MGA and UUM enter into golf partnership

THE Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) have joined forces to set up the National Golf Academy (NGA).

A signing ceremony was held in Kuala Lumpur recently to announce the partnership between UUM and MGA. UUM was represented vice chancellor Datuk Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak while MGA had its president Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor on hand.

Dr Mohamed said their vision was the place the NGA as the best golf management organisation in the international arena.

“Many of our golfers don’t have an avenue to continue their education after the SPM. The NGA will create opportunities for them to be in the golfing industry after their playing career. There are many similar academies in Australia, Europe and the US.

The signing of the MOU between the national golf association and UUM.

“Golf is a lucrative industry with job opportunities in administration as well as other golf related activities,’’ said Dr Mohamed.

The Higher Education Ministry has also recognised UUM as a centre for golf and provided a grant of RM1mil. UUM has already initiated golf related programmes. The UUM will offer academic programme at certificate, diploma, degree, masters and PhD golf management and other related areas.

Mohd Anwar said they were pleased to be associated with UUM in the NGA.

“We strongly believe our young golfers, who are students, will benefit from this partnership. We are looking at grooming thinking golfers with education,’’ said Mohd Anwar.

The UUM three year degree programme has Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours; Bachelor of Tourism with Honours and Bachelor of Communication with Honours (golf management). The certificate programmes are in course marshalling, coaching, golf club management, golf rules and etiquette and golf event management.

In future, the UUM have plans to offer MBA, post graduate diploma, executive diploma and diploma in golf management.

Dr Mohamed said the golf course in UUM would provide the facilities to realise their vision.

“We have a excellent golf course. The students will be given the chance to practice there as well. We also have plans to organise competitions. The students will be representing UUM in competitions.

“We want to position the NGA as the recognised academic and training institution for golf management internationally and also groom professional golfers,’’ said he.

The NGA will portray UUM as a model university to introduce the latest practices through its co-curriculum preparation and golf management training.

Qouted From The Star Online

Sunday February 12, 2012