Johnwell G Momin has become one of the first few certified golf coaches from Meghalaya after achieving his C certification from the National Golf Academy of India (NGAI) last month.
The course was held at the Poona Golf Club from May 12 to 17. Momin scored 22 out of 30 in the practical exam and 54 out of 70 in the theory exam.
To achieve his certification Momin had to expand his knowledge of the sport, on everything from golf ball movement, the 14 principles of pre-swing and inswing and numerous laws of the game.
“Knowledge is endless and I’m looking forward to acquiring more,” he said, adding that his plans for the future include having his own school and to introduce golf in schools.
Golf, however, is an expensive sport in terms of equipment and other necessities. As a husband and father, Momin has to balance the demands of golf with that of providing for his family.
He had a long list of people he thanked for helping him achieve his C certification, especially God, his wife and daughter, parents and other family members. He also dedicated his achievement to the late Chesrang A Sangma, aka Changchang, a great lover of sport who passed away earlier this year.
Momin also thanked Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, his brother and former MLA James PK Sangma, MLA and golf fan Alexander Laloo Hek, Tura MP Saleng A Sangma and former minister Billykid A Sangma, who Momin described as a father figure. He also did not forget to thank Dr Debajit Rudra Sangma, the Tura Golfers Association and Hector Marwein, the Director in charge of the Shillong Golf Course.
Momin paid special tribute to Marwein for “showing his seriousness in promoting golf in Meghalaya.” Under his guidance, a free coaching camp by the NGAI was held in Shillong and Marwein also encouraged Momin to hold free coaching classes for local residents. Caddies, comprising local students from nearby villages, have been promoted by the Shillong Golf Course and this is helping them earn some income for themselves, Momin added.
