Igniting the Passion: Tura’s ‘Learn to Golf’ Camp Marks a Milestone for the Sport in Garo Hills
Tura, Meghalaya – A four-day “Learn to Golf” camp has delivered a powerful boost to the sport in the Garo Hills, drawing children as young as seven, enthusiastic youth, and senior citizens to the Durama Golf Course inside the BSF 200 Battalion campus in Danakgre. Organised by the Tura Golfers Association (TGA) and led by NGAI-certified coach Johnwell G. Momin, the initiative introduced around 20 aspiring golfers to the fundamentals of the game and wrapped up with a skills competition that showcased their rapid progress.
The camp comes at a time when golf is steadily gaining ground beyond its traditional strongholds in the Khasi Hills. While Shillong boasts historic courses like the century-old Shillong Golf Course—often called the “Glen Eagle of the East”—the Garo Hills have long had limited access. The Durama Golf Course, a compact 9-hole facility that also serves as the region’s primary driving range, provided the perfect setting for this grassroots push. With support from the BSF, which generously made the venue available, the camp proved that quality training can happen even with modest infrastructure.
A Focused Four Days of Learning and Growth
Participants braved inclement weather to attend intensive daily sessions covering the core elements of golf: grip, stance, posture, swing mechanics, putting, chipping, and basic rules and etiquette. The structured curriculum was designed for complete beginners, ensuring that everyone—from first-timers to those with casual exposure—built a solid foundation.
The camp concluded with a skills competition where participants demonstrated what they had learned. Certificates were distributed during a closing ceremony attended by BSF 200 Battalion Commandant Vinod Yadav, TGA President Billykid A. Sangma, Secretary Dr Debajit Rudra Sangma, parents, and guests. The event created a festive yet focused atmosphere that celebrated effort as much as achievement.
TGA leaders described the turnout and engagement as highly encouraging. President Billykid A. Sangma noted the tremendous talent and interest shown by participants, expressing hope that this marks the beginning of sustained growth and that many will go on to bring laurels to Meghalaya and the Garo Hills.
The Driving Force: Coach Johnwell G. Momin
At the heart of the camp was Johnwell G. Momin, a professional golfer from Tura and one of Meghalaya’s pioneering NGAI-certified coaches. Momin has represented the state at the National Games and has been actively working to develop golf in his home region. His certification from the National Golf Academy of India positions him as a key resource for structured coaching in an area where such expertise has been scarce.
Reflecting on the camp, Momin said the participants “picked up the basics remarkably well in just four days.” He emphasised that with regular coaching and consistent practice, many have genuine potential to compete at state and even national levels. Momin also highlighted a positive trend: golf equipment is becoming more accessible and affordable, with options now available through retailers like Decathlon and other budget-friendly brands. This shift is helping remove one of the traditional barriers that kept the sport out of reach for many families in the region.
Voices from the Fairway
The camp’s impact was deeply personal for participants. Damuda D. Sangma, one of the adult learners, shared her excitement about continuing to practice and one day competing outside the state. A fan of Tiger Woods, she credited the camp with motivating her to take the sport seriously. Another participant, Kruzie R. Marak, noted that the programme gave first-time learners a real opportunity to understand and experience golf hands-on—something that had previously felt distant or exclusive.
Parents particularly welcomed the initiative. Many viewed golf as an elite or expensive pursuit and were pleased to see their children exposed to it in a supportive, local environment. The inclusive approach—welcoming children, youth, and seniors together—created a multi-generational learning space that fostered encouragement across age groups.
Why This Matters for Garo Hills and Meghalaya
Golf’s growth in the Garo Hills carries broader significance. Beyond individual skill development, the sport builds discipline, focus, patience, and strategic thinking—qualities valuable in academics, careers, and daily life. For children and youth, it offers a constructive outlet and a potential pathway into competitive sports. For seniors, it provides low-impact physical activity, mental stimulation, and social connection.
The camp also aligns with wider efforts by the Meghalaya Golf Promoters’ Society (MGPS), of which TGA is an affiliated member. MGPS has long promoted junior golf, organised state-level events, and supported representation at national platforms. Durama Golf Course itself has hosted major events, including the golf discipline of the 5th Meghalaya Games in January 2024. These milestones show that the region is ready to move from occasional events to consistent development programmes.
Improved affordability is another game-changer. As equipment costs come down and local coaching becomes available, more families can consider golf without it feeling like an impossible luxury. This democratisation of the sport is essential for building a sustainable player base in Garo Hills.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. Durama Golf Course is currently the only dedicated golf facility and driving range in the Garo Hills. Expanding access will require additional infrastructure, more regular coaching programmes, and possibly the development of new practice areas or junior academies. Equipment availability, while improving, still needs local support systems such as fitting sessions or rental options.
TGA and coach Momin are optimistic. The success of this camp is expected to inspire follow-up initiatives—more frequent clinics, junior development pathways, and eventually local tournaments that can feed into state and national competitions. Organisers hope to create a clear progression route: from beginner camps like this one to competitive play at the Meghalaya Games and beyond.
The involvement of the BSF and local leadership signals strong community backing. When institutions, coaches, parents, and aspiring players come together, the foundation for long-term growth becomes much stronger.
A Spark That Could Light a Bigger Fire
The four-day “Learn to Golf” camp in Tura was more than just an introductory programme—it was a statement of intent. It showed that Garo Hills has the people, the passion, and the potential to build a vibrant golfing culture. By bringing together children discovering the game for the first time, youth chasing new dreams, and seniors embracing a healthy new pursuit, the initiative created something special: a shared sense of possibility.
As participants walked away with certificates, new skills, and renewed motivation, one thing became clear—golf in the Garo Hills is no longer on the fringes. Thanks to the vision of the Tura Golfers Association, the expertise of coach Johnwell G. Momin, and the support of the BSF, a new chapter has begun.
With continued effort, regular practice, and community support, today’s beginners could become tomorrow’s state and national representatives. The fairways of Durama have seen the first serious steps. The future of golf in Garo Hills looks brighter than ever.
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