Lally Virk wins Chandigarh Golf Club presidency with a big margin

Virk’s margin of 304 votes was second highest to the margin of 401 votes by which Ravibir Singh Grewal had won by in the club elctions in 2024. Grewal had defeated four-time president Birinder Singh Gill by 401 votes in the club elections in 2024. Grewal was elected unopposed last year as president.

Maj Virk with his wife Aman (Express Photo)

Campaigning under the slogan of ‘for accountability, credibility and transparency’, Virk put together a diverse panel that included seasoned golfers, doctors, legal professionals and fellow veterans. His campaign stressed inclusive leadership and institutional reform.

A former member of the Executive Committee and a vocal advocate on club matters, Virk has consistently spoken about preserving the club’s legacy. “I am interested in serving because I believe in the legacy of this club and feel a deep sense of responsibility towards its future,” he had said earlier. He identified restoring trust in financial, operational and transparent governance as the central challenge ahead.

Virk has promised a clarity of purpose, built on three pillars. These include golf-first governance with professional course management, transparent operations covering tournaments and finances, and time-bound solutions to longstanding issues such as parking and caddie facilities.

Earlier this week, when asked about his vision for the club and how his term will be different if he is elected, Virk had told The Indian Express, “The difference will be defined by clarity of purpose, with transparency and consistency in execution. Our administration will focus on these pillars: ⁠Golf-first governance, with professional course management as our top priority, Transparency in operations, including fair tournament systems and open financial oversight, Action on longstanding issues, such as completion of the coming up buildings without further delay, creating more parking and caddie facilities, with clear timelines and accountability, Improving CGL in active consultation with stakeholders for maximum satisfaction, and Including those who play normal golf during this time also as a stakeholder.”

Addressing concerns and rumours surrounding losses in food and beverage operations, he said, “We will replace rumours with reviews. Our first step will be an independent and transparent review.” He added that financial priorities would focus on revenue optimisation, cost discipline and strategic reinvestment aimed at sustainable, member-centric growth.

The counting process for the rest of the members of the executive committee members will be held on Monday morning.

Among prominent members of the club who voted on Saturday were Punjab Leader of Opposition, Punjab Legislative Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa, former BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy and golfer and Padma Shri Jeev Milkha Singh.