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…!
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