PANAJI
Former executive director of Sports Authority of India, Roque Dias has suggested that the State government should promote golf and bring in the infrastructure for the sport to produce Olympic-level players in Goa.
"Golf is an Olympic discipline and there are six medals to win at Olympics. In Goa, we require at least one golf course," said Dias, who was deputy director general, Commonwealth Games 2010 and handled the Central Golf Project in Delhi.
"For a start, we require at least one 18-hole golf course and driving range “ for which an area of over 120 acres is required, for hosting an international golf championship, so as to promote Goan golfers and even to attract domestic as well as international tourists, besides grassroots training and golf for leisure of elderly persons and enormous employment for Goans," Dias stated.
"Interestingly, golf courses usually have a golf club and restaurant or cafe facilities. The golf course can be developed under BOT (Build, Operate & Transfer). The Goan golf enthusiasts ought to come forward to form a Goa golf association and register with the State government, and then subsequently convert into Goa golf gymkhana. Further, they can demand for a requisite place with the support of apex body - Indian Golf Union and in collaboration with the State govt for an 18-hole golf facility, which includes bodies of water, hard structures and out-of-play areas.
"Interestingly, Delhi Golf Club employs 560 staff for the smooth running of the club and Goa can generate similar employment," Dias said.
