Ayer Keroh Country Club to boost Sports Tourism

AKCC set to boost sports tourism
By PERCY D'CRUZ

MALACCA: The Ayer Keroh Country Club Berhad (AKCCB), on the golfing scene since 1966, is all bent on further enhancing and consolidating sports tourism efforts in the state from the New Year onwards.

This prospect was brought into focus by AKCCB chairman Datuk Wira Ahmad Hamzah in his closing address at the just concluded threeday Malacca Amateur Open Men and Ladies Golf Championships played at the AKCC course.

According to Ahmad, the general view held is that the game on the domestic front has made significant strides in consolidating its base with a growing number of premier golf clubs established.

There is also an increase of new players taking up the game seriously and entering competitions.

In an interview, Ahmad, a 12 handicapper and a regular at AKCC competitions said: “The undertaking of renovations and refurbishments of facilities within clubs, upgrading of courses and greens along with the emphasis of junior golf development and promotion will be core projects throughout the new year.”

For AKCC, there are also plans in the pipeline for building budget accommodation facilities within the club's acreage.

“With the club and course set in the midst of virgin jungle terrain, this is a plus point for golfers, particularly those from overseas who not only come there to play the game but come along with their families to experience the greenery and nature in general.

“All this adds to our state's tourism sector earnings as well,” he added.
He said that AKCC was the only local club running coaching and training sessions for some 70 juniors where supervision is undertaken by two professional coaches.

“ Come next year, we shall be extending the programme to the other clubs in the state, and hopefully, an even larger base of potential for further grooming can be developed.

“ Efforts are also underway to initiate a junior ladies golf academy. Several sponsors and the national women's golf association have expressed keenness in this venture and are willing to offer their respective expertise and experience,” he said.

Ahmad disclosed that a few more open competitions would be included on the club's 2007 golfing calendar.

Source : STAR
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