By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Impressed with the change brought about by the Eastern Air Command in the two holes and related fairways of the Shillong Golf course, the Shillong Golf Club (SGC) is contemplating to hand over other holes and fairways to the para-military forces and business houses of the city.
The Shillong Golf course, which is often termed as a ‘gold mine’ for its scenic beauty, faces onslaught from scores of visitors for various non-golfing activities.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, the Shillong Golf Association (SGA) president, AL Hek said that the different forces and business houses in the city can be roped in to maintain the holes and fairways of the golf course.
“The talks are going on with business houses and other forces for the maintenance of other holes and fairways,” Hek said
The Air Force initiative of adopting and maintaining the Greens (hole No. 8 and 9) and the related fairways has been appreciated by one and all as a large improvement has been noticed after the development.
According to Hek, despite a separate ground (RB Lyngdoh Memorial Ground) in place for the youth to play football/cricket, some still use the golf course for the purpose. The SGA president also wanted picnickers to keep away from the golging arena.
“People can go to the public park for their picnic activities,” Hek said.
Meanwhile, as a part of the Shillong Autumn Festival, the SGA will organize the Shillong Golf Autumn festival from November 12-13.
Golfers from Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh besides the Indian golfers from Bangalore, Kolkata , Gujarat and Assam are likely to participate.
“We are expecting around 200 golfers to participate in the event being held to promote tourism in the State,” said an SGA official.
The Shillong Golf Course has hosted players like Lota Singh and Firoz Ali who exhibited their golfing prowess in the picturesque course.