India's First National Golf Academy

22^nd September 2014 will long be remembered in the history of golf in India, because it marked the inauguration of the first National Golf Academy by the Sports Authority of India.

In India, even though we have some of the oldest courses outside of the British Isles, the growth golf has always stymied by the elitist tag that it obtained from the British Raj. 

There have been many other sports that were once considered elitist, but now have shed their elitist tag, for example, Lawn Tennis, Squash, Swimming, Badminton, Snooker to name a few. What has helped, in each of these sports is success by an athlete in an international event. With the creation of this academy under the SAI (Sports Authority of India) banner, accessibility will improve and will go a long way in reducing the elitist burden this sport is carrying.  

Through this academy, students will have access to world class training facilities, access to some of the best courses in the world, access to some of the best coaches and technology. The SAI has announced exchange programs for students and coaches to visit the Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs Colorado, one of the best courses in USA and a host site of tournaments such as the 2008 Senior Open, 2011 Womens Open. SAI is also in discussion with the Arnold Palmer Foundation as they have in principal pledged their support to the academy in all its initiatives. 

I have always felt that Golf is a sport India can compete best in, unlike hockey, tennis and football where Indian's are at a dis advantage in terms of their physique. In golf this is nullified because, there is always a second shot that needs to be hit. Going off the tee with a booming 300 yard drive may be sufficient but one can still bogey or even double bogey the hole if the second shot is not executed correctly. This is where we can nullify the american, european and south east asian brilliant long game…

I am proud as a golfer to know that finally golf is now a real option for almost every Indian from all walks of life and public funds can be directed to develop one of the ‘…Greatest games ever played…’

Arnold Palmer Design Company in India

After a gap of more than 30 years, the Arnold Palmer group has decided to re-enter the region through its Design Company. They have appointed Liam Timms as their South Asian Director that covers the territories of India, Bangladesh, Sri lanka and Nepal.

The only golf course built in South Asia by the group is the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon, Haryana. The 18-hole signature course was built in the late 1980’s however, the company felt the market was very new and did not actively pursue more projects in the region. After the economic slowdown in 2008 the golf industry faced a major setback in America with many golf course closures and reduced demand for new golf courses. This has forced many of the marquee names to look outside their home market for development projects and other initiatives.

It is with this mindset that Arnold Palmer Design Company has entered the region again. The group believes that going forward just like the success they had with China, India can follow in the same way. India is not just a potential market for golf courses but also a huge market for the many other services under the ‘umbrella’ of the Arnold Palmer Group.

In an unprecedented move to mark their commitment in the region, the Palmer Foundation, Chaired by Mr. Palmer and his daughter, has decided to support the Sports Authority of India in the First National Golf Academy in Trivandrum. This is the first of many new initiatives by the company and goes a long way to show the long-term commitment the company has for the region and the country.

It is indeed a huge privilege and responsibility to be part of this company in its foray into the market and leading its activities here. I am very excited about what this mean for the golf industry of India. But what is immensely satisfying to see is this groups commitment extends beyond just golf courses. Welcome to India….  The King of Golf…!