Chandigarh Golf Club polls: It’s a battle of two Army veterans

⁠What will be different from the present administration if you are elected as president?

The difference will be defined by clarity of purpose, with transparency and consistency in execution. Our administration will focus on three pillars:
•⁠ ⁠Golf-first governance, with professional course management as our top priority.

•⁠ ⁠Transparent operations, including fair tournament systems and open financial oversight.
•⁠ ⁠Action on longstanding issues, such as parking and caddie facilities, with clear timelines and accountability.

My team and I have pledged accountability, credibility and transparency — and that is what we intend to deliver.

There have been rumours of losses in food and beverage and other areas. How do you plan to address this, and what are the club’s key financial priorities?
We will replace rumours with reviews. Concerns must be addressed with clarity, not conjecture. Our first step will be an independent and transparent review of all operational areas, including F&B, conducted with the involvement of qualified members to ensure objectivity and trust.

Our financial priorities are clear:
• Revenue optimisation through professional management to enhance member value.

• Cost discipline without compromising quality and standards.
• Strategic reinvestment in essential infrastructure and member-centric improvements.

Our goal is not merely financial stability, but long-term, sustainable, member-focused growth.

Members are concerned about stalled construction projects and expenditure already incurred. What changes would you propose to prevent future setbacks?
I would advocate a three-step governance framework:

• Pre-approval diligence involving legal and technical experts from within the membership.
• A transparent tendering process with documented contractor selection based on merit and compliance.

• An ongoing oversight committee of volunteer members to monitor progress, compliance and communication until completion.

When can Chandigarh expect to host an international tour event?
Sooner than many might think — within the next two to three years. Chandigarh and the club have the infrastructure, hotel capacity and golfing pedigree to host a world-class event. What is needed is upgrading course conditioning, player and spectator facilities, and overall operational excellence. Once this is achieved, we will actively engage with tournament organisers and sponsors to bring a major tour event to the city.

Golf is often seen as elitist. Is the club doing enough to bridge this gap?

Golf’s standards may be high, but its spirit lies in junior golfers, our caddies — many of whom are now tournament winners — and the camaraderie among members. We have committed to investing in junior development, strengthening the Ladies Section and creating a clear pathway from the caddie yard to the tournament tee. The aim is not to lower standards, but to help more people reach them.

Who are the members of your team, and what guided your selection?
My team was chosen for expertise, integrity and commitment to the club. It includes professionals from medicine, law, defence and business — golfers with proven competence and no personal agenda. The team includes Dr SPS Grewal, Dr Atul Sachdev, Sandy Lehal, Brig TS Mundi, Munish Arora, Jassi Toor, Shona Singh, Gags Aulakh, Alamgir Grewal and Dr GS Kochhar.

How can the club become more accessible while also aspiring to be India’s top golf course?

Excellence in course conditions and member experience must come first. At the same time, measured initiatives such as junior clinics and school partnerships can grow the game without compromising the club’s core purpose of serving golfers.

Your thoughts on your opponent, Mohan Bir Singh?
I hold Mohan Bir Singh in high regard and share a cordial relationship with him. This election is not about individuals but about the direction the club takes. Our team offers a clear pledge of transparency, course excellence and member-first governance. The choice is about the future we build together.

⸻

Captain (retd) Mohan Bir Singh (Bunny)

Why are you interested in serving as president, and what is your vision for the club?

I have been a member of the club since 1991 and have been closely associated with its management. Serving as president would be both a privilege and an honour. I have worked with several past presidents, including I P S Mann, Col H S Chahal and Ravibir Singh, and have learned a great deal from them.

What will be different if you are elected?
I wish to continue the good work of the present committee, of which I am a part as captain of the course during the current term.

How do you respond to concerns about losses in food and beverage operations?

Golf remains the club’s primary focus. Food and beverage services are incidental activities meant to provide quality services at reasonable rates, not to generate profit. The club operates on the principle of mutuality.

Members allege construction was stalled due to violations. What is your response?
Construction was stalled due to security concerns related to Punjab Lok Bhawan, not violations. All work was carried out as per approved plans. We complied with the Security Committee’s recommendations, and construction has now resumed. I thank the UT Administration and the current president, Ravibir Singh, for their proactive role.

When can Chandigarh host an international tour event?

The club already hosts top national tournaments and is among the finest courses in the country. We had approval for an Asian Tour event around 2020. Hosting such an event depends on securing a major sponsor to meet international prize money standards.

Is the club doing enough to broaden access to golf?
The Chandigarh Golf Club actively promotes golf across all sections of society, including the underprivileged, and is widely regarded as the nursery of golf in India.

Who are your team members?

My team includes Capt P S Chimni, Dr Satbir Singh, Brig Balwinder Singh (retd), Dr Shobhit Ghai, Raman Singh Gill, A P S Kahai, Gursimran Singh Sethi, Gursharan Singh Sandhu, Ajay Wadhwa, Dr Angad Singh Sangha and Jaspartap Singh Sekhon — a strong blend of youth and experience.

How accessible is the club to the general public?
While members pay a subscription, the course is open to the public on payment of green fees, which are used for course upkeep. This follows international practice.

Your thoughts on Rajinder Singh Virk?

He is a good man, and I have a great deal of respect for him.