Golf transcends the realm of sport; it embodies personal tranquility, patience, self-assurance, and a celebration of the present moment. This sentiment was expressed today by the women of the Golf Association of Montenegro (GSCG) during the Women’s Golf Day event.

This global event, celebrated in 27 countries from May 3 to June 30, was marked by Montenegrin female golfers and aspiring players in Lipovo, Kolašin, at a practice facility that is set to become the first golf course in northern Montenegro.

“In Montenegro, more women are discovering golf not only as a leisure activity but also as a pathway for personal growth, socializing, and self-connection. Unlike many sports, golf accommodates all ages and physical conditions, allowing players to progress at their own pace, learn from each stroke, and strengthen their resolve on the field. It’s not about competing against others but surpassing your own limits,” stated Radmila Mikić Anđus from the Golf Association of Montenegro.

She emphasized that golf offers the joy of nature, the formation of friendships, and the chance to “be ourselves.” Anđus noted, “Golf transforms our way of living, liberates us, and imparts lessons on self-control.”

“We’re not asking you to become an expert player. Give golf a chance to astonish you as it did for me. Initially, I had many misconceptions, believing it was dull and meant for retirees or businesspeople, but I was mistaken. Why promote women in golf? Because we deserve a space that allows us to be calm, resilient, and graceful. Golf unites us rather than divides us. There’s no crowd pressure, only you, the club, and the ball,” she expressed.

Today, seasoned golfers offered guidance on fundamental skills essential for the sport, and an amateur competition was held to conclude the event.

Video: Dragana Šćepanović

GSCG pointed out that golf has historical roots in our country dating back to 1906, when Princess Milica hosted the first golf tournament in the Balkans. After 110 years, in 2016, the first golf club in Tivat was named in her honor.

The GSCG is composed of five clubs: Tivat, GK Brskovo in Mojkovac, GK Jokaš in Danilovgrad, GK Boka in Kotor, and GK Lipovo in Kolašin.

Golf is among the oldest sports globally, enjoyed by over 68 million people across more than 38,000 courses, as per GSCG. It ranks first among individual sports in player numbers and is third in overall popularity, following football and basketball.

During the event, it was mentioned that Montenegro lacks a professional golf course, though courses are currently being developed in Lipovo and Luštica, which are presently practice areas. An improvised practice facility exists in Krimovica.

While there are not many active female golfers in Montenegro, many women are club members. Numerous women have completed golf academies, yet the certification exams, referred to as the “green card,” which allow playing on any global golf course, are not available in Montenegro due to a shortage of courses. Therefore, the association for female golfers will soon arrange exams in neighboring countries.

“The golf course in Lipovo is being designed with nature in mind”

GSCG argues that various misconceptions exist regarding the environmental impact of golf courses. They clarify that synthetic fertilizers are no longer utilized; rather, only organic fertilizers are used in limited areas.

The forthcoming golf course in Lipovo is privately owned and was created by an investor who is passionate about the sport. Plans include developing accommodation facilities around the course in the future.

“We plan to build a nine-hole golf course. Currently, this is only a practice area, and we’re finalizing project completion procedures. Everything adheres to planning regulations. The development respects nature, avoiding artificial fertilizers. We haven’t harmed biodiversity, and we’ve utilized natural water sources. We are preserving the landscape while planting indigenous tree species sourced from the Forestry Administration nursery,” stated the Budva-based company Svetionik, the investor behind the Lipovo golf course.

They also announced that future accommodation construction near the golf course will be conducted “with respect for tradition and nature.”

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