The Mainamati Golf and Country Club (MGCC) is located in the background of Lalmai Hills within Cumilla Cantonment, which is about 83km to the south-east of Dhaka along the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. It is famous for its lush green fairways stretching within the folds of the Lalmai Hills with luxuriant vegetations and captivating landscapes.
MGCC came into being in 1992 as a nine-hole course under direct supervision of Major General Syed Badruzzaman, awc, psc, G+. In July 2003, an extension plan was made to make the course a full 18-hole one under direct supervision of Major General (Now Lt Gen, Retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury, psc and inaugurated as 18-hole course on 24 September 2004.
Major General Md Jahangir Harun, the current president of MGCC and GOC of 33 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Cumilla, conducts the golf club with direct supervision and care. A golfer for two decades, the president is determined to turn this golf course into one of the best in the region. Here he talks about various aspects of the club and its development activities in detail in an interview with TheGolfHouse.
Q&A
Golf, like most other sports around the globe, came to a halt due to the pandemic. So what are the current activities of the MGCC as golfing activities have started again?
We have conducted nine major and 14 minor golf tournaments this year.
What are the specialties of MGCC that you think attract golfers?
There are enormous golfing and other facilities in MGCC and everyday some improvements are being made. Any golfer/visitor may avail facilities here, which include 1. Golfing round the year 2. Modern club house, golf trolley & golf sets 3. Golf cart 4. VIP suite 5. Chandrokutir guest room 6. Lalmai guest room 7. Restaurant 8. Large conference hall 9. Waiting room 10. Rest area 11. Pro shop 12. Small zoo 13. Car parking
What is the status of membership in this club?
Appointment holders and Executive Committee Members of MGCC encourage and pursue military officers and civilians for the membership of MGCC to make the club vibrant. This year 74 membership has been completed and 21 more membership is under process.
What are your plans for the future development and how you intend to develop more facilities at the club?
The MGCC has a perspective plan, which includes: a. Training of ground staff, b. Training of caddies and ball boys on rules, c. Development of fairway, d. Improvement of drainage system of the course, e. Efficiency test for caddies and ball boys carryout every month, f. Caddies/ ball boys attending various tournaments conducted by BGF, g. A welfare fund for caddies/ ball boys and staff as and when required, h. Construction/renovation of six ladies wash room and a prayer room, i. Renovation and development work of lalmai rest house, j. Preparing an entrance gate.
How much progress do you think Bangladesh has made in the golfing arena?
Now a days, people are much more interested in golf. Our pro golfers are bringing name and fame for our clubs as well as our country.
How did you get introduced to golf? Tell us about your first golfing experience and your memory in other clubs.
I was posted to Ninth Headquarter Infantry Division in 2001 and had participation in golf as compulsion. Since then I’ve been involved with golf.
Were you interested in other sports before taking up golf?
When I was a junior officer, I used to play all sorts of sports regularly. I still play other sports apart from golf.
How do you manage time for the game despite your busy schedule?
Golf is my passion. I used to play golf in the afternoon. I usually play nine-hole. Since 18 holes are ready now, I sometime play 18 holes too.
What is it about this game that attracts you most?
Many things in one, like physical fitness, mental tranquility, social interaction and maintaining a congenial relation with people of versatile professions.
Most memorable experience in golf?
Winning the President Cup Trophy from KGC in Apr 2019.
There is a negative tendency prevalent among a large part of the young generation in that they become too much addicted to social media. Don’t you think golf can play a role of a savior in that regard?
Playing golf is a medication. Young generation can remain away from social media if they play golf. Because, they will think of how to improve their game in their leisure time rather than wasting time on social media.
Is there any an activity or program for building future golfers here?
For better performance and building future golfers of MGCC, we regularly send coaches to BGF/ BGA for learning rules and etiquette of golf. Coaches teach the new golfers with sincerity and devotion. Besides, we arrange tournament for caddies /ball boys in regular interval.
Do you have any message for golfers?
Yes I have. We all know golf is a very effective game for physical fitness. But it can also keep all mental agonies away. One who wants to play golf should learn the fundamentals of the game.
Article Link: President’s Plans for Mainamati | TheGolfHouse