent businesses, entities or individuals have so far thrown their support behind the venture and its drive to get more youngsters involved.

Also, the large turnout of females across all age groups has also hugely impressed the GGA head, who wanted to see more women being involved in golf, thus adding to the short list of women; namely – ex-Guyana Open Champs Joaan Deo and Christine Sukhram; who are arguably Guyana’s premier female golfers.

Looking ahead to the end of a rough 2021, GGA plans to keep the ball rolling and momentum going as they will be looking to safely see out the year with a few in-house events and activities while keeping 2022 as a year with huge plans for the association.