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STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
The great game of golf has truly reached the Royal Nepal Golf Club, and could become the first
corners of the world, and in a land known for its female professional golfer from Nepal. The inspiring
trekking with eight of the 10 highest peaks in the documentary got the attention of many notables,
GOLF COACHING IN NEPAL world, the game of golf is flourishing in Nepal. including Tiger Woods, who spent time with her
The history of golf in Nepal goes back to sharing his knowledge of the game.Pratima is now
1917, when the first golf course was established being supported by an American family and is
in Gaucharan when a delegation of ministers attending college in the U.S., playing on the golf
returned to Nepal with golf clubs after a trip to team.
Scotland. During that time, golf was limited to Like most countries, Nepal has no organized
the royals and dignitaries. Later, the country training or certification program to become a
established multiple golf courses, including professional golf instructor or coach, so I went to
the Royal Nepal Golf Course, Army Golf Club, the U.S. to gain WGTF certification and am the
Nirvana Country Club and the Yeti Golf Club. The only certified golf coach in Nepal. However, Nepal
Gokarna Forest Resort, just outside Kathmandu, is does have a professional golf tour where I sit on
regarded as one of south Asia’s finest courses. The the committee.
resort offers golf and spa packages and various My dream is to have a golf academy in Nepal
activities. For the more adventurous golfer, the which would provide underprivileged children their
Himalayan Golf Club in Pokhara is considered by own space where they can learn and practice.
golf connoisseurs to be one of the most unique Kathmandu has a growing street-children
golf experiences on the planet, with three of the population, and I believe the game of golf offers a
highest peaks in the world overlooking the course. pathway to a better life. Although it’s a big dream,
I started working as a greenskeeper in 1988 it’s not impossible.
and then became what is known as a ball boy, One of the biggest
then a caddie. Earning the privilege of playing, challenges has been
I became an accomplished amateur player, getting training aids
turning professional in 1999. I became a full-time and equipment for my
instructor in 2004 and was appointed as the students. Nepal is one
national golf coach in 2010. of two Asian countries
It’s important to me to continually invest in that rank among the
personal education, so I have taken trips to the world’s poorest, and
U.S. and Australia to learn more about teaching a private lesson fee is
golf and growing the game. I am now the club only $8, which makes
professional at the Royal Nepal Golf Club, which attaining teaching aids and equipment somewhat
supports my passion for growing the game. restrictive.
We offer a free weekly junior program for I invite all WGTF members to connect with me
underprivileged children that attracts hundreds of on my Facebook page, and I would love to hear
boys and girls. One of our star students is Pratima from my fellow golf coaches around the world.
Sherpa, who has received worldwide attention If you happen to be planning a holiday in Nepal
due to an ESPN documentary about her life, or a trip to Base Camp, include a golf adventure
called “A Mountain to Climb.” Pratima was born in your travel plans and we can also meet up in
and raised in the golf maintenance shed at the person.
®
Sharing Our Passion Around The World!”
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SUMMER 2020 Golf Teaching Pro
