JAMAICA
GOLF ASSOCIATION...the beginning
In June 1925, Captain C. B. Boak
known back then as the first golfer on the island, took a significant step
forward for golf in Jamaica by sending out a letter to the secretaries of all
the golf clubs appealing for their help to bring the sport to a level that
would stabilize its advancement in the country.
He proposed to form a Golf
Union or Association that would have the legal authority to rule the clubs and
settle any disputes that might arise. Golf in those times, was
administered by the Jamaica Lawn Tennis Association.
"The object of
this scheme, in my view, is to induce more interest in golf in Jamaica and to
raise the standard of play by improving local courses. Golf is
growing in popularity every day throughout the world. Why should
Jamaica lag behind?" was Captain Boak's comment when questioned about his
bold idea.
On June 24, 1925 golfers
representing all the clubs met at the South Camp Road Hotel for the specific
purpose of forming a Golf Union. With all the secretaries in
agreement and with the representative from the Tourist Trade Development Board,
Mr Philip Olley, lauding the scheme as "something that would suit admirably
the sort of people who came to the island to rest", there was a unanimous
vote in favour of the Golf Union and the next official meeting was set for July
29th at 3:30 p.m. at the Hotel.
On that date, which marked
the second meeting of the Association, Officers and committee members were
elected.
The
first Jamaica Golf Association Officers and Committee Members were as
follow: PRESIDENT - Dr. G.C. Strathairn from Constant Spring
HONORARY SECRETARY & TREASURER - Captain Boak COMMITTEE MEMBERS - John
Findlay - Constant Spring, Thomas Kemp, Lee Wright - Mandeville Club, Captain
P.M. Cooper, Inspector W.P.C. Adam - Montego Bay Club and Claude Roper, H.V.
Alexander - Moneague Club.
The PRESENT.......
Today the
Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) is a non-profit organization comprised of
individual golfing members and golf clubs in Jamaica. The Constitution provides
for an annually elected Executive Committee comprised of a President, Vice
President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Ladies Chairperson and Five Committee
Members. The Executive Committee meets monthly to set policy, develop plans and
generally administer the affairs of the Association. Day to day operations are
carried out by a Secretariat staffed by an Administrative Assistant and a Public
Relations Officer.
The Jamaica
Golf Association is the recognized governing body for amateur golf in Jamaica
and as such, is affiliated to the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews,
Scotland (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The R&A
and the USGA jointly represent the world governing body for golf and are
responsible for the rules of the game. The JGA is also a member of the Caribbean
Golf Association, along with nine (9) regional national associations. The CGA
has a membership of Eight to Ten Thousand (8,000-10,000) individuals throughout
the Caribbean.
Individual
membership runs generally around Seven Hundred & Fifty (750) amateur golfers
and some nine (11) member clubs. The Association's functions embrace many areas
including organizing and staging some 12 to 15 tournaments per year, many of
which are used for qualifying players seeking selection to national teams. Other
areas overseen by sub-committees include Junior Golf, Ladies Golf, Finance and
Sponsorship, Development and Training, Caribbean Golf Association events, Member
Services, Constitution/Rules/Discipline, and Public Relations.
The
Association faces many challenges as we approach the new millennium, not least
of which is encouraging increased participation in the sport by the broader
population. Throughout the world, golf has seen tremendous growth in the past
twenty-five (25) years, with immense interest and dedication shown by women, the
youth and minorities in the last 5-10 years, particularly. Not surprising,
therefore, the JGA is working diligently in association with other development
organizations to establish a National Golf Academy and a Public Driving Range in
Kingston, which will allow easy access to the game for everyone. The dogma of
elitism and sport for the rich and elderly is steadily disappearing from the
game in many countries and, Jamaica, we believe is not far behind. Already, we
see many young people from pre-teen to late teens taking up the game and it may
only be a matter of time before one of our young golfers emerges on the world
scene.
The Jamaica
Golf Association is therefore very keen on taking the sport to the people as the
benefits are many and significant for developing a better society. Golf as a
recreation, teaches discipline, honesty, integrity and the virtues of dedication
and hard work for success. As an attraction for tourists, the potential is
enormous as facilities worldwide are inadequate to service the rapidly
accelerating demand. We have the basic ingredients for becoming an excellent
golfing destination, but we need to recognize the potential to appreciate the
economic benefits that can accrue to Jamaica.
The Jamaica
Golf Association intends to be in the forefront of the drive to develop the game
of golf for a better Jamaica.
