Almir Soares

In golf, as in life, everything is a question of knowledge, tactics, concentration, focus and luck. That’s because even the best player can fail. Whether in golf or in life. Sometimes you play as an individual and sometimes in the company of others. That’s how we make our way in the world. In the following lines we will leave you with some thoughts on the hopes for national golf scene, in the words of the Angolan Golf Federation’s president, Almir Soares. Almir, who studied economics and specialises in the financial market, aims to bring values to young people, attracting them at school age. And to make golf more accessible in the main provinces. He has already worked in Brazil, where he held positions as a consultant and market analyst at a brokerage firm. Here in Angola, he founded RECREDIT – asset management –, where he still works today. Golf is ultimately a catalyst for tourism, which «can help towards diversifying the economy». When asked about a good swing or a good putt, the president confides that he prefers «to play 18 holes below handicap, as there are days when a good swing makes all the difference, but there are others when the putt is the star of the game».

One of your goals, as president of the Angolan Golf Federation (FAGOLFE), is to make golf grow throughout the country. How will this be achieved?
The Federation’s project for developing the sport is based on three pillars: 1. Developing Infrastructures; 2. Training; 3. Competitions.
The development of any sport is only possible when there are support structures for practice and competition. In this sense, golf’s biggest constraint in Angola is the modest number of practice facilities (driving ranges) and golf courses. The development of the sport involves investing in the construction of practice facilities and pitch and putt courses in the main provinces, preferably in places to which the population has access, transforming these facilities into centres for the promotion and development of golf.Training is a central pillar in the sustainable development of the sport. Together with the R&A, we have created the «National Golf Schools» programme to encourage schoolchildren. This programme involves establishing agreements with clubs and schools in order to train new talents as well as golf instructors. In golf, as in other sports, it is important to invest in people so that they can create value and contribute to a better society.
In terms of competitions, we need to promote a regular tournament schedule in order to maintain a competitive spirit. To this end, the Federation has forged closer ties with the institution responsible for international rankings and has made it possible for tournaments organised by the Federation to be recognised. Recognising tournaments allows golfers to accumulate points to appear on the sport’s international stage. 

Do you intend to implement measures for training new golfers?
The emergence of new golfers, or the sustained increase in the golfing population, necessarily involves attracting young people of school age, teaching them a sport that they can play for the rest of their lives. Schools can become the biggest catalyst for getting into golf, whether it’s in the physical space of the school or on the nearest practice course. 

Do you aim to make Angola a golf tourism destination?
The data on the impact golf can have on tourism in various countries shows that the sport makes a significant contribution to this sector. The Federation must and can contribute to promoting golf as an anchor for attracting tourists to Angola. In the United States of America, the golf industry contributes 84 billion dollars a year to the economy, of which approximately 24 billion are generated by golf tourism. On the African continent, we have the example of Kenya, which has 41 golf courses, and South Africa, with more than 400 courses. That’s why existing and future hotel chains in Angola should invest in facilities for playing this sport, such as indoor facilities with golf simulators or 9-hole golf courses. Because, by developing high quality golf infrastructure, organising golf events and tournaments and promoting Angola’s natural and cultural resources, the country can position itself as a golf tourism destination. Through partnerships and strategic initiatives, the Golf Federation can play an important role in promoting golf tourism in Angola. 

In order to be considered a golf destination, Angola needs to have at least three golf courses.Are there any projects underway to create new courses?
There are some interested investors, but so far there’s nothing definite. 

Apart from generating tourism, what other contribution does golf make to the country?
Golf, combined with tourism, can help diversify the economy by boosting the tourism industry and creating new jobs. In order to do this, we need to be able to attract the main hotel chains and investors in this sector. 

Boosting Angolan golf is your greatest challenge.What has changed since you took over?
When I took on this challenge, the Federation was not yet recognised by the ministry that oversees it, as it didn’t meet the legal requirements. Today, we can say that we have a Federation that is recognised nationally and internationally by the sport’s main regulatory bodies. We are members of the R&A, the African Golf Confederation and the Angolan Olympic Committee. We are a handicap authority that is duly recognised by the World Handicap Authority, which allows Federation players to play in international competitions or on courses that require this certification. We held the first national championship, we held the successful Region 5 African Championship, as reported by the African Confederation and the R&A, and we created the «National Golf Schools» programme, which now has more than 80 children. But we realise that the Federation has a long way to go as a regulator of the sport, especially in terms of creating infrastructure and training players.

«Schools can be the biggest catalyst for getting people into golf»

What stage has the sport of golf reached in the country?
Although it is a recent sport, in national terms, we have a corporate tournament that this year completes 11 consecutive years of competitions, we have a course that holds around ten competitions a year and we recently opened the first driving range in Luanda, on the Via Expresso, next to the 11 de Novembro stadium, where people can start practising the sport and perfecting their game. However, when we compare it with other countries in the region, we realise that we have a long way to go in terms of infrastructure. Only with the creation of new structures will golf be able to reach the level that everyone would like to see. 

How many golfers are registered with the Angolan Golf Federation?
There are currently 302 members. But we know that there is a larger number of people who play golf but are not registered with the Federation. It is estimated that there must be around 400 resident golfers. A considerable number of people contact the Federation via social networks with the intention of starting or indeed continuing to play the sport. However, the lack of training courses close to the main urban centres is a constraint on the growth of the sport. 

Would you like to see Angola host world opens?
Yes, of course, however I would like to see the Angolan Open become internationally recognised. This should happen once we have more golf courses with the conditions to host these competitions. 

How would you like to see this sport in ten years down the line?
In ten years, I would like us to have at least four more courses, in the main provinces, and a playing population that is 15 times larger than it is today. 

Do you prefer a good swing or a good putt?
I like to play 18 holes under handicap, because there are days when a good swingmakes all the difference, but there are others when the putt is the star of the game. 

Do you play alone or with others?
In company, and preferably with the inevitable golfing buddies that this game provides. 

Are there any fond memories that golf has brought you?
There are many, but definitely the Region 5 Championship during COVID. That was memorable and important, as was becoming a member of the R&A.