Tunisia’s ‘Strong desire to grow golf…’
Jean-Etienne Lafitte is pictured with a group of golf professionals and assistants during his recent ‘Evaluation Visit’ to Tunisia as part of the Golf Development Programme, a joint initiative between The R&A and the PGAs of Europe.
Experienced and successful ‘golfing missionary’ Jean-Etienne, who is particularly singled out for undertakings where French speaking is an asset, and who previously visited such far-flung destinations as Ecuador and the Gold Coast, has now tabled his recommendations for a three-year programme of aid to the North African country.
During the Tunisian exploration the former chairman of the Education Committee worked with nine teaching professionals (including one lady) and five assistant professionals from the country’s five main golf schools.
He also had sessions with three players from the Tunisian national team (whose aim could be to progress from amateur golf to become teachers) and with four sports teachers involved in the process of taking the sport into schools.
Prior to his visit, and to ensure using his time there most effectively, he co-operated with Laurent Gavanon, Technical Director of the Tunisian Federation. As a result, during an intensive week of activities, three golf clubs were visited, two two-day seminars were staged and a meeting was held with the main officials of the Golf Federation and the Education committee.
“This evaluation visit was very well received,” stressed Jean-Etienne in his report to The R&A and the PGAs of Europe. “Although Tunisia is a small country I saw, within the Federation, a strong desire to develop golf.
”The will to improve the skills of the teaching professionals, the collaboration of some sports teachers, the work provided for the children, the wish to create a national school when possible are, in my opinion, the more positive aspects for the future.
“To reach its goals the Tunisian Federation needs further help and advice …” he added.
