A group of tourists recently enjoyed playing golf on the vast sandy stretch of Pechar Dwip beach in Cox’s Bazar, turning the seaside into an unusual setting for the sport.
With waves rolling in, a refreshing sea breeze and the scenic sandy landscape, the late-afternoon golf session offered a different way to enjoy the natural beauty of Cox’s Bazar.
During a recent visit to Pechar Dwip beach, several tourists were seen playing golf on the sandy shore, while other tourists gathered nearby to watch the unusual activity.
Tourist Md Khosru Parvez said the vast sandy beach could inspire many people to play golf in such a setting.
Md Mahbubur Rahman, additional managing director and chief financial officer of City Bank, was among those who took up the opportunity and enjoyed the game despite the strong sea breeze.
Mahbubur Rahman had originally planned to play golf in Ramu. However, after seeing the expansive sandy stretch at Pechar Dwip, he changed his plan and arranged the game on the beach.
Speaking exclusively to Cox’s Bazar Life, Mahbubur Rahman said many countries have attractive golf courses close to beaches, and Cox’s Bazar could also explore such an opportunity.
“Cox’s Bazar is one of the country’s major tourist destinations. If a modern golf course can be developed near the beach, it could open up new possibilities for tourism,” he said.
He said such a facility could attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
“If Cox’s Bazar has a golf course, it could attract foreign tourists as well as local tourists. Increased international tourism centred around golf would help strengthen local tourism businesses and the wider economy,” he said.
Golf is a popular and healthy sport, he added, saying that an international-standard golf course in Cox’s Bazar could attract golfers and sports enthusiasts from home and abroad, adding diversity to the destination’s tourism offerings and enhancing Bangladesh’s image internationally.
He also said that organising international golf tournaments in Cox’s Bazar could further raise the destination’s profile on the global tourism map.
“It could create new employment opportunities and benefit hotels, motels, restaurants, transport services and other tourism-related businesses. It could also bring greater recognition to the country,” he said.
He said they were visiting Cox’s Bazar with their families for three days and planned to play golf on the sandy beach each day during their stay.
Tourism stakeholders say combining Cox’s Bazar’s beaches, hills and natural beauty with an internationally popular sport such as golf could open up a new segment of the tourism market.
They believe a planned and environmentally sustainable golf course near the beach could encourage tourists to stay longer while creating greater opportunities to attract international tourists to Cox’s Bazar.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
