Corporate golf & public courses

Last week I had the opportunity to play a corporate golf event, the ITDC-Heinemann-Duty Free Invitational at the Delhi Golf Club. Over 30...

Last week I had the opportunity to play a corporate golf event, the ITDC-Heinemann-Duty Free Invitational at the Delhi Golf Club. Over 300 golfers competed, a sign that corporate golf is gaining ground. Even though multinationals have been organising such events for years, this was the first time a government body ventured into the field.

Management schools, some of which now teach golf etiquette as part of their curriculum, have been the first to realise the potential golf holds for business. Some of the biggest deals have been struck on golf courses. In addition, golf is no longer a sport favoured solely by the upper crust and executives, and is fast becoming popular with the masses. Further, unlike many other sports, in corporate golf every member of the company can participate, whilst in cricket, other popular corporate sport, a maximum of 11 can take the field. Others sit in the stands.

Today, various companies have on their roll, amateurs and pro golfers who represent them throughout the year andeven coach office personnel at other times. Corporate golf, played on weekends over 18 or 36 holes, provides participants with a chance to show-off their latest golf attire and equipment, something that is discussed as seriously as the game itself. The giveaways too are a big attractions as every participant leaves the place with something, balls, tees, T-shirts, caps et al.

For those who have no time to hit a hundred balls on the range every evening such social competitions, rounded off with a nice dinner are ideal.

The dedication with volunteers work at these events has to be admired. My aunt, one such buff, has top of the range golf equipment. Every time she visits her club pro with some problematic aspect of her game, she returns with a new piece of equipment aimed at solving her golfing ills. Recently, she was advised to buy a lobbed wedge, which as she put it, can carry the bunker’ and make those mind boggling chip shots much easier. If only she knew that it really is one of the most difficultclubs in the bag.

IMG, which came to India with an eye on cricket and tennis, has rightly seen the potential in golf. It now runs most of the corporate events all over India. Since corporates find golf relaxing, played as it is against the course and not other individuals, more and more corporates are taking to the game, feels Preeti Mehra, Manager Implementation, IMG.

Small corporate events have come up even in towns like Jalandhar, while bigger events figure every now and then in bigger metros. For instance the Bombay Presidency Golf Course, regularly hosts corporate events on weekends. Companies like Seagrams and Johnnie Walker are among those organising large events.

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As golf grows, with people from all backgrounds and age groups taking to the game, what we need is more more golf courses, some of which ought to be public where they can practice before applying for club memberships. Most existing clubs in the country have a waiting list that can keep the selection committees busy for at least the nextfive years. Despite such enthusiasm, no tournaments, not even the Open Championship or other majors have crowds which can even remotely compare with football or cricket matches. So, public courses could be a step in the right direction.

Shona Manco, ranked in top six of Indian ladies golf once, still tees off regularly, and can be reached at shonamancoexpress2.indexp.co.in