Playground of the rich & famous

Playing golf may seem like it’s all about taking a stylish swing on the green, but there’s more to the sport than being attired in crisp golf gear that meets the eye.

‘It’s like meditation’
For Delhi-based diva Feroze Gujral, the game is enticing as it takes her away from the daily grind. “Golf is one of those games where you need strength of mind and focus, so it makes you switch off from all else. Mohit (Gujral, her husband), the kids and I enjoy playing and we even plan golf holidays to Srinagar, Bintan (Malaysia) and Scotland,” she says.

Foodie and author Rashmi Uday Singh says, “Golf is a big de-stressor. I love the game because for one, you play amidst nature. Secondly, it’s a powerful mental game. Plus, I come from a golfing family, my grandmother played excellently and so did my dad at age 82,” she says, adding, “My brother’s son, who is 16, is already a champion. It would be heartening if more youngsters played the game.”

Not just for seniors?
Kapil Grover, wine entrepreneur and avid golfer, says, “Golf has always had the image of being an old man’s game. But want to better your swing? Then take it up when you’re young!”
Businessman Suresh Bhojwani adds, “Here, it’s difficult to belong to clubs and play as that’s an expensive proposition. This is unlike abroad where they have municipal and government golf courses for kids. Today, 75 per cent of our championship players are caddies who are from the lower income group but they’re well acquainted with the game as they have been hauling the clubs since they were 16. So we do have boundless talent and things could change with new thought. Also, if more corporates could sponsor players, it would be a good way to encourage the game.”

Where Delhi scores
Feroze says she loves to play in Delhi as it has more courses. “You’re playing among 400-year-old monuments, fountains, peacocks and deer that pass you by. It makes for a pretty sight”
Rashmi adds, “Delhi has used its space to make it into a golfing city. That’s why the place has more youngsters, even women, playing golf. The game has its own way of life here,” she says.
Aditya Kilachand, who takes time off from his hospitality business to play every weekend in Mumbai, wishes more happens for golf in the city. “The game has got a great future and can build camaraderie like no other,” he opines.