This year promises to be another busy year for local golf players even as the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) looks back at a successful 2008 which saw one of the largest fields of players compete in the prestigious Smirnoff-sponsored Guyana Open championships.

This year, the emphasis will be placed on promoting golf among youths, forging closer ties with other clubs in the Caribbean and North America and continuing to push the membership drive, Club Captain of the LGC Jerome Khan told Stabroek Sport in an exclusive interview.

“Last year was a very successful for the Club, we saw an increase in sponsorship as well as the interest shown by persons who wanted to get involved and play the game. The membership of the Club grew by 20 percent in 2008,” Khan disclosed.

He revealed that most of the weekly tournaments received substantial assistance from the business community and expressed gratitude for their support in helping to popularizing the game locally.
Khan said he was confident that the main sponsors will support the work of the LGC this year even though he recognized the harsh economic times current facing businesses.

“A lot of work was done on the course last year and for this year the emphasis will be placed on the drainage, greens and fairway bringing further improvement to the facilities at Lusignan,” he added.
A record 72 golfers including players from the United States, Canada and Suriname participated in the Smirnoff Guyana Open two-day tournament sponsored by local beverage giants Banks DIH Ltd..
After two days of fierce competition Guyanese players Imran Khan and Christine Sukhram carted off the men’s and ladies titles respectively.

Khan said the current inclement weather has curtailed activities at the Club at this time but as soon as there is a break in the weather competitions will resume.

According the Captain, the LGC was heartened by the fact that it continues to maintain strong links with colleagues in the USA, Canada, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

He would, however, like to see local players compete in more tournaments in the Caribbean.
Another large contingent is expected to travel to neighbouring Suriname to compete in their annual tournament billed for the first quarter of this year.

In relation to encouraging youths to play the sport, Khan said greater emphasis will be placed on that aspect this year.

Last season two teenagers, Joann Deo and Avinda Kishore made their presence felt against their senior counterparts in local competition.

Meanwhile, the Annual General Meeting is expected to be held during the first quarter of this year.
The incumbent president is Mel Sankies with Brian Hackett serving as Vice President and Treasurer.
The Secretary is Ronald Bulkan while other members of the committee are Gavin Todd, Mike  Mangal, Ian Gouveia and Troy Peters.