| Golfing Potentials
Already with so much at stake for tourists in the Himalayan kingdom the addition of at least half a dozen full-fledged golf resorts in selected parts of the country would certainly boost our sagging tourism industry. Need to build Golf resorts. Commentary by Sushil Thapa.
In sharp contrast to its high profile and immense international popularity, golf is one of the lesser-known sports in Nepal. Played by a relatively small segment of the society the game has struggled to sustain to this day thanks largely to Royal Nepal Golf Club (RNGC) initiatives. Unlike other sports it has yet to win the imagination of sports enthusiasts. RNGC has struggled to keep golf tradition alive mainly because of its members endeavor and sponsors support. Sans them the sport would have ceased to exist long back.
The game of putting, chipping, strokes, birdies, bogies and eagles teed off at the RNGC course in what used to be a grazing strip for cattle about 50 years ago. Through painstaking efforts it was later converted into an intriguing 9-hole course. Since then the club has been organizing umpteen tournaments including Surya Open. Despite a fairly long history the sport remains in a sorry state of affairs. Development wise we have a mountain to climb. The truth is that we lack funds, resources and infrastructures to develop the game as desired.
Golf in Nepal is confined to an exclusive class comprising foreign diplomats, expatriates and a handful of locals who are engaged in local tournaments held throughout the year. The notion that golf is a game of the rich still prevails in the society. Not surprisingly local interest for the game is disappointingly close to zero. Of course golf is prohibitively expensive in our context and not in the reach of ordinary people.
Over the years, however, we have witnessed a spurt of activities, bringing optimism and cheers to golf lovers in the country. The number of youngsters taking to golf has increased two-folds. Also a handful of excellent local talents have surfaced and made their mark. Once in a while our golfers participate in international tournaments. Despite limited international exposure their showing have been excellent and note worthy.
Speaking of sponsors, tobacco giant Surya name tops the list. Their support to golf has been of epic proportion, which includes Surya Open, the only international championship of its kind in the country. Their sponsorship of the competition every year speaks volumes of their commitment to golf. The opening of the first international standard 18-hole course at the picturesque Gokarna resort against a breath taking backdrop three years ago can be considered a very important breakthrough.
The course is now home to Surya Open and several local tourneys. Although nothing significant has happened, it's a matter of time when things start unfolding. The wait to see a major international tournament (bigger than Surya Open) with house hold names will not be too long. For sure Gokarna golf resort has opened the gates to the international golfing community.
At a time when golf is a rage internationally we cannot overlook its commercial value. As a matter of fact golf industry is thriving and booming as evidenced by the mushrooming of golf resorts worldwide. Considering our dependency on tourism industry the nation can hugely benefit monetarily should the government prioritize the development of golf to the hilt. Given the right priorities, conducive environment, coupled with effective and professional management surely Nepal can be transformed into a new golfing destination.
Already with so much at stake for tourists in the Himalayan kingdom the addition of at least half a dozen full-fledged golf resorts in selected parts of the country would certainly boost our sagging tourism industry. To add, it will provide local golfers a much-needed shot in the arm also.
Such intense is the passion for golf in the West that people are exploring places where they can simultaneously enjoy their holidays and play golf. They do not mind flying from one continent to another long as they get what they want for a competitive price.
There are very few places in the world similar to Nepal where holidaymakers can enjoy their moments full to the brim. To lure more tourists in order to curb our dipping economy it is imperative that the government seriously views development of golf resorts.
Sushil Thapa is a regular contributor of Newslook.