Team Herald
PANJIM: A former sports administrator, now retired in Goa, has suggested golf as an avenue to win medals at the Olympics. In order to achieve this, it would mean the setting up of a golf course in the State.
Roque Dias, former ED, SAI and Dy. Director General, CWG, 2010, who was responsible for the Central Golf Project in Delhi said, “Golf is an Olympic discipline and there are six medals to win at the Olympics.”
To promote the sport in Goa, he added, “We require at least one golf course and for a start, we must have at least one 18-hole course and driving range – for which an area of over 120 acres is required for hosting an international championship, so as to promote Goan golfers.”
Dias pointed out to the spin-offs in terms of attracting tourists both domestic as well as international.
“There would added benefits for grassroots training and golf for leisure and elderly persons as well as enormous employment for Goans,” Dias explained.
Golf courses usually have a club and restaurant or cafe facilities. The golf course can be developed under BOT (Built, Operate & Transfer), he suggested.
Dias felt the Goan golf enthusiast ought to come forward to form a Goa Golf Association and register it with the State Government.
Then, subsequently it could be converted into a Goa Golf Gymkhana. Further, they can press for a requisite place with the support of the apex body – the Indian Golf Union and, in collaboration with the State Government, could push for an 18-hole facility which includes water bodies, hard structures and out-of-play areas.
Dias expressed hope that the corporate sector including big hotels should come forward to support the discipline.
He pointed out that the Delhi Golf Club employed 560 staff for the smooth running of the club and Goa could generate similar employment.
Anil Madgaokar, a former sportsman and administrator, feels it was a very interesting idea but he expects objections to be raised by people.
He said “There have been similar proposals in the past but due to objections, they died down. For instance, who will provide land? Also, the requirement of water is huge. There are parts of Goa which still do not receive 24-hour water supply a day. I feel the idea is good but not practical.”
Golf, however, remains hugely popular the world over. The path to an Olympic gold medal may not be smooth but dealing with challenges is part of sport.
