Golf in Bangladesh is entering a defining phase. Over the past decade, the sport has shown steady and encouraging growth, supported by world-class courses, structured tournaments and a committed golfing community.
Yet one major barrier continues to limit wider participation: the high cost of golf equipment caused by taxes and VAT that still classify golf as a luxury rather than as a developing national sport.
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Bangladesh now has a genuine opportunity to reshape the future of the game. With a forward-looking tax policy, golf could become one of the country’s top three sports within the next 10 years. The potential is evident, the infrastructure is already in place and public interest is rising. What is urgently needed is accessibility.
Across the country, golf courses have matured significantly. Kurmitola Golf Club remains the hub of national golf activity, while Army Golf Club, Bhatiary, Shaheen, Savar, Rajendrapur, Bogura and Sylhet are producing disciplined players and vibrant golfing communities. These facilities meet international standards and have the capacity to support large-scale participation.
Despite this progress, a clear pattern is visible. Courses are busy on weekends but noticeably underutilised on weekdays. This is not due to a lack of enthusiasm. Bangladesh possesses one of the most promising pools of young golfers in the region. The real challenge is affordability. Equipment prices remain high, and taxes further amplify the financial burden for new players trying to enter the sport.
A beginner’s set of clubs, bag, balls and shoes becomes significantly more expensive once customs duties, VAT and supplementary taxes are added. This keeps golf beyond the reach of thousands who are eager to play but unable to overcome the cost barrier. Reducing or removing these taxes would immediately change this reality.
Bangladesh has a proven record of making strategic policy decisions to support national sports. Cricket and football achieved mass participation because they received timely institutional backing, enabling access for youth, working families and local communities. Golf is now ready for the same opportunity.
Removing or reducing taxes on golf equipment for the next 10 years would serve multiple national objectives. More citizens would be able to take up the sport, increasing utilisation of existing facilities. Junior academies would see stronger enrolment, while retail businesses, coaching services and event organisers would benefit. Employment would expand across club management, turf maintenance, hospitality and sports media.
Tax reform would also stimulate sports tourism. Bangladesh has the landscape, climate and course quality to attract international golfers — visitors who stay longer, spend more and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Such a shift would firmly position Bangladesh on the South Asian golf tourism map.
For this initiative to succeed, coordination among key institutions is essential. The Bangladesh Golf Federation (BGF) plays a central role in shaping development pathways and competitive standards. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has the authority to redefine tax classifications on sports equipment. The Ministry of Youth & Sports can align this initiative with national sports policy, while the National Sports Council (NSC) ensures long-term integration within the broader sporting vision.
The Bangladesh Army, as the custodian of many of the country’s premier golf facilities, also holds significant influence in ensuring sustainable growth. Kurmitola Golf Club (KGC), as the nation’s flagship venue, continues to serve as the heart of golf activities, hosting tournaments, workshops and international events.
Bangladesh has the courses. It has the talent. It has the enthusiasm. Now policy must unlock the next phase of growth. The nation stands at the threshold of a major sporting opportunity — one that could redefine its place in the global golf landscape.
The fairway is open. The future is ready. It is time to make the decisive move.
**The writer is a golfer and Editor of TheGolfHouse magazine — the only monthly golf magazine in Bangladesh that has been involved in promoting golf in the country and working to make it accessible to all.
