Introduction

Luna Sarker is a prominent female golfer in Bangladesh and a shining example of how an entire family can be engaged in the sport. In her conversation with Golf & Beyond, she shared her deep connection to golf, the challenges faced by female athletes, and the importance of support for the sport’s growth.

Q1. How did your golfing journey begin?

My husband is a golfer. When my two daughters were young (7 and 5 years old), I started taking them to the club. They began practicing there, and I encouraged them from the sidelines. After a month or two, I felt inspired to start practicing myself. The club members and professional golfers noticed our enthusiasm and dedication, which motivated us even further. Since we began in 2001, Alhamdulillah, it has continued.

Q2. How have you observed the development of golf in Bangladesh over the years?

There has been significant progress, but there is still room for improvement. For instance, the media needs to give more attention to golf, especially prioritizing those who perform well in tournaments. Skilled golfers should be given precedence in decision-making. The Golf Federation must take greater responsibility for the sport's development. We need initiatives to train junior golfers and ensure they have opportunities to participate in various club tournaments, as well as to compete internationally.

Q3. What challenges have you faced as a female golfer in Bangladesh and internationally?

I haven’t encountered any unique challenges. However, if there were more golf courses, women should be able to play just as men do.

Currently, we lack arrangements for night golfing in our country. If women can play regularly, it positively impacts their families, mentally and physically.

Some restrictions during tournaments prevent all women from participating. Why can’t everyone play, regardless of their club affiliation? Everyone should have the opportunity to compete without a quota system.

We need to establish a platform for international success by organizing exchange programs among SAARC countries for female golfers.

Q4. Can you share some of your success stories in your golf career?

I have participated in the SAARC Country Championship. My daughter played in the Junior British Open Championships in 2008 and 2010, where I had the opportunity to watch world-class golfers like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Adam Scott up close.

In 2010, my daughter competed in the Thailand World Club Junior Championship, and I was there to support her.

We won the team championship at the SAARC Championship in 2009.

I have secured numerous trophies in club tournaments, including the Aga Khan and American Cups.

At KGC and Bhatiary Club, my daughters and I achieved first, second, and third places, respectively.

I have won the club championship twice.

Q5. Do you believe Bangladesh is receiving adequate sponsorship support for the growth of golf?

The growth is insufficient. Local companies allocate budgets for cricket and football but not for golf.

From 2009 to 2011, we received funding from R&A, which significantly advanced women's golf. I believe that with proper sponsorship, there will be ample opportunities for the development of female golfers in our country. The Golf Federation needs to take a proactive role in this.

Q6. How can the government better support golf to make it accessible for middle-income individuals?

The government should bring in internationally qualified coaches annually to enhance golf standards.

There should be financial support for the Golf Federation.

Organizing seminars with top golfers would be beneficial.

Sponsorships should be provided for the best golfers to participate in international tournaments.

Q7. What potential do you see for sports tourism in Bangladesh, particularly through golf?

Both old and new golf courses need to be effectively promoted on social media. We should provide communication and accommodation facilities for golfers. Globally, golf tourism is showcased attractively, and we lack that initiative in our country. Promoting golf through tourism can lead to rapid development. The Golf Federation should continuously pursue this initiative.

Q8. What are your goals for golf in 2025?

I aspire to play on various new golf courses around the world and build friendships with fellow golfers who genuinely love the game. I aim to lower my handicap and improve my driving distance. Above all, I want to enjoy the game even more.

Q9. What are your expectations for Golf & Beyond magazine, and what message would you like to convey to our valued readers?

First and foremost, I want this magazine to reach all golfers and the general public, encouraging everyone to embrace and enjoy golf. I especially hope that female golfers will develop a deeper love for the game.

I hope this magazine becomes a one-stop destination for all golf-related news for its readers.

To the readers, I want to say: golf is a wonderful game, and I hope many more people come to appreciate it.