SHILLONG: In its bid to prepare the Shillong Golf Course for the National Games 2022, the State Government has decided to re-develop the course with alternative recreation park for the people who misuse the course for recreational activities.
Health and Family Welfare Minister and golfer from Meghalaya, A L Hek after a meeting with Forest Department , PWD and Board of Directors of the Shillong Club on Monday said that it would be imperative for the Government to create an alternate recreation park for the people to protect the course.
“ Right now people are playing football, cricket and jumping around there and so we have to give people an option for recreational activities so that the Golf Course can be protected,” Hek said.
In addition, discussions were also held on diverting the crisscrossing of the roads in the vicinity of the course.
According to Hek, Government has already decided to re-align the particular road and an alternative road would be provided for the commuters to use. The PWD has also conducted the survey for the proposed new road.
Meanwhile, the front portion of the Golf Course will also be developed.
Right now, there is no restriction on anyone entering the golf course and people are seen playing and picnicking besides the place is also a favourite destination for many couples.
Shillong Golf Course, prides in being one of the oldest, largest and finest natural golf circuits across the world. Owing to its greenery and scenic beauty, the United States Golf Association and Museum has given it the title of ‘Gleneagle of the East’.
In the year 1898, it was established as a 9-hole golf course at an altitude of 5200 feet. Captain Jackson and C.K. Rhodes converted it to an 18-hole course in 1924, and since then, it has been a favourite haunt of golf aficionados