Henriques
- Ricardo Makyn / Staff Photographer
THE CAPITAL city's only golf course, Constant Spring, boasts a rich history.
Originally based in Solomon's Penn on Hope Road, it moved to its current location in the first decade of the 20th century.
At first it was a nine-hole course but expanded to the full 18 in the early 1930s. It has hosted all of the island's top players, many of the socially elite and more than a few concerts during its residence in upper St. Andrew. But it never had a female president until now.
There was no taboo against a woman as president, it just simply didn't happen until petite Nora Henriques was nominated unopposed to the position late last year.
The retired nurse and mother of one took up the game in 1989 and through diligence, enthusiasm and availability made the somewhat historic breakthrough.
It's nothing like a woman becoming a member at Augusta National but it is still a noteworthy achievement for the 22-handicapper.
One on One caught up with Henriques at the club last week.
QUESTION: What does the presidency of the club entail?
NORA HENRIQUES: It's really just being a part of a committee. It is the managing committee of the club and that covers whatever happens around the club and around the course.
Q: How long is the tenure?
NH: Two years.
Q: How does it feel being the first lady president of the club?
NH: It is an interesting situation. It's another challenge. However, really, I just see myself as part of a dedicated committee.
PLANS
Q: What are your plans during this presidency?
NH: We (managing committee) have had certain plans to make the entire club the best it can be. We first started work on the course itself. It did not have watering on all the holes ... we have started the work but it has not been completed yet. Then we intend to upgrade the clubhouse and work on the racquets (badminton, squash, tennis) area. Our goal is also to get more members.
Q: On a more global perspective, what are your feelings about 14-year-old phenom Michelle Wie competing against the men on the US PGA Tour?
NH: I have no real trouble with it but I think there's a problem because the men hit the ball so much farther. I know some of these young women are developing so it's possible that women could compete regularly against men in the future. She (Wie) is reaching the age of maturity; but look at (Annika) Sorenstam. She hits the ball very long and did a lot of training and muscle building but she didn't make it (the cut in men's event) either. While I wouldn't say competing against the men is impossible, I would say it's very difficult.
WOMEN BEING EXCLUDED
Q: Another thing of international flavour, what are your feelings about what happened at Augusta National last year where there were protests during the Masters about women being excluded from membership of the club?
NH: It is a private club so therefore they have their rights. However, it does seem to be chauvinistic because I think we have reached a stage where women can fit into any situation and any place. I don't think it is correct. However, the protest - coming from the women's movement - gave off the wrong feeling. I think in time (they'll allow women members).
Q: What do you do in your free time?
NH: Outside of golf, I do a whole lot of gardening. I like watching sport - particularly cricket and football. I have also been involved in the YMCA for many, many years. I was chairperson for four years and now have an honorary post.
FAVOURITE COURSE
Q: What is your favourite course in Jamaica outside of Constant Spring?
NH: I like Upton (Sandals Ocho Rios). The north coast courses are also very nice ... White Witch, Ironshore, Cinnamon Hill, Half Moon - each course has its own special areas. I also like Negril Hills.
Q: How do you see the state of Jamaica golf at the moment?
NH: I think they (the Jamaica Golf Association) are doing a lot of work with the juniors now but I think the young low handicappers need more exposure. Maybe send them overseas. They certainly need more exposure to the other courses around the island to get the feel for different conditions. Still, so many of our youngsters go abroad to school and stay there.
Q: Finally, have you ever hit a hole in one?
NH: Yes, in fact I had two holes in one at No. 9 here within three months of each other.
- Tym Glaser
