DP World India championship – The Hindu

The $4 million DP World India championship will be the biggest golf event in the country and Raj Khosla, president, Delhi Golf Club (DGC), assured it would be “the best”.

Khosla was delighted that multiple Major champion Rory McIlroy and company would compete in the heart of Delhi amidst the historic setting of heritage, when the event is staged from October 16 to 19.

“It is not just the club, but it is the country’s pride at stake. Already, experts have made several visits from Europe to ensure that every aspect is addressed, particularly the preparation of the grass. They want it to be at its pristine best during the event and are advising us on everything leading up to the event. It is technology and knowledge transfer for us,” said Khosla as he took time to discuss golf from his hectic schedule as the founder and Managing Director of MyMoneyMantra..

Stressing that logistics were being worked out, as to whether to have tickets, or allow free entry for all, and decide how many fans can be at the venue at a time, ensuring safety and security for all, Khosla said Indian golf would benefit in a big way from the event.

Assuring that golf in the country had evolved nicely over the years, Khosla said that the club was doing its bit in every way, supporting junior players, grooming talent and helping the under-privileged to play the game.

He was particularly appreciative of the splendid work done by Arjuna awardee Amit Luthra, through his Foundation, in guiding youngsters from the rural areas to play golf.

“You don’t have to be a member of the club to play golf. You just pay the green fee, and you can play,” said Khosla, even as he pointed out that the club had supported the young Shubham Jaglan’s golf to the extent of helping him get his education in USA.

“We support women’s golf, we give mini kits to the kids. You keep doing all the right things to nurture the ecosystem, and you will have a champion emerge,” he said.

Indian golf may not have many exciting talent, and Khosla stressed that the golfing community just needs to stay focused on the process and the results would emerge.

“We are a step or two behind the world, in terms of using technology for training. There is so much of analysis available for improvement and correction of the flow of the swing. We will get there soon,” he said.

Appreciating the government for the whole hearted support for sports, the DGC president insisted that the big event in October would inspire the Indian golf community to get to the next level in every way.