SHILLONG: In its bid to prepare the Shillong Golf Course for the National Games 2022, the state government has decided to redevelop the course with an alternative recreational park for people who misuse the venue for recreational activities.
Health Minister and a golfer from Meghalaya, AL Hek, after a meeting with the 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 recreational park for the people to prevent degradation of the venue.
“Right now people are playing football, cricket and using it for various recreational activities. Therefore, we have to give them an option for that 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, the government has already decided to realign the particular road and an alternative one would be provided for the commuters to use. The PWD has also conducted a survey for the proposed 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 itself 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 5,200 feet. Captain Jackson and CK Rhodes converted it to an 18-hole course in 1924, and since then, it has been a favourite haunt of golf aficionados.