Muhammad Umer Khokhar is the Event Director of Loco Services, the licensee company of the World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan. He has told us about the future of the golf industry after the COVID-19 crisis in his country. We were also interested to know his opinion about how golf will be from now on and how golf clubs will respond to the reopening in his country.

How are you preparing for the return of your events in Pakistan?
The situation in our country is not stable yet and cases are still increasing day by day. Nevertheless, we wish to have controlled circumstances to move forward soon. What has happened in other countries indicates that contagion, sooner rather than later, will begin to decline. Although this health crisis is complex, we must be optimistic.

Why should golf be considered in your opinion a safe sport?
Well, golf should be considered undoubtedly a safe sport, as it is already a game which is played with social distancing. This really doesn´t happen in other sports. Golf, in our opinion, is one of the safest sports at this time.

Do you think there will be changes with regard to the safety of golf courses?
We think and pray that the situation gets better worldwide and there may not be changes with regard to the safety of golf courses. In any case, they should not be drastic changes, so we feel ready.

GOLF, A SAFE SPORT 

Golf is a sport with very little contact, do you think that events should be reorganized from now on?
Golf is already a game with social distancing and played outdoors, so we think it should be considered by the countries to allow for organizing the events again.

Do you think that the new situation can help to improve innovation systems in golf after COVID–19?
Of course, yes! Improvement in the innovation systems along with the use of technology will be enhanced in this fantastic sport.