Lusignan Golf Club prepares for busy season of growth and competition

The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is gearing up for an exciting period of tournaments and development, according to the club’s president, Anasha Ally.

In an interview, Ally shared the challenges and rewards she has experienced since taking on the role and provided a detailed overview of the club’s upcoming activities, including the highly anticipated Brava Guyana Open Golf Tournament 2024.

Reflecting on the first few months

Ally characterised her early months as club president as both challenging and rewarding.

While balancing the responsibilities of leading the club has been challenging, she is optimistic about the progress made and the promise of what lies ahead.

“It’s been a huge pain at times, but with the support of everyone it has been rewarding, encouraging, and promising,” she noted.

This sense of optimism is reflected in her leadership, as she works to ensure the club is prepared for its next major event- the Brava Guyana Open.

Aside from that, the club is gearing up for the Trophy Stall tournament this Saturday and the Citizens Bank Golf Tournament in November.

Vision

As it relates to the vision of the club, Ally revealed that there have been fruitful discussions for the long-term development of the club.

She stated that a preliminary presentation would be prepared and presented to a smaller committee.

She shared that in the coming weeks, the vision will be rolled out.

Brava Guyana Open 2024

Scheduled for November 2–3, 2024, the Brava Guyana Open Golf Tournament is set to be one of the most significant events on the club’s calendar.

Ally confirmed that discussions with Brava have concluded, and preparations for the tournament are well underway.

In a bid to ensure the tournament runs smoothly, she has reached out to club members for their time and energy, emphasising the importance of early registration.

“We encourage early registration, with a deadline of October 19, 2024,” Ally said, adding that the tournament is expected to attract between 80 and 90 participants.

The president’s call for engagement reflects her desire to make this year’s tournament the best yet, building on the momentum the club has gained in recent months.

Ground Preparations and Course Management

Preparing the golf course for the Guyana Open has been no easy task. Ally acknowledged the efforts of Grounds Superintendent Deno Bissesar, along with the ground staff, including members like Pandit Ravi and Patanjilee Persaud, for their ongoing dedication.

Maintaining the course in optimal condition has proven difficult, as when she came into her role, some parts of the course were waterlogged, muddy, and overgrown with bushes.

While the conditions have improved sufficiently, the club is now dealing with a drought, which requires pumping water to irrigate the course.

Nevertheless, Ally expressed her gratitude to those involved.

“Working to get this course in good shape is sometimes harder than pulling teeth, but I think we can all agree it’s becoming a realisation,” she remarked.

Ally also took the opportunity to thank everyone who played a vital role in keeping the club functioning smoothly.

“Our clubhouse staff, committee members, ground staff, and the many members who contribute their time and energy all deserve a heartfelt thank you. It’s through their dedication and hard work that the club is where it is today,” she said.

The learning curve for Ally has been steep, with new insights into the technical aspects of course maintenance, such as the use of tractors, slashers, and mowers, as well as dealing with mole crickets.

However, she remains committed to the task at hand, with more members being recruited to help complete various course-clearing tasks in the coming weeks.

Post-Guyana Open activities

The excitement doesn’t end with the Guyana Open. Following the tournament, MACORP will host its traditional event, followed by another tournament sponsored by a long-time friend of the club, Feroze Barakat.

Additionally, the annual Christmas Hamper event is already in the planning stages, promising a festive close to the year.

Balancing Leadership and Expectations

In closing, Ally candidly reflected on the realities of managing the club, noting the challenges of addressing the diverse wishes of its members.

“It’s physically impossible to fulfill the wishes of all that I/we hear on a daily, hourly, or weekly basis,” she said, acknowledging that this can sometimes lead to unsavory experiences.

However, she remains undeterred, emphasising the importance of community and collaboration in making Lusignan a “home away from home” for its members.

As Lusignan Golf Club prepares for a busy few months, Ally’s leadership and vision are clear.

Through a combination of dedicated ground preparation, member engagement and long-term planning, she aims to steer the club towards a successful season and a bright future.