NEWS FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

By Anthony Benny

In Trinidad and Tobago today, we are facing a serious problem with crime, and sadly this issue is even affecting our young people in schools. Because of this, we must stop and ask ourselves what we are doing to guide the next generation in the right direction. As a golf instructor, I know firsthand what the game of golf and the discipline of sports can do for a young person’s life, because it helped shape my own.

Over the years, the number of young people playing golf in Trinidad and Tobago has declined. There was a time when selecting a junior team was difficult because there were so many talented players to choose from. Today, the situation is very different, and we see fewer young people involved in the sport. This is why it is more important than ever to bring golf back into the lives of our youth.

In the past, school golf programs produced some of the country’s finest players. Those programs not only developed skill, but also built character, discipline, and respect. I strongly believe that reintroducing golf in schools is one of the best ways to help young people stay focused and choose a positive path.

At present, I am teaching golf at three schools, and the results have been very encouraging. The students are learning not only how to play the game, but also how to carry themselves with pride, respect others, and work hard to improve. My goal has never been only to teach golf, but to teach life lessons through the game.

Through golf, young people learn discipline, friendship, respect, patience, social skills, and responsibility. These are qualities that will help them both on and off the course, and throughout their lives. I am proud to continue this work alongside my assistant coaches, Jean Edgar and Jada Charles, as we remain committed to developing young players and helping to build a better future for Trinidad and Tobago through the game of golf.