MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, has hailed the NexGen Golf Academy, adding that he’s impressed with the newfound interest being generated by the institution.

Located in Woolford Avenue, the Golf Academy has been making big steps with regard to the expansion of its endeavours. Recently the academy forged a partnership with the Scouts Association of Guyana and Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) in efforts to integrate women, children as well as inner-city players and persons who normally have been unable to access the sport.

Minister Ramson, who is no stranger to golf, being himself an avid player back in the days times when he had fewer responsibilities, engaged in talks with the president of the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) Aleem Hussain, on Monday.
Hussain told Chronicle Sport that the discussion was based on various aspects of the sport and the opportunities it could offer as a socially-distanced activity, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Hussain, Minister Ramson indicated that he was extremely pleased at the interest being created. “The number of new players participating in a socially-distanced programme is exciting and shows that we as Guyanese can adapt to finding ways to live with and in compliance with the COVID virus – something that may be a part of our lives in the foreseeable future,” said the minister.

“Being responsible for both youth and sport, it is important that the ministry find ways to support the development of the game, and the rapid growth of golf through your efforts shows that many Guyanese are interested in the sport,” the minister added.
Over the past few years, under the influence of GGA president Hussain, the sport has seen outreach programmes develop with University of Guyana, ATC, Queen’s College, Bishops’ and Rose’s High schools and even at Giftland Mall, courtesy of Mr Roy Beepat.

“Contributions to the Academy by seasoned players Colin Ming, Brian Hackett, Anwar Shaffie (along with several overseas players), the Shafura Hussain Foundation, NY (William and Aleena Knight), Maxim Mangra and many others, have allowed us to ensure that we can provide equipment and balls to kids either at a very low cost or in many cases, at no charge,” stated the GGA president.

With worldwide interest being focussed on Guyana’s development of new PGA-standard courses in Mahaica, this is the time for the sport to take its place amongst traditional activities such as cricket and football, according to the GGA head.

“Our current goal is to meet a target of 3 000 new players by the end of 2021; persons who may have never touched a golf club or ball in their lives,” said Hussain.
The ultimate goal of the GGA and the NexGen Golf Academy is to find and mould talented players so that Guyana can compete in the future Olympic Games, said the head.

Meanwhile, persons interested in learning golf can contact them at 645 0944 or Facebook NexGen Golf Academy. (Clifton Ross)