Corporate golf finds solid putting

Corporate golf in 2003 is emerging as a big business opportunity for golf event management companies. While the Masters, the US Open or The ...

Corporate golf in 2003 is emerging as a big business opportunity for golf event management companies. While the Masters, the US Open or The Open Championship are watched with fervor by golf enthusiasts all around the world, the daily four-ball and local competitive events play a very important role in the life of an amateur golfer.

Like the legendary Milkha Singh once said while discussing golf, 8216;8216;for us our daily round of golf complete with the pressure of a bet to be won, is akin to playing professional golf.8217;8217; Corporate golf tournaments incorporate golfers from different sections of society and provide ideal opportunities for people to do business or make contacts.

A gentleman8217;s sport, golf is a true test of a man8217;s character and reveals the temperament of a person when placed in awkward situations. These are qualities that are of the essence to succeed in the corporate world as well. Therefore, it is a common sight to see top-notchers of the corporate world donning their golf shirts and straw hats at weekends heading for a game of golf with brilliant prizes and giveaways on offer. This has also encouraged companies that have no connection with the sporting world to get involved and offer prizes and incentives for the winners.

The Indian Express is amongst the latest to join the world of corporate golf under the guidance of Director NP Singh, who initiated the American Express-Business Today pro-Am of Champions, a unique tournament that brings leading professional golfers and top corporate employees together for two days of fun-filled golf.

Celebrating 25 years of The Indian Express 8212; with two tournaments already held in Chandigarh and Pune 8212; Delhi will witness the grand finale of the first Express Power Golf this weekend. The first of the Express Power Golf tournament was played at Chandigarh Golf Course on April 6 with approximately 100 contesting in the 18-hole stableford championship. The team prize went to Lt. Gen. KS Mann, SK Sharma, Balkishan Singh and PK Verma who accumulated 140 points to beat runners-up Yahsvir Mahajan, Vijay Wadhawan, Maj Gen SPS Vains and Col GS Panag by four points.

During the tournament, JS Bakshi turned in the best card by a gentleman, while Madhu Brar turned in the lowest card by a lady golfer to win return tickets to Vienna, courtesy Austrian Airlines. The Express Power Golf in Pune saw Suhas Jangle and Salomee Kapadia card dream rounds to win their tickets to Vienna as both carded the best rounds in their respective categories.

The grand finale, to be played at the DLF Golf and Country Club, promises a lot of excitement as the course offers excellent conditions. And even though there are two tickets on offer, numerous other prizes as well as a perfect day of golf will entice golfers to give it their best shot.