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A NEW ERA IN GOLF
After several years of trying
to overcome challenges associated with establishing and maintaining a Schools’
programme, the Jamaica Golf Association took a major step forward with the launch of the
National Schools Programme for Inner City schools in mid February. The
lack of an accessible learning facility, funding, golf course availability and
the challenge of building interest on the part of the schools were all major
drawbacks to a successful programme.
The year 2003 signaled a new
era of golf development in Jamaica with the construction of the Cable and
Wireless National Golf Academy by the Urban Development Corporation with
substantial financial contribution from Cable & Wireless Jamaica Ltd and the
Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A). The Academy was officially
opened in November of that year by Minister, the Hon. Portia Simpson Miller.
The Academy serves many functions but one of its’ primary objectives was to
assist with shedding of the stigma of the game as an elitist sport while
attracting new aspirants to the game.
The sport received an even
bigger boost in August of 2004 when Jamaica was selected to host a Tiger Woods
“In the City Clinic & Festival†| |