Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “Golf has traditionally been perceived as a sport limited to the privileged few due to accessibility and resource constraints. The ‘Golf for Everyone’ program seeks to change this narrative by creating opportunities for talented young athletes regardless of their socio-economic background. By bringing golf to the doorsteps of underprivileged children, we hope to foster a truly community-driven sporting culture that celebrates diversity and equal opportunity. BMW India Foundation’s vision is to nurture projects that transcend socio-economic boundaries and become truly inclusive. We strongly believe projects like ‘Golf for Everyone’ hold that tremendous transformational power.”

As part of this endeavor, BMW India Foundation and The Golf Foundation are conducting India’s largest annual golf talent hunt for 2025-26. Through this extensive grassroots golf discovery program, the talent search will begin with in-school talent identification camps across government and low-income schools. To participate in the talent hunt, children can also WhatsApp “I am Talent” on +91 93106 92833.

Using portable hitting mats, nets, and putting kits, children undergo simple athletic evaluations such as throws, sprints, jumps, and coordination drills. This initial screening helps identify young athletes who show potential in physical agility and coordination.

Children shortlisted from these camps will progress to regional on-range golf camps, hosted at golf facilities across multiple Indian states. Here, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of golf and assessed for basic skills, creating a bridge between raw talent and formal training. Over 1,800 – 2,000 children are expected to be screened through these multi-stage processes, culminating in a National Talent Hunt that will select approximately 30 promising young golfers to receive advanced support.

The selected children will benefit from a comprehensive support framework that includes regular professional coaching, access to high-quality equipment, tournament exposure, mentorship, and financial assistance. This holistic development program aims to empower these young athletes to pursue golf professionally while also supporting their overall personal growth.

The ‘Golf for Everyone’ initiative not only aims to identify future champions but also strives to instill values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship among the youth. By democratizing access to golf, the program hopes to inspire a new generation of achievers who will carry forward the legacy of Indian sports on national and global platforms.

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The tournament is supported by the Host Venue, Poona Club Golf Course, Title Sponsor Venky’s (India) Ltd, Vencobb, and NECC. The Associate Sponsors are Wipro Pari, Panchshil, Shubbaan Investments, Elica, and Automech.

The tournament will feature leading Indian professionals such as DP World Tour regular Om Prakash Chouhan, Olympian and local lad Udayan Mane, 2024 TATA Steel PGTI Ranking leader Veer Ahlawat, Rashid Khan, Karandeep Kochhar, Shaurya Binu, Sachin Baisoya, Varun Parikh, Dhruv Sheoran and Shaurya Bhattacharya, to name a few.

The foreign challenge will be led by Czech Republic’s Stepan Danek, Bangladeshis Jamal Hossain, Badal Hossain, Md Akbar Hossain, Md Jakiruzzaman Jakir, Sri Lankans N Thangaraja, K Prabagaran, Andorra’s Kevin Esteve Rigaill, Nepal’s Subash Tamang, Canada’s Sukhraj Singh Gill, Japan’s Makoto Iwasaki and Americans Dominic Piccirillo and Digraj Singh Gill.

The host venue Poona Club Golf Course will be represented by professionals Rohan Dhole Patil, Pranav Mardikar, Akshay Damale, Pravin Pathare, Aaron Rockey, Gurki Shergill (a winner on the PGTI), Aditya Bhandarkar, Sameer M Shaikh, Rajiv Datar, Sandeep Phalnikar and Jaideep Patwardhan as well as amateurs Arkin Patil, Aditya Garg and Avneesh Somayaji.

This is a 72-hole stroke-play tournament featuring a field of 126 players including 123 professionals and three amateurs. The cut will be applied after the first 36 holes. The top 50 players and ties will make the halfway cut and continue to play for another 36 holes.

Gaurav Gadhoke, President, of The Poona Club Ltd., expressed enthusiasm about hosting India’s top golf professionals at The Poona Club Open. He highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “This event offers a unique opportunity for members to witness a golfing spectacle and provides exposure to junior and amateur golfers to professional play. Additionally, the tournament serves to showcase the Poona Club Golf Course as a premier championship venue in the country. I extend my best wishes to all participating players.”

Indraneel Mujgule, Vice President, of The Poona Club Ltd., said, “We welcome all the professionals from India and overseas to the inaugural edition of The Poona Club Open and hope we can make it a memorable week for them. We thank the Title Sponsor and Associate Sponsors for helping make this event possible and facilitating PGTI’s return to The Poona Club Golf Course after two years.”

Jay Shirke, Captain, of The Poona Club Golf Course, said, “We’re excited to host the leading Indian professionals at the inaugural edition of The Poona Club Open. The top-quality golf on display during the event will go a long way in inspiring our young golfers to achieve greater feats. We’ve worked towards providing the best playing conditions and we’re confident the professionals will relish the experience of playing at The Poona Club Golf Course.”

Padmaja Shirke, Lady Captain, of The Poona Club Golf Course, said, “The Poona Club Golf Course has produced a number of talented lady professionals and amateurs in recent times who have been performing well at the national level. The staging of The Poona Club Open provides our lady golfers a great opportunity to interact with India’s leading men professional golfers thus giving our lady golfers greater exposure to the sport at the highest level.”

Ikram Khan, Past Captain & Golf Advisor, of The Poona Club Golf Course, said, “It’s a historic moment for The Poona Club Golf Course to launch The Poona Club Open which has been a result of the initiative and efforts of the President Mr. Gaurav Gadhoke. The tournament promises to be an enriching experience for the members who will get to witness top-class golfing action throughout the week and will have the opportunity to interact with the leading Indian professionals at the Pro-Am and the Golf Clinic. We look forward to jointly working with PGTI in developing this event into one of the highlights of the PGTI season in the coming years.”

Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, of PGTI, said, “We thank the President Mr. Gaurav Gadhoke, Captain Mr. Jay Shirke, Past Captain & Golf Advisor Mr. Ikram Khan, and all other Committee Members of The Poona Club Golf Course for their invaluable contribution in making this event possible by raising the sponsorship fund for the event. Pune is today a major golfing center in the country which regularly produces talented professional golfers. We thus strive to work in close association with The Poona Club Golf Course in making this tournament an important stop on the PGTI in the coming years.”

The Poona Club Golf Course, the venue for the event, is spread over 100 acres and dotted with majestic banyan trees and other flowering trees. The course, which is one of the top championship venues in the country, is well appreciated for its water bodies and fast and true greens. The course has staged many National level professional, amateur, and junior events over the years. The first player to make a hole-in-one on the fourth hole will win himself a Nissan Magnite car.

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MUMBAI: The Golf Foundation (TGF), a revered Registered Charitable Society dedicated to fostering talented young golfers from underprivileged backgrounds, proudly announces the upcoming 14th and 15th Invitational Fundraiser Tournaments in Mumbai’s Willingdon Sports Club, on Friday, March 8, 2024, and Delhi on Friday, March 29.

Since its inception in 2000, TGF has been unwavering in its commitment to nurturing golf talent from disadvantaged sections of society. With a firm belief that India possesses the potential to produce both National and International golf champions from diverse backgrounds, TGF has continually demonstrated the efficacy of its mission.

Golf enthusiasts and philanthropists alike can participate in this noble cause.

The event promises an exciting lineup, including a two-player team scramble format, a plethora of overall and on-course prizes, exclusive goodie bags, on-course refreshments, high tea, and special discounts on bulk mulligan purchases.

Distinguished guests expected at the event include Mr. Boman Irani, renowned Bollywood actor and philanthropist, Kapil Dev, other celebrated Cricketers, Amitabh Kanth, Sonal Kukreja – Miss Diva Supranational 2024, etc

“The Golf Foundation strongly believes in the transformative power of golf in the lives of young individuals. Our mission is to provide not just financial support, but also mentorship, coaching, and opportunities for these budding talents.“, Amit Luthra, Multiple-time National Golf Champion, Asian Games Gold Medallist, and Arjuna Awardee.

Talking about the event, Kapil Dev, a Supporter, of The Golf Foundation said, “I would like to congratulate The Golf Foundation on the exceptional work they’re putting forward to nurture young golf players and promote the sport in the country. I would also like to wish all the players loads of luck for this one and I look forward to meeting them and supporting them at the event.”

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The day commenced with enthusiastic leaders registering for the tournament, each armed with their personalized scorecards indicating their assigned teams and tee boxes. A comprehensive briefing session and warm greetings set the tone for the day, with Rishi articulating the rules for the tournament.

The Pune Chapter President, Vinayak Savadi, welcomed all the participants, promising a full day of sportsmanship, respect, responsibility, and passion for the game of golf. Vinayak said, “This is our maiden CEO Golf Cup, and is the first of many in the coming times. The idea is to foster connections and strengthen relationships among the fraternity and business leaders who joined us from across the country.“

At the stroke of noon, the symbolic gunshot commenced the tournament, initiating a captivating journey across the lush expanse of the Oxford Golf Resort. Under the azure skies, the golfers, comprising distinguished corporate leaders, navigated through 18 challenging holes.

Rishi Narain added, “The resurgence of golf as a preferred sport, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic, was evident in the overwhelming participation and enthusiasm witnessed at the tournament. CEO Clubs India remains committed to fostering such events that not only entertain but also provide a valuable networking opportunity for corporate leaders.“

The day culminated around 5:30 PM, as participants submitted their scorecards for the final calculations. This was followed by an award distribution ceremony. Sachin Purohit and Jeetendra Shende secured Runner-up positions in their handicap categories, earning trophies, and Garmin GPS golf watches. Handicap Winners Harmeet Sahney and Shripad Shingne demonstrated exceptional skill, claiming trophies and prestigious Bushnell RangeFinders. Sumedh Gangal’s powerful 360-yard drive earned him the Table Space Longest Drive title. Ajay Patil’s precise shot in the Mercedes-Benz Hit the Target event and Anuj Dhody’s finesse as the JW Marriott Closest to Pin Winner added layers of excellence to the ceremony.

A special highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing performance by the renowned Indian violinist, Grammy award winner Manoj George. His interactive and soul-stirring renditions engaged the audience, creating an immersive musical experience. George’s ability to connect with the crowd through his music added an extra layer of enchantment to the event.

The Golf Tournament triumph was made possible by the generous support of sponsors Table Space, Mercedes Benz, JW Marriott, and Hindustan Feeds. RN Sports Marketing further elevated the event with its remarkable management. The participating CEOs represented companies such as Reliance Jio, Adani Group, L&T, DBS Bank, Aditya Birla Group, Bajaj Auto, and others.

The CEO Clubs India Pune Chapter’s inaugural golf tournament was a resounding success, bringing together corporate leaders for a day of competition and camaraderie. The event showcased the organization’s commitment to enhancing the social and holistic well-being of CEOs and fostering connections among business leaders.

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The CEO Golf Cup marks the commencement of a tradition within the CEO Clubs, offering a unique platform for interaction and camaraderie among like-minded entrepreneurial minds. Spearheaded by the visionary leadership of the CEO Clubs India, this event is a cornerstone of the organization’s commitment to the Personal, Professional, and Social well-being of CEOs. CEO Clubs host various events and initiatives aimed at enriching the entrepreneurial landscape with a focus on fostering meaningful connections and facilitating growth.

Vinayak Savadi, President, and CEO of Clubs Pune Chapter, said, “We believe in creating environments where CEOs can connect beyond the boardroom, and our upcoming Annual Golf Event is a testament to our ethos. It’s not just a game of golf; it’s an opportunity for CEOs and industry leaders to build lasting relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.“

The event will kick off at 11 am with registration and a brief brunch, followed by a comprehensive introduction to the sport for participants before they take the course. Managed by renowned golf entrepreneur, Rishi Narayan, the event promises an engaging format designed to facilitate interaction and networking among participants.

The tournament will be followed by prize distribution and a captivating performance by Grammy Award-winning violinist Manoj George. Known for his versatility across various musical genres, including Western classical, Indian, Bollywood, and local niche, George’s enchanting renditions will promise to elevate the event’s ambiance, making it an unforgettable experience for all.

With the national leadership of CEO Clubs in attendance, the event is set to mark the beginning of an exciting journey for the Pune Chapter. This unparalleled gathering of over 100 golfers from diverse sectors signifies a monumental step towards bolstering connections and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial community in Pune.

The CEO Clubs India Pune Chapter’s inaugural annual golf tournament promises to be a one-of-its-kind event, bringing together entrepreneurs from diverse industries to network and build lasting relationships. The event’s unique format, coupled with the captivating performance by Grammy Award-winning violinist Manoj George, is set to make it an unforgettable experience for all participants.

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Clark emphasized the importance of resilience and maintaining unwavering belief in one’s abilities despite the inevitable setbacks in the sport. He stressed the virtues of patience and mental strength, underlining the significance of cultivating a positive mindset and staying committed to one’s journey in the highly competitive golfing arena.

Consistency emerged as a pivotal theme in Clark’s counsel, as he urged young players to stick to their chosen processes and routines, even when faced with temporary setbacks. The seasoned golfer pointed out that enduring success in the professional circuit is often marked by consistent practices over time, underscoring the value of a resolute approach to the game.

Reflecting on his U.S. Open triumph, Clark conveyed a mix of awe and humility when contemplating his name alongside golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Despite the monumental victory, he admitted that the full impact of the achievement had not yet fully settled in, anticipating a deepening appreciation for the win as time went on.

The interview also delved into Clark’s current participation in the Hero World Challenge, where he acknowledged the formidable field and recognized the invaluable experience gained from competing against top players. He believed that such exposure contributes significantly to a player’s comfort and confidence, particularly when heading into signature events.

Addressing the evolving dynamics in professional golf, Clark concurred with the sentiment that winning on the PGA Tour now demands a more focused and dialled-in approach, considering the heightened competition with top players participating in fewer events.

Wyndham Clark’s insights and advice offer valuable lessons for aspiring golfers looking to make their mark in the sport. His emphasis on mental fortitude, consistency, and resilience serves as a reminder that success in golf, as in any other field, requires dedication, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to one’s goals.

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HYDERABAD: Patna’s Aman Raj saw it through with a hard-fought final round of two-under 68 to pick up his second title of the season as he totaled 18-under 262 at the Rs. 1 crore Bollineni Panache & Telangana Tourism present Telangana Golconda Masters 2023 played at the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA).

Aman (66-65-63-68), the overnight leader by one shot, took home the winning cheque worth Rs. 15,00,000, to consolidate himself in second position on the TATA Steel PGTI Rankings.

Mysuru’s Yashas Chandra (63-67-68-65) returned a 65 on Saturday to finish runner-up at 17-under 263.

Aman Raj began the day with a birdie on the first but then had a topsy-turvy front-nine as he sank another birdie and at the same time dropped two bogeys, one a result of landing his tee shot out of bounds on the eighth. Aman then managed to get his focus back on the back-nine with birdies on the 10^th, 13^th, and 14^th, thus re-emerging as the top contender.

After Aman’s bogey on the 16^th things got a little tense for him as Yashas Chandra, just one shot behind, was breathing down the leader’s neck. However, Aman managed to close it out and pip Yashas to the post with solid pars on the last two holes which included a nervy four-feet putt for victory on the 18^th.

Aman, who bagged his third career title, said, “I just wanted to play my game today and not think about anything else. I had the ideal start with a birdie on the first. But the momentum just slowed down for me thereafter. I then knew that things were not going as per my plan so I had to just hang in there.

“The birdies on the 13^th and 14^th gave me a much-needed boost. Finally, when I was looking at the tricky four-feet putt to win on the last hole, I told myself just to follow the process and not think about the result.

“I’m in a very good mental space at the moment and that has contributed to my great results this year. Importantly, I took it one shot at a time today and didn’t lose focus despite a rollercoaster day.”

Yashas Chandra’s 65 featured an eagle, five birdies, and two bogeys. The Mysuru-based golfer took home the runner-up prize of Rs. 10,00,000 which helped him climb from 30^th to 10^th position in the PGTI’s money list.

Akshay Sharma and Sachin Baisoya shot scores of 69 on day four to take joint third place at 16-under 264.

Om Prakash Chouhan’s (64) tied fifth finish at 14-under 266 meant that he further built on his lead in the TATA Steel PGTI Rankings.

Angad Cheema fired the last day’s best score of 63 to end the week in eighth place at 13-under 267.

Local lad Mohd Azhar finished tied 18^th at eight-under 272.

Rahil Gangjee ended tied 34^th at two-under 278.

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