### Golf in the Democratic Republic of Congo: towards a controlled sports emergence
On June 4, the Congolese Golf Federation (FCG) officially emerged at the Kinshasa Circle, an event that could mark a turning point for the development of this discipline still unknown in the country. In the presence of many players in society such as parliamentarians and ministers, the launch of the Federation raises questions about the future of golf in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its potential to galvanize national sporting commitment.
### A discipline to popularize
At the end of the ceremony, the president of the FCG, Baba Bestone, expressed his determination to popularize this discipline. It seems clear that there is a pressing need to increase the visibility of golf among the Congolese population. Historical and culturally far from more popular sporting practices such as football or basketball, golf may need a reinforced communication strategy to arouse the enthusiasm of young people and all Congolese.
The promise of a proactive commitment to young people, in particular by training and encouragement to participate in international competitions, is also a relevant point. This cannot, however, be achieved without sufficient logistical and financial support, a question that the new committee will have to address with seriousness.
### The role of the State
The declarations of the Secretary General for Sports, Body Ilonga, underline the state’s desire to support this initiative by the development of infrastructure. This approach is essential, because the quality of the facilities plays a significant role in the development of a sport. Adapted infrastructure could not only promote golf practice but could also attract investors and the public, thus contributing to the economic viability of the federation.
It is advisable to question how the resources will be allocated and managed. The support speech is promising, but its effectiveness will depend on its concrete implementation. What specific measures will be taken to ensure that this support is reflected in tangible results in the field?
### A strategy to attract investors
Patrick Muyaya, honorary president of the FCG, spoke of the idea of positioning golf as a lever to attract foreign investors. This opens up reflection on the economic dimension of sport: golf can actually act as a vector of tourism development. However, this requires adequate infrastructure and promotion, not to mention awareness work to change the perception of a sport deemed elitist.
This raises the following question: how do the government and the federation plan to make golf accessible and inclusive? The challenge will be not only to reserve it for an elite, but to ensure that it becomes a popular sport, accessible to all, whatever their socio-economic circles.
### Golf international open: a first test
The XXVIIth edition of the International Golf Open, scheduled for June 6 to 8, could serve as a first showcase for the image and boom in golf in the DRC. This incisive event, if it is well organized, could capture the attention of the local and the media, and encourage new participants. But it will be necessary to ensure that this craze is not ephemeral; Continuous monitoring and commitment will be necessary to strengthen golf practice after the event.
### Conclusion: towards a culture of sporting
The challenge for the Congolese Golf Federation and the State lies in their ability to transform this initiative into a sustainable and inclusive culture. The interest manifested in golf at the end of this inauguration may well be the beginning of a broader change in the Congolese approach to sport. If sports and political leaders manage to unite to give life to this vision, golf could become a means of bringing together the Congolese into diversity, while attracting investors and radiating internationally.
The path to this objective can be strewn with pitfalls, but it seems that the commitment of the FCG, coupled with strategic state support, can provide solid bases for the emergence of a real culture of golf in the Democratic Republic of Congo.