Press releases

MINSK, 15 March (BelTA) – The Belarusian Golf Association and the Republic of South Africa are expected to sign an agreement on cooperation. The relevant agreement was reached during the meeting of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to the Republic of South Africa Andrei Molchan with Director Executive of the South African Golf Association Bruce Young on 15 March, BelTA learnt from the Belarusian diplomatic mission.

“The parties exchanged information on golf development in both the countries. The South African side expressed readiness to assist the Belarusian Golf Association in further development of the sport in the country, share its best practices, organize joint events and partake in training Belarusian athletes and coaches,” representatives of the embassy stressed.

Golf was first played on the territory of the present Republic of South Africa in the early 16th century. The South African Golf Association is one of the world’s oldest organizations and acquired its present look in 1910. The Association includes more than 120,000 members. Golf players from South Africa are ranked high in the world.

Decree No. 56 on the construction of a golf center in Minsk District, signed on 29 January 2007, is considered a starting point for golf development in Belarus. The decree determined the need to create conditions for hosting sport international competitions, provide opportunities to people of any age to play golf, and construct a sport and tourism golf center in Minsk District. The center will include a golf course of the international standard, a golf training center, hotel and sport complexes, a housing settlement, engineering and transport infrastructure.

The Belarusian Golf Association has developed a comprehensive golf and mini-golf development program through 2020. Vladimir Drazhin is Chairman of the Association.